Bar Fly

LOW 302
302 Crown Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9368 1548 low302.com.au
“If you could describe your mood with a colour what would it be?” Reese Griffiths replied when BAR FLY asked him to choose her cocktail. My response “red” raised an eyebrow, yet delivered the perfect start. Next week the cocktail list undergoes its winter change including the seasonal update on a Mezcal Mule – winter is Chameleon #2 ($16). Griffiths’ concoctions are sublime! The highlight from the new menu is the Jack Johnson ($17): Jack Daniels, TMD banana liqueur, smoked maple syrup, butter and boiling water. Cocktail whisperer Kari confided that this is an end of the night drink that “makes you just want to slip into bed… with someone”. The super friendly service here is a refreshing change – the warm greeting by security Rommel: “Hello ladies and welcome,” included. No wonder this is the late night haunt of the hospitality industry.

THE ROYAL ALBERT
140 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 2522 royalalberthotel.com.au
Tap takeovers are just some of the wonderful appeal of this old world public house that truly supports the local craft beer industry – the latest takeover was by Australian Brewery (my choice is their smoky Steam Ale) – with a rotating two kegs of each beer on tap while they last. What I love just as much though, is how owner Michael Bain is keeping the original characteristics of his small and intimate public house intact: for example the very beautiful pressed tin walls. Happy hour has returned under the early twentieth century name of swill; huge applause for this approach, keeping a part of pub history alive. It was so good to go to a pub that doesn’t look like an RSL club. (And though I haven’t tried them yet, apparently the dumplings are pretty good too.)