UNDER THE BAR - BABS

Interview and intro by Carolina Pasini | Photos by Yeah Rad.

In our latest episode of Under The Bar, we're profiling BABS, a pop-up diner dedicated to Barbra Streisand. 

Founded in 2021, by friends and seasoned hospitality workers, Bec Shave and Ellie O’Brien, the pop-up featured homemade pasta, inventive snacks, and well-crafted drinks, taking up short-term residencies at various venues over 18 months. Their most recent one came to life in the former Saga location on Enmore Road, marking their longest stint, allowing them to explore new recipes and work with quality wines (and beers) while enhancing the experience for their guests.

Babs has attracted a mix of loyal customers and newcomers, offering fresh-made pasta with impeccable service. The location has become a welcoming nighttime spot for locals, drawing in both Babs enthusiasts and those excited about a casual night drink. Shave notes the diverse clientele, including familiar faces, long-time collaborators, and individuals stopping by on their way home from work or heading to shows at the Enmore.

We followed Millie, the all-rounder legend, while she was setting up the place for the night and talked about her impressive memory skills, favourite drinking song  and hallway etiquette.

CP | What do you like most about working at BABS?

M | The Inner West locals that you get in here and the team of women that know what they're doing and they get shit done.

CP | What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or heard while working?

M | Ok, so when dudes don't choose to go butt to butt when they go past you and they go nuts to butt. We have a butt-to-butt policy when walking through our hallway, when you're at bar, or a restaurant. That's the rule.

CP | What BABS dish would you pair with a Normie?

M | Our pickled sardines with pickled onions and chives. They're a bit of our house specialty and it's a really nice cold snack to pair with a beer.

CP | Describe BABS in three words

M | Bad. Ass. Bitches.

CP | What’s your favourite drinking song?

M | I have to say "Chumbawamba", by Tubthumping.

BABS will be back into action shortly.

Keep an eye on their socials to see what's next.
@babs_pops_up

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