Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DRINKING & NIGHTLIFE
The city centre has long been known for upmarket, after-work booze rooms, none of which you would describe as
cosy locals. Some are worth checking out for their views, cocktails, sassy decor or historical interest; most are what
you might call 'drycleaners' - good places to pick up suits. However, the recent change of liquor-licensing laws has
seen speakeasy-style places springing up in the most unlikely back alleys and basements, and even the coolest of
cats are drinking in the city these days. Except on Sundays, when the wells run dry.
BAR
STITCH
Wynyard)
The finest exemplar of Sydney's penchant for fake speakeasys, Stitch is accessed
via swinging doors at the rear of what looks like a tailor's workshop. Hidden beneath is a
surprisingly large but perpetually crowded space, decorated with sewing patterns and
wooden Singer cases. A charming maître d' manages the inevitable wait for a booth seat
with considerable skill; the food is excellent too.
BAR
BAXTER INN
dark lane and through that unmarked door (it's easier to find if there's a queue; otherwise
look for the bouncer lurking nearby). Whisky's the poison at this particular speakeasy. Des-
pite the bowties and comedy hipster moustaches, the friendly barmen really know their
stuff and can help you select from the huge list.
BAMBINI WINE ROOM
Don't worry, this bar doesn't sell wine to
bambinis
- it's a very grown-up, European affair.
The tiny dark-wood-panelled room is the sort of place where you'd expect to see Oscar
Wilde holding court in the corner. It has an extensive wine list, slick table service, free al-
monds and breadsticks, and disembodied postmodern cornices dangling from above.
WINE BAR
GRANDMA'S
(
www.grandmasbarsydney.com
;
basement, 275 Clarence St; 3pm-midnight Mon-Thu, noon-1am Fri, 5pm-1am Sat;
Town Hall)
Billing itself as a 'retrosexual haven of cosmopolitan kitsch and faded granny
glamour', Grandma's hits the mark. A stag's head greets you on the stairs and ushers you
COCKTAIL BAR
