New underground Sydney bar Jude’s has officially opened, serving up retro-inspired cocktails prepared by a Michelin-starred bartender, classic tunes and ’70s glamour.
The old-world vibe of Potts Point and the modern grunge of Kings Cross converge at the basement lounge. Visitors who descend the stairs off Bayswater Road could be forgiven for thinking they’ve gone back in time to New York’s famed Studio 54, as a curved mirrored wall provides a pathway to the venue.
Inside, floor-length suede curtains frame the intimate space, which features velvet lounge chairs and an illuminated art deco mirror that reflects the disco ball spinning from the original exposed ceiling.
Jude’s licensee Tayla Holborow said: “Great cocktails, music and an escape from the fast-paced outside world is what we all need a little bit of right now.”
The immersive cocktail list by Matthew Cridge draws inspiration from the past, reimagining classic flavours and familiar serves through a modern lens while retaining a sense of nostalgia.
While Cridge is the man behind Jude’s drinks list, British mixologist Danny Renwick – who headed up London’s renowned rooftop bar Pergola and worked at the UK’s Michelin-star restaurant House of Tides – is the one bringing them to life each night.
There is a refined yet approachable selection of wines that strikes a balance between traditional producers and emerging labels. Australian wines from regions across the country sit alongside iconic European styles, including Champagne, Chablis and German Riesling, bold reds from Portugal, Spain and Italy bring depth and richness to the list.
Jude’s also offers a selection of snacks starting with complimentary soy-glazed pepitas for each table, extending to truffle fries, baked camembert with sourdough and hot honey, cheese plates, charcuterie boards and battered artichoke hearts with nduja aioli and shaved parmesan.
Jude’s launches in style
Drinks Digest visited Jude’s this week, getting a first-hand taste of its retro-inspired drinks menu.
Our picks were the bar’s signature Hey Jude, the lovechild of the lychee martini and spicy margarita. Crafted with Belvedere vodka, lychee, lemon and chilli, the cocktail balances delicate sweetness with a lingering heat, delivering a modern, expressive take on two contemporary favourites.
The Smokin’ Paps was another winner. The cocktail holds special meaning for the sommelier, who curated one of Australia’s most respected wine lists during his time at Bibo Wine Bar in Double Bay.
Named after his grandfather, the drink is rich in both flavour and sentiment. Smoked wood chips are ignited on a wooden board beneath a Nick and Nora glass, which is inverted to capture the smoke before being filled with Jack Daniel’s Honey, Sazerac Rye and orange bitters. Superb!
Jude’s is located in the basement of Penny’s Hotel at 15 Bayswater Road in Potts Point.