Mrs Sippy

Since opening last October, Mrs Sippy has become a buzzing little inn, serving up brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails to the well dressed bar-hoppers of the Eastern Suburbs. But while the residents of Double Bay can cheers to the fact they no longer have to head over the hill to the city to get their small bar hit, they may still want to make the trek for one with a bit of soul.

Once you get past the diner-style restaurant and into the bar, Mrs Sippy begins to show signs of life. The walls are painted with colourful triangles – you'll find the same pattern on the drink coasters – and the sun shines through the open-air roof. The bartenders look more like models than your average booze pusher, but no complaints here, especially considering they make a pretty good cocktail too.

Red leather-bound cocktail books reveal a long wine list with cocktails hidden down back. The Raspberry Fizz ($18) is like a refreshing berry smoothie with a generous adult twist of gin and cucumber. The Rum and Raisin Mojito ($18) is a smooth and rich sugar hit, and though it lacks the traditional Mojito kick, it's still delicious. The hint of honey compliments the zesty lemon without tasting like cough syrup – take note, Sydney barkeeps! – and the raisin rum is subtle but interesting.

The ten-page wine list is dominated by Australian varieties, and for those skinny Eastern Suburbs gals, there is a special selection of low calorie, low alcohol, (and frankly, skip-able) ‘healthy’ wines.

There’s not much in the way of bar food, but the pork belly, fig and gorgonzola pizza ($24) passes as a snack to share. The juicy figs and sweet pork belly toppings are tasty, but the size of it makes the ‘Double Bay, double pay’ saying ring true – this little piggy is tiny. Fried baby calamari ($18) is soft is as it should be – all crunch on the outside, soft and tender within – and is complimented by fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic and soft zucchini.

If the sun is shining, you’re in the area and looking for a cocktail, Mrs Sippy is worth checking out. Otherwise, put it on your to do list for next summer.