After the success of Volstead Repeal, taking ACT cocktail bar of the year in 2023, Director Stu Inger and Venue Manager Paul Heylin have opened the swinging doors on their newest venture, The Peacemaker Saloon.
“Peacemaker is in reference to the Colt 45, it’s a weapon used by a lot of cowboys back in Wild West Frontier Days. It’s also a reference to a Johnny Cash song, ‘Devil’s Right Hand’. That’s something we settled on, we really liked the imagery,” explains Paul, who likes it so much he dedicated a tattoo to it.
Located just 150 metres down the road from their whisky Bar at 26 Mort Street, the Peacemaker Saloon is a Wild West inspired cocktail bar, with lots of indoor seating, cosy booths, and a hidden back room perfect for intimate gatherings, whiskey tastings, and private events.
Completely different from The Knightsbridge Penthouse that occupied the space before them, The Peacemaker Saloon space has been opened up, giving it a larger feel. The exterior is now made up of windows that let in the afternoon sun and create a gorgeous atmosphere. With a fully stocked bar and a complete kitchen, they are ready to be slinging drinks and serving grub.
“We want Peacemaker to be more accessible, lower price point, somewhere that pretty much anyone of any age can come and enjoy themselves,” says Stu.
“Come along, we’ve got something for everyone, something good to drink, something good to eat,” says Paul.
Stu and Paul have plans of making, not only the Saloon, but Mort Street a go-to spot.
“I definitely don’t view the other places around us as competition. They’ve all been so friendly. It’s very much like, ‘Welcome to the neighbourhood’. We’re all just really interested in activating this street,” says Paul.
“The way we see it, Lonsdale Street is where a lot of the action is, but Lonsdale Street seems to be more pubs, restaurants and cafes. Whereas we feel like Mort Street could be a more casual dining/bar environment. We think of it as a different niche in that sense,” says Stu.
They stay on theme with an American Southwest inspired menu full of hearty meals. If that doesn’t lure you in already, their passion for making great cocktails is sure to.
“The thing we had a lot of confidence in was our ability to make good drinks,” says Stu.
The cocktail menu features twelve drinks, including six signature and six classics. Stu’s favourites include Margaritas, the Silver Dollar – a boulevardier variation that incorporates an element of smoke – and the Bone Orchard, which incorporates the sweetness of blueberry shrub to balance out the sour.
While the cowboy hat is not a required part of the uniform, they are definitely on theme and draw you further into the environment created in the space.
To find out more, follow The Peacemaker Saloon on Instagram or visit peacemakersaloon.com.au.
Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in the Canberra and surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.
