Abercrombie Lane (off George Street),
Sydney 02 9240 3172
merivale.com.au/palmerandco/
This latest launch from Merivale is a case-in-point example of Justin Hemmes’ attention to detail and creative savvy. Taking over a section of Tank‘s underground space – what used to be the VIP area – Palmer & Co. is all stripped-back brickwork, catchy coat hooks, 1920s black and white imagery and thick wooden beams. It’s class. Mr. Palmer – the namesake – is a long-past Sydney taxidermist who has made himself a keepsake now, as P&Co. is surely not going to fade away any time soon. The venue has tapped into the 1920/30s period well and they bill themselves as ‘Purveyors of Fine Whiskey, Curiosities, Taxidermy and Cocktails’ – much like you’d see advertised in the Sydney Gazette an era ago (although the step from cocktails to taxidermy is a slight worry). At Palmer & Co. it’s cocktails at the fore, and you can expect well mixed, chilled and presented specialties like the Palmer Martini, your choice of vodka or gin, dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. Sure it’s a simple treat, but mixed up in a voluminous mixing glass heaped with ice, and olives on the side it’s a perfect way to settle in.
There is no disputing Palmer & Co. is a fantastic cocktail bar and one of the latest and greatest establishments from Merivale, however if you are planning drinks down that way do yourself a favour and check out Mr Wongs next door before hand. Merivale’s newest restaurant and bar is nothing short of amazing. No expense has been spared to create the sense that the facility has been there forever. This is another quality fitout by Beebo Constructions who are no doubt Merivale’s builder of choice having recently completed Felix Bistro, The Fish Shop, Palmer & Co and now Mr Wongs…