By Chris Canty
The Sherlock Holmes Inn
They may not have seen much daylight the last seven years, but for husband and wife team Gary and Melanie Kirwan at the Sherlock Holmes Inn, it’s all about the people. “We’re a bit like a country pub in the city,” Gary says. From the solitary door on Collins St, head down to exposed bricks, wooden beams and comfy nooks. A comforting English menu is at hand, especially Mrs Hudson’s (aka Sherlock’s landlady) steak and mushroom in ale pie. There are 18 beers on tap, as well as a mulled cider to warm the cockles.
415 Collins Street; 9629 1146; thesherlockholmes.com.au
The game's afoot: The Sherlock Holmes in Collins Street.Credit: Chloe Carbines
The Moat
Hiding under the State Library, in what once was the taxidermy section of the old Museum, The Moat hosts intellectuals and students alike for quick drinks or long lunches. Purple carpet and bluestones painted gold indicate a creative flair, which is also evident in the rustic menu, designed for sharing. Triple cooked boneless lamb ribs, pickled “cukes” and onion with cos salad is a winter warmer. Try it with a mulled cab sav served in a saucer.
176 Little Lonsdale Street, 9094 7820; themoat.com.au
Money Order Office
Scratch the surface of this sophisticated wine den and there are stories to discover. The self-opening front door is originally from Buckingham Palace and dotted among the brown leather couches, above original parquetry flooring, is said to be the world’s largest collection of Pierre Paulin lamps. Hundreds of wines are available but a carafe of sangria is the winter house speciality, and goes well with the chipiron (paprika calamari with tomato salsa), one of the more popular tapas dishes on hand.
5 Driver Lane; 9639 3020; www.moneyorderoffice.com.au
La Chinesca
Large prints of Archibald Prize nominees created by co-owner and artist Vincent Fantauzzo line the walls of this recently opened New York-style bar, where natural light comes in from windows framing passing foot traffic above. The menu designed by Peruvian and former Rockpool sous chef, Daniel Salcedo, mixes Latin American and Chinese flavours. The Asado Short Rib Mantou (steamed bun), could just be the most original and tastiest burger variation in town. Now open for lunch, too.
71 Collins Street, 9663 8333; lachinesca.com.au
Yu-u
Ignore the uninviting closed metal door and step down into a dark enclave of soft jazz tunes where a single room dominated by a yakitori grill within a wooden bar offers quality Japanese cuisine. Of the options on the $20 lunch menu we recommend the freshest of sashimi. There are 12 sakes available in differing temperatures but the glass kettle of genmai cha (toasted rice tea) at $2.30 must be one of the city’s best winter bargains.
137 Flinders Lane; 9639 7073