Gin lovers, run, don’t walk, all the way to Kensington Street. Not only is Gin Lane one of the cutest new kids on the Chippendale dining block, but their daily happy hour has $8 G&Ts. We’re not talking low-brow house pour either. No, no gin snobs, you’ll be happy to hear we’re talking Beefeater, Fever Tree tonic, lavender infused, fish bowl-sized glasses, and a super cool keg/on tap concept that is pretty damn thirst quenching.
The brain child of London-born master mixologist Grant Collins, Gin Lane rises from the French-themed Bar Chinois, the very cute wine bar that used to occupy the corner cottage at the start of Spice Alley. Now, Gin Lane has emerged with a very cool London vibe – inspired by English artist William Hogarth’s cheeky Gin Lane print. Think gold lettering, deep green décor and a very, very large gin collection.
Gin like you’ve never seen it before
Currently at more than 80, with the collection still growing, there are gins from every corner of the world, and the bar tenders will happily take you on a tour around the globe if you ask them to. The on-tap G&T is great value, but also a good place to start if you’re not a heavy gin drinker.
Delve into the cocktail list and don’t come out until you’ve tried the showstopper Gunpowder Plot; a literally smoking Gunpowder Tea spiked gin cocktail that will have you ready to unfurl your Hunter wellies and some twee. The Lemon Aspen Gimlet is an almost too-tasty mix lemon aspens foraged from the Northern Beaches, infused into a sorbet and 17 Gin. With drinks served in snowdomes, smoking cloches, even watering cans, this is a spot to settle in and have some fun.
And if the bar tenders really can’t convince you to dip your toes in the rabbit hole that is the modern gin scene, don’t worry, there are plenty of drinks for non-gin drinkers. Happy Hour’s popcorn Negronis are gaining quite the reputation too.
Gin Lane Sydney
16 Kensington Street, Chippendale
Mon – Thu: 4.30 – 11.45pm
Fri: Noon – midnight
Weekends: 4.30 – 11.45pm
