Antique style and old-fashioned service meet well-mixed martinis at this classic bar.
Sipping an Esplendido martini in a plush lounge chair to the sounds of a pianist tinkling the keys in the corner, one does feel that the year is somewhere in the 19th-century and that the hustle of the city is still decades, let alone kilometres, away.
Globe Bar at the Observatory Hotel brings Old-World glamour to the top end of the CBD, with old-fashioned service and a decor reminiscent of the historic homes that once populated the area. Dark wood-panelled walls encircle the room, providing a dramatic backdrop for antique furniture and an extensive book collection. In a further nod to classic times, high tea draws a crowd in the afternoon with cakes and Earl Grey the order of the day. Of course, the presence of suited after-work characters, taking advantage of wireless Internet and treats such as the wagyu burger with teriyaki sauce, reassures guests that it is indeed Sydney in the 21st century.
Globe Bar is home to the Thursday night Martini Club where devoted "Martinians" can try their drink of choice - shaken or stirred. The Millers Point martini is the signature option on the menu with Belvedere vodka, flavoured with pink grapefruit and a hint of Cointreau, topped with Australian sparkling wine.
For an elegant evening in traditional surrounds, Globe Bar offers a touch of yesteryear with all the fine service and conveniences of a top city venue.
Liz Niland
