As eclectic as Newtown itself, this wine-bar and eatery embraces different flavours, styles and ideas in the name of good times. The slender split-level venue is made up of raw and recycled materials, patched together with personality and charm. Salvaged door panels add interest (and intrigue) to the ceiling, while chairs have been swiped from just about anywhere, including the seat of a tractor.  

Not just confined to the fit-out, this ethos is echoed on the menu as well, which highlights sustainable producers and practices. The venue is known for its trademark dishes, which include French chickpea pancakes, called soccas, topped with blistered tomatoes, feta and crisp cavolo nero leaves. Ten years on and the polenta chips are still the best thing. Think thick golden Jenga blocks, crusted in salt and served with a perfectly picante gorgonzola sauce. 

Bloodwood first rose to prominence thanks to its forward-thinking natural, organic and biodynamic wine list, and this was all the way back when people thought orange wine actually came from Orange. Beers are also a focus and not just the usual round-up of craft kings – the menu boasts some truly obscure and fascinating ales that you won’t find in the bottle shop. 

Must Eat Dish: Polenta chips with gorgonzola sauce