This Kensington Street crawl offers a whole world of tip-top drinks and eats

Sydney life has plenty of perks – but getting out and about, pounding the pavement and exploring each and every one of its distinctive neighbourhoods has got to be at the top of the heap. When it comes to vibrant eating and drinking possibilities, Chippendale is tough to beat, with its one-of-a-kind mix of eateries and cocktail bars tucked in amongst backstreets, rooftops, courtyards, warehouses and historic workers’ cottages.

This year, Johnnie Walker is bringing the Johnnie Highball experience to buzzing Kensington Street. For those not in the know, a Johnnie Highball is a vibrant and refreshing-tasting mix of one part Johnnie Walker Black Label, three parts mixer, fresh fruit and citrus flavours and plenty of ice, in a long glass. A Johnnie Highball makes for an ideal way to ease into an evening with friends, especially when you’re surrounded by snacks from across the globe.

There are endless ways to enjoy a Johnnie Highball and discover what’s good in this ’hood, and here are the places to do it. Don’t have time to make it yourself? Johnnie Walker has released two new premixed Johnnie Highballs that are ready to drink without the fuss. And always remember to drink responsibly. 

_{Cartel | Photograph: Anna Kucera}

Cartel
2 Kensington St

The heart and soul of Central and South American cooking come alive at Cartel – a spirited, modern restaurant and bar with a menu that jumps from Mexico to Argentina and back again, with twists and turns along the way. The talented bar team will be revving up the Johnnie Highball with the Johnnie Walker Paloma, a fusion of Johnnie Walker Black Label, orgeat, pineapple tepache and soda (approximately 1.1 standard drinks). This tasty tipple stands up as a perfect pairing to what’s on offer on Cartel’s menu – be it alongside smoky chipotle chicken wings, fried fish and pineapple tacos or even as a way to cleanse the palate after a punchy aguachile kingfish ceviche. Enjoy it for $18 for the month of May.

_{Gin Lane | Photograph: Anna Kucera}

Gin Lane
16a Kensington St

Sure, gin might be the calling card at this charming small bar set in a lovingly restored 19th-century terrace house. But that doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) gather a few mates and settle in for an adventurous take on the Johnnie Highball, before or after dinner. The Gin Lane team have created a JW&T as a riff on a timeless G&T, using Johnnie Walker Black Label, pear syrup, soda water and Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic, garnished with a fresh wheel of grapefruit and pear (approximately 1 standard drink). This Johnnie Highball is zesty and fruity without being too syrupy or sweet, so it’s perfect at the end of a long day or as a nightcap.

_{The Old Clare Downstairs | Photograph: Anna Kucera}

The Old Clare
Lower & Upper Levels, 1 Kensington St

The Old Clare stands tall, not only as one of the schmickest hotels in the city, but also as one of the most stylish places in town to grab a drink. You’ll find the Clare Bar on the ground level, which honours the vintage Australian pub with heritage details like the original wall tiles and the curved central bar. This is where you’ll find the newest drink on offer, the Nocturnal – a Johnnie Highball that layers the sweet and spiced infusion of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and brown sugar with the spicy notes of Johnnie Walker Black Label, topped up with dry & lime seltzer (approximately 1.9 standard drinks).  

_{The Old Clare Upstairs | Photograph: Anna Kucera}

Head upstairs, and you’ll reach the rooftop pool and bar, where you can escape the hustle, sip on something satisfying and see things from a different perspective. It’s the best place to enjoy the Brooklyn, an ingenious take on a Johnnie Highball featuring a fusion of Johnnie Walker Black Label and tropical fruit juice, finished off with whipped cream and edible flowers (approximately 1 standard drink).

_{Blossom Bar | Photograph: Anna Kucera}

Blossom Bar
26 Kensington St

Inspired by Tokyo’s teensy cocktail hangouts, Blossom Bar specialises in drinks spotlighting native Japanese botanicals and the likes of shochu, sake and whisky, of course. The team have created the Kinobi Highball, featuring Johnnie Walker Black Label with yuzu tonic, cherry and peach bitters and a lift of soda, dressed with a candied lime and generous bouquet of mint (approximately 1.2 standard drinks). The Johnnie Highball is right at home here, and you’ll feel that way, too, regardless of whether you’re lucky enough to snag one of the six spots inside or one of the handful of tables out front, where sundowners come with a complimentary side of prime people watching. A selection of sushi, sashimi and bar snacks from Sushi Burrito next door is on call if you’re feeling peckish and wish to keep it light.

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one premium Scotch whisky – enjoy it in a Johnnie Highball with friends and food. Keep walking.

Remember to drink responsibly. Discover more about the Johnnie Highball here and find out about Time Out's Neighbourhood Walkthru of Chippendale here.