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The Loft Bar

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

The Loft may strike initially as a bit of a scenester's fantasy land, but on further inspection it's much more focused on unusual booze combinations and quality eats. Located among many fairly similar establishments, The Loft manages to stand alone through sheer effort and good taste in decor, drinks and degustation. And although this all comes at a slightly higher than usual price, the bar staff and Darling Harbour views certainly go out of their way to make it worth your while.

The cocktails (interestingly) are divided into five sub-menus, each inspired by the flavours of a region ranging from the Mediterranean, Middle East to the Americas and good old Oz. If you're feeling brazen you could attempt the Baghdad Iced Tea, or perhaps save it till after downing the alluringly titled (but delicious) Sadam's Apple, or the seductively sweet-sour-spicey concoction that is The Girl From Okinawa. The Australian list also does things a bit differently, so don't expect a tequila sunrise or classic Fire Truck on arrival.

No need for the beer-lovers to panic; The Loft has a smooth roll-over of Beers of the Month, and if all else fails and you can't stomach a drink, there is always the invitingly fresh menu to pore over for lunch and bar snacks.
Jessica Miller, May 2008