The multi-leveled CBD haunt offers bars, DJs and jazz. The setting here is steeped in history and, yes, you guessed it, plenty of art.
They say that most artists are filled with complexities and possess various 'layers'. Maybe this explains why the Arthouse Hotel has four different bars, lots-a-layers and almost requires its own map (especially after indulging in a few drinks).
First of all there's the main bar called Verge (formerly a chapel, library and theatre). Then there's the soft-lit Gallery bar to the side. Finally upstairs you'll find the Dome restaurant and The Attic, which is the official cocktail lounge.
Arty by name and by nature, the Arthouse scores brownie points for supporting creativity. All four bar areas are filled with paintings and other assorted artworks. The entire venue doubles as a gallery of sorts. Even you don't have a single creative bone in your body you can still succumb to the killer cocktail list, knock back a few martinis and at least pretend to contemplate the paintings. Go on, pose away.
While you won't find nudity in most Sydney bars, Arthouse is an exception. Bare skin isn't smut here. It's
art darling. There's a regular life-drawing class (held on Monday nights inside Dome) plus Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School event (held on Tuesday nights inside The Attic) which revolves around drinking and sketching burlesque-style cabaret girlies. It's all rather naughty but nice.
Other events include cocktail degustation nights, live jazz sessions, film screenings and networking nights for film makers.
Andrea Tomaz
