Bar Fly: Swanson Hotel

SWANSON HOTEL
106–108 Swanson Street, Erskineville (02) 9519 3609 swansonhotel.com.au
Downstairs locals are still huddled drinking schooners. Upstairs the elegant transformation of the Kurrajong Hotel brings contemporary pub dining to the mix. And it’s up the stairs at one end of the new Swanson bistro where the real Erskineville drinking pleasure resides. Service at the new Swanson bar is smart casual: knowledgeable with just the right warmth. Of courses there are cocktails, great value at mostly $18, with even better value for jugs ($28). The Ersko 75 ($17) – Bombay Sapphire with sparkling lemon juice; Palme d’Or ($18) – Sailors Jerry rum, palm sugar and ginger beer; and the jug Black Swan – Hennessy VSOP, fresh fruits, rose and orange juice; catch our eye. Praise also for the very good pub wine list: a mélange of recognisable names littered with smaller, cooler producers; and including some aged releases in the reds.