DATE: October 12, 2011
PUBLICATION: SipYourStyle
Where to sip in style: The Dispensary
The Dispensary, the bar concept designed by 23-year old Matilda Swan and 24-year old Simon Connett, is an apothecary-inspired bar which recently won the Drambuie ‘The Premise’ competition.
On a rainy Sydney night, I headed out to the launch of the temporary bar which is floating at Lady Macquarie’s Chair on Sydney Harbour for three weeks during October, for some stylish sipping. Matilda and Matt were inspired by the history of the Drambuie Scotch liqueur – which was an elixir created by a Royal Apocathecary at the request of Prince Charles Stuart around 1745.
“The idea of creating a traditional apothecary, with a modern twist, evoked powerful design qualities for us, as well as tying in perfectly with the Drambuie story. Our bar will be a stylish and exclusive dispensary, set in a spectacular location that is designed to attract Sydney’s elite, where the Drambuie elixir can be tasted, savoured and dispensed once more,” said Matilda and Simon.
The mood is appropriately set –spectacular views of Sydney harbour can be enjoyed from leather Chesterfield couches or velvet banquettes. Fresh herbs wrapped in brown heshian bags tied with string adorn the marble-top bar counter, behind which sits a mix of old glass medicinal bottles on a wood-paneled back wall, and of course, bottles of Drambuie. There’s an old-world charm and feel here, mixed with modern style and glamour, with the Drambuie-based drinks list printed in a script-style font and presented on an old-fashioned wooden clipboard resembling a doctor’s chart. The drinks themselves provided a wide mix which showcase the versatility of Drambuie, including Drambuie and soda, Libertine, Honey Julep and Dolce Vita (Drambuie and champagne). There’s also wines, sparkling and beer to be purchased, along with various bar snack foods.
The winners of The Premise received a $10,000 cash prize and were given a bar manager, security, alcohol supplies, bar equipment, bar facilities, staff and everything they needed in order to run The Premise bar.
If you want to sip in style at The Premise bar, be quick! The Premise will remain stationed at Lady Macquarie’s Chair only until 22 October (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only). Complimentary water taxis access from Man O’ War Steps are provided for all guests (located on the eastern side of the Opera House, bordering the Botanic Garden).