Arcadia Liquors

Arcadia has been one of Redfern's essential small bars for more than a decade, running on fairy lights, cheap drinks and toasties. The negronis and manhattans are still priced at fourteen dollars. That is a stubborn refusal that has become part of the brand, and the grilled ham, cheese and tomato sandwich is a five-dollar fixture. The brick back courtyard is where most of the nights actually happen — hanging plants, nautical paintings, vintage metal chairs.

Dogs are welcome throughout, with water bowls out and a smacko behind the bar if the bartender is in a good mood. The courtyard fills first. Time Out has called it loud, fairy-lit and friendly — a description that has not needed updating for as many years as Arcadia has been open.