The Lobo Plantation is not your average rum bar. With the lush tropical plant life, clusters of dark wood tables, a flamingo mosaic on the floor and bow-tied bartenders, it feels more like old Colonial Cuba than tiki tacky, though they’re not against the occasional artfully angled paper umbrella.

The only sign of the entrance is the security guard next to an Asian restaurant – head down the curving staircase and you’re in. The bar is stocked with over 150 types of rum from around the world, and the friendly team pride themselves on finding rare liquors and interesting bottles. The menu is full of twists on classics with plenty of fresh Australian fruit. We like their Havana Nights (rum, Cointreau, lemon, passion fruit & absinthe) – tangy and refreshing, perfect for a hot Sydney night. The Caribbean-inspired food comes from the talented folks at the Food Society, with plantain crisps and pulled pork tamales to match your rum drinks.

Named after Julio Lobo, the Caribbean’s last sugar baron, he was a lover of all things decadent, which explains a lot about this old world spot. It’s popular and packed on weekends.