Approximately 27 years ago a 30 something male with a bit of spare cash and cute clothes went clubbing. The setting was Juliana’s, at the Hilton Escorts Sydney Hotel. He wooed girls with strawberries and cream, guzzled down screwdrivers and one Saturday night met the right girl. They got married and had two kids.
True story, I promise! The 30 something was my dad, the girl was my mum. I’m one of the kids and as life goes… things change and so has the bar my parents met at all those years ago.
Even though Juliana’s is no more, the Hilton is still home to Sydney’s sexiest Escorts Brisbane bar. Since 2005, its been replaced with Zeta Bar. Newspapers, and bloggers in the know have talked this spot up, dubbing it “the place to be”. So, being 21 and keen to step into my finest threads, I headed out. I found Zeta Bar had so much more to offer than just a hyped up name.
From the moment my taxi drove into the driveway of the Hilton I knew this was a special bar. Two men in shiny suits approached my cab, opening both back doors and escorting me out of the vehicle. The friendly chaps held open the door as I entered the ground level of the hotel. I felt fabulous as I glided across the polished marble floors; past ladies in sky high heals. I tapped the lift button gently and stepped in. When the lift doors opened, I jumped out excitedly totally prepared for the opulent night ahead.
Soft electronic tunes enveloped me as I walked into the bar. The room was decked out in purple tones, furniture made from dark wood and dim red lighting. The main room has the long wood bar perched directly in the middle where friendly and relaxed staff let creativity run wild. To the left of the bar, there are a dozen small private corners where music is soft and the mood is very intimate. While the lounge area opposite complete with leather cushion style seats and dark timber chairs arranged around a fireplace burning with sparkling glass rocks provides for a more casual, classy spot to sit.
To the right is the outdoor area where people can opt to stand holding martinis or sit with platters of snacks. This section is lined with marble benches and stainless steel stools making for a relaxed spot for large groups. The alfresco area overlooks the hustle and bustle of George St and the historic shopping complex, the Queen Victoria Building.
International mixologist, Grant Collins is a leader in creative cocktails and he shakes up a list of lovely ones at Zeta. The clubs signature is the pineapple and coriander martini. Succulent pineapple pressed with coriander leaves and plymouth gin, vanilla de madagascar, pressed lemon juice, finished with Zeta’s own vanilla syrup is fresh and fruity. Collins experiments with the traditional margarita – serving it martini style on a platter with a side of sea-salt foam in a baked and caramelised lime shell. He also toys with New York’s favourite cocktail, the Manhattan. He infuses this American classic with smoky bacon bourbon, maple syrup and cherry syrup. It is served with a side of smoky bacon and a tangy cherry garnish making for one very very strong beverage.