Banksii Vermouth Bar & Bistro has emerged from lockdown fresh as a daisy, relaunching as new Mexican bar and eatery, Tequila Daisy.

While the owners – husband and wife team Rebecca Lines and Hamish Ingham – remain, everything else about the venue has changed.

The waterfront restaurant has been given a bright and sunny update by design studio Luchetti Krelle. The new corner space has been decked out in colourful shades, with blue picnic tables and bright yellow umbrellas, channelling Mexican fiesta vibes.

The new daisy-tiled bar has swapped out the extensive vermouth collection for mezcal and tequila, with over 100 options available by the glass.

The cocktail list is inspired by the Daisy cocktail, which combines a spirit (in this case, tequila) with sugar syrup and citrus. The menu includes a number of variaions, including a Cosmo Daisy, which adds cranberry and soda, and the Blue Daisies Bloom made from Blue Curacao and pineapple juice. There’s also a make-you-own margarita section, which allows you to choose your own tequila producer, as well as whether you want a blanco, reposado or anejo spirit.

“We’ve created a long drinks list that will work regardless of if you’re enjoying a quick beer or settling in for an afternoon of margaritas,” says co-owner and sommelier, Rebecca Lines. “We’ve really seen Barangaroo’s clientele evolve over the last few years so we wanted to mix things up and have some fun with a new concept that would work for everyone!”

Designed by executive chef Hamish Ingham, the food menu celebrates the vibrant colours and flavours of Mexico. The lineup includes six tacos, from the classic al pastor filled with pulled pork and pineapple salsa to a vegetarian roasted carrot taco with chimichurri and red cabbage.

Snack up a storm from the entradas menu, which includes beef cheek empanadas, kingfish tostadas and spiced arabol chilli chicken ribs. If you’re sharing, there’s ‘grande’ dishes like the whole grilled snapper with red chilli adobo and lime and lamb barbacoa with fresh corn tortillas. Just make sure you leave room for the churros with chilli chocolate sauce for dessert.

“We’re excited to be able to officially welcome diners into the venue to enjoy the full terrace and bar dining experience,” adds Ingham. “Our Bar Taqueria takeaway was a great way to introduce Tequila Daisy to Sydney, but the full experience is all about sitting around a table with friends and feasting on fresh Mexican flavours with a cocktail in hand.”

Tequila Daisy
11/33 Barangaroo Ave, Sydney
Mon – Sat 12pm – 11pm, Sun 12pm – 6pm
tequiladaisy.com.au

Related food news: Dine in style at this ultra-luxe Italian restaurant at Barangaroo