TL:DR Innovation, dedication and perfection – the only three words you need to understand Gin Lane.
For those who have time: Gin Lane is all about theatrical cocktails, flowerpot sours, cut grass infusions, cucumber sandwich gin (it really does taste like a cucumber sandwich), and a wall adorned with flowers is all part of Gin Lane’s Spring festival. Taking mixologist Grant Collins’ creativity to the next level, guests can expect Gin Lane’s signature theatricality with cut grass scented ‘fogs’ and syrups.
Until the end of December, Gin Lane will celebrate Spring Into Gin, in its 19th century townhouse, a limited edition pop up that captures the essence of Spring, and a one-off collaboration with local distiller Poor Toms – the year’s most delicious addition to the local Gin market.
We tasted some of these concoctions and they are mindblowingly creative and so intensely flavoured with single handed curated ingredients, picked during foraging sessions (such is Grant’s dedication to his craft) to roasting and smoking. In all the bars the dedication to Gin innovation is likely only seen in New York or London for experience.
So when we say the Spring Into Gin menu is a testament to Gin Lane’s commitment to creativity and pushing the boundaries of mixology and drink creation, we’re not being hyperbolic, or trying to get you in the door, we’re legitimate that you need to spend your days here as something new and surprising will also pop up.
At the heart of each creation are these freshly foraged ingredients such as pine, rose, lavender and jasmine. The smell of freshly cut grass is also a theme among their cocktails with ‘Flowerpot Sour; rose bud infused gin, jasmine, lavender, citrus, cut grass & pine needle syrup, pine spruce tip foam & edible soil’ and ‘Cucumber Gimlet; dry gin, house-made cucumber cordial with cut grass, elderflower, & mint’.
Mastermind behind the innovative concepts, is experienced mixologist and owner of Gin Lane, Grant Collins. UK born, Grant has received global recognition for his expertise in crafting unique and memorable bar experiences. Spring Into Gin is no exception, drawing inspiration from seasonal blooms and creating multi-sensory experiences with smell, taste and touch elements.
A standout creation of the Spring collection is the ‘Painted G&T’ inspired by the botanical profile of Poor Tom’s Dry Gin. Adorned with edible flavoured paint on the glass, offering hints of cinnamon, lavender and apple with each sip. It’s fun, it’s instagramable, it’s delicious.
For those gin enthusiasts and curious minds who wish to delve further than tasting cocktails, Gin Lane offers exclusive Gin Masterclasses & cocktail making for groups to embark on an immersive journey into gin tasting, exploring the botanical flavours and even craft personalised gin blends. Plus if alcohol is not your thing right now, you won’t miss out – there are zero alcohol options for all drinks.
We loved the cocktails here, it’s well worth a trip and then follow up with a meal in Spice Alley.
Gin Lane
16A Kensington St, Chippendale
Mon – Thurs: 4pm – late
Fri – Sat: 2pm – late
