BotF is in Melbourne and therefore bar paradise. Whilst I am staying at the Casino, a short walk across the Yarra reveals a plethora of cool bars that markedly and favourably to the Sydney CBD’s offerings. For example, Insignia on Flinders is a great little bar with wooden floors, couches and low tables and kegs as tables with bar stools. There’s also plenty of seating at the bar.
The James Squire rep has done a good job with 3 of the 8 tap beers being JS though unfortunately for this scribe none a porter. If I drank them $7 cocktails would appeal.
Calm ambience and acceptable volume of music making conversation possible. Sydney, more of these please and less of the Office type “bars”.
Patrick Clarke
0411 546 218
back of the ferry 
I am reasonably sure this bar used to be owned by Lion Nathan hence the James Squire dominance