The Hunter - CLOSED

Overview

The young professionals of Mosman have a new place to roam. No it's not the plains of the Serengeti, but a chic new watering hole The Hunter makes a clever nod in that direction. Step inside and a modern homage to Out of Africa creates the perfect back-drop for daylight or after-hour antics. Picture a soaring canvas-tent ceiling, rust-red sunset mural, and kerosene lamps which hang from garlands of vines. But by hunting lodge standards, rustic this isn't, and the mod-Oz menu is deftly crafted with the urban hunter in mind.

Grazers will love the safari-inspired snacks from the small plates of dukkah-crumbed, roasted baby beetroots ($13) – crunchy and juicy, and served with a dollop of lemony mayo – to the more filling emu sliders ($14). If the thought of tucking into the bird on our coat of arms leaves you in a cold sweat, just this once, walk on the wild side. Like a tender, seared beef burger, the sliders won't disappoint and are paired with the holy trinity of zesty tomato sauce, pickles and relish. Matched with one of The Hunter's crisp South African lagers – the Wandhoek is a treat ($9) – and you're ready for the night ahead.

Fancy something more sophisticated? Try a plate of crispy school prawns ($18). Salty, tangy and sweet, thanks to a pop of pomegranate honey, they're lightly battered and so perfectly fried you can eat them from head to tail (and we do!). Those with a sweet tooth won't go wrong with the Malva pudding ($12), South Africa's answer to the stodgy trifle, which manages that rare feat of desserts: show-stopper and comfort food in one. Served in a sharp martini glass, layers of vanilla bean custard, lush apricot jam and pudding are topped with a crunchy macadamia praline. In a word: divine.

More of a guzzler than a grazer? There are cocktails and drinks aplenty to keep the palate entertained. A chilli and vanilla spiced margarita ($16) is like slap across the face followed by a gentle caress. With its rim of striking black salt and lime, it's sharp and spicy – thanks to a slug of spiced agave syrup – and certain to get your inner hunter all fired up. Whilst the mom's apple pie cocktail ($18), a hit of cinnamon whiskey, apple liqueur and vanilla, is perfect for those who like their cocktails to wrap them in a crocheted embrace and snuggle them in front of the fire. The wine list holds its own delights, boasting solid South African pinot noirs to Aussie pinot gris and everything in between.

Whether you're there to be the hunter, or perfectly fine being the pretty prey, there's something at Mosman's newest watering hole to bring out your wild side.