Different Drummer: Off-beat Nightlife in Groovy Glebe

The Different Drummer in Glebe has long been one of the inner city’s most intimate late night hangouts, although it’s come a considerable way from its grungy, gungy early days on the seedy streets of Darlinghurst in the '70s. First emerging in 1971, and in the '90s shifted to its current digs on Glebe Point Road, the Different Drummer has always marched to its own bohemian beat. These days though, it’s more sultry than sleazy, with its boudoir cocktail bar decor, chilled out courtyard and rustic Spanish cantina-style dining room upstairs.

Being the unique, unpretentious and intimate little space that it is, the Drummer is absolutely adored by locals, and there’s almost always a happy, slightly sweaty crush around the bar area (unfortunately there’s only one bar servicing both levels).  Happy hour (6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) is a particularly popular time to be at the Drummer, with two-for-one cocktails on offer.

Try their speciality ‘Ranga-zing’, featuring apricot jam, fresh ginger, Havana Club anejo blanco, Canton ginger liqueur and lemon and orange bitters. There’s also a good selection of local and imported beers, and fruity sangria by the carafe.

While the Different Drummer was once known only as a drinking den, it’s now earned a reputation as a quality tapas joint as well. There’s a platter of Spanish imports featuring jamon Serrano, manchego cheese, sardines and olives, and tasty pan-fried chorizo with cherry tomato and basil. Less traditional dishes include duck and coriander parcels with hoisin sauce, and trevally and chive croquettes with wasabi mayonnaise.

HelloSydney Tip: If you can get a seat upstairs there’s a pretty decent view of the city skyline, but it’s the dark, lustily-lit bar area that still retains some of the original spirit of one of Sydney’s most salacious old school dives.

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