I recently had the pleasure of testing out a few picks from the menu at recently revamped Customs House Bar, to say I was surprised and delighted would be an understatement. I was accompanied by the Editor of www.sydneychic.com.au and we were delighted by not only the food, but the passion of the venue staff for the food and drink on offer…
The Venue
In early September, Customs House Bar was transformed from one of Sydney’s oldest pubs into the city’s newest dining destination. Conveniently located in the heart of Sydney’s busy CBD on the corner of Bridge and Loftus Streets, Customs House Bar extends into the serene and leafy bounds of Macquarie Place Park. The sun-drenched beer garden complete with rustic furniture, beautiful overflowing hanging baskets, hedges, white picket fences, wine barrels and long communal tables, is the perfect place for colleagues and tourists alike to enjoy a drink and bite to eat.
The contemporary gastro-pub with a rich history of more than 160 years has all the needed ingredients; a great menu, location and friendly staff. Operating hours are 11am until late Monday to Friday with food service from 12pm until 9pm daily. Bookings are not essential but it is recommended for groups of ten or more to phone ahead on 9259 7792 or email info@customshousebar.com to reserve a table.
The Food
Executive Chef Hemant Dadlani saw the recent refurbishment as an opportunity to introduce a new gastro-pub menu. Guests will find dishes have evolved with the venue but remain honest with the expected hearty meals including braised beef brisket on ciabatta, slow-cooked ribs and Dadlani’s signature Tajima Wagyu Burger. There are also new fresh dishes made with produce selected from the local markets including the King Prawn & Iceberg Salad and a selection of share plates to complement the pub grub.
The Beer
For more than 160 years Customs House Bar has been the place to meet for a beer. Today there are over twenty different beers to choose from plus a dedicated beer tap for boutique craft beer, which regularly features a different microbrewery. Trademarks such as continuing to serve beers in pint glasses brings back loyal locals and new offerings such as beer flights is attracting a new generation of customers. In addition to the extensive beer offering, Customs House Bar has a tempting wine and cocktail menu to choose from which features everything from Cloudy Apple Martinis to Green Tea Mojito Cocktails.
The Happenings
From a quick bite to eat between back-to-back meetings, a leisurely lunch with clients, a colleague’s birthday, to a place for Friday drinks with workmates; Customs House Bar is the perfect event venue. The iconic Australian pub has introduced three new weekly specials and will host a range of other exciting events throughout the year including a new weekly barbeque you won’t want to miss.
WEEKLY SPECIALS:
Monday Madness
Customs House Bar knows Mondays can be hard that’s why every hour is happy hour on Monday at Customs House Bar. Enjoy a Cloudy Apple Martini, Strawberry Basil Margarita, Raspberry Collins or Lychee Daiquiri for $10 on Monday.
Best Friends Forever Tuesday
Catch up with old friends and make new ones at Customs House Bar. Enjoy two share plates with two glasses of house wine or two half pints of beer or cider of your choice for $25 on Tuesday.
Craft Beer Wednesday
Forget Wine Wednesday, Craft Beer Wednesday is the new custom at Customs House Bar. Enjoy craft beer tasting at the iconic Australian pub with beer samples for $2 each or a beer flight every Wednesday. Each week a different microbrewery is featured which means there is a new craft beer to try each visit.
Custom Friday BBQ
Enjoy a Wagyu Flank Steak with Chimichurri or a Boerewor Sausage in an artisan bun for $16 every Friday night.
So don’t take my word for it get down there and try the food, and if you’re a beer fan then you have to try the amazing craft beers on offer…
Enjoy Arrnott Olssen Editor Rogue Homme