Bar Europa

Bar Europa

Lenny Ann Low

Monday, May 05, 2008

Speed-daters abound as two dynamic types contemplate a show of their own.

Descending the stylish curved staircase into this dimly lit, below-ground, sassy drinking den, we sight a dozen couples roaring at each other over tealights. It is speed-dating night in Bar Europa's marble-floored and dark-toned main bar and the cacophony of hopeful love is mighty. This is splendid for humanity but not conducive to cocktails with a treasured chum. We turn left and walk along a corridor towards the two back rooms. Here the mood is more intimate, with two stools the only seats free at a table in front of lift doors. In this spot the chum and I feel as if we're out for a tipple in a hastily assembled foyer cantina. It won't do. We pine for the seating area opposite us, a cosy alcove framed by dark wooden shutters with burgundy-and-gold wallpaper, a nifty, two-sided bar and caramel-hued leather pouffes and a banquette trimmed with plum and bronze-edged cushions. Oh, the luxury. The chum spots a group of people vacating a corner spot and we're across the room in...

Full review on Sydney Morning Herald