I was out celebrating my birthday with my boyfriend and had just been to Koi Dessert Bar on Kensington Street and decided to go for a celebratory drink. Just round the corner by Spice Alley was Bar Chinois which we had passed earlier that night and thought this was the perfect place for an after dinner drink, especially as it served cocktails!
It was very quiet for a Tuesday night and we pretty much had the place to ourselves which didn’t bother us one bit. Described as a French-Asian fusion bar, it’s easy to see why this is. We were greeted by hanging teapots, comfy booths, soft playing jazz and the smell of Asian flavours.
Bar Chinois is quite a small bar, but I can imagine this place getting very busy Friday nights and over the weekend, as well as between 4pm-6pm which is Happy Hour. We had already eaten, but perusing the menu was already whetting my appetite again. Delights from the menu included Sticky Pork Belly Baguette, Tokyo Crepes and Popcorn Chicken – the flavours of both France and Asia beautifully combined to create modern style dishes full of flavour.
But it’s not just the food that is inspired by French and Asian flavours. The cocktails also continue this theme with names including La Dame Chinois, Madame Rouge and Charlie Chaplin. I ended up ordering the Charlie Chaplin cocktail which contained Sloe Gin, Apricot Brandy and fresh lime for $17, the standard price of cocktails in Sydney.
Our drinks took a little while to come out, during which time I perused the menu further. Bar Chinois is well known for their teapot cocktails made for two people, but I’m sure you could drink one all to yourself if you really wanted. Of course, if you are not a cocktail fan, then there is a good selection of beers, wines and other beverages including mocktails, fresh juices, tea and coffee to satisfy your cravings.
Our drinks soon arrived and quenched my thirst. My Charlie Chaplin cocktail was beautifully refreshing and just what I needed. It was very easy to drink and I had to make sure that I didn’t drink it too fast, as that could lead to disaster!
We only stayed for one drink, but I definitely will return, especially as the Spice Alley has some other great restaurants to try out. Having said that, the food menu at Bar Chinois looked extremely appetising and there are plenty of specials throughout the week to draw us back, including Croque Monsieur & Madame Mondays, Creperie Tuesdays, Baguette & Beer Wednesdays, Cheese & Wine Thursdays and Chin Chin Fridays.
And if that’s not enough then the weekends are sure to invite you back with All-Day Brunch served between 9am – 4pm and comes with a side of champagne, or how about get your Saturday started with Café Noir Saturdays whilst Sunday is all about Lazy Mary Sundays where you can chill out with a Wasabi Mary & Egg & Pork Brioche.
Of course, you can also enjoy High Teapots and Scones between 12pm – 4pm for something a little different and a Chinois twist! I definitely love the sound of this one as well as the Cheese & Wine Thursdays. Don’t forget to check out the Daily Specials Board for even more options!
Bar Chinois has plenty of potential, character and charm, and if you have yet to try it out I urge you to go, if not for the soothing jazz music and comfy booths, but for the tantalising good and ever so easy to drink cocktails. Oh and their menu looks pretty moreish too – I’ll be trying out their food as soon as I can!