Bearded bar tsars prepare for their Cuban revelation

The bar group called Thank You, Come Again, which is behind drinking holes Lily Blacks, Mr Wow's Emporium, Double Happiness and New Gold Mountain, is opening a new venue in Fitzroy.

The Cuban-themed bar, called Los Barbudos - which translates to ''the bearded ones'' and is inspired by Fidel Castro - is ''all about authenticity'', says co-owner Tom Ambroz.

The group went to Cuba last year and has replicated the interiors and drinks lists experienced there.

''All the bars were the same formula,'' Ambroz says, ''and we've brought the look back.'' Right down to the custom-made bar top.

There will be classic Cuban cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris, and one menu item, called the ''sandwichito'', which Ambroz admits doesn't really hold up in Spanish. It's filled with pulled pork, ham, cheese, pickles and mustard.

Los Barbudos, 95 Smith Street, Fitzroy, opens this Friday, with trading hours Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm-1am.