Say hola to El Primo Sanchez, the new Mexican bar by The Maybe Group (Maybe Sammy, Dean & Nancy) and Public Hospitality (Oxford House, The Strand).

The new venue has taken over one of Paddington’s most primo locations, the historic Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel on the corner of Oxford Street and Rosebud Lane.

El Primo Sanchez pays tribute to Mexico’s lively neighbourhood bars and promises muchas good times. 

Make yourself comfortable in the bar or lounge area, and then, depending on how many tequilas you’ve had, you can follow up with a boogie on the dance floor or even hit the karaoke booth, which fits just two people at a time. If you’re running dry mid-song, you can even press a tequila button, which informs bar staff of your order.

Just don’t expect the usual shots and slushies. The bar menu will be filled with the thoughtful, inspired cocktails for which the Maybe Sammy team is known – and of course, there are a few surprises too. 

The back bar will be stocked with premium tequila and agave spirit, which is available as a nip or splashed into a margarita or old fashioned. 

Highballs will be the focus of the drinks list, with five to choose from. The Sanchez Paloma swaps out the classic grapefruit for mandarin, while the Charro Negro combines tequila, cola and lime with the smoky charred flavours of Mexican corn liqueur. Order one for yourself or get a jarrito – a traditional clay jug – to share. 

They’re also doing a take on the gimlet, which is spiked with a housemade corn cordial made from toasted leftover tortillas. 

Tequila and mezcal will replace traditional spirits on the cocktail list, taking over from vodka in the espresso martini and whisky in the old fashioned. You’ll even find it in the T’NT, a take on the G&T with tequila, jalapeno lime soda and tonic. Beyond the cocktails, there will also be Mexican tinnies and a Spanish-skewed wine list. 

In the kitchen, Mexican-born consultant chef Alejandro Huerta (ex-Chica Bonita, Mexican Society and Pujol in Mexico City) has put together a playful menu packed with punchy flavours. 

Snackos include tacos. There’s the Al Pastor made with 12-hour achiote marinated pork belly with pineapple and a coriander salsa verde and a beef rib barbacoa with salsa roja. There will also be light snacks like guacamole, snapper ceviche and tuna tostadas, as well as more substantial offerings like the charcoal grilled tiger prawns and a dry-aged steak. 

The historic pub has been given lively interiors to match the menu. Inspired by 1940s Mexican design, the fit-out reveals a vibrant palette of bright orange and royal blue. Recessed ceiling will reveal LED lights that change colour based on the time of day and mood of the venue. Stand in the right spot and if the lights flicker in your favour, you’ll be shouted a shot of tequila. 

El Primo Sanchez
27 – 33 Oxford Street, Paddington
Wed – Thu 4:30pm – 12am, Fri – Sat 4:30pm – 1am
elprimosanchez.com
@elprimosanchezsydney