Despite the gloomy thunderstorms, Friday night’s launch of “The Secret Garden,” Zeta Bar’s latest bar concept, was buzzing as media and foodies were invited to sample the menu. As soft jazz music floated through the bar and the rain pelted down on the high glass ceiling above, guests sipped inventive cocktails from passing platters and nibbled on high tea treats, including macaroons and finger sandwiches, from laden silver, three-tiered trays.
By Sangeeta Kocharekar
Zeta Bar, located on the fourth floor of Hilton Sydney, is known for its creative bar concepts – most recently a build-your-own cocktail “Farmer’s Market” night, followed by the circus-themed “Coney Island.” This season’s “The Secret Garden,” based around the novel, features a menu of quirky cocktails including “Tweedle Dum,” a smoking tea pot of gin and Chandon drink for two, refreshing Mimosa and Bellini Ice Poles, and high tea sweet and savoury favourites, including home baked scones with rose petal cream and brioche sandwiches with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
The launch party featured entertaining midgets acting as “garden gnomes,” a live band, and a brief Q&A with head bartender Colin Tam about the inspiration behind the concept. Each of the menu’s cocktails was created by one of Zeta’s mixologists based on their interpretations of the book.
“We always have fun showcasing to our guests the creative construction and inspirations that goes behind creating the Zeta cocktail concepts,” said Colin.
Unlocking its doors to the public on Thursday, February 14th, “The Secret Garden” will run every Friday night from 6pm until March. Bar-goers will be invited to enjoy the menu, while soaking up the summer sun on the hedge-lined terrace, complete with white garden furniture.
