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For the ladies sick of being hassled at bars - there's a new Civic bar where it's forbidden. Maple Bar, formerly known as upstairs at Treehouse Bar, is a new, elite bar area opened by owner Mike Kadinski.

The bar does killer cocktails made with pizzazz by its bartenders, for whom nothing appears to be a problem. If you were wondering if Mike is Canadian, then you are wrong. The Maple theme ties in with the orange hues of the tree lights in the nightclub, a theme that is carried through with bronze and muted brown throughout. It is skillfully done, making the most of the view down below of the nightclub crowd and of the natural light out to the back alleyway. It feels like a high rollers club.

Rich Atmosphere

You cannot help but feel rich, or at least one of the beautiful would-be-rich mob. Mirroring this theme is new favourite cocktail, the Millionaire #4 made with apricot brandy. The Maple Bar admits the cocktail won’t make you rich, but they cheekily say it will make you drunk enough to forget that you are not. Or what about a cocktail dusted with golden sugar? Or, go off the menu entirely – at Mike’s suggestion, and try a refreshing lime-vodka infused Caprioska.

Owner's Background

Mike is also a part owner at 3 Degrees Coffee, a local security company. He also formerly part-owned Kremlin Bar and Kennedy Room, which means he understands the importance of setting a scene that is not, well, sleazy. The pick-up line might look glamorous when Ryan Gosling does it in a movie, but it is rarely empowering when women want to go out and enjoy themselves while feeling safe.

House Rules

According to Mike they have just launched house rules at the Maple Bar. Under these rules, men are not allowed to approach women directly in the upstairs Maple Bar. Should they be lucky enough for a woman to approach them, the bar asks that they treat her respectfully. Sometimes it can be intimidating for women if they are approached by a man, especially if he is with a group of guys. This measure is designed to set a respectful scene.

Enforced Rules

The rules are enforced, albeit stylishly rather than in your face. Positioned at the base of the stairs are two security staff: one a burly guy and an attractive female (Madi, Maple Bar’s hostess). Designed, Mike explains, to vet and make tactfully clear what behaviour is expected on ascending to the Maple. This ensures that, say, a group of guys can come here after a long week at work and know they are coming to somewhere where they can relax.

Dress Code

Maple Bar not only has a semi-formal dress code - cocktail dress for the ladies, smart shirt, pants, and dress shoes for the gents. It is the best place to have fun with a group of girlfriends for a cocktail get together. Or celebrate a birthday bash, also with a group of mostly female friends.

Food and Drinks

Food is served at the Maple Bar until late; bar snacks are served from 10 pm even after the kitchen is closed. You can enjoy an antipasto plate with prosciutto, salami, brie and olives – just the thing to soak up cocktails. A new cocktail list has been specially designed for the new space, including cocktails featuring gold and maple syrup, a nod to its name. You can check the menu here.

Location and Contact

Location: Sydney Building
32 Northbourne Avenue
Canberra City

Timings:

  • Mon – 5pm to 11pm
  • Tue & Wed – Closed
  • Thu & Fri – 4pm to late
  • Sat – 6pm to late

Phone: (02) 6162 0906
Email: info@treehousebar.com.au