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Restaurant

Old Love's

Basement/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 0 people

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Find Old Love's

Basement/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantCocktailCocktail Bar

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

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.

Before you head over

Practical guidance for finding and navigating Old Love's basement rum bar

  • Locating the unmarked entrance

    Look for the building entrance on Clarence Street and head down the stairs to the right; there is no exterior street signage and entry is through an unmarked door.

  • Navigating seated capacity and walk-ins

    Old Love's is a seated cocktail venue with limited basement capacity, though staff will often accommodate walk-ins at temporary spots while waiting for full seating.

  • Navigating the extensive rum book

    With over 150 rums and an extensive guidebook menu that can feel overwhelming, ask the bartenders for tailored recommendations and style breakdowns.

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