Bar Fly

THE NEWTOWN HOTEL – THE ANIMAL
174 King Street, Newtown (02) 9557 6399 www.newtownhotel.com.au
Keystone Group has really surprised us with its latest gig. It’s neon glitzy and sequinned glamorous without the feel of a big group operator. The wait has been worth it. Somehow they’ve retained something of Newtown in their sexy update. Head upstairs to The Animal (named for party animals bartender Amanda tells us) for even sexier stuff. Cocktails ($15 – $18) all have a story: Florodora Sextette (Tanqueray gin, raspberry, rose, lemon, orange bitters, ginger beer), Janis Joplin (based as you would expect on Jack Daniels), Bigger Than Jesus or Keith Richards Coconut Incident. We love how the wines are listed / glass / 500ml carafe / 1 litre carafe / or bottles by price. Great cider range. Funky music. What’s not to love? Oh yeah, weekends are crazy busy: totally give a weeknight the first hit.

ZEBRA LOUNGE
1 Harris Street, Pyrmont (02) 9571  5503 www.zebralounge.com.au
You’d be forgiven for thinking that all eyes would be on the wonderful wine list (Australian and international – all cracking good I might add, and all hand picked from Fine Wine Partners by passionate Zebra Lounge owner Craig Jarman) – or on the black and white zebra stripes inside – if you haven’t been here. Yet, those who have know: Zebra Lounge has 180 degree water views. Better still, it faces west – meaning water and sunset views. Now that they’re opened after dark, Chilean Head Chef Eric Neira has introduced a tapas delight, by way of stunning food from his mother Maria’s ceviche through to blueberry soufflé for dessert. Wines and food change weekly. Craft beers are good too. Sounds expensive? Well it’s not. They’re keeping it real. Don’t let the locals keep this night-time secret to themselves…