Where to drink on a cold rainy night

Last thursday night saw the bestie and I seek refuge from the rain at Black Penny's Launch Party.

This brand-new pocket bar, located on the corner of Bourke Street and Cleveland Street, Surry Hills is quite possibly the funkiest bar I've been too in a long time.

Brimming with hipsters, surfies and museos, it has a laid-back vibe and a feeling that everyone here is looking for a good time.

The food is random but seems to work. They had tasting plates passed around by gorgeous wait staff that were filled with square fish-fingers in tartare sauce which kinda reminded me of my childhood (and mum shouting "no one is to leave the table until you've eaten everything on your plate"), twice cooked meatballs, and some form of proscuitto-wrapped in something but I wasn't quick enough for that plate.

I did however get a brief glimpse at the bar menu and it featured heavily on the unusual (but I'm sure tasty) side. There were Kangaroo Skewers , Chicken Pate served with pear chutney, and Heritage Lamb cooked in rosemary and Guinness gravy and served with onion and feta ravioli (seriously, my mouth is watering!) along with many other options. Slightly more unique than your usual bar menu but for around $12 each who is complaining!

With the savings from dinner why not splurge a little on one of the "7 daily sins" cocktail list ($14 - $20). They are not your usual sugary sweet cocktails, which I must admit I'm a little upset by. Who doesn't enjoy a side of diabetes with their cocktail mmmm.... however if you have a slightly more mature palate than mine these cocktails are for you!

The other super cool, arty thing about this pocket bar is that they have converted the adjoining garage space into a cool little gallery called "Blacklisted"that will feature local and emerging artists work. Tres chic!

The bar itself is on the dark side (some might say this gives it a romantic vibe) and you wouldn't want to be there on a busy night as it can get quite cramped but they have a huge wine list, great food and a cosy wintery feel about it that will see me grace it's doorstep again.

I should advise, however, that should you wish to visit this bar, please kindly adhere to their strict dress code of 'hipster only' fashion. I unfortunately made the mistake of coming straight from work in a cute emerald green A-line dress and stuck out like a sore thumb. Epic fail.

Black Penny
Corner of Cleveland and Bourke Street
Surry Hills

Hours:
Wednesday to Saturday - noon to midnight
Sunday- noon to 11pm

blackpenny.com.au