Booze news
A star winks out, a rabbit reborn, and a pallisade rebuilt
By Angus Fontaine
Evening Star winks out
The Evening Star Hotel, where Nirvana's Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl once played pool while watching a Black Sabbath covers band, has closed its doors.
The legendary Surry Hills watering hole, which tapped its first keg in 1873, underwent a complete facelift early in the 21st century. Alas, as is too often the way with Sydney pubs, all the earthy charm and profane character that had made "The Evil" infamous was lost.
Icon Hospitality Group, who purchased the bar from ex-detective hotelier Keith Kelly in 2006, shut down the airport lounge operating in the Evening Star's name in late March. With it went a history of hedonism unmatched.
At "The Evil", many a love bloomed, thousands of stories hatched, and chaos reigned. Fuelled by an endless procession of hard-living journalists from the nearby News Limited HQ, the Evening Star's history was written in print, blood and myth. Long may it shine.
Palisade closed for restoration
Another venerable old neck oilery boarded up for the Sydney winter is the Palisade Hotel in Millers Point.
Thankfully, this art deco warhorse will be back. Bar manager and licensee Louise Coad says a full restoration - not renovation - is underway. "We're moving the restaurant to the rooftop which will afford diners 360 degree views of the Harbour and Rocks and also transforming the 12 double rooms we had into eight deluxe suites."
The Palisade was where many of Sydney's Anzacs threw down their last beers before boarding the ships that took them to Gallipoli. That beloved front bar, where old floorboards, Tooths mirrors and ancient brascos reign, will be untouched, says Coad.
Ruby Rabbit redux coming soon
The new look Ruby Rabbit on Oxford Street is inspired by American truck stop diners, old-school saloons, the lairs of James Bond villains and classic Sydney shabby chic.
Opening soon onto Oxford Street (owner Paul Schell reckons it'll be up and running sometime this month) is the Big Red Diner, a den jammed with booth seating, a 50s-countertop bar and a battered old jukebox in the corner. The vibe here is Jack Rabbit Slims-meets-Barons, hot dogs and shots of tequila dispensed until 3am.
A series of smaller spaces break off the Diner. The Houndstooth Room is decked out in warm caramels and bordello reds, oozing a Mad Men-esque style that demands single malt liquors and cocktails stirred through with character. Beyond lies the Ryeball Room, not yet opened to the public and hidden to all eyes but those of members and their guests. This space is a haven of sunken lounges, velveteen grooves and bespoke bar service accessed by - wait for it - a fingerprint scanner at the door. AF
The Beresford's Monday Movie Nights
More news from one of the most exciting bars to have hit Sydney in the last year. The Beresford Hotel has introduced a Monday movie night, showing cult films in the beer garden. Best of all, it's free with your drink or meal purchase. This month's bill includes some proper cinematic classics like American Psycho and High Fidelity, best matched with something equally classic off Andy Penney's winter cocktail list. And from May 19 to June 8 the films will form part of the Sydney Italian Festival, so look forward to subtitled arty flicks like Giuseppe Tornatore's Cinema Paradiso. Turn up early to score a seat under the mushroom heaters; else it's BYO cushion, beanbag, rug, lap or other preferred bum rest. Films start at 7pm and are weather dependent, email seat and pre-show meal bookings to movies@theberesford.com.au. The Beresford Hotel Darlinghurst
Elk Bar Gallery Night
Launch. Party. Music. Art. Design. Food. Cocktails. Free. Booze. Repeat. Free. Booze. Right, now that you're paying attention we'll break it down properly. The Elk in Kings Cross (i.e. the new bar/café with the cool decor, pinball machines and 80s videogames) is launching a gallery initiative and true to gallery form is having a public opening with free cocktails, canapes and art art art. The launch party will feature photography, fashion, graffiti and music from the likes of Beth Josey, Skye Llewellyn and others. Every fortnight the stuff on display will be changing – the twist is that there's no genre or medium specifications so there's bound to be some envelope-pushing in the mix. High culture in the Cross – who'da thunk it?
The Elk Kings Cross
