Bennelong Bar

Set in the greatest building in the country, and privy to its most famous view, it is hard to see where this bar could go wrong. While us mere mortals might not be able to cough up for Guillaume Brahimi’s haute-Franco fare, his restaurant’s bar offers the same view, glamour, and masterly service at a fraction of the price. Once sat, the only trouble is deciding whether to look up at the arched bones of Jørn Utzon’s masterpiece or out, through sepia-tinged windows, to the bridge, Luna Park and beyond. The kind staff will happily fix you a house (the cinnamon-tinged GB) or classic (Negronis, Martinis and the like) cocktail or you can choose from a by-the-glass list with prices that befit the location, but selections which offer a nice surprise. You might opt for the yeast, salt, and nuts of Jacques Puffeney’s Savagnin, or the straight-up-Kimmeridgian class that is Gerard Boulay’s Sancerre. Either will taste better washing down plates of excellent bar snacks. They are available in choices of four, six or eight, and you won’t want to miss the dainty crab sandwiches, a pleasantly loose country terrine or curls of duck parfait on little squares of toasted brioche.

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