Ask a local: An insider's guide to the Sydney CBD with bar owner Mikey Enright
Henry Deane at Hotel Palisade, Millers Point
Mikey Enright
As the owner of some of Sydney’s most popular bars, like The Duke of Clarence and The Barber Shop, and co-owner/director of Barrelhouse Group, Mikey Enright knows a thing or two about nightlife. He talks about Sydney’s growing small bar scene, his favourite spots to eat and drink, and more.
I love the individual areas of the CBD: Chinatown, Barangaroo, the YCK Laneways small bar district, The Rocks historic quarter and the harbour. They all offer a unique experience.
Sammy Junior on Market Street has a great vibe; it’s run by the same team behind the Maybe Sammy bar. If I’m in The Rocks, Black & White Espresso serve great coffee.
The Gidley, a modern American-style steak house on King Street, is a favourite. It very much reminds me of New York City, with its opulent interior, chargrilled rib-eye steaks, and classic martinis.
I would see a show or catch a live music gig, followed by dinner then drinks with friends. My favourite spot to watch a gig is outside on the Sydney Opera House forecourt. Dinner would be at Rockpool Bar & Grill, and I'd finish up with drinks at Henry Deane, a rooftop cocktail bar on the top of Hotel Palisade, or the new Dean & Nancy on 22, at the top of the A by Adina hotel.
YCK Laneways is a new small bar precinct spanning York, Clarence and Kent streets, between Town Hall and Wynyard stations. The area's fascinating industrial heritage features laneways, carriageways and store houses, and is now home to some of the world’s best bars – from Asian-inspired cocktails at Uncle Ming’s to Latino food, drink and music at Esteban, and my classic British tavern The Duke of Clarence. The bars here are often referred to as ‘bartenders’ bars’; when the small bar bill was passed, it made licenses more accessible and affordable, so bartenders could afford to open their own bars. A lot of the hospitality industry hangs out in YCK Laneways district.
Stitch Bar is an intimate small bar, and the team are great. I love an Irish Manhattan there. I also like to frequent my old stomping ground, Palmer & Co, for a late-night drink – my go-to is the gin-based Last Word cocktail.
Sea shanty folk singing at The Duke of Clarence on Tuesday nights. It’s a unique experience.
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