Papa Gede's Bar

Chloe Varga
25th Jul 2015

There is something exciting about the growing small bar scene in Sydney. Laneways and once dilapidated old buildings are finding a new lease of life; filled with bottles, live music, bric-a-brac and a vibe all of their own.

At the end of an unassuming, cobblestone laneway off the office clad Kent Street, resides the home of Sydney’s cocktail alchemist, Papa Gede's Bar.

Influences of the deep south and voodoo mystique decorate the brightly painted walls with hanging sheep skulls, crosses and framed illustrations of day of the dead girls- A theme which transposes to the freaky tiki items on the cocktail menu.

Grab a seat at the bar and watch the cocktail artists work their magic in the lab, assembling creative concoctions of flavours to satisfy even the non-cocktail lover. Creating fun, humour and a good time is the underpinning philosophy of Papa Gede’s described as“ A psychopomp, a soulful guide who protects the living and brings lust and laughter to all..”

Part-owner and professional concoction creator Lara said the bar is trying to make every second Monday night of the month a themed tasting, giving customers an education and insight into whiskies and different spirits. Come for a laugh on the third Tuesday of every month for stand-up comedy. Tickets are $10 at the door and it is advised to get there early to avoid disappointment.

Crafted to suit a medley of tastes, choosing your weapons of choice is both exciting and flavoursome. Using high quality ingredients and a touch of abracadabra the list explores a wide range of flavours. Why not start off with Divine Intervention ($17)- which is appropriately named for its divine use of Absinthe, studded with passionfruit and a Piquant lemon hit as the last tasting note. There is also a strong tone of aniseed which hinges all the other flavours together.

Hotel California, like it’s lyrical inspiration has a tendency to possess your tastebuds and is likely to lure you into a round two, three... four. It is easy to drink in its sunset crimson red, a dominant layer of bitters twist with the bourbon and lemons. You just might never want to leave after this one.

Keeping in theme of all things funk and soul, signature cocktail “ It’s Rick James Revamped” is a perfect winter warmer, with the subtly of chai that bounces off the other elements; there are pronounced flavours of peppermint and cherry. A bold and bouncy number.

If it’s a beach bonfire at sunset in the middle of summer in a glass that you are after then the Sunburn hits the nail on the head. It has a vivacious fruitiness that inherits its smoky undertones from the Tequila and Mezcal. Infused with a chilli agaves that sets your mouth on fire- kind of like the way spending five minutes on the beach at midday… in the middle of summer feels on unburnt skin.

Bar snacks come in the form of salted mini pretzels and little fried parcels filled with peanut butter goodness. Moorish and delicious. Platters are also available to purchase and include a mix of cheeses and cold meats, with two selections as a small platter $15 and large with three selections for $20.

Papa Gede’s is one of those bars that covers all bases but with one guarantee- you have a good time. Perfect for a first date ( or 100th), a small group, or a casual after work catch up, it is a bar for all seasons, even catering for the non-cocktail lovers with select beers, wines and spirits available

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348 Kent Street
Sydney
+61 2 9299 5671

Mon – Sat 5pm – midnight

http://www.papagedes.com
https://www.facebook.com/PapaGedesBar
http://www.twitter.com/papagedesbar