Sydney is the location embodiment of the phrase “the gift that keeps on giving.” Just when you think you’ve seen it all or are growing tired of your usual watering holes, a whole new wave of new and quirky bars comes crashing into the nightlife scene – ready to drain your bank account. From local speakeasies to waterside cabana’s, 2016 showed that Sydney means business; Melbourne, we are coming for you (hopefully.)
Add these new drink spots to your list, and be that mate who knew the bar before it became famous.
Charlie Parker’s
From the super human force that is hospitality giant Merivale, comes a speakeasy bar with a neighbourhood feel. Sitting beneath 60-seater restaurant Fred’s, Charlie Parker’s bar and kitchen embraces the concept of fresh food and upholding the integrity of the produce used. The result is handmade crockery, and honest food and drink that aims to minimise the separation between the producer and consumer. The boys behind the stick still aren’t afraid to take some risks though, with ingredients such as salmon skin and prosciutto making an appearance on the cocktail menu.
Where?
380 Oxford St Paddington, Sydney
When?
Tuesday to Thursday: 5pm to 12am
Friday & Saturday: 5pm to 12am
Sunday: 3pm to 10pm
The Long Goodbye
Named after the Raymond Chandler novel and subsequent movie, it will serve as no surprise to film fanatics that Darlinghurst’s newest bar is plentiful in dark lights, flittering candles, and interiors that wouldn’t look out of place in a neo-noir flick. Located at the site that was previously The Hazy Rose, The Long goodbye remains cosy and intimate, an offering an old school cocktail bar style of service. Don’t be surprised if you dint even glimpse a cocktail menu – you’ll find your barmen telling you about their house-made infusions before you panic and order a vodka soda.
Where?
1/83 Stanley St, Darlinghurst, Sydney
When?
Tuesday: 5pm to 11 pm
Wed to Saturday: 5pm to midnight
Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
The Port
We’ve highlighted The Port before as being a great spot for day drinks, but it deserves another mention as Darling Harbours newest boasting right. Among so-so restaurants and overpriced balcony bars, is chic, French coastal décor, an enthusiastic cocktail offering, and the personality of an insanely successful instagram account. The next time your looking to capitalise on the weather somewhere you haven’t been before, bypass the rooftop venues for somewhere with water, sea breeze and only half a flight of stairs.
Where?
2-10 Darling Dr Darling Harbour, Sydney
When?
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 12am
Thursday to Sunday: 10am to 2am
Hacienda
No matter how long you’ve been a Sydney-sider, you’ll always have a soft spot for the glittering harbour. The unfortunate truth is that many venues built around the city’s watery jewel end up relying too much on tourism, foot track and the breath taking view outside the window, rather than what’s on your glass or plate. (And we’re sure the rent factor comes into play here too). Rather than settling for a spot with plastic menus or fighting off the seagulls at Opera bar, climb a couple of flights of stairs in the Pullmans hotel to find yourself at Hacienda. Elegant pastel colours, a menu fairer than most local vendors and floor to ceiling glass windows. Boom.
Where?
61 Macquarie Street, Sydney
When?
Open seven days: 12pm till late
Norsk Dor
From the guys at York streets famous Asian inspired hole in the wall, Uncle Mings, comes a hidden treasure with a Scandinavian theme. Tucked into one of the windier streets of the CBD is a long and charmless hallway, 34 steps and just when your fear receptors start pumping, a security door with a little blue buzzer. Politely press it, and you will be whisked into Norsk Door bar and restaurant. The space is long and warm with Edison lamps adoring the head-space, brown leather banquettes face tables set up for twos or fours and fur pelts draped over the backs of wooden chairs. If you had conjured up images of Viking paintings and old wooden ships, you’ve got these guys all wrong. Its authentic food and drink from Nordic countries. To dip your toes in the water, our pick is a classic Swedish dish of skagen, a creamy round of prawns and mayonnaise on toast.
Where?
B2, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney
When?
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 12am
Saturday: 5pm to 12am
Image Source: Concrete Playground, Nova, Daily Addict, DarlingHarbour.com, Cocktails And Bars, Smudge Eats.
