Who doesn’t love gazing at a Harbour Bridge view whilst enjoying a classy tipple? So we are thrilled that Hacienda has opened to finally provide an alternative drinking spot in Circular Quay. And it certainly lives up to its billing as a vista bar with sweeping views across the water to the city and the iconic Bridge.
Situated in the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, Hacienda is a gorgeous botanical oasis in the middle of the city. The bar’s transformation is the result of a collaboration between AccorHotels and Applejack Hospitality; the guys who own some of our fave drinking spots (Bondi Hardware, The Butler and Della Hyde).
And wow, have those boys-with-the-Midas-touch come up with gold again! The redesign of this hotel bar, inspired by the pastel coloured luxury hotels of Miami and the languorous feel of vintage Cuba, is nothing short of stunning. The Harbour end of the bar has parquet floors, a few sherbet-hued sofas and dark wood tables but the vast floor-to-ceiling glass windows are left clear to let the amazing views speak for themselves. The glass even slides back to create an open sided bar which will be perfect come the warmer weather.
The somewhat square lines of the room itself are cleverly softened with greenery draping from the entire length of the ceiling and enhanced with subtle lighting. Rustic wooden shelving screens the hotel lift lobby and showcases the various knick knacks that give a hint of Havana: Cuban cigar boxes, old typewriters, plants in rafia baskets and plenty of worn hardback books. I almost expected Ernest Hemingway to wander through at any moment.
But a bar can’t thrive on decor alone – so thankfully the food and drink are equally as impressive. Applejack Hospitality worked alongside the hotel’s Food & Beverage Manager Adam Leonardi and Executive Chef Stefan Brademann to create a drinks list with suitably Cuban touches. The back bar is as well stocked in rum as it is in American whiskey, and the cocktail list features classic Cubanesque fruit driven drinks; think banana, guava & custard apple alongside heavier liquor based concoctions designed to appease even the most discerning palate. The rum cocktail I sampled nearly knocked my socks off!
I was particularly taken with the food – the unique menu offers both lighter and heavier dishes at pretty reasonable price points. Again, it draws inspiration from Cuba’s traditional trading partners and their local, abundant ingredients. Featuring Latin and American delights such as Yuka fries, buttermilk fried chicken, pork neck mojo and my favourite, the Cuban Reuben (pictured below), a tangier take on the usual Reuben with Cuban-spiced homemade pastrami, smokey cheese and Marrickville pickles! Yum!
So rum-don’t-walk (geddit?) to try out this fabulous new addition to Circular Quay and Sydney’s bar scene. It really is another winner.
WHAT: Hacienda
WHERE: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Sydney, 61 Macquarie Street Sydney 2000
WHEN: 7 days a week, 12pm til late
MORE INFO: www.hacienda.com.au
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