Dutch Courage Officers' Mess

Dutch Courage was a gin, cocktail bar & function venue inspired by the spirit of adventure

Dutch Courage Officers' Mess is a gin & cocktail bar, restaurant & function space inspired by the invention of the gin & tonic in the late 19th century. Featuring a well crafted house cocktail list, over 140 gins and a dining menu of contemporary share plates inspired by Morocco & the Middle East, our aim is to provide quality food and drinks while helping you have a good time.

Photos from Dutch Courage Officers' Mess's post 08/09/2024

After 10 incredible years, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors.

To every guest who came in to share their love of gin with us, THANK YOU for giving us a go! After a couple of weddings, quite a few engagements, hundreds of cocktail classes, birthday & hens parties and more date nights than I can remember, we hope we’ve played a small part in some of your favourite memories.

Our proudest achievement actually has nothing to do with gin. Our ambition was to have a non-intimidating venue where everyone would be welcome.

In 2012-13 when I bar-hopped the east coast in the name of research, the cliquishness & arrogance I witnessed toward some guests at “leading” cocktail bars, the ones hero-worshipped by the industry itself, was horrendous. We wanted to do things differently. I’m so grateful for our hard-working team who stuck with us and made this happen.

We’re pulling the pin primarily because the culture of the industry leaves a lot to be desired. Incidents coming to light through the Sydney media in the last few weeks are sadly, not surprising. To those people fighting the fight, I wish you well.

Thanks again to all our guests, teammates & suppliers. Looking forward to enjoying a negroni with you on the other side of the bar.

Matt & the Dutch team

02/08/2024

120 years in the making…the classic Clover Club! Make & drink your own at tomorrow’s cocktail class. 4 spots left, book via our www site.

🍸🍹

18/09/2023

In an age where every cause imaginable has a week dedicated to it, why not one for Italy’s greatest ever cocktail?

The classic negroni with campari is unbeatable but our variations are also worth a try…
The Local Hero (sunshine & sons gin, dom benedictine, fino sherry, dry vermouth, orange bitters)
The Chocwork Orange (cacao-infused tanqueray, aperol, dolin rouge, orange oleo, chocolate)

17/09/2023

Sunday arvo is Gin Therapy time, 4 gins, cheese & tasting notes. No need to book!

16/09/2023

It’s Saturday arvo and the weather is warming up. The lawn can wait 😉🍹

01/09/2023

Everyone has a favourite gin. What’s yours?

26/08/2023

Cocktails galore🍹 We’re happy to make a special creation just for you.

24/08/2023

For every gin there is a story to tell.

Tastings available every week and can be booked through our www site.

07/04/2023
27/02/2022

Hi folks, because of this horrendous weather and the difficulty in getting to the venue today, we have decided to close. We'll be back on Wednesday. Have a beautiful cocktail at home and we'll see you when the sun is back out!

23/12/2021

Thanks to all our loyal customers who have supported us during a difficult year. Our hard-working team is having a well earned break but we will be back from Friday 7 January.

Merry xmas! Hope you have time to enjoy a nice gin or two and put your feet up :)

02/10/2021

Gin Therapy? Why not! Sunday arvos from 3pm.

Bookings via our www site.

08/08/2021

It's good to be back. See you from 4pm today for gin, cocktails, food & happier times!

31/07/2021

Hi guys, we are trading as normal today until the 4pm lockdown. All classes and bookings starting 3pm or earlier will be going ahead. Those at 3.30pm or later will be rescheduled.

16/07/2021

Hey guys, we are closed this evening for a private function but back again from midday tomorrow. See you then!

25/04/2021

Hi Gin Lovers, we are closed for Anzac Day today but will return on Wednesday from 4pm. See you then.

