Bar Fly: The Hive Bar
The Hive Bar
93 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville (02) 9519 9911 thehivebar.com.au
I am drawn like a magnet to bars that have cider by the pint, kumera fries, and sassy bartenders, and The Hive is a cosy and welcoming locals’ bar in the little faux-village of Erskineville. Low-lit and warm, the walls smattered with graffiti-style art, it attracts an eclectic and friendly crowd. Today there’s a poodle sitting next to us, clad in a pearl necklace and sporting a fresh mohawk. My date works her way through pints of the three local beers on tap, settling on a Stockade IPA ($11), while stealing my lime zest coated Kumera Fries ($8.50). The cocktail list focuses on twists on classic cocktails, like the Clean-Shaven Sanchez ($19): an Old Fashioned made with tequila and rhubarb bitters. Today, however, as a massive Spring storm hits Sydney, I’m completely won over by the Hive Chai ($17), spiced and warmed by Fireball Whiskey and chilli schnapps, and I curl up in the window seat, blissfully toasty.
