Punk Carla

The Verdict

Windsor, meet Punk Carla, the cocktail bar that combines grunge with hedonism and high-end design on Chapel Street. Taking its name and inspiration from a mysterious woman they met one European summer, the owners keep Punk Carla in mind with their decor, food and cocktail curation. 

The tapas-style menu is small but adventurous, with sardines on caramelised toast or soft shell crab bao, as well as vegetarian options including grilled halloumi in honey sauce and dako tartines.

From the cocktail menu you can play it safe with a Negroni or Espresso Martini, but why not be wild like Carla and try Love is a Losing Game, an in-house creation featuring gin, cherry blossom and yuzu. If it’s payday, splash out on the $200 Millionaire’s Old Fashioned, an aged Balvenie whiskey topped with sugar syrup and bitters. 

Blackmilk Interior Design is responsible for the sleek architecture, which is punctuated with stark concrete walls and depictions of punk icons by local artist Jamie Begg. Seating is intimate and comfortable, and ambient music supplied by resident DJs all weekend.

Punk Carla is primed for after-work or pre-dinner drinks, but you might end up staying all night. 

Image credit: supplied