Sydney Bars that Turn Up the Heat

When the weather outside is frightful, the fireside is just so delightful… Sydney’s bars certainly don’t have any snow but when the temperature dips, they know how to turn up the heat. Whether it’s a cracking fireplace or a flaming dessert, here’s our guide to the bars that turn up the temperature.

The Bucket List Bondi, Bondi

You’re braver than us if you’re going for a dip at Bondi Beach this Winter, but a trip to Sydney isn’t complete without a trip to Bondi. Leave the swimmers for next time and make a beeline for this local institution. Right on the beach, The Bucket List’s deck is the spot for a summer session but in Winter, the lounges by the fireplace are hot property. The weekend roasts are always a winner; they’re served with all the trimmings, but get in early before they sell out.

Darlo Country Club, Darlinghurst

The name says it all. Darlinghurst’s very own country club isn’t afraid to have a little fun, putting a twist on the traditional. Expect leather arm chairs, vintage tennis racquets, fizzy cocktails and stuffed pheasants. It’s old school gentlemen’s club meets LA garden party at the Darlo Country Club. This Winter they’re keeping things hot with flaming cocktails and a new piece de resistance – the flaming apple pie. Forget hot toddies, this dessert will warm the cockles of your heart. Served in a large dish, the pie is flamed with a mix of Calvados and rum, that’s dramatically mixed while alight, at the table. It’s a show and a sweet fix all in one.

Grain Bar, Four Seasons Hotel, Circular Quay

Circular Quay is certainly a must see if you’re visiting Sydney, but walking around The Rocks and the Opera House can get a little breezy. Take refuge from the cold at this cosy bar just off George Street. Tucked into the corner of the uber luxe Four Seasons Sydney Hotel, Grain Bar’s best seats are close to the fireplace, which is electric but will have you nice and toasty before round two of sightseeing. Take the chance to try a few local drinks – a locally distilled Archie Rose White Rye or a glass of Hunter Valley Shiraz will beat away those chills. Or even better, during Winter’s Vivid Sydney festival, the bar will host a Dom Pérignon Luminous pop-up with light displays and luminescent Dom bottles – don’t worry, Dom will be available by the glass!

Bibo Wine Bar, Double Bay

Double Bay’s Bay Street is home to some of Sydney’s best shops and restaurants – a favourite with visiting celebrities and fashionistas. This cosy wine bar is the new kid in town. Dark and moody, Bibo Wine Bar comes alight when one of the signature dishes, a flambé chorizo, is delivered to your table. Soaked in sherry, the flaming Iberian chorizo is certainly a crowd pleaser.

Zeta Bar, CBD

Zeta Bar in the Hilton Sydney is infamous for its fiery Winter nights, where flaming cocktails are de rigueur and the enormous electric fire crackles away. If you really want to beat away those winter chills, try a Hot English Bloody Mary. Fresh chilli is the secret ingredient and boy, will it have you steaming.

Salt Meats Cheese, Ultimo

Yes, this is more of a restaurant/deli than a bar, but the brand new Broadway outpost of Sydney’s favourite delicatessen deserves to be on the list because of one dish. The Flaming Cheese Wheel has taken Sydney by storm. A hollowed out wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano is filled with brandy that’s set alight at your table. Hot Strozzapreti pasta is thrown into the wheel, where it’s mixed with the melted down cheese and a little pepper. Bellissima.