04 November 2009
Monique Lane
There is a new breed of chilled-out bars brewing in Sydney – and half the fun is trying to find them.
Ching-a-lings
133 Oxford Street, Surry Hills.
Ching-a-lings is the kind of place you wish was in your neighbourhood – not only does this rooftop balcony feel like someone’s deck, the boys behind it even throw a barbie on a Sunday afternoon, complete with sausages and homemade baked beans on the house. Nurse a longneck or drink modest wines out of a rocks glass and feel right at home. There is currently no signage – keep an eye out to for North Indian Cuisine and it’s just up the flight of stairs next door. All groove and no fuss.
Seven Metre bar
Underwood Street, Sydney.
Tucked in the back of a discreet laneway, you can follow the sound of Johnny Cash as you wind down Underwood Street to be met with some wild installation works from artist Richard Goodwin, milk crates for seats and cocktails served in jam jars. Those looking for something a bit different to the corporate stream of George Street won’t mind the rough and ready attitude of Seven Metre bar – but get in quick, it’s only around for another couple of months.
Time to Vino
Stanley Street, East Sydney.
It hasn’t got much signage out the front, but once inside you can understand why: the regulars would probably prefer you kept walking so they could selfishly linger over the homemade rabbit and pork rillettes, or freshly shucked virgin oysters and duck confit. Drops include Zliliken ‘Butterfly’ Riesling (Pflaz, Germany) and the Te Mata Gamay Noir (Hawkes Bay NZ), which go down well in the soft leather armchairs.
The Shop
Curlewis Street, Bondi.
The best part of Sydney in summer is sipping a cool vino with the sand still on your feet and salt drying on your skin. Although not exactly new, The Shop is one of the best places to do just that. Their small yet informed wine list changes frequently, as do the tapas-style dishes. Throw a bohemian vibe and ample people-watching space into the mix and, this just may be the best way to unwind after a tough day at the beach.
The Pond
Burton Street, Surry Hills.
The Pond is the brainchild of Right Angle publishing and some very clever marketers from Pure Blonde. The team have transformed an abandoned site into one cool and clean bar/restaurant. Go for some very affordable but quaffable wines and their resident nonna’s Italian comfort food. An inner city sanctum with style.
Image copyright The Pond/Daniel Boud.