This bar and restaurant has a distinct garden theme, from the verdant outdoor area, right down to the cocktail ingredients. The wine list boasts 300 labels.
Decorated with live moss, Parisian furniture and imposing Turkish gates, this largely alfresco venue bears a closer resemblance to the luxe courtyard of an exclusive apartment building than your usual pine-clad beer garden. Gazebo is a comfortably sophisticated and open space which offers a peripheral seat for viewing the action of Kings Cross, in all its seedy and stylish, feral and fabulous splendour.
Courtesy of chef Ross Eckersley (ex-Bathers' Pavilion), the seafood-focused menu features the newly popular tapas-style share plates, as well as main courses.
As the name suggests, the 300-strong wine list is just as tempting, with 40 drops available by the glass - including many that one would not normally see being poured. And although the wine list is high brow, it isn't intimidating at all. The vinos are separated into light-hearted categories such as 'pink bits', 'slurpables' and 'unpronounceables'. Furthermore, the staff seem pleased to explain the wines in layman's terms and make recommendations to suit individual tastes.
Gazebo has significant industry cred; it was named wine bar of the year at the 2006 Bar Awards. That's a good reason to indulge in a naughty vino session when you visit. Like you needed one.
One last thing: if you happen to have a few drinks and then see a stuffed fox stuck to the ceiling, don't panic; you're not hallucinating. It's just the venue's beloved mascot, Ferdinand. You can look, you can admire, but don't contemplate touching or stealing him. He's Gazebo's most prized possession. Show him respect!
Shelly Tustin & Andrea Tomaz
