Restaurant Review The Different Drummer in Glebe
Where Tapas Meets Modern Australian With a Cocktail or Two
Oct 20, 2009
The Different Drummer is a cocktail and tapas bar located in the heart of Glebe's busy restaurant borough. It is a suitable destination for after-work drinks, dinner, cocktail parties and functions.
Spanish With a Modern Twist
The Different Drummer is a delicately refurbished old pub on the fringes of Sydney‘s CBD. The atmosphere is upbeat; owing in part to the clientele being slightly more refined than what is normally expected in a typical inner-Sydney pub. It has been lauded by Melbournians and Sydney-siders alike for having the typical feel of a Melbourne wine-bar - chic interior design and a dynamic atmosphere.
Within the Drummer the décor is hip, with hessian covered red screens in one room, and warming red lighting in the main bar. There is a second level with more seating or diners can choose to sit along side the bar with their meals. The cocktail menu is a breath of fresh air with many exciting seasonal creations being offered to customers; along with the Spanish favourite – Sangria. Service is speedy and the waiters and bar staff are all courteous and quick to rustle up a cocktail (or two). Accompanying the evening is an enlivening selection of non-commercial lounge-style music.
Also, a wood-furnished garden is available for up to 100 guests. There are also two other medium-sized areas on the first floor, which can each cater for up to 25 people standing (great for a casual gathering) or slightly fewer sitting. A top-floor function area with views over the city and the rooftops of Glebe cater for parties of up to 40 people.
Cocktails Galore
The seasonal selection of cocktails joins an already abundant list of old-time favourites, and other mixed libations.The Helsinki Pear combines caramelized pear with Woodford Reserve, Poire William, lime and spice syrup and makes for a unique almost ‘strudel’ like flavour. The Tequila Quickdraw comprises of strawberries and lemon mixed with Patron Silver Tequila and St Germaine Elderflower Liqueur and packs a flavoursome punch. There are many more tastes to choose; ranging from sweet and sour, to fruity and spicy. Other popular drinks to try are the Passionfruit Collins and the classic Mojito.
Cocktails are not all that is on the menu. There is a fully-stocked bar, meaning a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits are also available.
Don’t Forget the Tapas
Food-wise, a wide range of traditional tapas is offered, including garlic prawns, meatballs, Jamon Serrano and Manchego cheese croquettes, and cheese and spinach empanadas.
There is also a diverse range of non-Spanish style tapas which loosely translate into ‘modern-Australian bar snacks’ but with added class. Some of these include duck and coriander wontons with Hoi Sin sauce, a trio of tapenades: Baba Ganoush, black olive and sun-dried tomato served with warm Turkish bread; and char grilled lamb brochettes with a Moroccan marinade.
The empanadas, deep-fried rather than baked, are greasy though the garlic prawns and wontons are and are served in generous portions. The trio of tapenades is a good introduction to the meal – and the lamb is mouth-watering. The brochettes are cooked to perfection and sealed with an array of Moroccan spices.
Each plate is an example of great value ($11 each – or alternatively $42 for 4 selections) and are presented nicely in simple dishes and often united with a small mixed salad. A typical meal for two will cost approximately $20 excluding cocktails.
Everything including food is ordered and paid for at the bar. Food is delivered intermittently over a period of time to enable the dishes to be eaten at their freshest.
Where Melbourne Meets Sydney
The Different Drummer has a Melbourne feel; yet is nestled in the inner suburbs of Sydney. It is not a world-class restaurant, but it is not trying to be; instead it combines a philosophy of good simple food matched with equally good drinks to create a lasting bar experience, with a great atmosphere to boot.
Information
The different drummer can be found at 185 Glebe Point Road, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia.
The bar is open from Tuesday through till Saturday 5pm till Late. Parking may be hard to find as it is situated in a busy area of Glebe, but street parking is often available near-by.
There is a daily happy 'hour and a half' which runs from 6pm till 7:30pm, suitable for pre-dinner or after-work drinks. The bar is licensed till 2am.
Bookings can be made on (02) 9552-3406, or online.
