Award-winning cocktail bar – inconspiculously located behind traditional gent’s barbershop
November 21st, 2014
Launched last year in Sydney’s office district, The Barber Shop represents a first-of-its-kind hybrid venue in Australia – an intriguing juxtaposition of traditional barber shop and hidden cocktail bar. Deftly referencing a bygone era when the traditional gentleman’s barber shop was a social hub for a male-only clientele – seamlessly melded with the popular trend for speakeasy-style drinking dens, The Barbers Shop has rapidly become one of Sydney’s most acclaimed cocktail bars. Within its first year of operation The Barber Shop has garnered an impressive array of awards – local and international – including Australian Liquor Industry Awards 2014 – Winner “Best New Venue or Concept”; and the respected Tales of the Cocktail – New Orleans 2014 – Finalist “Best New International Cocktail Bar”.
Behind a full-glass street level facade, The Barber Shop presents as an authentic barber shop. A pair of vintage black leather barber’s chairs stand prominently in the compact, white tiled space, while antique timber cabinets showcase men’s grooming aids and retro barber’s equipment. Expert barbers are on hand offering full barber’s services – including haircuts, hot towel shaves and beard trims. And at the rear of the shop, beyond an unmarked doorway, the concealed bar space is revealed. With an interior modeled on a traditional English bar – with simple dark timber tables and chairs, vivid green walls, and an eclectic assemblage of vintage paraphernalia – the bar exudes a relaxed and convivial vibe conducive to serious imbibing. Opening onto a nondescript rear laneway, a small outdoor section of tables and stools also caters to smokers.
Compatible with its traditional English barber and bar inspiration, the drinks menu at The Barber Shop evidences a degree of English inflection, in particular with a focus on the quintessential English spirit – gin. An impressive list running to over 40 different gins- primarily English – supplemented with artisan labels from Europe, USA and Australia. A collection of vintage gins- dating back to the 1950’s – entice the gin connoisseurs. Signature cocktails, crafted by the accomplished bar team with premium artisan spirits and seasonal ingredients, are served in elegant crystal glassware – suitably chilled. Other spirits served include a good selection of single malts and bourbons, plus artisan tequilas and mezcals. Appetites are comforted with a compact list of bar eats and sharing boards.
At the shopfront, the barbers are on hand Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm (late evenings Thursday & Friday), while at the bar, opening hours Monday to Friday are between 2 pm and midnight, and on Saturdays from 4 pm to midnight. No reservations at the bar, but barber appointments are recommended. Check out the Facebook Page for updates on special events and drinks information.
Inside The Barber Shop
The Barber Shop cocktails
(cocktail images courtesy of The Barber Shop)
