Gin Lane
This Kensington Street townhouse is filled with gins from around the world, and now boasts a nostalgic British dining room.
Overview
Longstanding Kensington Street cocktail bar, Gin Lane, has recently added to its offering. The popular spot now boasts an old-world British pub. Cosy and charming, it's the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Gin Lane is found in an 18th-century heritage-listed townhouse and is known and loved for, not surprisingly, its extensive collection of gins and spirits from around the globe. While theatrical cocktails will still be on show, the addition of the 40-seat upstairs dining room rounds out the offering, making this a one-stop show for a boozy lunch or lively night out on the town.
"Everyone knows Gin Lane for its gin tonics and cocktails, but we're excited to bring something completely new to Kensington Street. We wanted to create a venue where guests can enjoy the full experience, world-class cocktails and good old British pub grub done with finesse. I've always admired Nelly's cooking, and we're so excited to have him on board and curating this menu. And in true Gin Lane fashion, we obviously had to have some fun with the drinks," says owner and leading mixologist Grant Collins.
Chef Nelly Robinson is responsible for the menu, jam-packed with classic, nostalgic British bites. "I wanted to bring a little slice of home to Sydney with those classic British dishes that are so hard to find done properly. We wanted to recreate that feeling of settling into your favourite local pub on a cold evening with generous roasts and comforting classics," says Robinson.
There's fish and chips done in proper British fashion with cod, a pork pie served with HP sauce mayonnaise, crumpets complemented with smoked honey butter, and classic, crunchy scotch eggs. Swing by on Sunday for a traditional roast of slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary and mint, served up with roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, glazed carrots and mint gravy. Don't leave your vegan friends at home, with nut roasts available as a pleasing alternative.
Downstairs at the bar, Collins has created a list of cheeky martinis to complement the food menu. There is a salt-and-vinegar iteration designed to pair with your fish and chips, as well as a Wagyu Beef and Mustard-Washed Bloody Mary Martini and a Lamb Roast Martinez. While they are available individually, go for the tasting platter trio to get a true taste of Collins' quirkiness.
Images: Supplied.
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