Julian Brenchley, the architect behind TV’s The Block, opens Neutral Bay gin bar called Tonic Lane

TV architect Julian Brenchley’s new small bar venture looks likely to become Sydney’s newest celebrity hangout.

Tonic Lane co-owners Lain Tapsall and Julian Brenchley. Picture: Adam Ward

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ALL lanes lead to a new gin bar at Neutral Bay opened by The Block architect Julian Brenchley.

The cafe and ginoteria is called Tonic Lane. It is located in Young Lane and one of Mr Brenchley’s partners in the new venture is Lain Tapsall.

Customers can also expect some celebrities to wander down the path to Tonic Lane.

“Scott Cam and some of The Block contestants will be popping in for a drink and a meal,’’ Mr Brenchley said.

Celebrity customer: The Block’s Scott Cam.

A resident of Mosman with his wife and three children, Mr Brenchley has designed an informal and “kerbside modern’’ style for Tonic Lane.

“I have designed a lot of cafes and bars in my 25 years as an architect, so I thought it was about time, I had my own,’’ he said.

Mr Brenchley is also accustomed to challenges, having been the architect on The Block since 2003.

“It’s a job where you have to be really resourceful,’’ he said.

Brenchley says gin is the perfect accompaniment to food. Shown here, gin cured ocean trout with gin and tonic a la carte.

Both Ms Tapsall and Mr Brenchley are big fans of gin and says it has now shed its old-fashioned image.

“Gin is light on the palate. It’s a refreshing drink and not overpowering, if you are having a meal,’’ he said.

Tonic Lane offers 33 different varieties of gin from 23 Australian distilleries..

Mr Brenchley invites customers of go on “a gin journey’’ trying different gins from across Australia.

One of Brenchley’s The Block creations in Melbourne’s South Yarra.

“You may not make it past Tasmania,’’ he joked.

Tonic Lane is open for breakfast seven days a week from 7am offering “serious coffee”. From Wednesday to Saturday, it’s also open for dinner.

The menu ranges from breakfast to slider boards and a hearty Sir Walter Scott Ploughman’s lunch.

Details: toniclane.com.au.