Friday 29 October 2010

Small Bar, Crows Nest


Since the small bar legislation passed the NSW state government, local councils are approving an increasing number of bars to compete obliquely with pubs and clubs. The latter have massive sway with the state government, no matter which political party is in power.

What is the difference? They all sell alcohol.

Small bars do not have draught beer, they do not have poker machines, and they do not have large television screens. They are more intimate.

Yesterday, my son and I went to a small bar, called Small Bar, in Crows Nest. It was quiet, being Thursday lunchtime, but Alastair says it hums nicely during the evenings. The food was delicious, and my Shiraz was mellow-as. For me, a pub is only an option on a Monday or Tuesday night, and only when there is not a major game on any where in the world in any code! There is just one pub close to me which is an exception, The Three Weeds, on Oxford Street. Five Ways, Paddington got its first small bar about a month ago, called Hideout.

I will post on these two establishments over the next week. In the meantime, let's celebrate diversity, small-is-good and the absence of the dreaded poker-machine.

19 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

Oh, yay, the absence of the dreaded poker machine. I could go on and on about governments in Canada encouraging gambling, but I won't.
Your new Small Bar looks cozy and the food looks good. I don't go to bars but I could imagine going there for lunch. I love that indoor/outdoor look in the third photo.

Julie said...

Yeah, the indoor-outdoor was very attractive. This had been an old terrace. I forget what the manager told me it was just twelve months ago. Anyway, the bar is in the rear courtyard which has vines etc. Very welcoming. Al and I sat on the terrace out the front which is on WIlloughby Road, but this is a sculptured road with limited cars.

brattcat said...

I'll meet you there for a shiraz and a chat.

Peter said...

Looks perfect. A great new direction.

Jim said...

I love all these new small bars opening up. All those different shaped mirrors hanging on the same wall look fantastic.

Julie said...

Mirrors like that bring back sooo many memories for me, Jim. They were all the rage, back when ...

Ann said...

This is my sort of place. How about lunch at Hideout one weekend?

Jayne said...

Those damn awful poker machines have been the death of live music venues everywhere.
It's the sensible way towards having more licensed early closing but intimate sit-down cafes/bars instead of the pubs/nightclubs where the violence is occurring.

Julie said...

Yes, could not agree more, Jayne. But it is not going to happen - not in this state. O'Farrell is just as beholden and craven to the pubs/clubs as KK. Pathetic, really.

But the good thing is that we have optional preferential up here. We only have to tick one box!!

Virginia said...

I see even your Aussie pubs like to fry things. I'd feel right at home here.
V

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Looks like lumpia to me. Oh so tasty. I hate to report that video slot machines have now appeared in Venice caffés. Could not believe my eyes.

Vicki said...

Mirror, mirror on the wall... :D

On a more serious note, this is definitely my sort of bar. Small and intimate. Perfect.

Rinkly Rimes said...

I've said it before I know but.... you really are a wonderful advocate of Sydney. The mellowness of your interiors is so unlike the Club atmosphere.

lewi14@gmail.com said...

Looks inviting and welcoming. Perhaps I'll be there for a beer ...

Jo said...

I don't go to bars here in South Africa, Julie (too macho and rough!) but would visit this one, especially during the day. I love the terrace and can imagine how peaceful it was to lunch/dine there. I love the mirror images (excuse the pun, ha!) in the beginning of the post. So retro and yes, also brings back memories from my now distant childhood. Have a great day, Jo

diane b said...

No poker machines and no TV that is my idea of a good place to have lunch/dinner. The fare looks good too. You find some neat places.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I'd never heard of small bars but I live a limited life. Crows Nest is quite a lively spot these days isn't it. When I lived there it was really quite dull in comparison.

LadyNoor said...

This looks cosy, will definitely try this one sometimes soon as it's not very far from where I live... My favourite rendezvous spot with my girl friends is The Oaks at Neutral Bay, perhaps you're familiar with it too... In fact, I'll be dining there for a lazy long lunch with one of them this Sunday...

♥ Braja said...

Wonderful pics...I lived in Crows Nest; this is like a visit home :)