Ah, Westworld! A futuristic wild-west themed amusement park where every human appetite can be indulged. There is a similar sense of the past colliding with the future on the streets of Barangaroo. As the streamlined glass towers soar high above, on street level there are plenty of inspired experiences that pay homage to past traditions while delivering an indulgent grooming, clothing and dining destination for the modern man.
The Barber Shop
First on the list of must do’s is The Barber Shop. Rest your weary head while all your grooming needs are attended to the old-fashioned way at this, parlour styled barbershop. There is space to relax, and even have a stiff drink at what is probably the smallest bar in Sydney. Who doesn’t love a gin and tonic to accompany their clean shave and hot face towel pampering. There’s beer in the fridge and whiskey on hand if you’re after something that packs a bit more punch.
It’s a handsome space with memorabilia and sculptures adorning the walls. It offers a range of men’s products including razors, shaving brushes, beard oils and even leather bags and books. The whole experience is relaxed and sophisticated with a welcome nod to the past.
Get suited at Belance
What will men be wearing in the future, who knows? Superflex powered body suits most likely. Nothing beats the feeling of wearing a men’s tailored suit when you know its hand stitched buttonholes took 2 hours each to complete. The store is minimal and light with an attention to detail you would expect from a custom offering; look for the timber relief edge under the main table. But it’s the way Belance’ is redefining men’s made to measure suits that has us all sewn up, like their time saving fittings that require no appointment and a turnaround service of just 3 weeks.
They’re helping the planet using no plastics, and a tailoring technique of horse hair canvas instead of glue and paper. This is made to measure with creativity, a conscience and zero waste. Need sunnies? socks? Check out the range straight from New Orleans.
Dinner at Meat & Wine Co
No shoot em’ ups here – just a chic urban heritage dining experience with a taste of South African flavours. The interiors are warm and Afrocentric with woven timber wall panelling, leather banquettes and surprises like the suspended timber oars. The crafted timber and glass staircase builds anticipation of what’s ahead as you ascend to take in the harbour views on the upper dining level.
Order the steak from The Monte Paddock with crunchy chips and mushroom sauce. Pair it with the Barosse Babe 2016 – a medium bodied Shiraz with blackberry and plum aromas, or choose from their expansive wine list featuring both Australian and international varieties. It’s steakhouse DNA with an intimate skin.
Shirt Bar
The future of retail is on display at Shirt Bar, a concept store that is doing mighty fine. Whether you are after crisp tailored shirts, a locally roasted Arabica coffee blend or want to sample one of their many top-notch whiskies that line the walls, this fusion retail/hospitality isn’t flash in the pan – it is built on tradition created by Justin and Louka Marmot’s. Justin’s father found the well-known Australian business shirt brand Ganton in 1974 and Justin’s keen to share the history of Shirt Bar as you sample their whiskies with a cheese plate at their private tasting sessions.
Discover just how differently whiskey tastes depending on the distilling method used. Form the clean clinical taste of Japanese whiskey to the peaty smoked single malts, it’s all in the way the malt dries and you’ll feel like your drinking straight from the cask. All the hard work has paid off at Shirt Bar. They are celebrating legacy and passion as they bring old school service and tradition to a whole new generation.
It’s good to know you can still have experiences that echo the best of what’s past; where service, quality and craftsmanship are the hallmarks of great customer experience. If that’s your thing, then the Streets of Barangaroo was crafted just for you. Yeeha!!!
The Barber Shop
33 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm. Closed Sundays
Belance
Shop 1/3 Sussex Street, Barangaroo
Open every day from 10am – 6pm
TheMeat&WineCo
International Tower One, 100 Barangaroo Avenue
Opening hours Sunday – Thursday 12pm -10pmFriday – Saturday 12pm-10:30pm
Shirt Bar
Opening hours Monday – Tuesday 7:30am – 8pmWednesday – Thursday 7:30am – 10pm, Friday 7:30 am – 12am,Closed Saturdays and Sundays
