As the newest, tallest, brassiest building on the Sydney skyline, Crown was always going to be a topic of conversation. At 271 metres of glass and mirror, it’s certainly hard to miss.
Since opening, its restaurants have been groaning with fine diners, even without the high rollers who were supposed to be losing their fortunes on the lush velvet tables of its gambling lounges before Crown’s gaming licence came into question.
Which means Sydney has a great new venue to play in, even without the gambling. And it’s been noticed, with Travel + Leisure magazine naming it one of the best new hotels in the world.
Now Cirq, the open-air bar on Floor 26, has opened its doors and presented a new venue to a city with surprisingly few true sky bars – the Shangri-La’s Blu Bar on 36 a notable exception.
Except Cirq is actually not quite at the top. There are 82 ultra-luxury residencies enjoying the best views in Sydney above us, paying up to $40 million for their sky pads.
When we visited early on a Saturday, all the outside tables were already taken with large groups enjoying food stands of cured meat and cheese ($88 dollars for two), meat cheese and seafood ($108 for two), and market seafood ($136 for two).
We enjoyed cocktails ($24 each), a stand of meat, cheese and seafood and joined some friends for a superb bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape wine.
A cool DJ kept the mellow music going while more and more well-clad Sydneysiders settled in for a drink and some snacks. Stylish Spanish manager Guillem informed us the chef is Argentinian, which might explain some exotic meats like the port and squid-ink salami.
Add magnificent views and you have what looks like a winning formula for the winter (blankets are provided). Note there is a $75 per person minimum charge.
Explore more: crownsydney.com.au/indulge/cirq
