Winding along the back streets of Neutral Bay is a string of small bars including Firefly Neutral Bay – it was one of the first to open in the area, and it still manages to fill out tables every night. Bottles of wine are stacked high with tasting notes on manila parchment labels hanging around the necks. If you’ve got a penchant for pinot you’ll be pleased to cast your gaze upon their extensive ‘wall of pinot’, which the helpful staff will happily talk you through. Bannockburn’s 1314AD pinot noir is a spicy, fragrant red available by the glass, while the Lethbridge Ménage a Noir is an earthier Geelong drop that’s finish-the-bottle good.
Cocktails skew sweet and fruity – the Brigitte Bardot is a sparkling blend of rosé and Aperol with a hint of elderflower that is as lovely as its namesake. If you’re after something with a little more ka-pow, opt for the Gentleman: a Whisky Sour is sweetened by pear and Amaretto and mellowed out with a hint of cinnamon. Share plates include crisp salt-and-pepper squid, fried haloumi with chunks of watermelon, zucchini fries and the requisite beef sliders. Even though they don’t break new ground on the bar scene, Firefly make up for this by enticing with snappy service, decent share plates and a super wine list.
Cocktails skew sweet and fruity – the Brigitte Bardot is a sparkling blend of rosé and Aperol with a hint of elderflower that is as lovely as its namesake. If you’re after something with a little more ka-pow, opt for the Gentleman: a Whisky Sour is sweetened by pear and Amaretto and mellowed out with a hint of cinnamon. Share plates include crisp salt-and-pepper squid, fried haloumi with chunks of watermelon, zucchini fries and the requisite beef sliders. Even though they don’t break new ground on the bar scene, Firefly make up for this by enticing with snappy service, decent share plates and a super wine list.
