Once the GPO's mail sorting area, this cavernous place with more than 100 years of history now lives for cocktails and after-work beers. Chandeliers and sandstone provide the backdrop.
For a blink-and-miss-it moment, this place was called Bar 1874. However, let's face it, some people find it hard enough to memorise their own banking PIN, let alone the numeric title of where they're going for cocktails. With this reasoning in mind, the management behind GPO Sydney decided to take action and eliminate the guesswork factor that was plaguing their venue's title. They changed the name right before the launch party and now this place is called Crystal Bar (which is much easier to remember, especially after a few margaritas).
This after-dark venue has a cavernous feel. Descend the granite and steel staircase and you'll discover a space that's all sandstone walls, padded leather nooks, thick columns and mod, halo-shaped chandeliers with crystals. Bingo. There's the bling that inspired that revamped name.
For a cocktail-induced buzz, order up a Bea Dee (gin, apple liqueur, orange juice, brandy, cucumber and vanilla). There's also plenty of vodka on hand and all the bottles are positioned in a specially designed ice trough, which apparently allows the alcohol to be chilled to exactly the right temperature while still remaining on display.
DJs play funk and soulful grooves on Friday and Saturday nights, and although Crystal Bar is starting to style itself as a hybrid venue with a part-time clubby feel, most visitors still come for the cocktails.
Andrea Tomaz
