Kings Cross favourite The Powder Keg may be no more, but world renowned mixologist Grant Collins hasn’t given up on owning one of the most comprehensive and playful gin-focused small bars in Sydney. Now, the visionary bar consultant is heading up Gin Lane, a sophisticated new small bar that has just opened in the vibrant Kensington Street precinct in Chippendale, replacing what was once Bar Chinois.
Molded into a beautifully restored 18th Century terraced town house, Gin Lane channels a slice of old-world English charm with a design brief defined by rich jewel tones, warm lighting and timber features. Going for the sleek and understated aesthetic, the bar has absorbed the house’ character to present something unique to one the on-going dynamism of Kensington Street.
Grant has made full use of his extensive knowledge of flavour pairings to carefully put together a 25-deep cocktail list that benefits from the bar’s selection of 25 specialty gins sourced from all over the world, sitting alongside an cabinet of vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, craft beer, wine and non-alcoholic concoctions. Collins has even brought back a classic from The Powder Keg days, with one of the signature cocktails being the theatrical “Gunpowder Plot”, which has gunpowder tea spiked gin mixed with fernet branca, gunpowder syrup, dandelion and burdoch bitters, and fresh citrus served in a smoked cloche with gunpowder twigs.
It very much seems like Grant is building on the interesting ideas which made The Powder Keg such a sought-after spot for gin-lovers and gin-casuals, which means that there should be a bunch of different gin-and-tonic concoctions on the menu with different perspectives on the classic.
A grazing menu that includes salt-and-pepper cuttlefish and cheese selections is being offered to pair up with the drinks, while plans are in motion to fill the space with regular live music sessions as well as themed live art installations.
Gin Lane
Address: 16 Kensington Street, Chippendale
Hours: Mon-Thu 4:30pm-11:45pm; Fri 12pm-12pm; Sat-Sun 4:30pm-11:45pm
Website: www.ginlanesydney.com.au
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