Stan’s Lounge

Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves’ blockbuster Cantonese restaurant, has converted its upstairs dining area into Stan’s Lounge, a beautiful, low-lit lounge and cocktail bar. The interiors draw inspiration from old-world Hong Kong, with the bar decked out in rich jewel tones with plenty of timber accents, antique mirrored wall panels and velvet curtains, banquettes and seating.

Taking pride of place is a DJ booth and vintage JBL sound system, with a carefully curated vinyl collection. Expect plenty of soul and funk, with DJs spinning most nights of the week. For drinks, there’s a cocktail list that presents modern, Cantonese-inflected interpretations of the classics, with a signature martini menu that taps premium gins and vodkas along with special bitters and other extracts.

There are large collections of whisky and agave, and rare and precious bottles of spirits sourced from around the world. There’s also a short, punchy wine list that favours Australian drops.

For food, Stanley chef and partner Tikaram has written a snack menu in tune with the Cantonese food served downstairs. You can expect dishes such as golden fried prawn toast with sesame and truffled mayo, pan-fried pork and prawn dumplings with fermented chilli and white soy, and painted tropical cray san choy bao with water chestnuts and coriander.

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