SYDNEY IS BUILT for the heat, and as the mercury rises, so too does our desire to find the perfect summer watering hole. Now, there’s a new kid on the block, and it’s poised to become the perfect spot to spend breezy afternoons sipping cocktails immersed in the scenery of Sydney harbour. Allow us to introduce Pier Bar, a harbourside haven set to become Sydney’s best waterfront hotspot. 

Pier Bar doesn’t just sit on the harbour, it practically hugs it. With The Rocks and the heritage-listed finger wharves of Walsh Bay right around the corner, and the Harbour Bridge just a stone’s throw away, Pier Bar promises an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle by the water, where relaxation and revelry collide. Pier Bar is an experience, positioned in just about the best spot in the city.

Heritage, prestige, and history influence everything at Pier Bar — from the food to the furnishings. With a nod to the Pier’s past as a hub for dining and entertainment, dating back to 1912, Pier Bar pays tribute to the days when the area was marked by crab cookers and oyster bars with a menu that’s heavy on fresh seafood.

The essence of Pier Bar’s blend of the modern and classic aspects of Sydney harbour can be described in a single word: timelessness. If we’re talking cocktails, the spotlight shines particularly brightly on the AMM — or Avocado Mezcal Margarita, for the uninitiated. Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing more classic than a margarita, but it’s been done before, right? That’s where Pier Bar’s avant-garde mixology comes into play. Their revitalised margarita features avocado-washed mezcal, avocado syrup, agave, lime, and orange blossom — a fresh twist on a quintessential classic.

Leading the charge with Pier Bar’s innovative liquid offerings is Conor Gavin, an international spirit whisperer hailing from Ireland. His talented team crafts signature shared punchbowl cocktails and immutable classics using exceptional local and global spirits. But fear not, teetotallers, for Pier Bar hasn’t forgotten about you. Non-alcoholic cocktails created with the assistance of local distillery Seadrift are also available. Plus, a wide-ranging selection of local and imported wines and beers ensures there’s something for every palate.

What’s a cocktail without a delicious sidekick? Pier Bar’s dining menu is similarly enticing, and is tailored to its seaside location, serving as an ode to Sydney’s maritime history and showcasing the iconic seafood tastes of the city. While sipping on an Avocado Mezcal Margarita, you can indulge with tuna tacos, lemon myrtle-dusted school prawns, or calamari with native berry and saltbush, to name a few of the selections. The menu is a culinary journey that mirrors the diversity of Sydney itself, as well as its seaside traditions.

The ambiance at Pier Bar is as thoughtfully crafted as its menu, with custom Australian-made furnishings that merge relaxation with style. The waterfront lounge settings are designed to facilitate memorable moments, during any occasion. In other words, Pier Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy the times you won’t soon forget.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Pier Bar kicks things up a notch with live DJ entertainment, curating a summery soundtrack that keeps the weekend vibes at an all-time high. But if you’re not already convinced, prepare for the coup de grâce. Pier Bar is one of the few places in Sydney—and the world—where you can make an entrance from the waves, courtesy of a private pontoon. That’s right, you can arrive in style via water taxi or private boat.

So, here’s to your new summer go-to; a best-kept-secret to take your out-of-town friends when they visit. It’s time to toast to a new era of harbourside luxury, where heritage meets the avant-garde and every sip tells a story.

Pier Bar is open now and welcomes guests daily from 11am until late.

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