As more bars in Sydney are embracing a greater food focus, this new addition to the scene harks back to where it all began with the city’s recent small bar boom.
Moya’s Juniper Lounge, Sydney’s newest gin bar opened quietly at the end March. Step inside the inviting surrounds and you’re a world away from the realm of the colourful inner suburb of Redfern. The 50 person capacity venue has a classic bar vibe with soothing jazz tunes, British green walls, a vintage hutch with mirror, distressed walls, old paintings and comfortable mismatched lounges to settle in. Perch at the high tables with friends or take a seat at the bar facing the 40+ strong bottles of gin.
The gin collection is a mix of new world gin, craft gin along with the traditional. The Australian representation is strong with Archie Rose Gin, Applewood Gin, Poor Toms, Hippocampus Gin and Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin sitting alongside a range of vermouths such as Cocchi Americano, Maidenii, Dolin, Vermut Negre and Punt e Mes.
The cocktail list pays homage to classics with some personal touches and begins with a brief history of gin followed by cocktails in alphabetical order, each telling a story with references and recipes. You’ll be tempted to start with a Martini which can be made to your specifications as long as you “don’t ask for vodka”. The Poet’s Dream is a perfect balance of Jinzu Gin, dry vermouth, Benedictine and dressed with orange bitters and one not to be missed. Finish with The Last Word where the Saffron Gin gives the drink more roundness and makes it linger long on the palate.
Bar bites range from pickle plate to grass-fed bresaola with French bread and Ossau-Iraty sheep milk cheese from the Pyrenees with fresh bread and figs.
Moya’s Juniper Lounge takes you into a world of sophisticated sipping in casual surrounds. This is the place where you come in, order a martini or two, sip on well-crafted cocktails in elegant thin-stemmed glassware and escape into old world drinking.
Moya’s Juniper Lounge
Address: 101 Regent Street, Redfern, Sydney
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Website: www.moyasgin.com
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.
