Just a stones throw from the CBD is the legendary Rose of Australia Hotel in Sydney’s Erskineville, and they’re now proud owners of a vibrant cantina and cocktail bar on the rooftop.
Howard’s is the namesake of the late Leach family patriarch, a greens keeper, who bought the landmark hotel 21 years ago and was a stalwart in the local community. Son and publican, Scott Leach, said the new space is conducive of all his dad held dear.
“Howard’s is a social space, it’s about bringing a shared experience of good food and drink to the community of Erskineville. With it’s handcrafted cocktails, rustic urban menu and retro style, Howard’s personifies our family and the eclectic spirit of the Inner West.”
Chef Chris Bell presents a sharing style menu that incites curiosity with his urban twist on wholesome favourites. The adventurous of palate won’t be disappointed with the ‘white wine poached lobster tail “butty”, avruga caviar and iceberg lettuce’ and the ‘whole whey braised lamb shoulder’.
There’s even a subtle nod to the hotel’s distinguished history as a popular drinking haunt of Sydney’s lorded politicians, journalists and eccentric celebrities with a dessert dubbed the “David and Margaret show” featuring coca-cola sorbet and buttered popcorn.
Sides, cheekily dubbed ‘wingmen’, include whole ‘cauliflower, crisp anchovies, peanut and pickled turnip’, ‘smoked pumpkin wedge, whipped garlic, mint seeds’ and ‘mash our way’.
The cocktail menu is laced with creative detail adding a unique flavour to beloved classics. The negroni features a smoke garnish made from hickory chips soaked in Grand Marnier, while the whiskey sour includes a float of Barossa Shiraz alongside the traditional sour mash, egg white and zesty lemon.
The quirky, retro design was the brainchild of the Leach family and has been tailored to generate conversation. With requests for unique weddings and corporate parties streaming in, the space promises to be a function hotspot.
For more information please enquiries@roseofaustralia.com or call Georgia on (02) 9565 144.
#HelloHoward
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@papayapr
It’s an amazing space, with incredibly delicious cocktails, and food that will leave you wanting more. It’s so easy to get to as its right next to Erskineville Station, and if you’re driving there’s loads of parking or just as easy to hop in an uber and get down there.
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
