Aaron Edwards, the mind behind iconic craft beer bar, Bitter Phew, is set to open his newest bar on Oxford Street beneath his popular beer haven.
Aaron says that Hank’s is Oxford Street’s new local that is Australian in its influence, local and its roots and is a nod to the classic watering holes of the past. Opening next Wednesday, 20 October, Aaron said Hank’s is all about good times and great service.
“The idea of a good neighbourhood bar sometimes doesn’t get the attention it deserves. There is something romantic about the idea of a regular space that people spend time socialising and possibly, writing their next novel? Creating that space for people to feel at home,” Aaron said.
Hank’s promises a space that will allow people to ease back into being in each other’s company while serving up minimal intervention wines, Australian-based cocktails, own-label pale ales and “damn good pizza on house-made dough”.
Lou Dare, formerly of Charlie Parkers, Employees Only and Burrow Bar, joins the team as bar manager. Lou brings his passion for Australian spirits to Hank’s. “I’ve been a big advocate for local producers for a long time” he says, and it’s reflected in the menu. Hank’s classics use several top-quality local spirits, such as the House Martini with 23rd St Distillery Gin from South Australia and Adelaide Hills Vermouth.
The signature Sydney Spritz is a collaboration with Ziggy’s Wild Foods, using a “driveway vermouth” which has been made from weeds foraged from the inner west suburbs of Sydney. The Australian influence is evident without being too obvious, with cocktail names such as the White Sands Negroni and the Cassowary.
The concept of the Hank’s food offering is about “good food keeping people fed”. Taking care of the menu is long-time chef friend, Anthony Lot, previously of places such as Alberto’s, Belon (Hong Kong), and 10 William. Pizza will be the main attraction, featuring old classics like the Margherita, and the Soppressa and mushroom (a riff on American style Pepperoni) and some new style pizzas such as the Nduja, ricotta, kale and honey.
Hank’s will open from 5pm until 12am Wednesday to Saturday at 137 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.
