Shady Pines- Darlinghurst

A visit to Shady Pines will leave you ‘yee-ha-ing’ and searching for your cowboy boots.

A humble & inconspicuous white door in an ally way off Oxford St leads you to a haven from the ‘Wild Wild West’.

You’re greeted with country and western music, mousse heads, stuffed foxes and plenty of pine wood- feeling as though you’ve teleported into a Clint Eastwood movie.

Clusters of small wooden tables are scattered around the room, perfect for the chattering groups that litter them.  On each table is a complimentary bowl of peanuts- the type that you crack and peel so you keep your hands busy and your tummy happy!

The bar itself is large and choc full of top shelf (and bottom shelf) spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails. There’s no drinks menu, so just ask the bar tenders for their recommendations- they’re a fountain of information.

It’s best to get in earlier (for your Social.Aperitif) as if you leave it to after dinner you may be greeted with a line… mind you it’ll be with the friendliest bouncer/door host I have ever come across. They have no reservation lists, take no bookings, and don’t do functions- so everyone is welcomed as though they’re a local.

Cherry Picked

Drink- You can’t go past a top shelf whiskey here. To jazz it up a bit we chose a whiskey sour- a perfect way to start your evening.

The Foxtrot- Crows Nest

Nestled in the back streets of the North Shore, Sydney, comes a sheik yet funky, old skool wine and pizza bar. 

Hidden behind a deceptive big old white door is a buzz of activity. It’s only been open around 5 weeks, but it’s obvious this place won’t remain a secret for long.

Art of Sean

This bar is like a time warp. As soon as you enter, 1920's style cocktail music will dance around your ears. There are plenty of small nooks and crannies positioned up along an old creaky stair case- perfect hiding places. Even when it’s busy, you feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle, and instantly relax.

The bar is decorated with furniture you may recognize from Nanna and Pop’s all those years ago- piano stools, lamp shades, even old suite cases play their part.

Even the bathrooms are welcoming- each one it’s own little room equip with sink, mirror wallpaper and doilies.

Staff are constantly whisking in to ensure all is clean, toilet paper is full, and your toilet experience is the best that it could be! It really does feel like home.

Foxy drinking hole

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The service is friendly and efficient and although the bar is small- it’s full of the essentials.

It's a little too easy to sink into a couch and get lost in time… One warning- this Social.Aperitif. may be very hard to move on from!

Drink- Monteiths Crushed Apple Cider- served chilled over ice in an old-fashioned beer glass.

(Love how the menu is incorporated into 'cat in the hat' picture books)