Pour Your Own Adventure

With Jimmy Roe, founder of Buddy’s Self-Service Bar, King Street South

Down on beautiful South King Street, Buddy’s is shaking up the idea of what a night out can be. With 40 self-serve taps of beer, cocktails and wine, a rotating menu of live music, DJs and comedy, and a big welcoming smile, Buddy’s is all about making good times easy.

Founder Jimmy Roe says choosing Newtown was a no-brainer. After years working as a beer rep across the neighbourhood, he knew this was the only place Buddy’s could really belong. “The neighbourhood is creative, open-minded, and has a huge passion for live music and late nights,” he says. “You just do not get that anywhere else.”

Buddy’s fits right in. On any given night, the bar is buzzing with different faces, different stories and the kind of laid-back energy that defines Newtown. “The neighbourhood’s spirit of inclusiveness and community connection heavily influences the venue’s character,” Jimmy says. “New faces feel welcome and familiar faces feel like family.”

One of the things that struck Jimmy when he set up Buddy’s was just how close-knit the community is. “You might think all the subcultures would push people apart, but here it brings everyone closer. It is a colourful, beautiful thing.”

If you are planning a big night out, Jimmy has some sound local advice too: swing by Steve and Maria’s Deans Diner the next day for a ‘Jackson Five’ burger and let the magic do its work.

Buddy’s is exactly what you would hope for in a neighbourhood spot. A little loose, a lot welcoming, and packed with the spirit that makes Newtown special.