10/04/2021

Calling all vegans and vegos 📣

Gone are the days of predictable, bland dishes! Dutch Courage has got your back 🌿

Stalk our entire vegan menu here https://dutchcourage.com.au/

08/04/2021

Who let the Alpha Dog out? 🐕

We did ✋🏻 This smooth little number comes crafted with Cooper Dog Scotch, maple, apple, lemon and walnut ✨

We’ll be here until 11pm for all your cocktail creation needs 😍

https://dutchcourage.com.au/

07/04/2021

Shaken not stirred 👀

Get behind the bar this Saturday the 10th and learn how to make (and drink) two amazing cocktails 🍹

Book your spot now
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/cocktail-master-class-tickets-81302625341

📸 via

01/04/2021

Hi everyone. Here at Dutch Courage safety is our first priority! Due to the current Covid-19 situation, we will be closed until Wednesday 7th April.

We will be sure to keep you informed of any changes and will always have your health and wellbeing in mind. See you very soon!

28/03/2021

We know a pretty gin-credible way to spend your Sunday night 😉

With an expertly mixed house creation from our Cocktail menu 🍹

Open ‘til 10pm tonight!

27/03/2021

Celebrate making it to the weekend with a soothing afternoon of Gin Therapy from 3.15pm tomorrow 😍

You’ll receive a luxurious cheeseboard to share, 4 gins and tasting notes to help navigate your selection!

Book via our website ✨
https://dutchcourage.com.au/

📸 via

25/03/2021

Keep your palette cool as a cucumber with a little help from our Baby Cucumber with buffalo mozzarella, labneh, chervil, herb oil and sourdough 🥒

Share and tear or keep this dish all to yourself! The option is all yours (although we know what we’d do).

Stop by from 4pm or check out our other House Creations here https://dutchcourage.com.au/

24/03/2021

The ultimate mid-week meeting fuel… bar snacks that involve a luxurious selection of French and Australian cheeses 🧀

Available from 4pm today 🍸

Check out our full menu here https://dutchcourage.com.au/

20/03/2021

Step aside bath bombs and Netflix, we’ve got something better 😍

Grab your bestie and share a bathtub full of Hendrick’s gin, maraschino, almond, lemon, apple, cucumber, cherries, citrus and mint 🛁🌿

Let the shenanigans begin from 12pm ✨

📸by

https://dutchcourage.com.au/

19/03/2021

Calling all gin-loving foodies 📣 Our next Gin Degustation dinner is next Wednesday 24 March!

Feast on five decadent dishes from Chef Shaun Langdon while sipping perfect gin pairings from Tanqueray ✨

Book your spot here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gin-degustation-dinner-at-dutch-courage-tickets-117500871269

14/03/2021

Coming at you like a Dark Horse is this bold house creation…

The ultimate sophisticated twist of Tanqueray, Belsazar Rose, macadamia, wattleseed and walnut 🌿

Come take it for a whirl from 3pm! https://dutchcourage.com.au/

13/03/2021

Looking to take your love of gin and food to the next level? 👀

Then our next gin degustation dinner on March 24 might be the perfect treat for you 🍸🍴

Take a sneak peek at the delightful degustation menu and book your spot here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gin-degustation-dinner-at-dutch-courage-tickets-117500871269

12/03/2021

Have you seen the latest update of our menu yet!? 🍴

You can find all of these mouth-watering dishes on there 👀

Check it out now https://dutchcourage.com.au/

11/03/2021

So blooming beautiful 😍🌺

If you’re on the hunt for a light and refreshing drink, our Ok Bloomer might just be the one!

Stop by from 4pm today to experience the wonders of Peach and Orange Blossom Ketel One + hibiscus!

https://dutchcourage.com.au/

Our Story

Dutch Courage is a plantation-style bar, restaurant & function venue inspired by the spirit of adventure from a bygone era. Featuring a well crafted house cocktail list, over 130 gins and an exotic dining menu of banquets & shareable dishes, our aim is to provide the perfect environment for you & your companions to relax in style & have an enjoyable time.

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Cocktail Love
Woohoo...150 gins & counting!