Kyle Weir loves a bit of colour – from the iconic SMPTE colour bars and vibrant hues of neon lights to the amber tones of a freshly corked natural wine or an alluring cocktail. This love is evident in his hospitality venues, which take decorative cues from the heady days of disco and the aesthetic of the 1980s. Earlier this year Kyle closed his popular Newstead drinkery Commercial Road Public Bar and opened Queens in California Lane, a grungy wine and snack bar that is illuminated at night by beaming neon and glints of light from slowly spinning disco balls. Unbeknownst to many at the time of Queens’ opening, Kyle was already in talks with California Lane’s ownership about doubling his presence in the laneway by taking over a neighbouring 90-seater open-air space previously occupied by The Stand. Kyle’s second concept, Kings, opened last month, showing off a cosmetic makeover that once again makes use of colour – we’re talking an eclectic look that is an amalgam of cyberpunk, lofi, 1980s LA, and tropical themes. Here hues mix and clash – blue strip lighting illuminates the bar’s poster-plastered front, pink neon pops from above, while vivid green-and-yellow palm tree-shaped signs hum on the rear wall. A bunch of checkered tables sit amongst scattered greenery, while a stage – adorned with disco balls and illuminated by red spotlights, naturally – is the perfect size for drag shows and performances from local small bands, electronic artists and DJs.
With a smaller amount of storage to work with, Kings is purposefully keeping things tight on the drinks front. Four wines are available by the glass and bottle (including a fizzy, white, coloured and red) all of which are from Kings’ own label made in collaboration with a secret winery partner. The cocktail list follows the tropical theme, with colourful iconic throwback concoctions like Blue Lagoon, Sex On The Beach and Mother’s Milk joined by four kinds of margarita. A kitchen nestled next to Kings has been commandeered to execute a punchy menu of snacks and larger plates. Fried haloumi blocks, roasted cauliflower with mint yoghurt and sweet-potato fries whet appetites ahead of bigger bites like Californian-inspired tacos and po’boys – each available stuffed with the likes of fried chicken, crispy cauliflower and fried prawns.
Kings is now open to the public – click here for operating hours and other tasty details.
