Staring across the road at Reserve Wine Bar is another reclaimed, former grand bank. Le Passe-Temps retains the imposing chandeliers, marble surfaces and wooden benches where in elder days clerks would stamp cheques and count the takings of Hunter Street concerns. You can still see the massive safe door, while the wooden kitchen entrance is still labelled ‘Accountant’. It’s a majestic venue full of potential. Staff are French, as is the theme – wines span all the Gallic regions from Bordeaux to the Dordogne – and the Champagne in your cocktail ($14) really is from the Champagne region. This is a place built for hen’s nights and romantic evenings and it’s working: if you want a table you’ll need to book ahead. The menu offers reasonably priced French classics such as cassoulet ($18) and salad Niçoise ($14). The mezzanine level overlooking the floor is prime real estate and there is live music on a Saturday.
