As some of you know, I work as an in-house graphic designer for a company that owns and runs some of Sydney’s biggest bars and nightclubs. About fourteen to be exact, and needless to say, it keeps the two of us very busy! At about the time I started, the logos had just been finalised for two new venues opening in Kings Cross. From August to December, when they opened, I got a behind-the-scenes look at all the things that go into opening a bar. Now that Sugarmill and Kit & Kaboodle have been up and running for about a month now, I thought I’d go back and visit, for research purposes, of course!
Sugarmill is a bit of a throwback to the Kings Cross of old with intricate patterned ceilings, peeling paint on the walls and real antique tiling. ‘The Cross’ used to be Sydney’s own little bohemia, attracting the ‘artistically inclined’ and was famous for the restaurant scene. Touches of that history appear in the interiors at Sugarmill, like the amazing giant light fittings over the bar and the beautiful leaf-patterned wallpaper that leads you downstairs.
The menu is also interesting, with up-scale pub food – steaks, ribs, schnitzel and subs – and a variety of share plates, but this is definitely some of the best pub grub I’ve ever had. The cocktail list is made up of primarily classic cocktails, but they’re done well, and reasonably priced to boot. However, if you want something a little more exotic, I’d suggest heading upstairs to Kit & Kaboodle. I had the beetroot, goat’s cheese and walnut salad with mandarin dressing ($13.50) and my cousin ordered the battered cod with fries and mushy peas ($15). I really liked my salad; it had a great variety of flavours and textures, from the crunchy walnuts to the tangy dressing, and it worked really well together. The fish was also delicious, encased in a tasty but not greasy batter. The fries were crunchy and crisp, and the serving was so generous that between us, we couldn’t finish them!
I really like the atmosphere at Sugarmill. I think it would be an equally great place for a party or a pub lunch, a few cocktails with the girls or a beer after work.
5 Comments on “Sugarmill, Kings Cross”
That cocktail looks divine. Was it watermelon with lime because I’m now craving both after looking at it! Love the photos!
Cocktails – I’m in!!
Karen, it was a cosmo actually. A particularly good one! I had a nice watermelon and coriander cocktail at Fringe bar once upon a time…
Miss Honey, the next blogger meet up should involve cocktails I think!!
love the photo’s and wish I could join you in the sunshine right now – France is FREEZING!!
Ah, I was just going to ask what that cocktail was.. it looks nice 🙂