Peter Fischer and Simon Rose-Hopkins have partnered to bring a taste of southern hospitality to Sydney with new bar Jolene’s Sydney set to open in late February.
With Simon fresh his role as Brand Ambassador for Angel’s Envy as well as stints at Nola Smokehouse and Bar and Surly’s American Tavern and Peter’s industry experience also taking in Nola, plus The Swinging Cat it is perhaps no surprise a partnership between these two has a southern US feel to it.
Simon said: “I’ve had some amazing experiences during my travels of the US, walking into a bar and within five minutes I’m friends with everybody and being told the city’s best places to eat/drink, even had a bartender drive me to Jack Daniel’s and back the next day, after only meeting them the night before.”
The drinks program in the basement of 73 York Street, where Jolene’s is located is not surprisingly focused around Bourbon, Rye and Tennessee whiskey, but Simon is bringing a new approach.
Calling the drink style “Redneck Tiki” the bar will look to use the spirits in non-traditional flavour matchings and really showcase their versatility.
The food will also take guests to the Southern US, with three kinds of hot dogs, deep fried mac ‘n’ cheese balls and cheesy nachos, which will be enjoyed with live country & western music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Simon also said he wants to draw on his experience with Angel’s Envy and use the bar for industry training.
“When I was working for Bacardi it was always a goal of mine to share the knowledge as much as possible, that won’t stop now that I’m running a venue,” he said.
The Jolene’s Sydney team has partnered with the creators of “Young Bloods” in Perth (Emma Crisp and Xander Stucken) to give the program a home in Sydney. The Young Bloods “rookie only” cocktail competition will be held on a bi-monthly basis at the venue, helping to support fresh and up and coming bartenders sharpen their skills.
Peter and Simon look forward to welcoming you to Jolene’s in late February.
