Overview
Sydney's west has scored some love in the form of a sleek new bar in Belmore's local precinct that's setting a new precedent of luxe dining within the locale.
Bartega is the latest addition to the Canterbury Leagues Club, kicking off a slate of new dining spots off the back of the club's multimillion dollar revamp. The artisanal cocktail bar brings a taste of luxury to south-west Sydney, offering up elegant dining while maintaining the warmth of a neighbourhood gem.
Hosting intimate seating for 60, the venue boasts interiors designed by award-winning studio Altis Architecture and features locally-sourced vintage pieces including the attractive marble bar. There's also a cosy balcony for al fresco dining that overlooks the precinct's leafy gardens.
Bartega offers up a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience, with renowned mixologist Tony Rudolph (ex-Bennelong, ex-Woodcut) crafting the drinks menu. A drinks program that maintains "a playful yet refined approach to both classics and bespoke concoctions" is the crux of Tony's mixology ethos.
Cast your eyes over the selection on offer and you'll spot inventive mixes like the Jin Cha — Roku gin combined with matcha, Chartreuse Green, yuzu and honey — and a solid lineup of wine, beer and spirits, including sips from award-winning distillery Kalki Moon, whose spiced rum features in the bar's Flamin' Galah cocktail.
As you'd hope, there's also a specialty cocktail honouring the beloved local footy team with a shoutout to Bulldogs mascot Brutus the bulldog (it's called the Brutus Blue).
For bites, you can select from elevated snacks like steak tartare crostini, oven baked brie and charcuterie boards and cheese platters, as well as sticky pork belly bao buns and crispy cauliflower popcorn.
The Belmore newcomer hopes to reinvigorate nightlife within Canterbury-Bankstown, bringing a great night out a little closer to home. Plus, the venue is the first of many aiming to redefine previous perceptions of the area when it comes to quality dining spots. For starters, Bartega has taken up residence alongside a local favourite — and one of Sydney's top yum cha spots — The Dynasty.
"Bartega is more than just another cocktail bar," says CEO Greg Pickering. "South-West Sydney has a lot to offer as a destination, and we're hoping to showcase this, as well as offer a luxurious and accessible atmosphere for locals.".