Old Mate’s Place, Sydney’s newest hidden rooftop bar has Sydney-siders all set for summer.
Occupying the top floor and rooftop of a nondescript building on Clarence Street, Old Mate’s Place is the new bar by Dre Walters (formerly of The Lobo Plantation, Kittyhawk), Gabrielle Walters (BarGeek) and Daniel Noble (ex Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern). The trio have teamed together to bring to Sydney’s CBD a breath of fresh air and venue with a 2am license.
Take the lift up to Level 4 and you’ll think you have stumbled upon a grand old library complete with arched bookshelves framed by fernery, a chandelier over the bar, old photos of the owners’ family members on the walls, and intimate candle-lit leather booths. An impressive back bar houses a vast collection of spirits set among old tomes and vintage books worthy of a museum’s library.
Ascend the old wooden stairs and you’ll reach the outdoor rooftop area set among Sydney skyscrapers with a greenhouse inspired design. Come summer time, this will be the place to be.
Once seated at the bar, you’re offered an amuse-bouche presented in a pretty silver sherry glass. A whole coconut has been given the sous-vide treatment with fino sherry and a little yuzu sake added. It’s a light, refreshing palate cleanser to enjoy while studying the leather-bound drinks menu.
Old Mate’s Place is not a themed bar and this is reflected in the drink offering. The evolving cocktail menu features ten original cocktails with a picture drawing and a list of the ingredients alongside a succinct description. There’s the Retox, a combination of activated charcoal, coconut sugar, dehydrated basil, rye and Amaro noted down as a melody of sweet and sour; the Fog Tai, described as the love child of a Mai Tai and Fog Cutter; and Pistacia, combining rum, Manzanilla sherry with a weak orgeat-like syrup with lemon, grape, rhubarb and pistachio poured over a handsome block of ice and an aromatic lemon thyme garnish.
Aside from the elegant fitout and the originality of the cocktails, it’s the level of attention from the Old Mate’s team that grab you from the first visit. Sydney’s newest hidden rooftop bar is waiting to be discovered.
Old Mate’s Place
Address: Level 4, 199 Clarence Street, Sydney, Australia
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5pm to 2am; Sunday 2pm – 2am (rooftop closes at 10pm)
Website: oldmates.sydney
