Nestled between the vibrant Inner West and the sophisticated North Shore, Artarmon is a suburb that beautifully blends casual café culture with an upper-market wine bar obsession.
Adding a fresh twist to this mix is Buckle + Depot, Artarmon’s new bistro-meets-distillery and brewery, which offers locals a unique space to both pause and play. Following a successful soft opening earlier in October, the first half of this dual-venue, Buckle Cafe Distillery, is all set for its grand opening on Tuesday, 22nd October.
Housed in a stunning glass atrium next to the heritage-listed building at 1 Frederick Street, this 150-seater venue aims to provide an inclusive experience for the Lower North Shore community. “We wanted to create a venue that seamlessly connects café and cocktail culture, where anyone can come to pause or play,” explains General Manager James Peters, alongside Executive Chef Johnny Sercombe. “This is something we’ve injected into every aspect of the venue from the interiors to the menu. We really wanted a transformative space – something that offered one thing by day, another by night, and a bit of both in between, depending on the experience customers want.”
Johnny Sercombe, renowned for his work with top hospitality groups like Merivale, Solotel, and Applejack, brings a flavour-packed and versatile menu to Buckle. Patrons can enjoy a seamless transition from café lunches to evening dinners, with options like a Bacon & Egg Roll, Avocado On Toast, and Acai Bowl for brunch. As the clock strikes 12, the menu shifts to heartier offerings like a Falafel Bowl, Reuben Sandwich, Tomato Penne Pasta, and Rump Steak.
The dual vibe of Buckle extends beyond the menu and into the space itself. The venue features “Phoebe,” a 150L Copper Pot Still, positioned amidst the café furniture, industrial coffee machine, and a children’s activity area. This still is set to distil whisky, along with the house Buckle Gin and Buckle Vodka. To keep the atmosphere approachable and lively, Buckle has enlisted the talents of James Peters, a passionate mixologist known for his work at The Glasshouse Artarmon and Acre Artarmon. His cocktail list includes favourites like the Buckle x Black Market Espresso Martini and house exclusives such as the Spiced Honey Daiquiri.
And of course, no bar experience is complete without a Happy Hour. Buckle will be offering their own from 5-6pm every Monday to Friday starting late November, allowing guests to unwind with Buckle Gin or Vodka, pints of beer, or by-the-glass wine for just $10.
Buckle draws its name and inspiration from Frank Buckle, a first-grade cricketer turned industrial architect who designed the heritage building adjacent to the café and distillery. Frank epitomised a life of breaking the mould, and Buckle carries this legacy forward, offering a space where freedom of choice in how you live your moments is celebrated.
As the café distillery opens its doors, anticipation builds for its sister venue, Depot Brewery, set to launch in late November. But more on that one later. For now, Buckle + Depot invites you to experience its unique blend of culinary and distillery excellence in the heart of Artarmon.