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The Arthouse Hotel

places|nsw|sydney|the%20arthouse%20hotel
Looking for the ultimate culturally refined drinking experience? The Arthouse Hotel creates a uniquely arty environment with lots more than just drinking going on.

Editorial


Stepping into the Arthouse is an experience in itself. First of all, there's the Verge Bar - previously a chapel and theatre of the old School of Arts, it's an awe-inspiring space with 30-foot high ceilings, richly hand-painted walls, a bar top performance space, and long white swathes of cloth reaching up to the ceiling. Pretty dramatic and impressive. Then of course there's the art on the walls, scads of it all over the place.

But the drama doesn't stop there - there's another four areas to choose from. The Gallery Bar is the original School of Arts reading space with ornate ceilings, low level mood lighting and a constantly changing array of art - just the perfect spot for cocktails and tapas with friends. With an overload of civilized culture like this and you have to pinch yourself to remind you that you're in still Sydney - not Rome or Florence.

Upstairs in the glorious Dome Restaurant and Lounge, you're sheltered by a massive domed ceiling as you meander through a menu of delicious a la carte treats like Barossa Valley rabbit cannelloni with provolone. Mouth watering. I loved the softly padded velvet walls - it makes for a cosy and intimate dining experience. Tres romantique! And to add to the decadent bohemian vibe, there are Life Drawing sessions here on Mondays 6-8.30pm - remember to bring along your own paper, crayons, charcoal or pencils.

At the very top is the Attic Bar - perfect for mingling and quality conversation amidst chesterfield lounges and comfortable antique furniture. They also show cult and recent movie releases in here on Wednesday's fortnightly 'Cinem-attic' nights: $25 for dinner & movie package, $16 for movie and cocktail of your choice. Every second Tuesday night is reserved for Dr. Sketchy's - a decadent drawing class with a decidedly cheeky burlesque cabaret bent. Not for the narrow minded.

While you're soaking in all that culture, you'll be wanting to try a drop from their very large range of local and imported beers, or good selection of whites and reds, and of course something from one of the most divine cocktail lists I've come across in ol' Sydney town. I just couldn't resist the Vanilla Rhubarb Sour - a delicate sweet & sour mix of fresh rhubarb, Absolut Vanilla and Licor 43. I'll have another thanks. And to up the ante on your night, dance with the Two Faced Fairy - absinthe, lychee liqueur, mint and pineapple juice.

Meri Harli, April 2010

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