The Vanguard Sydney: A Bohemian Bar with Soul
The typical live music venue in Sydney is a well-worn dive somewhere in the inner west; thank goodness for the Vanguard Sydney, the inner west’s most beautiful purpose-built live music venue. As much as we adore those crowded, crumbling corner pub venues, where beer is the only respectable drink, sometimes an evening of live tunes requires a little more class. There’s more than a touch of 1920s Bourbon Street in this sultry Newtown lounge. Co-owner John Cass spent many a night scouring New Orleans’ blues bars and jazz dens before bringing the Vanguard Sydney to a converted warehouse on quirky King Street in 2003.
The room is aglow with lusty lights and ruby red walls, boudoir lamps and Parisian gilt mirrors. The lounge-inspired furnishings suggest unpretentious luxury, relaxed intimacy and a cosy, lived-in feel. There are dining tables near the stage to facilitate a cabaret style candlelit dinner and show experience, while a mezzanine balcony provides drinkers with a bird’s eye view of the action.
Most shows at the Vanguard can be enjoyed with a sit-down dinner. The menu is eclectic modern Australian fare, with smart interpretations of bar favourites and notes of Louisiana soul food. Classy cocktails befit the opulent surrounds – indulge in a divine Pink Pussycat Punch or a wine, peach and champagne Billie Holiday.
True to its inspiration, the Vanguard is one of the city’s premier venues for live jazz, blues and roots music. It’s a favoured haunt for many of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters and has hosted a respectable roster of international guests as well. The Vanguard website has details of upcoming tours and events.
Posted on Jan 28, 2011 by Fiona Davies
