The Powder Keg Brings 17th Century Dutch Pub Fare to Potts Point
Gin and tonic sorbet, duck schnitzel lollipops and the biggest gin selection in Sydney.
With every passing week, it seems, there's yet another reason to make gin your go-to beverage this festive season. Little Fish Bar just opened its pop-up summer gin garden. The new InterContinental Sydney Double Bay unveiled its own gin-centric bar, The Stillery. And now, a brand new venue in Potts Point is boasting the biggest collection of the spirit in the entire city.
The Powder Keg, which you’ll find at 7 Kellet Street, is inspired by gin's long and colourful history. As far as we can tell, the good stuff was first made in Holland back in the 17th century. The Powder Keg takes on this fact quite literally, with a menu heavily influenced by the kind of fare that the Dutch and English were feasting on in shadowy taverns and gin palaces 400 years ago.
Cue duck schnitzel lollipops with pickled kohlrabi and tarragon mayo, oysters with gin and tonic sorbet, Scotch quail egg with smoked potato, crispy pancetta and shimeji mushrooms and numerous other out-of-the-box morsels. They're all created by head chef Elijah Holland, in collaboration with fellow chefs Danny Russo and Roy Ner.
Meanwhile, in between slowly working your way through the 120 gins on the menu, you can sample a cocktail from The Keg's little black book of vintage numbers. Signature mixes include the Nettle Gimlet (gin, homemade nettle cordial, served in a vintage coupet) and the Gunpowder Plot (gunpowder tea-infused gin, fernet branca, gunpowder syrup, dandelion and burdock bitters, and a tea smoke). Or, if that's all sounding too adventurous, you can rest assured that the good ol' G&T won’t let you down. The Keg keeps a signature blend, accompanied by your choice of three ices and five tonics, including one very special homemade option. The mixologist genius behind the drinks menu is one Grant Collins, who you might know from Zeta Bar, Sydney, or Ku De Ta and Potato Head, Bali.
In keeping with the centuries-old vibe, the space has been stripped back, to draw attention to its eighteenth century architecture. The interior is all black leather and wood, from the club chairs to the wood-panelled bar, complete with a vintage gin presentation cage.
The Powder Keg is located at 7 Kellett Street, Potts Point. Opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday 4pm–late; and Sunday 12pm – 11pm. To get in touch, call (02) 8354 0980.
Want to brush up on your gin knowledge before you check it out? Give our Bluffer's Guide to Gin a read.
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