The once anonymous alley that houses Seibur and Meat & Drink is bracing for a downpour of style and booze. Cicada – pronounced ‘see-ka-da’, according to Merriam-Webster – is the latest mini-bar revitalisation project to hit what is now known as Bassac Lane. Twice the size as Seibu, Cicada is a minimalist amalgamation of its boozy brethren (Seibur, M&D, Public House, Bar Sito). There are copper mugs behind the bar, no doubt keepsakes from the polished copper bar at M&D. The bowl of fruit at centre bar is reminiscent of Seibur and Bar Sito. The house speciality is infused gin: chilli, pepper, and lavender, with other concoctions in the works. More alley bars are on the way, too. The place next door should open in the next few weeks, and others (yes, ‘others’, plural) will follow in the near future. Cicada, Bassac Lane, off Street 308.
