Have you been to The Carter? This Beyoncé and Jay Z bar exists in Sydney.
You’ve been quite frankly living under a rock if you haven’t heard of power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z. With a global fan base, their name has most recently inspired the creation of this Sydney CBD celebrity themed bar. Launching at the start of 2017, The Carter is the oh-so-cool, art deco inspired hip hop bar you’ve all been waiting for.
The downstairs lounge offers a distinctly gothic interior, rich in Jay Z and Queen Bey inspired murals, spray paint tags and dark corners perfect for some mid-drink bump and grind. Contrasting the moody basement are the bright lights and shiny gold scaffolding enveloping the front bar.
In an interview with The Music, manager Chady Khouzame explains how “The Carter was inspired by New York’s great architecture, food and controversial entertainment”.
On the cocktail menu are playfully titled concoctions like Juicy, a combination of Butterwash Maker’s Mark, Olorosso Sherry, House Blend vermouth and bitters ($21). For a citric and foamy beverage, there’s also the Pablo – a mixture of Hendricks gin, yellow chartreuse, lillet, cucumber juice, citrus, honey and floral syrup, orange bitters and egg white ($20). Looking for something a little more decadent? Try the Snoop Lion, made using spiced rum, Cognac, white chocolate liqueur, popcorn syrup, cream and saline ($18).
Dishes are inspired by some of the biggest names in hop hop, like The Carter Chicken Wings coated in Beyonce’s hot sauce infused in maple (8 wings for $6/12 wings for $10), the Snoop Foot Long Hot Dog ($18) and Kayne’s BBQ corn cob with Doritos dust and cayenne salt ($4 each). Let’s not forget the Notorious A.N.I.M.A.L Fries, the ultimate #cheatmeal – chips stacked with house made mac & cheese, crispy bacon and more cheese ($12). If you’re looking for a more substantial feed, The Carter also offer charcoal chicken, served whole with garlic, pickles and bread ($21) and Biggie 1kg bone steak with hand cut chips and old bay butter ($40).
In contrast to the string of international names used on the cocktail and bar food menus, the wine list is predominately local. There’s a Chardonnay from the Margaret River, a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from the Hunter and a light Pinot Gris from the Yarra Valley. Travel across the ditch for a Pinot from Malborough and Central Otago whilst bolder reds are sourced on Aussie turf.
The Carter
16 O’Connell Street, Sydney
02 9231 1640
http://thecarter.com.au/