You deserve surprises in life, right?  Not the kind where a TV reality star becomes the leader of the free world kind or Jon Snow finds out his girlfriend is really his Auntie on Games of Thrones but things like Kristen Wig’s Aunt Sue from Saturday NIght Live who just ‘LOVES SURPRISES” (look it up, it’s the best). Another good one is the new cocktail journey the Junk Lounge will take you on.

Situated above Cruise Bar, we are minded why this lounge has to be one of the best locations to take in Sydney Harbour and the iconic sails of the Opera House.  The space has all the charm of the old orient with plenty of contemporary spice. You’ll discover a modern twist on some classic Asian themes. Think distressed timber shutter walls and hanging paddy hats, dark surfaces and slick sunken lounges.  Head to the far corner of the lounge where,  through shimmering gold chain link curtains you’ll discover a stunning, full size mural of an Asian woman

Settled in on ottoman style seating, get ready for your first break with tradition – a cocktail in a teapot. Yep! Served in a blue and white china teapot with matching cups, ‘Matcha Magic’ is made with gin and elderflower liqueur and topped with ginger beer. Next, try Ruby Dragon. It’s a blend of Cointreau,Tanqueray gin with thyme and blackberry puree’ and an edible flower and toffee lid.  Each blend is a unique combination of Asian herbs and spices, fruits, local spirits and products – like the Rhubarb Fujim made from Johnnie Walker Black, honey water, rhubarb shrub, lemon juice and rhubarb bitters or the Kung Fu Hustle  made from Ketel One and lychee purée, mixed with orange and ginger syrup, lime and apple juice.

If you’re feeling peckish, try the green tea salted edamame, vegetable spring rolls or the  Chicken Karaage, all of which will pair seamlessly with cocktails and conversation as dusk approaches outside. For something more substantial the duck and shiitake mushroom gyozas or spicy crab Szechuan noodles are good for sharing. There are plenty of charcoal grills and dumpling choices as well and the Tokyo cheesecake with passion fruit coulis looks oh so tempting for dessert.

So if you feel like groundhog day is approaching, just take it to a new level (level one). Junk Bar delivers a new cocktail menu with a few surprises of the orient.

Junk Lounge
Level 1, Cruise Bar, Overseas Passenger Terminal Circular Quay West, Sydney
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 5pm – late, Friday and Saturday: 4pm – late