Allan Grammar, Penrith, among west’s hottest new wine bars

Forget the big noisy boozehouses and RSLs, a night out at an elegant wine bar is now the evening of choice for those in the know - and the more out of plain sight the better.

Joanne Vella

@Parramatta_News

less than 2 min read

February 26, 2021 - 10:42AM

Parramatta Advertiser

Penrith

Don't miss out on the headlines from Penrith. Followed categories will be added to My News.

A swanky new style of entertaining is taking over across western Sydney with those in the know heading out for a more sophisticated night on the town.

Forget going to the big noisy boozehouses and RSLs, a night out at an elegant up-market bar is now the evening of choice - and the more tucked away out of sight the better.

From sipping bitters surrounded by ornate gilded mirrors and luxe bar in Bella Vista or enjoying a glass of champagne while lounging in a “sexy industrial” backdrop in Dural, the western suburbs have some of the best haunts in Sydney.

Two of the many beautiful cocktails at Allan Grammar - the House Sour & House Spritz. Picture: Monique Harmer

Mulgoa-raised trailblazer Sophia Bernecki opened Allan Grammar, tucked away in an arcade off Penrith’s main street, in 2018, with a desire to serve the kind of cocktails and dishes that normally demanded a long trip into the city to enjoy.

Many locals are still discovering the gorgeous bar at the foot of the mountains, fitted out with emerald suede booths and parquetry floorboards.

“I think for us we wanted to create a space where we could come and have a wine before dinner or after dinner,’’ Ms Bernecki says.

“The space is very polished but I like to think it’s relaxed.’’

Sophia Bernecki is a trailblazer with her new venue Allan Grammar wine bar and restaurant. Picture: Monique Harmer

Dylan Sweep will pour you one of 80 local and international wines including the De Beaurepaire range and a cocktail menu that has recently been bolstered to 21 delights including the amaretto sour, Bee’s Knees (gin, honey and lemon) and London Calling (gin, sugar, lemon, fino sherry and orange bitters).

The gin, whisky, liqueur, vermouth, tequila, rum options are more than extensive while the bar snacks are too good to ignore.

Arancini stuffed with pecorino and wild mushroom, lobster rolls with herbs and aioli, burrata with semi-dried tomatoes and green oil and kingfish with watermelon radish and pomelo are ready to be devoured.