Overview
Sydneysiders can now sip some of the world's best cocktails from 22 stories up thanks to the opening of a new cocktail bar inside the A by Adina Hotel. Dean & Nancy on 22 is the latest opening from the team behind Maybe Sammy, Sydney's award-winning cocktail bar previously named one of the top 50 bars in the world.
The new Hunter Street spot plays on the idea of a hotel bar. Inventive cocktails in line with the theme include the Rolling A Double cocktail, combining Havana 3, pineapple shrub coconut water and rhum agricole, with a pair of dice. Roll a double on the dice and you'll receive a free champagne upgrade. Equally as unexpected is the coffee champagne, containing champagne, Mr Black, vodka and peach wine, as well as a house-made vanilla and coffee hand cream on the side.
"Apply the cream to your hands and every time you sip the cocktail, you'll be treated to a waft of the scent," Dean & Nancy co-founder and Creative Director Andrea Gualdi says. "After we take the glass away the essence will remain and every time you use the cream, we hope you'll remember your time at Dean & Nancy and smile."
Inside the hotel, a curved brass staircase leads you up to the venue where patrons are greeted by a panoramic view of the Sydney cityscape and a decadent 1950s-style hotel bar designed by architect George Livissianis. Livissianis has previously designed the likes of Chin Chin Sydney, The Dolphin Hotel and Maybe Sammy's other recent CBD venture, Sammy Junior. The 120-seat space is full of gold-veined marble tables accompanied by subdued black leather chairs. Each seat offers up show-stopping city views, so no-one has to cop the dud spot.
As with both Maybe Sammy and Sammy Junior, snacking is encouraged at Dean & Nancy. In fact, on the menu created by Executive Chef Jane Strode (Bistrode, Rockpool, Langton's), you'll find a special selection of mini combos if you're looking for a light drink and bite to eat. Combine the mini martini with oyster nan jim, or mini adonis with rhubarb cheesecake. Larger meals are on hand, however, including a prawn risotto made with Meredith goats cheese and harissa made in-house.
Dean & Nancy on 22 is located at Level 22, 2 Hunter Street, Sydney, 2000. It's open 4.30-midnight, Wednesday–Saturday. Bookings are available online, however bar stools are not reserved so walk-ins are available.
Images: Steven Woodburn