Dean & Nancy on 22

Enjoy mid-century decadence and modern details at this high-rise cocktail joint.
Ben Hansen and Orlaith Costello
Published on March 16, 2022
Updated on October 25, 2023

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 Hunter Street spot plays on the idea of a hotel bar. Inventive cocktails in line with the theme include the Rolling A Double, 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, which is served with house-made vanilla and coffee hand cream on the side. Punters can also enjoy beverage specials during Sunset Aperitivo from 4.30 pm till 5.30pm seven days a week.

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 Maybe Sammy and Sammy Junior, snacking is encouraged at Dean & Nancy's bar. In fact, on the menu created by Executive Chef Jane Strode (Bistrode, Rockpool, Langton's), you'll find a delicate tapioca cracker topped with Siberian caviar and crème fraîche sitting pretty next to an exceptional selection of martinis — choose from a classic with gin or vodka, sakura or Tokyo sazerac. If you're looking for something heavier, larger meals are on hand and include scorched scampi topped with miso butter and dancing bonito flakes and a perfectly roasted spatchcock alongside wombok, kimchi and orange.

If you're an early riser looking for breakfast with a view, Dean & Nancy also offer a breakfast menu on the 22nd floor. Choose from classics like avocado toast with Persian feta and heirloom tomatoes or punny-named dishes like the cloudy ricotta hotcake, swing easy eats and Sky'line breakfast plate with chorizo, bacon, mushroom, beans, tomato, hashbrowns, poached egg, buttered spinach and toast.

Dean & Nancy on 22 is open for breakfast Monday–Friday from 6.30am till 10.30am and Saturday and Sunday from 7am till 11am. The bar and dining area is open Monday–Sunday from 4.30pm until late. Dinner reservations are available for tables of four to seven guests. There is no capacity for groups over seven. Find out more information on the website.

Images: Steven Woodburn

Information

Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x