The Gardens

Overview

Just in time for summer, the huge 350 square metre space in front of The Commons has been transformed into a charming outdoor courtyard where you can drink large jugs of punch, graze on nibbles and grow progressively tiddlier while bathing in the free and easy, super chill vibe. It almost feels like you’re in the VIP tent at Coachella – of significant social importance but still easy-going and knowing where you came from.

This is the one-stop-solution for the ultimate chilled-out wind-down after a long day of being stuck in a hot office. May it be with one significant other or a congregation of compadres, you can share a range of splendidly refreshing punches such as the Flowers After Hours in a “picnic” size for two or a “garden party” for 4 - 6 ($22 and $38 respectively). The gin and elderflower liqueur came in separate vials for us to distribute the alcohol accordingly – meaning more gin for everyone but the sober driver. Sorry, but safety first.

If you’re one who lives for the banter, you might be lucky enough to be waited on by a particular Irishman. He, who has impeccable yet sassy vocabulary, will provide a great laugh or a wee giggle during your Sunday session. The barman at The Commons will also gladly and very competently, whip up some concoction to your palate’s predilection – even if it’s something bizarre like a boozy banana martini – it tasted like a refined monkey’s dream drink.

Torn between choosing the margherita or the funghi pesto pizza for a painfully long time, we decided to go for the latter with mushrooms, buffalo mozzarella, rocket, truffle oil and pesto ($19.50). With its base so perfectly crispy and thin, it was swiped up by my one, sole petite-framed companion. I nearly missed a slice from my preoccupation of munching on my own large plate of lamb cutlets with salsa verde and prune ($16).

The best part of my Sunday night was the dessert – a big bowl of malt ice cream, soft chocolate and honeycomb. The amalgamation of the crunchy brittle and soft melting textures with the sweet caramel and chocolate was pure diabetic heaven. This is the number one reason why I will be making another trip across the bridge, all the way to the shore. That, and other reasons such as elegantly soaking in the sun while listening to live music with a strong drink in one hand and a lamb cutlet in the other.