Gin Palace
Editorial
A short flight of steps leads down into the small but perfectly formed bar, taking its cues from Moroccan style; it's all big cushions and gorgeous sunken sofas. The lighting is suitably dim, and you'll be greeted upon arrival by one of the impeccable bar staff. Think French maid or maitre d' - all black and white and bowties. They'll present you with the frankly stunning drinks list but, when all is said and done, Gin Palace is all about the martinis.
The list is exhaustive. We plumped for a sweet and dry combination, with the house specialty, 1951 - as dry as they come and served with anchovy-stuffed olives - and the sweeter Fin di siecle with orange peel. This was accompanied by the best chicken liver parfait I've ever experienced. For all you wannabes, there's even a Martini masterclass that can be arranged to teach you Gin Palace's perfection.
Before leaving, make sure you've drunk enough martinis to ensure you partake of the bathrooms. In a kooky touch, they are represented by Shelley Duvall and Jack Nicholson from The Shining, and feature upside down urinals above the sinks and beautiful tiled walls continuing the Moroccan harem theme. Just make sure you can get back up those steps out onto Russell Place.
Stephen Russell, March 2010
User Feedback
Amanda Roberts
December 13, 2006
A feast for the senses in Gin Palace. Select your choice of seating (mine was a leopard print chair), preferably in a quiet corner and feel the city drift away. Only downer is the drinks are a little $$ but its worth it for the environment.
Rodney
May 03, 2009
Over Priced drinks and food with rubbish service.
joanne
July 21, 2009
this place used to be good but wow, what a disgrace now. the place was dirty, full of very young patrons in ripped denim jeans and they were generally scruffy, the staff were annoying, immature and drinking 'shots' behind the bar. somewhat unprofessional i'd say.....i'll never be back.
aveair
June 20, 2010
Though recommended highly, I daresay this place has had its prime come and go. The drinks were a half-arsed attempt, and clearly hitching a ride on reputation alone. The service was abyssmal and not at all justified in its arrogance. Perhaps it was a bad night, though I think I've pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one.
Andre Di Cioccio
July 20, 2010
I agree this place is over priced. It's too dingy... they dont try to make it that way for ambiance... it just is. The place seems to just rest on previous laurels... but i dont see them.
Your Feedback
6 User reviews (add yours)