Busby's Bar

Overview

Boasting boutique accommodation, a poolside bar and an all-day bistro, Paddington's Oxford House added Bubsy's Wine and Record Bar to its offerings in 2023. It landed on Oxford Street with a P&V-curated wine list, Maybe Sammy leading the charge with the cocktails, Automata's Clayton Wells in charge of the food and a rotating list of special guests taking charge of the soundtrack.

Soft lamp-lit ambience and velvety red carpets set the mood at the Paddington haunt, acting as a counterpoint to the venue's upbeat next-door neighbours, the bustling El Primo Sanchez, as well as the summer-ready Oxford House pool bar. With an intimate atmosphere and exciting drinks list, we're predicting Busby's will be an ongoing hit on Valentine's Day.

Known for making eccentric drops more approachable, P&V's Mike Bennie has helped create an expansive wine list spanning bottles from Australia, France and Italy.

Parker Blain

Maybe Sammy's Paolo Maffietti has similarly ensured the cocktail list isn't too intimidating, sticking to just five signature drinks that are designed to complement the minimal-intervention vino. Sip on an Abbey Road — a combination of citrus gin, vermouth blanco, Davidson plum and champagne — or opt for the tequila, grappa and ginger wine mix of the Megatone.

Public Hospitality's Group Creative Culinary Director Clayton Wells rounds out the offerings at Busby's with a snack menu you'll find difficult to turn down. Sydney rock oysters are topped with blackberry vinegar and roasted kelp oil, while the chicken liver parfait is partnered with spiced pineapple and liquorice.

Then, there's the other key component of this wine and record bar: the music. Inspired by tuned-filled haunts around the world, Busby's is known to host residencies from beloved figures of Sydney's music scene.

Go there with high expectations and be delighted to have them met.

Parker Blain

Images: Parker Blain and Jonny Valiant.