A new tiki-inspired bar has opened atop the Courthouse Hotel in Taylor Square, injecting a fresh dose of colour and character into the precinct.
Happy Talk is a retro-themed venue inspired “by seaside kitsch and tropical nostalgia”, tucked into the revamped space formerly known as Judgement Bar.
The transformation has been led by interior designer Shantala Mack, whose credits include Crown Towers, with the space now resembling a vintage surf shack complete with Hawaiian postcards and bartenders in tropical shirts.
Think slushies, banana hot sauce and towering cocktail garnishes. The drinks list leans into tiki classics like the Big Island Oahu Dark & Stormy, Three Headed Zombie, and Wrong Island Iced Tea, while the food menu offers up flavour-packed snacks such as firecracker coconut prawns and pork and pineapple skewers.
“We wanted to create some fun that feels a little unexpected for Oxford Street,” said Paul Mant, general manager of bars at Redcape Hospitality, the company behind the venue. “Happy Talk is cheeky, it’s colourful. No ego, just a great time.”
The bar – open Thursday to Sunday from 6pm till late – is part of a broader push by Redcape to reinvigorate its Taylor Square venues. The group owns and operates both the Courthouse Hotel and Kinselas, and is investing heavily in the precinct following a failed attempt to sell the properties last year.
Gay Sydney News and The Sydney Morning Herald reported in July 2024 that property developer Virtica had planned to purchase and renovate the sites, but the deal ultimately collapsed.
Redcape now appears committed to growing its presence, with recent investments including reopening on-site accommodation at the Courthouse, enhancing sports-viewing facilities, expanding outdoor dining, and introducing more regular entertainment offerings.
The reopening of the on-site accommodation means the Courthouse now has 13 newly styled double rooms available from $145 a night, offering affordable stays in the heart of Darlinghurst. Kinselas is also undergoing a phased refresh.
“Taylor Square is having a bit of a renaissance,” said Ben Turner, Redcape’s general manager of food. “The energy’s shifting, and we’re excited to be part of it. Happy Talk is one of our contributions to bringing the buzz back.”
While Happy Talk is not a designated queer venue, Redcape’s creative director Kieran Strang said it was designed to be inclusive. “We partner closely with queer promoters across Kinselas and the Courthouse Hotel, and we are very open to hosting our own queer-led entertainment in the future,” he said.
Kinselas already hosts a range of queer programming, including weekly trivia with drag performer Jackie Daniels, karaoke nights hosted by fellow drag artist Virgo, and full venue takeovers.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
