I always looked upon the Frank Sinatra’s of the world and the rest of the Rat Pack kind of guys with envy. This time it is not because of their talent and their oodles of cash, chicks, and class, but more so because of the places they drink.You would never have found them hanging out in an Irish pub singing Bon Jovi on the Karaoke machine and screaming BAD MEDICINE into their pints of poorly poured Guinness. No they were always in a bar, not empty, but secluded, and they weren’t sitting on generic IKEA Couches or stools, but on leather chesterfield couches, with waitresses that know what you want, and Barmen that could tear you apart with one hand, but know how to stir a good Martini.
Well that dream is alive still, but I felt as if one place in Sydney may just have supped my fill until I live the real thing. Kings Cross is known for many things, lovingly sitting at the end of William St. The Coke Sign draws you into the more curious element of Sydney’s ‘bohemia’ and whilst you could turn left and be part of the hedonistic saturation of young girls in heels screaming at homeless people or young men impressing these young girls by fighting each other whilst slipping in and out of strip clubs, I encourage you to take a right and head down to the Victoria Rooms.
Situated inconspicuously behind a set of plain brown doors lies a portal back to a time that was, when drinks were muddled rather than pre mixed, when you didn’t have to wade through a sea of tools to get a drink, and where the hand soap smells so delicious, you almost feel like eating your hands.
There is a sea of different choices on the cocktail list all ranging from the late teens to early 20’s in way of prices, and whilst it may break the budget a smidge, it is worth it. The drinks menu allows you the chance to choose your drinks wisely itemizing what they go with and what time of the meal you should have it. Whilst pretentious at times it is far more enjoyable to have a drink when someone comes to your lounge area and orders it for you.
If you are after a quick bite there is plenty here to help: The Tasting Platter full of bite sized bits and pieces of some of the creamiest Fetta this side of a goats insides, chicken skewers, olives and the usual stuff is all top nosh. Whilst it is a little on the pricey side, it is well worth it.
Although this would never be the local, it should be visited to remember what drinking holes are really about: Relaxing, having a drink, having a chat and enjoying company. Not standing in a small, dark, crowded room with 500 sweaty people so you can have your ears bleeding by nights end smelling like a 4 week old kebab. Frank wouldn’t have wanted it that way.