“The idea was to create what we think would be the first tiki bar with the introduction of exotic flavours, like pineapple, papaya or guava. They probably didn’t have the silly shirts or the ridiculous glowing neon lights and wild garnishes. We’ll still have that element of fun, but we’ll peel back that kitsch element that it’s been associated with.” Dre Walters, Owner/ Operator
Tag: Old Mate’s Place
There are three distinct spaces housed in a two-storey building on Newtown’s bustling King Street. The General Store, a 12-seater tropical speakeasy cocktail bar backing onto a cosy courtyard and an upstairs bar slated to open later in the year.
What goes into a bar becoming a bartender’s bar? It could be the proximation to a bunch of other bars, a late-night license and something to snack on after a shift. Perhaps an extensive back bar, Resch’s on tap and the ability to get a drink into your hand swiftly.
What we really wanted to do was make some banging drinks that fit all eventualities. Firstly, we wanted to create something refreshing, easy to make and perfect for a day off. Following that, something stirred down and boozy for after a shift, and finally something for any occasion that would always get a double thumbs up reaction.
For this month’s photoshoot we headed to Old Mate’s Place in Sydney’s Clarence Street. With Dre Walters and Dan Noble leading the charge this is a joint that is serious about its cocktailing. This drink features their house-made labour of love the Pea & Pear Shrub. Noble says: “The drink is a light, effervescent delight. The perfect cocktail for the spritz lover in all of us.”
The team at Old Mate’s Place selected The Knickerbocker for the introductory cocktail this month as according to Dan Noble it’s been staging a bit of a comeback. A classic from Jerry Thomas, the Old Mate’s version features pomegranate.
Sydney’s iconic Opera Bar, in collaboration with Bacardi Martini Australia, is set to host the inaugural Sydney Cocktail Festival – a three-day harbourside celebration of our city’s great small bars, the incredible cocktails they create, and the talented people who make them.
“When you have situations like this, this is where really interesting sort of flash evolutions happen, especially socially,” says Daniel Noble from Old Mate’s Place.
Some of the recipes below hew closely towards a classic construction with but a few ingredients, and more than a couple get geeky and utuilise fermentation techniques.
“There is no such thing as a vegan sausage.” Here’s how Old Mate’s Place & Planet Snag are supporting the NSW RFS this month (and how you can too).
Order a Piña Colada at Sydney bar, Old Mate’s Place, and you might be a little confused. But you can get the rather involved recipe for the drink right here.
Old Mate’s Place co-owner Daniel Noble shares their experience, one year into owning their first bar, and offers some advice for aspiring bar owners.