42 Llankelly Place, Potts Point, Sydney
02 9356 8393
Despite what the latest season of Underbelly and Sydney’s tabloids will have you believe Kings Cross is trying to clean up its act. One particular area that has seen a major transformation is Llankelly Place, perhaps Sydney’s first real attempt at creating a Melbourne style laneway.
First out of the blocks to open up a bar and eatery on the revitalised pedestrian mall is LL Wine and Dine – a collaboration between three brothers Matthew, Chris and Tim Barge.
The only underbelly you’re likely to see at this joint these days is of the pork variety -try chef Jingyi Kung’s crispy skin pork belly drizzled with palm sugar & kaffir lime leaf syrup and other contemporary Asian cuisine. Despite this, the venue has a colourful heritage reflective of its Kings Cross location. LL is located in a former 1960’s illegal casino that has served as an adult bookshop and as a stronghold steel room. So beyond its unassuming façade lies quirky and intimate nooks and crannies that still channel that speakeasy vibe.
The drinks selection at LL includes a small selection of Asian lagers, an extensive Australian focused wine list with the odd inclusion from across the ditch and Europe. Cocktails change seasonally with a predilection towards stick drinks laced with lemongrass and lychees.