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Michael Chiem and Tynan Sidhu first spoke about opening a bar together while cooking a backyard barbie and sipping Champagne on New Year’s Eve some years back. Great mates for a decade – and bringing serious bartending cred to the table (Chiem being the force behind Sydney’s award-winning PS40, and Sidhu perfecting his craft at places like The Waratah, PS40 and Saint Peter Bar) – they were aligned in their dream to open a community-focused boozer in the Inner West, where they both call home. A place where locals can drop in and feel their worries melt away like an ice cube in an Old Fashioned.
It didn’t happen overnight, with the guys signing the lease in November 2022 and opening the doors to Silver’s Motel in September this year. There are plenty of excellent bars along Enmore Road worthy of your time and dime, but this one is something else.
The vibe
You could walk past Silver’s Motel and easily miss it – that’s how nondescript the front is. Just look for the black. But once you step through the door, you’re greeted like a long-lost mate.
Inspired by ’80s motel bars, the space looks sleek and old-school, with vintage artworks, wood-panelled walls and an Inner West warmth. Every item and piece of furniture has a story behind it. Take the carpet, for example, which was scored off a guy from Blacktown. Or the custom vinyl-covered fridge and twinkling Italian ’70s chandelier. My favourite bit, however, is the gleaming spotted gum bar, which Sidhu reckons he varnished 100 times to get it just right. Go on, reach your arms out and feel its beauty.
The drinks
Shaking drinks since they were 19, it’s not a stretch to say Chiem and Sidhu are two of Sydney’s finest bartenders. So, naturally, the cocktails here are standout – including a fragrant and tart Rhubarb Margarita made with Don Julio tequila, Rhubi Mistelle, rhubarb compote the team slow-cooks during the day, and spiked with pink peppercorns. My pick of the bunch is the Midori Splice: a white-and-green frosty delight featuring Malibu, Coco Lopez coconut cream, pineapple juice, coconut vodka, Midori and a melon and pineapple sorbet.
It’s a holiday in a glass, taking you from Enmore Road to Hawaiian sunsets in a sip
Also great is the whimsical Ice Magic Old Fashioned, which takes a leaf out of our childhood memories, thanks to the Ice Magic that’s drizzled and then frozen over an ice cube. Bulleit bourbon and Pennyweight old tawny gives it weight and character, while notes of caramelised whey and bitters bring layers of sweetness and dimension. It’s a grown-up drink that’ll appeal to your inner kid. Though, a coaster would be nice.
Elsewhere, there’s Crown Lager, local brews from Philter, Grifter and Willie the Boatman, and an all-Aussie wine list, plus a why-not bottle of NV Louis Roederer Champagne. Whisky drinkers will be right at home here. As well as a selection of sours, the team stocks around 350 bottles which they’ve been collecting over a decade, including whiskies from Sidhu’s personal collection.
The food
Silver’s Motel is all about great drinks, so there’s nothing to eat except chips covered in Old Bay seasoning. If you’re hungry after your drinks, I’d be heading to nearby Cairo Takeaway, Emma’s Snack Bar, or Chinese Dumpling Master. Want something fancier? Russo & Russo is my pick. Greasier, but still decent? Hit up the Sultan’s Table, which is also open till 2 am.
Time Out tip
Eagle-eyed fans may spot a stage in the corner. Good news – live bands and vinyl DJs are in the pipeline.
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