J&M Whisky Bar Opens Inside Sydney's History-Laden Angel Hotel

A few weeks ago, Merivale announced eight new venues that will seriously raise Sydney's food and drink game (Danielle Alvarez at Fred's, Eric Koh at The Queen Victoria, a spruced-up Ivy Pool Club, a Merivale-style chicken shop and Ben Greeno at The Paddington? Yes, please). Let's add to those venues J&M — a plush new whisky bar in the Angel Hotel.

Opening on November 11, the bar draws on its glamorous past as the former site of the iconic House of Merivale and it shows in the interiors. Think rich green velvets, sleek brown leathers and copper accents. It also wouldn't be a whisky bar without the prerequisite chesterfield lounges. Merivale is going all out with this one; J&M boasts a specially imported drinks trolley, named 'The Sidecar' (a collaboration between Moore & Giles and acclaimed barman Jim Meehan) and a long glass bar. J&M is a tribute to the late John Hemmes and his wife Merivale, so it only seems fitting that it would be located where their empire began.

Initially launching as a Chivas Regal 18 showcase, J&M wants you to have a "unique, sensory whisky experience". In a clever nod to the empire's roots as a fashion label, the bar's bespoke haberdashery cabinets will be filled with the ingredients that make up Chivas 18. Settle into one of the comfy lounges and enjoy personal trolley service, or sit at the bar to get a side of whisky knowledge with your drink. J&M has an upper hand compared to other bars in that it will stock exclusive whiskies that you can't buy anywhere else in the country.

If straight whisky isn't your thing, you can try one of their specially-crafted cocktails with fun names like the 'Blood and Marie' (Chivas Regal 18yo, Cynar, Cherry Heering, Antica Formula, pink grapefruit and cherry dust) and the 'POPSCOF'(buttered popcorn washed Chivas Regal 18yo, salted caramel syrup, bitters and Himalayan salt). A short menu will also be available if you need some nibbles with your drink.

J&M is a welcome addition to the city's bar scene and your chance to savour a slice of Sydney history and some world-class whiskies.

J&M will be located on Level 2 of the Angel Hotel, 125 Pitt St, Sydney and will open on November 11.