Address: Level 4, 252 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9240 3104
Website: view Hemmesphere’s website
Hours: Mon Closed, Tue-Sat 16:00-00:00, Sun Closed
Door: Make reservation
Style: Lounge bar
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes
Established: 2000
A long player, long stayer on the Sydney cocktail bar scene, Hemmesphere's impact on the city was not dissimilar to Oliver Peyton's opening of the Atlantic in London.
A big, luxe, New York style members bar, decked out in hues of velvet, modestly named for owner Justin Hemmes, Hemmesphere raised the bar for others to follow.
Hemmesphere recently celebrated its tenth birthday (2010). And, while the members-only policy has vanished with time, the luxe environment, well-made drinks and semi-covered smoking terrace still make this a fantastic event drinking venue.
Bar manager Sebastien Derbomez, who opened the short-lived Wellington Club in London, has won a range of awards, and the drinks list here is well done. It runs, in order of accessibility, from Crowdpleasers at the front to Connoisseurs at the back, and the inventive serves of cocktails with a sparkling wine palate cleanser and an edible side are well worth checking out.