Who: Piers Schmidt
Where: 70 Waymouth Street
What: New and exclusive bar upstairs in the Union Hotel. It is the hottest new members only bar, stocking imported rum and cigars
When: Members night on Friday and Saturday. Open to public on Thursdays
Hours: Thursday and Friday from 5pm, Saturday from 6pm
Web: <barcuba.com.au>

The Venue
The bar’s trimmings encompass a gold theme with gold cushions, gold couches and gold poufs littered around tables, hidden behind gold curtains and overlooked by the huge centrepiece chandelier (yes, gold). As an added bonus there is private rooms, daybeds and table service on member nights.

The Atmosphere
Small and intimate is the drawcard here. You’ll want to being a red velour dressing gown and matching slippers to blend in with the pimped out gold theme. Cigar is optional.

The Drinks
An extensive list of rum, rum and more rum. Check drink-of-the-moment Introduction To Rum 101 consisting of Matusalum Clasico, dry and fresh lime. One sip will change your perception of rum forever.

The Last Word
Owner Piers Schmidt gives us the low down on what a great night out at Bar Cuba entails: “Booking a private area with 10 friends. Starting on a bottle of French with some tapas and then asking bar manager Patrick Allan to guide you through the wonderful array of rums on offer. Starting on more familiar territory and then working your way around the Caribbean and Cuba [regions] tasting the amazing styles. Topping it all off with a Bar Cuba original cocktail such as a Jamaican Mule. All of this without having to move off the lounge! Great music and no attitude.”