The Lowercase

How cute are these CLOUD pillows below by The Lowercase, $68 each and very unique visit www.thelowercase.com.au for more information ;) and room ideas.

SYDNEY SMALL BAR CRAWL

Hubby and I went on a date and decided to test out the small bars that have taken over Sydney in the last year. For our international readers, Sydney has always been known for big grand bars, the bigger the better was the idea in the past. But now (thank god) we have embraced the small bar revolution thanks to our very proactive Lord Mayor Clover Moore who relaxed the licensing laws allowing really anyone to open a small bar. It has really brought out the creative side of most owners and we have some superb bars that compete with Melbourne (dare I say it)


The Baxter Inn was a real surprise. Same boys own Shady Pines and Tio's (read below) have created another very unique small bar that transports you back to Southern America. This has to be the best bar in Sydney right now especially if you are a scotch/whiskey drinker. The menu behind the bar staff which appeared to be the largest wine list we have ever seen, turns out to be the largest range of Scotch and Whiskey in Sydney - over 400 varieties.


For those cocktail lovers (me) don't be sad, it's not all scotch and whiskey, they do some great classics as well as wine and beer. It's hard to find, down an alley way around the corner, down some winding stairs to a big door that opens up to the most pumping energetic bar in Sydney. It's technically located at 154 Clarence Street visit them TODAY


Somethings going on in Clarence Street... first Baxter Inn above and then Grandma's Bar - both sensational fun bars. Grandmas is located at the Basement of the Fender Shop at 275 Clarence Street. It's a really great place that only fits about 50 ppl so get there earlish


Jaffles and cocktails - what more could you want after work ;) and I have to say, their customer service is outstanding, consider them for your next party - they were extremely accommodating with my requests and even offered to provide entire bar on a Sunday based on min 30 ppl. For more information visit www.grandmas.com.au


Now we haven't actually been to Since I Left You - I've been dying to try this since last year, but somehow never get to it but it's on the list - if you get to it let me know what it's like http://www.sinceileftyou.com.au/


Tio's was a real surprise. Same peeps as Shady Pines and Baxter. It's located on Foster Street in Surry Hills next door to Spence & Lyda. It's VERY new, opened Dec 2011. It totally feels like you've stepped off a Mexican beach to the local bar for the night... it's the local that everyone needs. The Cocktails were the best of the night - all tequila infused (heaven for me) but the variations were really impressive. Everyone was served free chipotle infused popcorn which went down a treat - this is on the highly recommended list....

El Loco has some mixed reviews but I personally love it here. The food is cheap fast and very tasty although not very authentic but really fab either way. Apparently same boys as Ms Gs at head of menu selection. It's a super fun but can get very hectic - it's another addition to the Merivale stable and my favourite one.

The tacos are the best as well as the tortilla salad, the burgers and hot dogs not very Mexican but I hear tasty - but stick to the tacos. The Coriander and Lemongrass Margaritas are so refreshing.

For more info visit them at http://www.elloco.com.au/ fun place ;)

Our last stop for the night and a late dinner was at Barrio Chino, I'm not big on their cocktails here but the food is absolutely sensational. The tacos, the salads - everything is really authentic and super tasty. To add to the great food the ambiance is really fun, crowd is relaxed and the tequila list excellent.... ;)

For more information visit http://barriochino.com.au/

THE FOXTROT CROWS NEST

Brought to you by the same boys in charge of The Pony Room in Manly, The Foxtrot is located at 28 Falcon Street Crows Nest and has the same excellent formula as Manly.

The pizzas are sensational and the bar staff certainly know how to make a tasty cocktail. It's a little hard to find and they like to keep a low profile, a tiny white sign is all that you will see, but once inside they have decked it out beautifully with the same cosy vibe as their sister bar in Manly.

The best part which Manly does not have is the open air terrace upstairs. Huge fan of anything these guys do.... keep up the great work!

SMALL BAR CRAWL - MANLY

We hope you had an amazing holiday break. Hubby and I decided to check out our local hood as we often venture out in the city but rarely experience our own Northern Beaches. We discovered that the small bar revolution has also hit Manly and it's sensational. Our number 1 pick would be The Pony Room located at 26-28 Pittwater Rd, Manly. The service is outstanding and the Pizza's - amazing. We love the cocktails in a jar and prices are reasonable and I personally love they have Agavero (a hard to find tequila liqueur)


We didn't get to Jah Bar but hear it's got a great live music vibe and tasty tapas... visit them at 9-15 Central Ave Manly


A long time favourite Insitu is not just a bar, the food is served all day but the place comes to life at night. Great tunes, fun cocktails great service also located in Central Ave


I guess you can't look past Hugo's but the secret here is the lounge area over looking the water. This relaxing spot on a Sunday is just perfect, the cocktail list is amazing whilst the Pizza's are pricey they are SO tasty and pair well with a mojito or two (Located on Manly Wharf)


Manly Pavillion has recently changed its head chef. I attended a lunch last year and the food was superb, this is the most expensive option out of the top 10 but well worth a special visit as this would be the best location in Manly for a drink and some bar food. It's located opposite Manly Wharf above the Manly Aquarium.


Miss Marley's is for my fellow tequila lovers. The tequila list is very impressive, we are not too fond of the ambiance or the attitude but if you love your tequila this is the place to be.


Manly Wine is part of the every expanding Winery group. They have 3 other locations in Sydney and each one as unique as the next. The best part of this venue is the relaxed beach vibe, you certainly wouldn't see patrons in their Surry Hills venue wearing board shorts and thongs and rocking a great tan straight off the beach ;) We love this place and the food is fantastic. Look out for their Girls picnic on a Sunday option - totally fun!


Manly Wharf Hotel is an institution for all Manly lovers. The location is the draw card, perched right on the water on Manly Wharf. There are many rooms to get the right ambiance you need to enjoy your time. Our favourite spot is either outside on the main deck or the lounge areas facing the water. The pizza's here compete with Hugo's, they are just as good and the selection of bar food is fantastic. One of our favourite spots in Manly. Maybe try to avoid on a Saturday night, very hectic but a lazy Sunday by the water is the way to go ;)


We then discovered a newbie called Harlem on Central. We are told the same company owns Sugar Lounge and Miss Marley's so it is part of a chain but you certainly don't get the chain vibe. It's old school charm with first class service - one of the best Amaretto Sours I've ever had (sis take note) Food is American/Creole looks tasty yet to try, recommended it's located on Central Ave next door to Insitu - look carefully because you could miss it.

And lastly, another newbie on the black - Hemingway's, located on Manly Beach it's the location of the old Barking Frog Venue. Great atmosphere, excellent cocktails, food was tasty if not a little heavy but it's a lovely concept for Manly

Enjoy!