With a range of new bars and restaurants popping up in Balmain, it’s time to head out of the CBD and check out the new bar scene. Whether you are interested in a long lunch, trying new cocktails or nibbling on a few share platter, Balmain has got your weekend covered.
Wilhelminas
Taking inspiration from local farmers, local brewers and organic produce, every cocktail and dish is carefully curated for great results. Wilhelminas is great for a Sunday brunch with a few friends, where you start with an organic fresh juice 0r a Bloody Mary. Then promptly order the ham hock braised beans, fried egg, rocket and toast. In the evening, try a ‘Fresh’ cocktail of Tanqueray Gin, Aperol, passionfruit, lemon and bubbles. Last year, Secret Foodies hosted The Local Harvest at Wilhelminas, where guests enjoyed tasty cocktails and great food. We also got them to give us a great recipe for a Dry daiquiri you can make at home – click here.
Wilhelminas, 332 Darling St Balmain, NSW 2041 Australia, 2 8068 8762
Soho
Sitting on Darling Street in Balmain, Soho is offering up an extensive range Mediterranean share platters and list of international wines. The 1920’s feel, has a twist of elegance with eye catching chandelier-style lights hanging above black chesterfield lounges. Take a few friends and enjoy a share platter paired with wines from across the globe. They’ve also introduced a new range of cocktails featuring Absolut Vodka, Jim Beam Rye Whiskey and Hendricks Gin. For Ms Darlinghurst full review – click here.
Soho, 358 Darling St, Balmain, Sydney NSW 2041, 0407 525 208
The Cottage
Step inside The Cottage and discover multiple rooms filled with mis-matched furniture and eclectic artwork and settle in for a night on their cosy leather armchairs. Kickstart your night with the Slow Cuban, a strong twist on the mojito with Plymouth sloe gin shaken with pressed mint and lime and charged with soda. There are a variety of vegetarian and protein rich share platters on offer – perfect for a relaxed evening with a mate or two. Or you can enjoy an oven roasted pizza menu, including the enticing field mushroom paste and foir de latte pizza with forest mushrooms, parmesan, truffle oil and lemon. For our full review – click here.
The Cottage, 342 Darling St, Sydney NSW 2041, 8084 8185
The Lodge Wine Bar
Be greeted at the door by the sounds of jazz and blues before finding a table with family or friends. The menu boasts seasonal produce with a Spanish and Mediterranean focus. The Lodge Wine Bar is popular for their Sunday Long Lunches, where you will enjoy 8 courses of dishes designed for sharing and grazing. Enjoy your relaxed afternoon with a few bottles of great wines and you will be on your way (reservations recommended). Their Wine Dinners offer 6 course degustation dinners, which are themed towards different wine regions around the world and in Australia.
The Lodge, 3/ 415 Darling and Birchgrove Street, Balmain, 80842502
The Workers Bar and Kitchen
When you think about The Workers… think burgers, fries, ribs and Streets ice creams for dessert. This Balmain bar (pub), is exactly what you are looking for after a long day at work. You will find great tunes from live bands, stiff drinks, a bounty of beers and a menu full of crispy and fried goods. This bar has no frills, but plenty of character.
The Workers, (Next to Zumbo’s patisserie) Level 1, 292 Darling St, Balmain, Sydney NSW 2041, 02-9555-8410
Have we missed any? Tell us your favourite bars in Balmain.