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Grain Bar

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  1. Grain Bar (Photograph: Supplied)
    Photograph: Supplied
  2. Grain Bar (Photograph: Supplied)
    Photograph: Supplied
  3. Photograph: Supplied
    Photograph: Supplied
  4. Photograph: Supplied
    Photograph: Supplied
  5. Grain Bar (Photograph: Supplied)
    Photograph: Supplied
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    Photograph: Supplied
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    Photograph: Supplied
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    Photograph: Supplied
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Time Out says

This Sydney bar has one of Australia's biggest whisky collections – and an award-winning drinks creator at the helm

If you have a taste for fine Scotch, elegant Japanese whiskies and American drams, Grain Bar – at the base of the Four Seasons hotel – is a Sydney go-to. And thanks to a recent refresh, the bar is offering what is arguably the city’s most storied, theatrical cocktail experience; with a cocktail menu inspired by the varied cultural backgrounds of the bar team, presented with spectacular showmanship. Looking for a spot for a 100 year-old dram, an expertly crafted cocktail suspended beneath a popcorn cloud and some mid-week swing dancing? You know where to head.

As well as being located right in the heart of Circular Quay (perfectly located for a pre or post-Opera House tipple) , this timber-clad bar is a beautiful space to spend an evening. Warm, low lighting helps to counter the coolness of the huge glass windows that look out onto George Street; and the team keeps the decorative fire burning brightly to cosy up blustery evenings by the harbour. 

Contemplating the drinks menu will take a while; they don’t just have one of the largest selections of whisky in Australia – they also have an extensive cocktail menu, with a series of signature cocktails designed by the expert team of mixologists, drawing on each of their respective cultural backgrounds. In fact, the drinks here are taken so seriously that they decided to appoint award-winning Beverage Manager Sarath Nair, who relocated to Sydney from his native India for the role. 

Over there, Nair managed to nab accolades including No. 38 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list, No. 2 on India’s 30 Best Bars 2022 list, and Best Cocktail Bar in the Times Food & Nightlife Awards 2022.

Nair is quite a personality (follow him over on Instagram), and he’s known for his experimental pairings of classic cocktail profiles and mixology techniques with local flavours. Which makes it nice timing that he’s now leading the team, considering Grain Bar has also recently launched – in partnership with local distillery Bondi Liquor Co – their own gin brand that heroes native Australian flavours. Along with his team, Nair has designed a new cocktail menu that features creative, impossibly good drinks; there’s a Pho-inspired cocktail spiked with Waygu beef-infused gin (designed by Vietnamese-born mixologist Hai Ha), a zingy “Pina Fizz” presented beneath a popcorn cloud (designed by Nepalese mixologist Sangeev) and a perfectly cold Martini laced with curry leaf (designed by Sarath himself).

The drinks here will whet your palette for something to eat – and Grain Bar keeps up its elegant approach when it comes to snacks. Expect lobster rolls crowned in caviar, delicate cones filled with tuna tartare, and moreish smoked duck bao buns.

And while the drinks and snacks would stand alone as something worth coming back for, it’s the service at Grain that really sets it apart. The love that the team have for their roles shines through the warm service – you’ll leave feeling as though you’ve made a new friend, and learnt all about their life through the excellent cocktail they masterfully prepare before your eyes. Plus, they provide table service – so you don’t have to hang at a bar waiting (though for the show, you might be tempted).

If you’re keen for a change of scenery, you can head next door to the Four Season’s Mode Kitchen and Bar, next door – then retreat back to Grain for a final nightcap and a chat with your new found friends.

As if the spectacle of mixology wasn’t enough, Grain bar also plays host to entertainment – from from electro swing to live saxophone to magicians – every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

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Alice Ellis
Written by
Alice Ellis

Details

Address:
199 George St
Sydney
2000
Opening hours:
Daily noon-late
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