Zeta Bar (The Hilton) - Sydney, Australia - Review

Share:    

Approximately 27 years ago a 30 something male with a bit of spare cash and cute clothes went clubbing

. The setting was Juliana's, at the Hilton Hotel. He wooed girls with strawberries and cream, guzzled down screwdrivers and one Saturday night met the right girl. They got married and had two kids.

True story, I promise! The 30 something was my dad, the girl was my mum. I'm one of the kids and as life goes... things change and so has the bar my parents met at all those years ago.

Even though Juliana's is no more, the Hilton is still home to Sydney's sexiest bar. Since 2005, its been replaced with Zeta Bar. Newspapers, and bloggers in the know have talked this spot up, dubbing it "the place to be". So, being 21 and keen to step into my finest threads, I headed out. I found Zeta Bar had so much more to offer than just a hyped up name.

From the moment my taxi drove into the driveway of the Hilton I knew this was a special bar. Two men in shiny suits approached my cab, opening both back doors and escorting me out of the vehicle. The friendly chaps held open the door as I entered the ground level of the hotel. I felt fabulous as I glided across the polished marble floors; past ladies in sky high heals. I tapped the lift button gently and stepped in. When the lift doors opened, I jumped out excitedly totally prepared for the opulent night ahead.
Share:    

Soft electronic tunes enveloped me as I walked into the bar. The room was decked out in purple tones, furniture made from dark wood and dim red lighting. The main room has the long wood bar perched directly in the middle where friendly and relaxed staff let creativity run wild. To the left of the bar, there are a dozen small private corners where music is soft and the mood is very intimate. While the lounge area opposite complete with leather cushion style seats and dark timber chairs arranged around a fireplace burning with sparkling glass rocks provides for a more casual, classy spot to sit.

To the right is the outdoor area where people can opt to stand holding martinis or sit with platters of snacks. This section is lined with marble benches and stainless steel stools making for a relaxed spot for large groups. The alfresco area overlooks the hustle and bustle of George St and the historic shopping complex, the Queen Victoria Building.

International mixologist, Grant Collins is a leader in creative cocktails and he shakes up a list of lovely ones at Zeta. The clubs signature is the pineapple and coriander martini. Succulent pineapple pressed with coriander leaves and plymouth gin, vanilla de madagascar, pressed lemon juice, finished with Zeta's own vanilla syrup is fresh and fruity. Collins experiments with the traditional margarita - serving it martini style on a platter with a side of sea-salt foam in a baked and caramelised lime shell. He also toys with New York's favourite cocktail, the Manhattan. He infuses this American classic with smoky bacon bourbon, maple syrup and cherry syrup. It is served with a side of smoky bacon and a tangy cherry garnish making for one very very strong beverage.

The experiments don't stop there. Zeta spices up summer with icy alcoholic sorbets. A first here in Australia, Zeta has adopted what has been dubbed molecular mixology. This is where cocktails are deconstructed using molecular techniques such as altering textures and tastes into liquid nitrogen. Every Friday night over the warmer months, Zeta has your favourite cocktails like the Negroni and the Pina Colada served in cones ($4), and cups ($6).

While the bar staff aim to impress you with the cocktails - which on average are $18 - you should be prepared to make a statement (as most patrons do), with your attire. you never know who you'll run into. Word has it that the original darling of David Jones, Megan Gale, swimmer, Ian Thorpe and actor, Hugh Jackman frequent this hotspot. While singer, Jessica Simpson, actress, Nicole Ritchie and rapper, Snoop Dogg have partied here in the past.

Don't think you need an academy award or an invitation to come here. Certainly, Friday nights are for the suits after work (I may have met a couple of men who worked at relatively large banks while I was there). Saturdays, there is always a cover charge above $10, it isn't unusual to see designer outfits strutting around the dance floor and the big black card being used over the counter. The toilets (I only entered the ladies ones), are even impressive with thick, almost sound proof doors, sleek, marble, flat basins with censored taps. A girl stands on hand to pass you a paper towel for you to dry your hands before you pass in back to her so she can dispose of it for you.

Despite all this, Zeta Bar's staff provides top quality service, are down-to-earth and know exactly what they're on about in the drinks department. While I probably won't make Zeta a regular thing, it was nice to see the up-to-date version of where my parents met. Who knows though, maybe if I head back there, I might also meet Prince Charming, get married, have two kids and live happily ever after.

Zeta Bar (The Hilton) - Sydney, Australia - Review

By: barsandnightclubs

POST COMMENT

China's Food Town Sweet and Happy Memory of Halloween Hair Wigs The Previous President For South Africa Has A Liking For Share Old Affairs The Expanding of Timberland You can buy Omega Replica Watches at discout on Christmas Day Reminiscing Halloween Costumes in 1980 Autumn Festivals Important Information To Use When You Travel. India Travel Tours: Great Way Of Enjoying The Places Via India Essential Reasons Why You Should Buy Eminent Luggage For Travel Article Writing for Online Website Traffic Affordable International Travel Agency - For Your Comfy Trip Golden Triangle Tour Packages by Travel Agency India by:Erco Travel