Suntory Bar Takeover at Prefecture 48

Overview

For three months from Friday, August 8 to Saturday, November 8, legendary Japanese drinks company Suntory is turning Whisky Thief inside Sydney's Prefecture 48 precinct into ground zero for highballs, international guest bartenders, chefs and exclusive experiences.

Suntory Bar features bespoke snacks by award-winning chef Tetsuya Wakuda. It's an exclusive chance to experience his food, with dishes created just for the residency in collaboration with the head chef of Prefecture 48's kaiseki restaurant, Garaku.

The menu leans into Japanese technique with a modern edge. You'll find fried oysters with citrus mayonnaise and ikura, tuna tartare with shiso and ponzu and a "Wagyu Hambagu Burger" with Patatas Fritas. It's all designed to pair with Suntory's signature Highballs, but if you're trying the exclusive Tetsuya Wakuda snack, the recommended choice is the Hakushu Highball — a smoky take on the classic, crisp whisky and soda that's huge in Japan.

The drinks cover plenty of ground, offering a deep dive into the full Suntory portfolio. You'll find a range of beers, spirits and creative cocktails showcasing Toki Whisky, Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and more.

There's also a Haku-inspired Japanese slipper, BOSS Coffee reworked into an Irish coffee, whisky flights, a delicious Minus 196 spritz, and pours of Suntory The Premium Malt's beer. And for something unexpected, try Hibiki Harmony served neat over ice cream - call it a whisky take on an affogato if you will.

Over the three-month stint, the bar will also host guest bartenders from around the world. They'll drop in for takeovers, special events and limited-time additions to the menu. The main Suntory Bar is open for walk-ins and bookings, Tuesday to Saturday each week.

Suntory Bar is spread over two levels of Prefecture 48, a Japanese dining hub home to restaurants like Ibushi, Garaku and Omakase. The space has been given a full seasonal refresh to channel a modern Japanese garden and will bring the best parts of Japan's dining and drinking culture — including a post-work nomikai (drinking ritual) — to the heart of Sydney.

If you're into Japanese spirits, rare collabs or just want a good reason to finish work on time, this one's worth locking in.

Suntory Bar runs from Friday, August 8–Saturday, November 8 at Whisky Thief in Prefecture 48, 230 Sussex Street Sydney. It's open Tuesday–Thursday from 5–11pm and Friday–Saturday from 5pm–midnight. For more details and bookings head to the website.