While the extra top shelf spirits listed in the Downstairs Bar and the popular classic cocktails were enticing, the Saturday night birthday celebrations of our large group started with carafes ($28) of The Common’s Spritz (Aperol and Prosecco with slices of fresh cut citrus, orange blossom water and soda). Then we pretty much stuck to NSW beer: Lord Nelson Three Sheets Pale Ale ($8). Someone ventured further with a Bloody Mary, which was tasty after he fought his way through the garnish: fresh chilli and cucumber slices as well as the traditional celery. We appropriated the open-air front courtyard with its wooden crates: upturned as low tables and our seats. Table service enabled our chitchat without disruption – very good fun. However next time I’ll try different bar snacks or share plates, as The Commons’ Ploughman’s was a lesser species.
The Commons
32 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
+61 2 9358 1487
Republished from my weekly BAR FLY newspaper column for the Alternatived Media Group.
