RocaFelas - Review

Reviewed by Regi Su
Hideyhole, dark furnishings, dark ceilings and skull shaped candles- these are the things that light up the RocaFelas with character. Kellett Street, Potts Point welcomes the opening of a new bar/restaurant RocaFelas, where the walls are adorned with Frida Khalo quotes of roses and, the ceiling of the main area is covered in a meadow of faux- floral delight. With comic pages as wallpaper, the place is so kitch, it's actually awesome, it's so tacky it's in vogue, it has not one theme but many. The music swings, from soulful and cuban, to upbeat rock and loud. Photos of a youthful Mick Jagger and other such black and white rockstars peer down upon the goings on, while the lyrics of 'Hey Jude' blare- chalked on doorways. Its a bit kitch, a bit Mexican Day of the Dead.

The launch event is lubricated with Stolen Rum, endorsed by the brand's Australasian ambassador. He created specialty cocktails and mocktails- passionfruit pulp, Stolen Rum, cider and strawberries really hit spot, while mint and ginger beer mocktails for my partner refreshed and rejuvenated. The drinks are good value, quality and enticing with a variety of cocktails or standard drinks on the list.

Finger food provided a taste of the pizzas and appetizers available at the restaurant/bar that is RocaFelas. Thin based cheesy pizzas, Italian herb meatballs and arancini (rice balls stuffed with mozzarella), were among the many delicacies on offer. Their restaurant licence means that despite the new lockout laws filtering through Kings Cross and the CBD, this bar seems to be thriving on the vibrant, intimate atmosphere, the kind that welcomes people with promises of good food that doesn't need a drink. Don't hold your breath for a drink, but The RocaFelas will stay open for any who want to grab a bite after lockout. And that's not all- it's on a strip of clubs, cafes and restaurants which have already established set reputations and a set clientelle, which leaves room for the RocaFelas to attract all the area's lively adult socialites looking for a new haunt.