A pair of powerhouse Sydney bartenders have launched Fortunate Son, a new neighbourhood bar in the heart of Enmore.
There’s no shortage of watering holes in the inner west From thriving local breweries to cocktail bars such as Earl’s Juke Joint and Jacoby’s Tiki Bar, punters are never far away from a spot to score a drink. But, with two industry professionals at the helm, Fortunate Son is a confident new addition to Enmore’s growing list of top-notch bars.
The pair in question are co-owners Jason Crawley and Dylan Howarth, bringing a breath of bartending experience to this latest project. In fact, Jason has been mixing drinks everywhere from Hong Kong to London and has been most recently working at Merivale’s Hemmesphere and The Grand Pacific Blue Room. As for Dylan, here’s earned a massive pat on the back from the bartending industry, taking out the Outstanding Contribution award at the 2018 Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards. Clearly, the pair know how to make a damn fine drink.
Located on Enmore Road (just across the road from iconic live music venue Enmore Theatre), Fortunate Son is first-and-foremost a neighbourhood bar. “Dylan and I loved the idea of a legit neighbourhood bar in which everything is available, from magnums of French Champagne to perfectly engineered classic cocktails, craft beer and a huge range of premium spirits (which are all incredibly well-priced so people can enjoy them frequently without breaking the bank),” explains Jason. “The area has nothing like this, so we feel we plug the gap nicely for the City-Newtown-Enmore locals.”
Since opening earlier this year, locals have embraced the new venue with open arms. The venue takes inspiration from the pair’s trips abroad to the likes of New Orleans and Nashville, renowned as the birthplaces for some of the world’s most historic and enigmatic bars. In fact, Jason cites Tujaques, Absinth House and Napoleon House as some of the most influential bars’ in bringing Fortunate Son to life.
The bar follows a simple formula of cool drinks and warm service (and from all accounts, it’s definitely working). Fortunate Son might be a cosy space, but that adds the charm. “Everyone sits at the bar (or close to) on soft swivel seats along-side acres of French Polished Jarrah timber bar top whilst listening to the worlds greatest soundtrack,” tells Jason. Plus, when they say cool drink they really mean it as Jason explains, “we went to great lengths to have the coldest beer available, sacrificing precious space for a commercial cool room, so the beers are ICY cold and served in American heavy glass handles straight from our Champagne fridge.”
On the menu, you’ll find everything from perfectly made classic cocktails like a Tommy’s Margarita, gin fizz and mint julep along with more creative mixes such as the Insomnia (a tequila espresso martini made with Herradura Blanco, cold drip coffee, ristretto liqueur and agave). Plus, you’ll also find a stellar selection of local beers, French champagne (by the glass or magnum) plus a wine list championing Australian producers. Jason can’t go past the classic ‘French 75’ or ‘Kass-hopper’ cocktail (a mezcal take on the classic Tujaque’s milk punch).
And you won’t go hungry at Fortunate Son, with a curated list of hot dogs served with Brooklyn pickles, Californian chili’s and Spanish chips available all night long.
Find Fortunate Son at 105 Enmore Road, Enmore. Open 5pm to 12am Monday to Saturday and 5pm to 10pm Sundays.