A CHANGE OF GUARD AT BABYLON
There’s a slight ping of fear in the hearts of faithful regulars when a beloved hangout goes on the market. Who will buy it? Will it change?
But when Babylon Bar in Darwin’s CBD went on the market last year, one local couple couldn’t let the opportunity pass them by, with the goal to retain much of the character the quirky bar has been loved for.
WORDS TIERNEY WHITE
TOM MORRISON, A winemaker from Victoria, and his Darwin born and bred partner Ilona Rowe took on ownership of Babylon Bar – or Babs, as it’s affectionately known – in October last year.
Whilst wanting to put their own stamp on it, as any new bar owner would and should, they’ve been mindful to keep some of its quirky charm. After all, it’s what they fell in love with in the first place.
“Keeping the quirkiness is a big part, because I don't want it to become dull and lifeless,” Morrison says.
“I won't pull it back too much … I want others who haven't been here before to have the experience that I had. It's the atmosphere that really drew me in.”
The proud new co-owner used to trek to Darwin to sell his wine, Wilkie Wines, named after his grandma with labels created by his artist cousin Kate. These wines feature on the wine list – because when you make wine and own a bar, of course they are! – and in good company with local drops from Speargrass Distillery, Purple Mango Brewery, and Darwin Brewing Co in the mix, with more local NT flavours to come
On a trip to Darwin visiting friends, Morrison was planning to stay for a couple of months given his wine harvest work was seasonal. That’s when he found out Babylon was up for grabs.
“I had a bit of time, and was planning on just doing some sales up here, and hopefully getting [my wine] into a few venues, and that’s when I found out it was for sale, my favourite venue.”
After a few negotiations and some careful planning, the couple signed the dotted line, eager to put their stamp on the place.
While saying that, the legacy of former owners Kitty Kat and Mulga is in sight the moment you enter, the iconic giant eyeballs gazing proudly from above the bar. In fact, this eccentric detail is included in a new large-scale mural painted by Morrison’s mate, Rowie Sullivan.
“Rowie’s a friend from home. I've always loved her stuff, so it's really nice to be able to kind of put that to use in a way that is kind of like an ongoing exhibition, you know,” Morrison says.
“The red [in the mural] is a bit of a theme with the place, and then once Rowie's done all the rivers and waves, she'll start doing a lot of eyes and flowers and things, continuing the theme of the eyes that are pretty consistent across all of Kitty and Mulga’s venues. We’re paying a bit of homage to them.
“We’re keen to keep the theme really fun and funky, but maybe just redirecting it a little bit.”
Something the pair is particularly passionate about is making it a warm and welcoming space for all. They’re pretty much rolling with a no d-ckhead policy, encouraging their visitors to treat their fellow bar-goers with respect and kindness. They’re also hopeful lone rangers will swing by and mingle with other punters and form connections, maybe even plan some return visits together.
With live music, regular DJ nights, supper clubs, wine tasting events, life drawing classes, and more on the cards, the new direction of Babylon is an exciting one.
They’ve also teamed up with their Air Raid Arcade mates at The Last Supper with QR codes dotted throughout for pizza orders – just scan, order your hot discs, and you’ll get a text when it’s ready.
With plans to extend opening hours to Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and an ongoing program of events, Morrison’s keen for the vibe and spirit of Babylon to live on.
“The main things are good music, fun wine, welcoming staff, and a safe environment,” he says.
“We wanted to build a venue with a community so strong and consistent, that people could show up on their favourite night without plans, knowing they'll find familiar faces there.”
That’s us sold. Meet you at Babs.
WHEN THU, 4.30PM-12AM | FRI & SAT, 4.30PM-LATE
AT AIR RAID ARCADE, AUSTIN LANE END
INFO facebook.com/babylonbardarwin
