The Glenmore
“There are not many places in Sydney where you can flop your willy out and look at a picture postcard view of the Sydney Opera House,” my dining companion comes bounding back from the bathroom to announce. We’re comfortably ensconced in the mid-level cocktail bar, our drinking needs well managed by bartender Shannon Hurvitz. He’s happy to make you happy, substituting top shelf spirits into cocktails in innovative – and often off-menu – ways. He makes a mean Talisker Old Fashioned ($20), and muddles fresh strawberries into his Captain Morgan Mighty ($16) that features amaretto and vanilla syrup. For gin drinkers he’ll whip up a Cumberland Street ($21) using Hendrick’s and muddled cucumber, while for tequila aficionados, he’ll combine reposado, orange juice, passion pulp and vanilla syrup in a Spiced Orchid ($18) served with a Tabasco and smoked paprika rim. After being dazzled with concoctions featuring all the major spirits, I asked if he had considered entering Diageo’s World Class cocktail competition, only to be advised he’s too busy “studying to be a surgeon.” Whilst clearly distracted by booze, I also enjoyed silky Beef Cheek Pappardelle ($19.50) freshened up with peas, sticky BBQ Beef Ribs ($20) and the star of their better-than-average pub salad range – The Glenmore Market Salad ($16.50) dotted with plump goji berries and toasted hazelnuts.
The Glenmore
96 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
Ph: (02) 9247 4794 theglenmore.com.au
Pub Bistro, Cocktails $$
