The Passage

Editorial

Sandwiched neatly between the point of Victoria Street and Darlinghurst Road, The Passage is a late-night haven for those who want to kick on but to do so in an intimate space, rather than a nasty scrum.  

A long marble-topped bar sits pride of place in the centre of this long, narrow room, with metallic chairs lit by the glow of dinky glass-bowled candle lights. It's almost like the glamorous end of prohibition speakeasies in here, with low light and conversation buzzing in the air.  

There are no shonky sofas and op shop 70s coffee tables here. It's slick and stylish rather than the grungy boho that's all the rage with such small spaces these days. Banquette seating makes the most of the cosiness, while the beautiful bar staff are never too far away, ensconced at the back of the passage. 

Cocktails are the way to go, so embrace the prohibition era theme with a Catcher in the Rye - rye whiskey with sweet cherries, angostura bitters, lemon zest and thyme. It's a tart kick to the taste buds that makes you feel just as naughty as this bar is exciting spot suggests.

Stephen Russell, March 2011