We’re calling it early: Sydney’s South West is on its way to becoming a pumping nightlife hotspot, with Bartega leading the charge for this exciting chapter of booze and bites. Penned as the crown jewel of Canterbury League Club’s multi-million dollar development, this swanky new cocktail bar brings the glitz and glamour of the CBD’s high-end watering holes closer to home for the south side crew.
Holding court behind the bar is cocktail king, Tony Rudolph (ex Bennelong, Woodcut), who brings “a playful yet refined approach to both classics and bespoke concoctions”. Those drinking with a partner-in-crime should start with the Jin Cha for two, featuring a mesmerising blend of Roku Gin, matcha, chartreuse, yuzu and honey, served in a traditional matcha bowl. The All That Jazz really is ‘All That Jazz’ with Elijah Craig Bourbon, maple syrup, bitters and smoke; as is the Yeah, Nah featuring Beenleigh Double Cask Rum, sugar, bitters and a playful touch of coke foam that will have you saying “Yeah!” to another round.
You can go big, you can go home (though why would you?) or you can keep the night light with one of Bartega’s mini cocktails including a Snaquiri, Lil Old Fashion and Nanogroni. There are four funky mocktails for you to play with too including an Espresso Martino with Seedlip Spice, a shot of espresso and agave; or an Only Friends Martini with passionfruit, mandarin, strawberry and vanilla.
After a drink or two at Bartega’s impressive centrepiece marble bar, venture out to the expansive al fresco balcony for some sophisticated share plates. You can take in views of the Club’s lush gardens and waterfall feature while snacking on sesame-coated yellowfin tuna; oven-baked brie with honeycomb, pistachio and poppyseed lavish; and pork belly buns with Asian herbs, pickled daikon and chilli caramel.
Whether you’re starting the night with a bang or ending it with style, Bartega is the place to be in South West Sydney.