Notable for its twin-brother bartenders and its astrology themed menu, the Observatory Bar has been a hit with travellers and locals alike since its launch in 2018.
The Langham’s Sommelier, Steven Bailey has enjoyed a meteoric rise over a decade in the hospitality industry, as he explains.
“It’s been quite a journey for the once-18 year old bartender in King’s Cross learning to quick-pour tequila shots, to confidently tableside-decanting a $9,000 bottle of wine for International delegates,” Steven says.
Before working at the Observatory Bar, Steven was a lobby boy at the Langham’s predecessor, the Observatory Hotel, and also ran food as a waiter in the two-hatted Galileo Restaurant.
His success has been driven by a simple approach to hospitality, that he has brought to his role at Observatory Bar.
“We’ve come to learn that the best approach has always been offering simple yet delicious drinks that excite the senses and always offer a touch of Langham Brand elegance,” Steven explains.
“We don’t overly complicate things at the Bar or in the Restaurant, and we let the guests rest assured they’re in capable hands.”
Having been at the hotel when it was brought into the Langham portfolio, Steven has seen the development of Observatory Bar from the very beginning.
“The Observatory Bar was a much needed space the hotel needed in the few years after the Hotel joined The Langham Hospitality Group Collection,” Steven says.
“Becoming the main bar after a restaurant refurbishment that saw the loss of the Palm Court lobby Bar. The space itself was designed with both elements and décor which draw inspiration from our London, Hong Kong and Melbourne Hotels, as well as harkening back to our extensive and historic relationship with our Miller’s Point Observatory neighbour.”
Indeed, the Langham Hotel is found just across the road from the Sydney Observatory, from which the bar takes its name.
It’s this astronomic neighbour that has influenced the bar’s astrological menu, which contains a ‘Zodiac Gin & Tonic’ list, providing pairings that match to starsigns.
“Within our tiered menu our lightest and most refreshing drinks are showcased at the beginning with our Zodiac Gin & Tonic List,” Steven explains.
“As a gin forward cocktail bar, we tied our extensive range of local and international gins with our Fever-Tree selection, using a quirky and unique pairing designated to each of the Zodiac Signs.”
This menu had one of the more unique development processes, as Steven outlines: “The Zodiac menu was developed during our Covid Lockdown period, with consultations on the Zodiac and elemental natures from a very fun Astrologist and Horoscoper.”
“With each sign and personality assigned, myself and my brother drew connections between each sign and the expression of botanicals across our gin range,” Steven says.
“The rest was written in the stars.”
Nevertheless, while an eye-catching part of the menu, Steven’s favourite drink on the menu is not drawn from the Zodiac list.
“By far my favourite drink listed on our menu is our Signature cocktail: The Pink Rose,” Steven comments.
“The cocktail honours the scent of the Flavours of Langham Collection – rose and ginger flower by combining these elements in a theatrical and sensory experience.
“Islay Botanist gin is partnered with Giffard’s Crème de Fruits Rose Liqueur and Fevertree Ginger in a Spritz style cocktail, presented in dome delightfully scented with a Rosewater aromatic mist.”
See the recipe here.
The Observatory Bar, at the Langham Sydney, Miller’s Point, is open from 3pm to 10pm, seven days a week.
