Sydney CBD
papagedes.com
346 Kent Street, Sydney
Sydney is starting warm to the idea that a good bar doesn’t have to be a in prime location overlooking the water or beckoning on a major street. Papa Gede's Bar follows the likes of many small bars with a compact venue tucked off Kent St. The space used to be a garage and the is obvious from the long fit out. In that respect it shares a similar heritage to Surry Hill’s Pocket bar. Judging by the arches and courtyard, the Papa Gede's venue probably served as horse stables much earlier in Sydney’s history.
Once inside, the bar has a simple layout with some voodoo inspired themes. There is a good stock the usual spirits and seven wines by the glass ($9-$11.50) with a couple more by the bottle only. Cocktails are likely to be a little more dynamic depending on when you visit. The list has a sense of fun (i.e, voodoo) and there are plenty of options for most pallets. For a drink to get things moving, nothing goes past absinthe served the traditional way with a water drip, or in some cocktails. Make sure you have a good seated position if you are going for the drip option as absinthe is as much about ritual as actually drinking it. Plus it is harder to fall over if you’re already sitting down.
Finding Papa Gede's Bar is not hard but it is easy to miss since it is not directly on Kent St. To get to the bar, walk through an arched driveway into a small courtyard on the 346-348 Kent St site. The entrance is either straight ahead, or to the right, depending on which way you enter. From an angle the doorway is not immediately obvious so follow the faint sounds of chatter. The fellow small bar, Since I left You, is a few doors up.
Best things: This hideaway is likely to attract people who are more interested in taking their time rather than downing beer after beer.
Don't miss:Absinthe, served the traditional way with water fountains and sugar.
Ideal for: Small groups, catch-ups with friends, dates.
Date tip: Dates will be tricky on Friday and Saturday nights as there is limited secluded space. Try the low couches on the left as you walk in, but avoid the tall wooden ones.
Gripe: Signage would be nice
Rating: 6/10
Last updated: August 2017
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