Sydney’s about to get a vintage-minded English tavern with The Duke of Clarence, a new venture created and led by renowned bartender Mikey Enright and Julian Train who are best known as the team behind one of the city’s most awarded bars, The Barber Shop. With a 19th century aesthetic, the new venue will be bringing a slice of elegant British charm to the streets of Sydney CBD, molded and fitted by famed UK set designer Sara Mathews, best known for her work on Moulin Rouge.
Eccentric furniture from the UK has been sourced and will help defined The Duke of Clarence, with many original pub items said to be over 100 years old. The building materials have been sourced from a whole heap of venues around England, including pubs, churches and warehouses spanning lights, panelling, stain glass, and even floorboards which date all the way back to the 1850s. No detail has been overlooked.
The Victorian-styled pub will open in the hidden alleyway next to The Barber Shop, with a warmly lit exterior that leads to ages timber stairs before welcoming guests into the elaborate drinking den, which will feature a 12-metre-long timber bar with oak wood panelling and stain glass, sitting next to a library corner and fireplace.
“Everyone asks me what I miss most about England, and my answer is always ‘a proper pub'”, said Enright, who is originally from Liverpool. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted in a pub; a real English boozer where reading the paper over a pint is as welcome as a round of extra dirty martinis. It’s going to have great tunes, perfect lighting and enough spirits to keep the most distinguished ladies and gents satisfied”.
Behind the bar will be a 500-strong line up of spirits from the British aisles as well as beer – mostly cask ale – poured from ornate English taps and classic cocktails using ingredients from a bygone era. There’s of course going to be plenty of British pub grub on a menu created in collaboration with ex-Merivale chef David O’Brien.
The Duke of Clarence will open this month at 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
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