Cognac quaffers across Sydney will have a new bar on their radars when Hendriks Cognac & Wine bar opens in Crows Nest this Friday, 21 August.
Featuring more than 30 of the world’s best Cognacs, 24 cocktails including 14 that are Cognac based as well as a wine list of over 100 bottles with 23 by the glass, Hendriks promises to be a welcome addition to Sydney’s bar scene.
Hendriks Cognac & Wine is the brainchild of co-owners Jakob Overduin and James Knight. As a Crows Nest local for 40 years, Jakob said his and James’ intimate understanding of the neighbourhood plus many years of frequenting, observing and enjoying other bars has given the pair a solid insight into what the local community wants from a new small bar.
“We’ve really paid attention to what Crows Nest has and doesn’t have and felt this was a great opportunity to develop a bar with a unique offering, as well as show locals and destination drinkers how approachable and versatile Cognac is,” said Jakob.
“We’ve named it after my father, Hendrik, who was a local legend in Crows Nest and a mad fan of Cognac. He introduced me to it and, just like James, we both love it.”
Cognac connoisseurs will appreciate the inclusion of Frapin VIP XO Grande Champagne Cognac ($42 per nip), Hennessy XO ($32 per nip) and 1991 Frapin Millésime 20yo Premier Cru Grande Champagne ($38 per nip) on the list.
In terms of its Cognac-based cocktails, Hendriks offers its signature cocktail Hendriks (Hennessy VS, Cointreau, Fireball Cinnamon whisky, fresh orange and pineapple – $19); or Between The Sheets (Hennessy VS, rum, orange curacao, lemon juice – $19).
The cocktail list also includes The Major (Hennessy VS, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, house-made spiced honey syrup, basil, chipotle powder – $19).
For those looking to veer away from Cognac there is the Gingerbread Espresso Martini (vodka, coffee, Mr Black, gingerbread syrup – $18) or Your New Old Fashioned (bourbon, bitters, sugar syrup – $18).
In an interesting twist, the first person through the door on a Sunday will be able to choose any bottle of wine in the bar, which will then be opened and poured for the rest of the day.
Jakob and James have brought in Edward Wright as Bar Manager, who spent a year in the coveted position as a footman (AKA personal butler) at the only hotel in the world to have a Royal Warrant, The Goring in London. Edward has personally served royalty and some of the world’s most high-profile (and difficult) patrons so understands the importance of conviviality and creating a connection with every guest.
The wine and Cognac list has been curated by consultant Mark Dietz whose father Rudi Dietz, founder of Crows Nest institution Stuyvesant House, was coincidentally introduced to Cognac by the bar’s namesake, Hendrik (better known as Henk).
Hendriks Cognac & Wine is licensed for 35 and will be open Tuesday to Sunday, from midday. Due to covid capacity restrictions, bookings are essential for lunch and dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bookings will be taken on other days and walk-ins are welcome at any time.
