Pip pip! It’s officially gin o’clock at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA). From tomorrow, Friday 4 December, for a limited time only, the MCA will open its garden gates to Sydney-siders and invite them to get into the summer spirit with its first ever pop-up bar. Gin certainly seems to be having a moment right now and, for those (such as ex Brits like myself) whose summers have always been symbolised by a ‘G,T, ice and slice’, this is a welcome addition to the summer pop up bar scene.
The whimsical Gin Garden will be a shady oasis with great views across the Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Featuring substantial draping flora and greenery, an outdoor swing and other various ‘Country Garden’ accoutrements, this will be the ultimate celebration of British eccentricity with a twist of Antipodean flair. The drinks menu will offer a range of creative cocktails featuring native ingredients and juniper inspired culinary delights as well some delicious beers and ciders for those not taken by the Gin Fairy.
The opening of the Gin Garden will coincide with the MCA’s Sydney International Art Series exhibition Grayson Perry: My Pretty Little Art Career – the first major survey in the Southern hemisphere of the works of one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary artists (10 Dec 2015 – 1 May 2016). Check out our feature on the upcoming exhibition – another icon of British eccentricity!
Local talent and produce will take centre stage, with the MCA joining forces with Sydney’s own artisanal gin distillers Archie Rose and craft brewing heroes Young Henrys.
Inspired by the first craft distillers of New York, London and Tasmania, Archie Rose founder, Will Edwards, sought to redefine local, grassroots distillation in a uniquely Australian way. In March this year, he and his team opened one of the world’s most beautiful venues – reigniting Sydney’s rich history in distilling – in the heart of vibrant Rosebery, within 5km of the Sydney CBD.
Perfectly balanced and wonderfully complex, the Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin opens with pronounced juniper, accented by native Australian botanicals including Blood Lime, Dorrigo Pepperleaf, Lemon Myrtle and River Mint, that have all been individually distilled in a custom made copper pot still. The freshness will certainly liven up the drinks on those hot, sultry nights of a Sydney summer.
Museum of Contemporary Art Director, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE, commented: “Our Grayson Perry-inspired Gin Garden will be a wonderful spot to enjoy a post-exhibition tipple, have a great conversation about contemporary art and make the most of Sydney’s balmy summer evenings.”
THE GIN GARDEN
Open from 4 December to early February, Thursdays to Sundays, from 4pm til late.
For opening times, visit mca.com.au/gingarden.
Special offers available to Sydney International Art Pass holders.
Functions, private hires and Christmas parties available every day lunchtime and Monday to Wednesday evenings.
For private hire enquiries, contact venues@mca.com.au / Ph: (02) 9245 2480.
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