[CLOSED] By now you’ve probably wandered into the Majestic, the beautifully restored former cinema and roller rink on New Canterbury Road, which is also conveniently located opposite Frango’s Petersham Charcoal Chicken (just in case you needed a sweetener to ensure you don trousers and get out of the house).
Downstairs at the Majestic there’s a high-end provedore stocked with all the chutneys, spices, fancy crackers and cheeses you need for wine o’clock, but if your place is lacking in live jazz tunes and soft leather armchairs head upstairs to Harvest Bar. It’s a cosy nook for a cheeky bevvie, and if you’re off the hard stuff they also have an impressive collection of milkshakes, smoothies and juices that they’ll bring up for you.
On our visit there’s a jazz duo playing to the people in the restaurant on the ground floor, but the sound carries up the marble stairs to where we’re sitting pretty with a light bodied pinot in disguise. The Marlborough pinot noir from St Clair might look dark and domineering, but it’s actually very gentle. The French grenache rosé on the other hand looks exactly how it tastes, with only the faintest hint of a blush tinting this crisp and refreshing drop.
The snacks list is a familiar mix of tried and tested tapas favoured for their booze-friendliness, like rich duck liver pate (order extra bread), olives, fries, pork belly and fried chicken bites. This isn’t the place for a full sit down meal, but for a quiet drink it’s a local gem in an area better known for charcoal chicken and pubs.