The next instalment of the Verity Lane food precinct is here in the form of wine bar Dear Prudence in the Sydney building.

Specialising in wine and aperitifs, Dear Prudence is a local take on the ‘hole-in-the-wall’ bars of Barcelona and takes its name from a 1968 song by the Beatles – not surprising as the Verity Lane Precinct is owned by former Australian publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine, Phillip Keir.

“The lyrics evoke pure fun – ‘won’t you come out to play?’ It’s exactly the feeling Prudence will conjure for locals. A fun place to visit after work and before dinner or after dinner for a couple of nightcaps,” Keir says.

Dear Prudence will feature a drinks menu from master sommelier Chester Mok, who says the concept is set to “sharpen the palates of locals”, with vermouths and aperitifs unavailable anywhere else in Canberra.

“The wine list has a strong European influence while accentuating the fun of wine by the glass and the cocktail list is fun, light and colourful.”

To accompany your drinks, Dear Prudence’s menu will comprise a rotating menu of Spanish-inspired snacks curated by Gerald Ong, including smoked pimentón with a side of Smith’s chips, Cuca Navajas and XO, and Deda’s Smokehouse sopressa with pickles.

Ong recently wrapped up his popular pop up, Project Enoki, at Verity Lane Market next door.

Inside Dear Prudence the interiors have been designed to take the venue “back to basics” and celebrate the buildings iconic architecture. 

“I love the arched form of the windows in the original architecture, perfect for seeing Canberra’s blue sunny skies, as referenced in the song [Dear Prudence],” says Keir.

“But there is something particularly special when the sun goes down and the warmth of the candlelight flickers on a wine glass.

“It’s a place you can spend hours on end, conversing with friends or simply watching the world go by.”

Dear Prudence is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm-late, at 102 Alinga Street in the City.