Once you climb the dark stairs from street level, there’s a long narrow room with French doors opening on to a terrace overlooking Stanley St. At the other end of the room are the loos – typical of a Sydney terrace, a bar with stools running along one side and lots of different types of comfy vintage seating around the room in intimate groupings.
We were given a warm welcome by the person behind the bar – who, within minutes, came over with glasses of water and a drinks menu. Fairweather ordered one of the house cocktails – Hamish – tequila, Talikser single malt whisky and bitters – a combo that worked perfectly – tequila taste to start, developing to a distinctly whisky middle then finishing with the bitters. I ordered a classic dry Martini and was asked what gin I prefer – also given a run down on the different qualities of the gins (we love that). So I left it up to the waiter – she settled on Sipsmith from Hammersmith, London. It was perfect – just one hesitation, I’m not keen on a large thick twist of lemon rind that takes over your glass – a fine small twist is far more classic in martinis.
We loved the very cool music at Hazy Rose – like the Band, Thunderclap Newman and a song called Fujiyama Mama which is also the name of one of their cocktails.
After our cocktails, we thought we’d try the cheese board which was good if but very small. Our bar person suggested a glass of Monte Antico – Tuscan Sangiovese blend which worked very well with the cheese.
This is a very cool Sydney small bar, the service sharp and knowledgable, drinks are on the money, their comfy chairs, low lighting and very, very cool music. Hazy Rose is the new place in East Sydney – check it out.
The Hazy Rose
83 Stanley St, Darlinghurst Sydney 2010
