Overview
The crew behind many of Sydney's top watering holes has turned its attention toward takeaway spirits with a sleek new bottle shop. Barrelhouse Group is the acclaimed hospo team who have previously served up The Duke of Clarence, Hickson House Distilling Co, The Barber Shop — and now, Barrelhouse Cellas, an intimate hybrid bottle-o, tasting room and deli.
Carved into the iconic sandstone streets of The Rocks, Barrelhouse Cellars has taken over a historic George Street building. The site was built and operated as The King's Tavern from the 1840s to the early 1900s before being used as The Salvation Army Naval and Military Home, the home of the Tung Wah Times and the base for the NSW Ambulance Service in the years since.
In-store, you'll find a huge range of spirits and aperitifs, with special consideration given to local distillers and boundary-pushing makers. Expect the full range of Hickson House gin, plus plenty of craft beers, new-world whiskies, local vodkas and bottled cocktails. Joining the booze is a stack of tasty meats, cheeses and tinned goodies to elevate your night at home.
You'll be spoilt for choice — and if you can't reach a decision, there are individual tastings of both the drinks and snacks on offer in order to help you come to the perfect conclusion. Plus, store manager and hospitality veteran Nick Minogue is pulling together themed flights so that you can expand your pallet.
Head in on the right day and you'll also be greeted by a series of Meet the Maker sessions. The shop has already hosted its inaugural event, inviting Nashdale Lane in to run a tasting of its cool-climate vino. Keep an eye out on the store's Instagram for future sessions.
"The Cellars is the next stage of our longer-term vision for The Rocks," said Barrelhouse Group Founders Julian Train and Mikey Enright.
"We wanted to create an accessible, inviting, local bottle shop; drawing on our hospitality experience to add a few features we couldn't find elsewhere. The paved tasting courtyard is particularly special. Come down soon to grab a sip and a bottle."
If you can't make it in but you're on the hunt for something particular, check the Barrelhouse Cellars website. The bottle shop offers nationwide delivery and same-day delivery for Sydneysiders.
Barrelhouse Cellars is open at 73 George Street, The Rocks. It's open 10am–8pm Monday–Wednesday and Saturday, 10am–9pm Friday and 10am–6pm Sunday.