A bar dedicated to all things martini has opened in a Sydney laneway. Dry Martini by Grant Collins and Gin Lane celebrates the evolution of the eponymous drink, ranging from vintage recipes from the 1920s and 1930s, to new twists on the espresso martini and everything in between. 

Martinis are tailor-made at your tableside, with roving martini trolleys and dozens of vodkas, gins, vermouths and seasonal specials on offer.

Sister bar to Collins’ ode to juniper, Gin Lane, the Chippendale bar draws inspiration from the sophistication of London’s top martini bars, tempered with the casual pintxos-style snacks of Spain.

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With a snack menu designed to bring out the best in your martini, you can expect clever dishes like freshly shucked oysters with shaved dirty martini ice; crème fraîche and caviar sandwiches; wagyu sliders with housemade pickles; and jamon croquettes with rich Spanish béchamel. 

If you’re new to the world of martinis, you’re in good hands. Collins has learned a thing or two about cocktails over his 20-year career in some of the world’s top bars.

Meticulously researching original recipes from the 20s and 30s, and developing creative takes on the espresso martinis (think salted caramel espresso with a nitro frozen foam; Scottish espresso with a shortbread infused whiskey and shortbread foam), the martini novice will be just as at home at Dry Martini as the pickled well-seasoned among us.

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Still feeling spoiled for choice? Luckily, there’s no need to choose with the espresso martini tree, a tower of all six renditions of espresso martinis to sample. Also available with four classic martinis hanging from the boughs, this showstopper is one luxe way to start the weekend.

Dry Martini is open Tue-Thu, 5pm – late, and Fri-Sat, 4pm-late. Level 1, 44 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Reservations can be made here.

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