The Wild Rover

This is my favourite bar in the city hands down. Granted that they do not have the biggest cocktail list, what they do serve is spot on. Cocktails are served in small steins, giving it almost a Lord of the Rings feel - though let's not discount the fact that by this time the alcohol may be altering my thoughts.

This bar is not signed at all and looks like a disused retail shop from an era time forgot. Do not be fooled. Push through the heavy doors. On entry the bar staff all greet you and make you feel at home! the staff here really go out of their way to make you feel good. they are friendly - none of they Sydney pretentiousness here.

The trick to this bar is to get here early! When you do the staff are free to come and chat to you. I received table service and we were always well looked after.

Another reason to come is the décor. Another dimly lit room with great dark wooden furniture. There are some great red light fittings that stand out in this darkened space.

Also on display, is a set of old train timetable times. Young folk these were used before they all went electronic. They have been recycled into  menu. It looks great and takes me right back to my youth when I was looking for the fastest train out of Kogarah.

My cocktail suggestions is the Long Rum Run - try saying that after a few drinks!! Below is a picture of the stein. I love them.

 

 

Below are the old station signs that now display the menu.

 

The quirky bar with giraffe drawings

 

 

So readers - if you have not been yet then make your way down to Campbell Street in Surry Hills. Like NOW!! Get there early to get the attention of the staff and you will be well looked after.

This bar in my opinion is hard to be beaten!

Link to website http://www.thewildrover.com.au/

Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year!

This is a pretty big event with functions held across the city. This year there was a parade to celebrate the year of the Horse and the usual fireworks display (I swear there are fireworks every weekend over summer - which I think is great). At Town hall Station they have a dragon display and the below image shows  an art piece set up for CNY in World Square.

How do you Celebrate CNY???

The Corner Stone Cafe

The Corner Store Café s located within the Carriageworks complex- a disused set of train holding centres turned into an art space.

Now we all know I love a great coffee, and this place does not fail. Coffees are topped off with a cute mug and saucer reminiscent of 50s décor. Even this attention to detail plays second fiddle to the furniture. The brown leather chairs make it feel cosy. You forget the world for a few minutes and exhale. Old books are scattered around. I picked up Studies in American Literature for a laugh. You have got to love that old book smell.

 

Here is the entrance looking from the inside. The old building's industrial past is softened by plants and furniture making the space feel warm. It invites you in to sit down and unwind.

 

 

 

 

This chair I wanted to bottle up and take home. I sink right into it and sip on my coffee forgetting bout the world for a little while. Yes, I might need another one!

The room is softy lit with old school bulbs giving it s retro feel. At some points it looks like the walls reach to the sky, making you feel small but at the same time the room is set out so that it feels like you are in a small corner store café.

Yes Sydney, you have charm! I am impressed, and that does not come easy. By acknowledging your industrial past and celebrating it you have created a sexy and charming location. Forget the art and exhibitions, I just want a coffee! I may have to come back for their night menu with cocktails.


http://www.freshcatering.com.au/our-venues/carriageworks/dining/bar-and-food

The Sydney Festival 2

Hyde Park has been taken over by,... wait for it... a life sized, blow up Stonehenge. No joke. It is part of the Sydney Festival. If there was not a line up a mile long, I would have been jumping all over it. It is worth heading down to Hyde Park, if nothing else just to admire it.

 

The second picture is great because it looks like the real thing! The plants are hiding the inflatable bottom.

The Sydney Festival

In January of each year the City of Sydney celebrates with the Sydney Festival. A month long celebration of the arts. I usually avoid it but have made an effort this year. Kicking off the festival was the annual free concert in The Domain. Chaka Khan was the head line act. She was pretty good, but what made the night really nice was being able to sit on the grass, take your shoes off and relax to a cool concert on a nice  summer night. Chaka has been around for a while, and it was fun to see some of the hits - I'm Every Woman, Tell Me Something Good & Ain't Nobody. I sat there thinking, 'yeah, this is pretty special.'  How often can you celebrate in the middle of the city a free show from an international artist and take your shoes off???

The opening act needs a mention. He was a DJ and promised to play a song from each year from the 50's to today, all mixed it. The music was great and everyone was up off the floor and dancing around. Loved the Whitney song, which everyone sang along to (I Wanna Dance), thinking how it has become a nostalgic 80's hit.

Looking forward to next year's concert.

The Pocket Bar

I have been past this small bar a number of times with the best intentions of going in. From the outside it does not look like much but go inside and you feel right at home. I enjoyed a great cocktail here and the de-constructed duck pancake! Very impressive for both. The music was just right, loud enough to be heard, but not too loud that the conversation was drowned out.

There were two great things in this place. The furniture is eclectic. The pineapple lamp reminded me of Hawaii and put me right into a relaxed mood.

The iron gates were great too. Adding light into a dark space and a nice cool breeze. I would definitely go here again for an afternoon of relaxing drinks.

You need to get there early to secure a table - possibly the only negative.

The staff were pleasant and regularly checking up on us. Great stuff!

Bar website = http://www.pocketsydney.com.au/

Welcome 2014

This is my first Blog - the idea is for me to post all the cool things I find in and around Sydney. Many years ago I fell in love with London. Since coming home I realised it is time to make peace with this city and start to love my own surroundings, so let the journey begin