Hemmesphere

If after work drinks are leaving you peckish for something to soak up the booze, head to Hemmesphere for a nibble from their new supper menu. The tasty selection features Asian-inspired snacks, like ocean trout sashimi with ponzu, sesame, chives and ginger, plus salt and pepper cuttlefish with coriander, chilli and spices; satisfying sourdough toasties with the likes of rare Angus beef, provolone and horseradish filling, as well as hearty pies from the pastry gurus at Black Star served with housemade tomato chutney; and mod oz faves including mini wagyu beef burgers and freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters with tomato salsa. Take advantage of these hard-to-find late night delights every Wednesday through Saturday from 10.30pm until close.

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Justin Hemmes’ Hemmesphere turns ten in 2010, and lately may have fallen under the shadow of younger sexier sister, Ivy. But that’s not to say Hemmesphere has slipped in any way. The lounge bar still whispers high class chic as the suited and the urbane enjoy matched cigars and cocktails in oversized ottomans. There’s a calm air created by soft lighting and a carpet that soaks up excess noise, but the open-plan room is too cavernous to be cosy or private – or to have much character. The small outdoor terrace has the most personality and is a pleasant hideaway in which to enjoy a warm night and some skyscraper tops. Having said that, the more elegant Hemmesphere makes a nice contrast to the loud, brash Establishment bar downstairs.

The table service is polished, young and bubbly; it’s not as demure as the surroundings would suggest but pleasingly attentive anyway. The drinks are expensive (over $10 for local beers) but not extravagant ($20 for cocktails) except for the slight overkill of “twice frozen hand cut ice”. Unnecessary flourishes aside, Sebastien Derbomez’ cocktail list is a good one that’s heavy on the martini-style drinks. It’s a bit risqué with pairings like tequila and espresso, a bit theatrical with a rum-based Castro’s Blazer set alight at your table, and a bit nostalgic with a “best of “ list celebrating a decade of the bar’s mixology. In addition, a sound selection of champagnes and malt whiskeys set the tone of international sophistication that Hemmesphere aspires to.