Sydney’s themed bars continue to grow the recent opening of J&M whisky bar by Merivale in the heart of the CBD.
J&M Whisky Bar – Photo Supplied
Take the steep steps up a narrow staircase to the level 2 of the Angel Hotel and you’ll find yourself in a whisky den with subdued mood lighting, Chesterfield sofas, a long glass bar and “The Sidecar”, a drinks trolley that is a collaboration between Jim Meehan of PDT and Moore & Giles.
J&M is a tribute to the Mr. John, Merivale Hemmes and the House of Merivale which once occupied the historic hotel. The intimate bar opened as a showcase for Chivas 18 yo for three months and features bespoke haberdashery cabinets with ingredients that make up the whisky blend. The back bar features the recently-released luxury blend, Chivas The Icon, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, as well as several Pernod Ricard whiskies and spirits.
The drinks menu lists seven Chivas 18 yo cocktails ($22), all pre-batched for speed of service and six classics such as French 75 and white Negroni. The showcase cocktails are a take on the classics such as the Blood and Marie, and the excellent A Life Less Ordinary, made with Chivas 18, Aperol, apricot and saffron syrup, absinthe and a spray of peated whisky.
For the peckish, J&M offers bar snacks such as Parmesan wafters, chicken liver pate and salumi.
It’s well worth taking the hike up that staircase to J&M whisky bar. Your reward at this hidden Sydney bar with old world charm is a whisky experience, good cocktails and service and a degree of nostalgia.
J&M Whisky Bar
Address: Level 2, 1 Angel Place, Sydney (Entry via Angel Place)
Phone: (02) 9254 8088
Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:00pm till late; Friday 12:00pm – 2:00am; Saturday 5:00pm – 2:00am; Sunday closed
Website: www.merivale.com.au/jandm
