Hanky Panky Lounge and Bar Kokomo
Hospitality trendsetter Anneliese Grazioli wanted her first cocktail bar to have an eye-catching name – so she called it the Hanky Panky Lounge. The name is a nod to the iconic cocktail created in the 1920s at London’s Savoy Hotel by Ada Coleman, one of the first female head bartenders.
Ms Grazioli now owns two thriving bars in Darwin and is one of the Northern Territory’s best-known business success stories.
“As a born-and-bred Darwin local, my competitive advantage lies in my deep roots in the community and lifelong dedication to hospitality.”
She got her first paid job when she was only 12 and knew by the age of 14 that hospitality was her calling. She moved into restaurants at 18 and small bars at 27.
“Each chapter has deepened my understanding of what great hospitality looks like and strengthened my commitment to building community through service.
“Over the past decade, I’ve studied spirits extensively and competed in national and international cocktail competitions, bringing home awards that have helped put Darwin on the map.
“I’m passionate about training others, sharing knowledge, and lifting the standard across the board. Representing the NT on a national stage is something I take pride in; it's my way of showing the rest of Australia just how special Darwin hospitality really is.”
Ms Grazioli uses digital tools to streamline operations, manage the team and “stay on top of the many moving parts that come with running bars”.
You can hear about Anneliese’s story at the Women in Business Lunch with Carolyn Creswell: from Kitchen Table to Global Brand keynote event in Darwin on Friday 10 October 2025.
