Inside an unassuming building in the middle of Sydney’s CBD lies a striking art-deco painting that hides a very fun secret.
The painting of a flapper-style woman sipping Champagne pulls back to reveal the quirky Bar Messenger that locals can’t get enough of.
Guests can press the ornate buzzer by the artwork to be granted access into the intimate speakeasy which is below Transport House in Circular Quay.
Visitors can find the historic building by spotting the easy-to-miss sculpture of Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods, above its door then follow the messenger downstairs to the door disguised as a portrait.
Once inside, they are greeted by a wall of peculiar portraits of animals in distinguished clothing, sparkling chandeliers and shelves filled with wine bottles in the dimly lit subterranean eatery.
Sydneysiders are loving an ultra-cool speakeasy bar which is hidden behind an art-deco painting in a historic Circular Quay building
Guests can press the ornate buzzer by the artwork to be granted access into the intimate speakeasy which is below Transport House in Circular Quay
Bar Messenger is an ‘Underworld of wine’ offering an extensive drinks list with drops from some of Australia’s finest wineries and wine regions all over the world.
If wine isn’t for you, bar tenders can shake up a range of classic or specialty cocktails including the Messenger’s Martini or Limoncello Spritz.
Foodies can fill up on bites from the eccentric menu of share plates, cold meats, cheese and warming toasties.
Favourites include the chicken liver pate, burrata with basil tomato and fig balsamic and mortadella toastie with Gruyere, truffle mustard aioli and house pickle.
Bar Messenger opened in August of 2023 and has been hosting themed events since.
Coming up is the Moulin Rogue night on March 8 where patrons will be treated to dazzling Parisian cabaret performances as well as a Drag Show Cabaret show on March 23.
They are greeted by a wall of peculiar portraits of animals in distinguished clothing, sparkling chandeliers and shelves filled with wine bottles inside the dimly-lit subterranean eatery
If wine isn’t for you bar tenders can shake up a range of classic or specialty cocktails including the Messenger’s Martini or Limoncello Spritz
Foodies can fill up on bites from the eccentric menu of share plates, cold meats, cheese and even warming toasties
Those who have discovered the 20s-style bar have been raving about their experiences.
Blogger Rose Khater said Bar Messenger had perfect ‘old world vibes’ and a menu that is designed to be shared.
‘I love going to hidden bars and this one was super cool because it was behind a painting!’ another woman said.
‘I loved the moody vibes inside. It’s the perfect place for a date or a wine catch-up with friends.’
‘The excitement of cracking the code to gain entry is only matched by rare personable service that is most welcome in a world that is rocketing toward robotic service culture,’ another five-star review said.
