In Sydney, there’s no shortage of fancy spots to order a sophisticated drink, and our dining scene is constantly reaching new heights of deliciousness. But in Millers Point, you’ll find a bar where they’re combining our city’s strengths: pouring fabulous vintage drops, mixing innovative cocktails and creating intriguing bar snacks to keep your stomach sated throughout happy hour and into the evening.
The Observatory Bar, housed within luxurious hotel the Langham, Sydney, offers its patrons an exciting food and drink experience. When you order a cocktail here, you’ll be treated to a theatrical mixology show, performed by the twin bartenders, Steven and Edward Bailey.
They’re making drink magic out of Australian botanicals in creations like their Green Ant Martini, which incorporates salt brush, lemon myrtle, and gin with green ants. If you’re a little intimidated by creepy crawlies, try the Neap Tide, which blends finger lime variants with sparkling wine and wattleseed gin, and is served with a Sydney rock oyster in a cloud of dramatic paperbark smoke.
Wine aficionados will be well taken care of, with an extensive list of rare and unusual bottles from around the world. The list, created by sommelier Julia Zhu, includes upscale varietals like the 2009 Dom Perignon, going for $160 a glass (for that very special occasion splurge). If spirits are more your speed, there’s also an impressive collection of gins and whiskies to work through.
At this point, you’re probably getting hungry. Happily, they’re adding a fancy twist to your standard bar snack, with a rotating menu of creative dishes that complement the drinks list. It’s based on fresh, local produce and offers some bargain snacking. On Fridays, you can add an ocean-fresh oyster to your plate for only $1 with every glass of Champagne you order. Check out the bar's Instagram handle – @observatory_bar – to keep up with its latest offerings.
While this whole experience sounds very high society, the comfortable design of the bar and its friendly staff make you feel very much like you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party in your own lounge room. Sure, the furnishings look more like the first class carriage on the Orient Express than your modern Sydney digs, but it’ll feel like home soon enough.