Restaurant
Old Love's
Basement/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Find Old Love's
Basement/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Old Love's
Down the stairs at 199 Clarence and behind a secure unmarked door sits a subterranean, seated-only rum sanctum. Bartenders guide patrons through an educational menu cataloging over 150 global cane bottles—from pours of Jamaican vintage to inventive house pours. Drinkers congregate for the Rum n Cane, pairing raw juice pressed to order on-site with Old J spiced rum, vanilla, and lime. When timing aligns, guests crank the press wheel and strike the gong before settling into late bites after 9 pm.
- Unmarked Entrance: Navigate down the basement stairs and through an unmarked secure door into an intimate subterranean space.
- Global Rum Roster: A 150-bottle rum library accompanied by an educational menu cataloging global cane styles and rare vintages.
- Fresh Sugarcane Press: House drinks feature raw juice crushed on an in-house cane press, with guests occasionally invited to crank the wheel.
- Seated Service & Late Bites: Dedicated table seating with attentive service and savory bar food served well past 9 pm.
What's On at Old Love's
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Old Love's
Discover what sets this subterranean Sydney rum haven apart.
Freshly Pressed Raw Sugarcane Cocktails
An in-house sugarcane press extracts raw cane juice on the spot, creating vibrant pairings like the Rum 'N' Cane customized with your chosen spirit.
The fact they also have a fresh cane press means you can try arguably the freshest of all rum drinks!
Andy Tsai Educational 150-Bottle Rum Bible
A catalog of over 150 rums features regional profiles and tasting notes, serving as an educational guide rather than just a drink list.
Providing a lot of information about different rum styles and regions.
Boris Benjamin Secluded CBD Basement Sanctuary
Tucked away down a basement staircase behind an unmarked doorway, the subterranean room offers an immediate escape from street-level crowds.
A moody, seductive basement bar with a fantastic rum selection and delicious cocktails.
Sylwia Kake Cozy Late-Night Cellar Refuge
The seated cellar layout accommodates late-night drinks alongside comforting bar bites like warm quesadillas, perfect for shelter on cold or rainy evenings.
Cozy basement bar suited for cold rainy days. Convenient location in the Sydney CBD.
Helena Tahmizian Guided Rum & Tiki Exploration
Bartenders guide guests through global rum flights and nuanced tiki builds with infectious passion and tailored recommendations.
His knowledge of tiki-inspired cocktails was incredible, and his love of rum was genuinely inspiring.
Marina Thomas Warm, High-Touch Living Room Hospitality
From personalized spirit recommendations to interactive bar seating, the team delivers hospitality that feels as welcoming as a personal living room.
It’s a rare thing to find a place that feels like your second lounge room, where you are made to feel 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 comfortable.
Andy Tsai
Most popular items
Guest-favorite signature rum cocktails and tiki creations
Rum 'N' Cane
Simple and fuss-free, this cocktail literally combines the rum of your choice with freshly pressed sugarcane juice topped with a wedge of lime.
Cynthia (Cynful Recommends) Seasonal Daiquiri
The produce used in this daiquiri changes seasonally so be sure to check with the bartender before ordering. We got the one made with grapefruit, rosemary and champagne back in July and it was sweet, herby yet refreshing
Cynthia (Cynful Recommends) West Side Rumos
Think ramos gin fizz but made with a switched green mango rum instead, bringing bright, fresh flavours to the cocktail. The foam can be eaten like an ice cream as well!
Cynthia (Cynful Recommends) Bahama Mamacita
This herby hairdo made the cocktail really fun and endearing. The drink itself was their rendition of a pina colada with the addition of coffee liqueur, spiced tequila and spiced pineapple syrup. Tropical and really easy to drink
Cynthia (Cynful Recommends)
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality, interactive rituals, and guided rum discovery in an intimate subterranean lounge.
Interactive Sugarcane Press and Gong Ceremony
Guests ordering drinks prepared with freshly pressed sugarcane can occasionally operate the press themselves and strike a ceremonial gong to celebrate.
Educational Rum Guidebook Menu
The comprehensive rum menu is structured as an educational book, cataloging regional rum styles and world origins with tailored staff guidance.
Cocktail and Book Pairing Recommendations
Bartenders elevate cocktail service by pairing specialized tiki drink suggestions directly with personalized book recommendations.
Personalized Guest Recognition and Name Recall
Bartenders learn returning guests' names and remember visitors across visits weeks apart, extending bespoke seated hospitality even when full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find the entrance?
Look for an unmarked building entrance on Clarence Street, head down the stairs into the basement, and turn right through the secure, nondescript door. There is no prominent street signage.
Can you get a table without a reservation?
Old Love’s operates primarily as a seated venue. If all tables are full when you arrive, staff can often accommodate you in a temporary spot with drinks until a seat opens up, and reservations are accepted.
Is food served late?
Yes, late-night food is available, including hot bar bites such as mushroom or chorizo and potato quesadillas, guacamole with chips, and cheese boards.
What drinks are recommended?
Cocktails focus heavily on rum and tiki-style creations, featuring an extensive catalog of over 150 rums. Highlights include the Rum 'N' Cane made with freshly pressed sugarcane juice, seasonal daiquiris, and tropical concoctions like the Bahama Mamacita.
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