A new three-floor bar aimed at theatrical entertainment? We’ll take it! The Oxford Circus is an ambitious multi-purpose venue that has opened up in Darlinghurst, bringing a bit of theatre and pizzaz to nights out in lock-out city from Wednesday to Sunday. With morale about Sydney’s nightlife at a record low, touches like this may add a bit of much needed colour, illustrated by the same crew behind Low302.
The Oxford Circus is really three venues in one: a dimly-lit saloon, a nightclub, and a deluxe cocktail lounge, each distinctive from one another, helped along by a couple of surprises and a host described as a Ringmaster by the name of “Zoltar”.
The Ground Level, dubbed “The Oxford Underground”, has been fashioned after dark, intimate opium dens with modern touches like spacious booths and a sultry mahogany bar surrounded by eclectic pieces of furniture, serving tap beers and cocktails using ingredients sourced from locations like the Middle East and Morocco. It leads up to the first-floor nightclub titled “The Cooch”, staying in sync with the venue’s previous occupants (Ruby Rabbit being one of them) but dressing it up with “mysterious” wall features, subtle lighting, and a dance floor facing live performances and the occasional contortionist act.
The top floor will be fashioned as “The Management Bar”, a bit more upscale than the other two entires, with a deluxe penthouse bar featuring some fine Champagne sourced from France, served by the glass, along with a range of Vodkas and a liquid trolley that will be rolling around the space so you don’t have to interrupt that intense selfie-session. Velvet draped curtains and a sense of wonder with characterise the plush bar, capping off what is bound to be one of the more unique multi-level venues that has hit the city.
The Oxford Circus is located at 231 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. More info can be found at www.oxfordcircus.com.au
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