The team behind Summer Hill’s popular One Penny Red restaurant have completed a long awaited expansion with the level-one opening of their new concept Vernon’s Bar, extending the lively atmosphere of an already largely celebrated local favourite. Chef RJ Lines (ex-Longrain) will help the new bar-restaurant distinguish itself with a menu of modern seasonal dishes that mirror the flair found downstairs but offer something new.
Vernon’s Bar, named for the architect behind the original building – Walter Liberty Vernon – beautifies what once stood as the second floor of the village post office, calling on the designing talents of co-owner Nina Alidenes who has whipped up an indoor-outdoor space that seats 60 and draws on the building’s heritage for a classic ambiance that spills out to the small sandstone balcony which overlooks Summer Hill, helped with leather banquettes, hanging lights, and a private dining room with a floor-to-ceiling wine rack.
Dishes from the kitchen include Hiramasa Kingfish Crudos with ruby grapefruit, cucumber, and horseradish, Jerusalem Artichoke and Portibello Pie with sauce soubise, and Vernon’s Fried Chicken Wing Dings with miniature sauce. The bar will function with a small list of wines handpicked by co-owner David Murphy and a cocktail list that features contemporary twists like the Willy Chapman, a blend of sloe gin, apricot, and Prosecco, Shiso Sour, which has nikke, shiso leaf, and absinthe, and Basil Gimlet, with vodka, basil, and elderflower blended and served straight up in a basil garnished martini glass, and a Barrel-Aged Negroni. A selection of craft beers will also be available.
“Nina, RJ and myself are passionate about creating an environment for people in the Inner West and beyond that encompasses everything a good bar should, without airs and graces,” says David. “Just great food, great wine and great service in a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere.”
Vernon’s Bar
Address: 2 Moonbie St, Summer Hill (Upstairs)
Contact: (02) 9797 8118
Website: www.facebook.com/vernonsbar2130/
Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm to late; Sat-Sun 2pm to late
Images supplied and used with permission.
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