Pubs & Bars
Blu Bar On 36
(02) 9250 6000
Level 36, 176 Cumberland St
The Rocks, NSW, 2000
Blu Bar On 36
An attraction in its own right, the New York-inspired Blu Bar on Level 36 of Shangri-La Hotel Sydney exudes urban sophistication. The exclusive cocktail lounge is located high above the city with panoramic views of Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
The bar oozes opulence from the marble hallway entrance to the fluorescent blue bar and lounge area. Dim lighting and five-metre high floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow you the chance to sit back and enjoy sweeping views over Sydney. The standard selection of Australian, French and New Zealand wines is available while the extensive cocktail list includes everything from the humble Bellini to the wild Holy Amigo.
Freshly brewed green tea is cooled using liquid nitrogen in the production of our cocktail, Nectar From The Orient ($36/2 people). Plumes of smoke descend over the bar, and as gimmicky as it is, I can’t help but smile. The resulting cocktail for two is served in a teapot with a pair of ice-filled glasses on a little wooden tray. It’s basically a spiked juice, with the blend of Bombay Sapphire gin, Cointreau and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur somewhat dominated by mango puree. As it’s too late to have it with breakfast, I suffice with a simple, gooey ball of Burrata Cheese ($15) and some imagination. Did you know that from a window seat in this bar, you can see all the way from the Anzac Bridge to North Head?
Situated on the top of the Shangrila la hotel, this is the bar with the best view of Sydney Harbour that there is. A small bar to buy drinks from, you can stand around the bar or at a stool at the window. Or, you put you name down for a table in the next room. This we did and were seated at a table for two at the window with spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House! What could be better!! Table service for drinks and they have an extensive range of cocktails, wines, beers, whiskey and other spirits.
I got the Yamazurakura which is gin, elderflower liquor, Aperol, lemon juice, grapefruit and egg white. I've always been put off by a cocktail with egg white, but no longer will be, as it makes a good foam! Winner of the worldwide shangrila la cocktail challenge and it was a delicious cocktail. I almost ordered the same ...read more
I mean just take a look at that view! This swanky bar sits atop the Shangri-la hotel in the Rocks and it is elegant and refined, just like its hotel. There is a cocktail on their drinks list that comes with a diamond in it, just in case you wanted to propose on a whim. The whole place kind of feels like it is dripping in money and extravagance but not in a negative way at all. If you are trying to get in here on a Friday night though you could be waiting a while, even as a hotel guest so put your name down or go early!
