Coming Soon: Neil Perry's Chic Double Bay Martini Lounge Is Helmed by a New York Bar Legend

Revered chef, veteran restaurateur and bonefide icon Neil Perry has single-handedly transformed Double Bay into one of Sydney's most ascendant dining hotspots. First came Margaret, Perry's mod-Aus post-Rockpool passion project which was recently recognised as one of the world's best steakhouses. Next, there was Baker Bleu, the much-lauded Melbourne bakery that moved in next door to Margaret at Perry's behest to supply his fine diner with top-quality baked goods.

Now Perry has two more jewels to add to his Double Bay crown. Song Bird — a vast, multi-level Cantonese eatery — will be one of the most ambitious venues Perry has ever launched when it opens at the heritage-listed Gaden House in early September. Before that, however, a smaller yet no-less impressive venue is opening in Gaden House's basement.

Set to welcome its first punters on Friday, August 30, Bobbie's is a cocktail lounge specialising in martinis. To realise his vision for a chic 'tini joint, Perry has tapped his long-time friends, Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, the dynamic duo behind famed New York haunt Dante.

Indeed, the bar could be considered more Pride's than Perry's, since its name, Bobbie's, is an ode to Pride's renowned grandfather, Australian DJ Bob Rogers OAM, the nation's longest-serving radio announcer who is credited with introducing Top 40 radio programming on 2UE in the late 1950s. In a further nod to Pride's illustrious grandfather, Bobbie's will also be a live music venue.

"When Neil mentioned his plans for Song Bird and his vision for a bar in the basement, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to return to Sydney and work on a project with one of my greatest mentors," Pride explains. "Nathalie and I jumped at the chance to work alongside Neil to create a world class cocktail bar in our hometown that captured the live music and swagger of Bobbie's generation."

Rather than inventing signatures, the menu will stick to more traditional territory, offering a wide range of martinis as well as riffs on the classics. The star of the menu will be the signature Bobbie's martini, a mingle that has both sweet and dirty qualities featuring Dolin Blanc, Mancino Dry, Hickson Road gin and clarified green Apple, garnished Gibson style with a pickled onion.

Bright, fruity flavours also abound courtesy of the Tuxedo No.3 martini, a sprightly mix of Fino sherry, Malfy gin, clarified passionfruit and orange bitters), the Watermelon Garabaldi starring Davo Plum Aperitivo Bitters, Campari and "fluffy" watermelon, and the lychee martini, combining Fig Leaf Hendricks, Lillet Rosé and Italicus.

The streamlined wine list will focus on champagne. Setting a celebratory tone, emerging champagne growers, more established champagne houses and sparkling wines from around the world will be popping their corks.

And what Perry venue would be complete without a serious dining offering. The menu will star seafood and elevated bar snacks, but also sandwiches — both fresh and toasted. Think Walker's Big Eye Tuna with green olive and lemon salsa, Spencer Gulf King Prawn cocktail with Murray Rose sauce, and CopperTree Farm beef patty cheese melts with gruyere and pickles. Lighter bites lean luxe, with white sturgeon caviar, freshly shucked Sydney
Rock oysters and gildas with green olive, anchovy and pickled chilli on the menu.

"We've designed Bobbie's to be a place for people to enjoy at any time of the day or night," Perry shares. "Whether it be for a martini and oysters in the afternoon, a nightcap and cheese plate on the way home, or a full evening of dining, drinking and live music – the choice is yours."

Find Bobbie's at 24 Bay Street, Double Bay, opening Friday, August 30. Head to the bar's website for more details. 

Images: Petrina Tinslay