Subdued nautical theme at Sydney’s hottest new bar

By Sacha Delfosse

The team behind much-loved Sydney small bars Pocket and Stitch, Christophe Lehoux and Karl Schlothauer, have recently raised the mast on their latest venue, Button.

The discovery of several 19th Century muskets and pistols, which hang proudly behind the bar, set the subtle seafaring theme for the bar, which has capacity for up to 100 people.

The low-lit interior, courtesy of vintage lampshades, is completely fitted-out with wood furnishings, including one wall with a mosaic of uneven wooden blocks, giving the place the feel of being below deck in a ship.

Seating options range from cosy booths separated by leadlight windows to a large communal table running through the centre of the bar. [continues below]

Schlothauer and Lehoux have taken on another partner to manage the new venue in Jimmy Sakajani, formerly of Merivale, who worked together with the duo at Favela.

The cocktail list features over 30 cocktails and the back bar boasts hundreds of spirits. The drinks selection is rum and gin oriented, including several homemade infusions.

"Rum for the pirates and gin for the sailors," Schlothauer joked.

For those not keen on cocktails, there are up to 12 local and imported wines available by the glass as well as seven beers including White Rabbit, Tiger, Coopers and James Squire.

Patrons are provided with free pistachio nuts, with cheese and meat plates set to be added to the menu soon.

So far the crowd has been a combination of regulars from the group's other venues, Pocket and Stitch, as well as locals from the surrounding commercial section of Surry Hills.

Operating seven days a week, the bar opens at 4pm and stops serving at 12am. Down the line the bar hopes to extend its trading hours to 3am.

"It's a down-to-earth cocktail bar, nothing too crazy, just a good place to hang out and have nice drinks," Sakajani said.

Button Bar is located at 65 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. Tel (02) 9211 1544.