Why drinking at Frank Macs will feel like stepping back in time

The Rocks is set to become the centre of Sydney’s nightlife once again with a host of new bars opening up, including the heritage inspired Frank Macs.

The Rocks is set to become the centre of Sydney’s night life, with a host of new bars and restaurants opening up over the coming months.

Bar owner Ciara Doran, who runs whiskey bar The Doss House and will open Frank Macs this week, said she was “baffled” as to why it’s taken so long for the change to occur.

“It’s the most beautiful suburb in Sydney. And while it’s obviously filled with iconic big pubs, there is so much room for small more boutique venues.”

Ciara Doran is the co-owner of new gin and cocktail bar, Frank Macs, in The Rocks. She also co-owns the The Doss House. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“The venues are magical. They have a sense of history. You couldn’t replicate their feel even if you tried.”

Doran, a former events and HR executive, opened The Doss House in 2018. She said despite clearly not having to worry about covid’s impact on the tourism industry, she learnt pretty quickly not to solely rely on tourist patronage.

“The Doss House is a cozy, heritage, underground bar with no street frontage. We had to rely on word of mouth from regulars,” she said.

The Bon Bon cocktail from Frank Macs. Source: Supplied

“We put time and care into our regulars and focused on them, not just the people who come off the ship once and we never see again.”

Other venues to open in the coming months include Hickson House Distilling Co.

Meanwhile, the team behind Restaurant Hubert are turning the historic Phillip’s Foote into a wine bar.

Not coming from a big hospitality group, Doran’s path into the industry hasn’t been easy. “I definitely felt I’ve had to prove myself more than anyone else,” she said. “I started a small whiskey bar in a place filled with iconic big pubs. And here in The Rocks I don’t know another female bar owner. But the community have welcomed me in. And the other owners have been really helpful.”

Doran opened The Doss House (pictured) in 2018. Picture: Alana Dimou

Frank Macs, a gin and cocktail bar named after Doran’s late Great Uncle, takes inspiration from the general stores across Ireland that often serve alcohol.

“Frank was a colourful person. He had this naughty personality and was fond of a pint. His spirit is definitely in this bar,” she said.