by Suzan Ryan, editor – bars&clubs magazine
Sydney's Balcony Bar on Erskine Street was recently relaunched under new ownership and management.
The venue was redesigned throughout and all menus reworked to include a focus on Australian craft spirits and cocktails – the mixologist-divined cocktail menu boasts 65-plus drinks – as well as local and international wines and local and international boutique beers.
The venue features a mix of interiors designed to lighten and enliven the small and narrow space while providing textural interest: rough-finished, multi-coloured house bricks and blackboard insets (filled with quotes about wine and food appreciation) make up the shared wall, while the polished wood floor contrasts with attention-getting splashes of bright lime pressed metal on both the ceiling and bar wall.
There's a shoji screen situated between two black vinyl couches, brushed metal, circular pouffe-style tables and a wine-laden backbar. The menu meanwhile features an interesting choice of mains, desserts and tapas, such as a French meat tasting platter, teriyaki salmon, pork belly, prawns and home fries.
Balcony Bar features a solid selection of wines, beers and almost 70 cocktails while also providing outdoor seating and daily specials on beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and food.
It’s so good to see Balcony Bar under new ownership. The new owner and staff are fantastic. It’s our local watering hole. $5 peronis on a friday go down a treat. The food is great…especially the home made fries, wedges and pizzas. With their selection of beer and spirits you’ll leave feeling extremely satisfied. Good work guys