It’s been a big week for the Queen Victoria Building, with not one but two new bar launches. The first is Reign, a Champagne parlour and bar that’s opened in the former ABC shop. The second, Esquire Drink + Dine, a specialty whiskey and wine haven.

Sitting on level two of the heritage-listed building in the Sydney CBD, the 140-seat Esquire has evidently been heavily influenced by New York supper clubs. A dark, moody palette has been used throughout, accompanied by a dark oak bar, mosaic and parquetry flooring, soft leather seating and equally subtle lighting.

Behind the bar you’ll find a collection of 180 whiskeys and 200 wines collected from around the globe. Spirits? There will be many. These are best served mixed and matched in elaborate cocktails that include The Dance (Beefeater 24 Gin, H by Hine cognac, Chartreuse MOS, Apricot and Spanish Onion shrub, bee pollen and watercress) or the Sheep in Wolves Clothing (duck fat-infused spiced rum, barley, pandan syrup and bitters).

There will also be a lengthy bar menu to line your stomach first. Picture antipasti for two piled high with salumi, mustard fruits, pickles, olives and grilled bread, or a plate of Moonlight Flat oysters from Batemans Bay. Heartier dishes also make an appearance should you be feeling famished; there’s a whole roast chicken served over two separate courses as well as a 250g Grainge Signature MB3+ Rump Cap. For those eager to experience it all, there’s also a Chef’s Table Menu of10 dishes for $65 a head, served to you at the bar in front of the open kitchen.

Esquire Drink + Dine will be open from midday to midnight Monday to Wednesday, and until 2.00am Thursday to Sunday.

Esquire Drink + Dine
Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney
esquireatqvb.com.au