The Menzies Bar – Passport Punchers

Classic Architecture, Modern Indulgence

The creative minds behind The Dolphin, Harpoon Harry’s, The Bucket List, and Bondi Beach Public Bar have taken on their most ambitious project yet: the historic Shell House in Wynyard. This stunning Interwar palazzo-style gem has been transformed into a sprawling, multi-level venue that spans 1,600 square meters of indoor and outdoor spaces—including an epic rooftop bar. Designed by the brilliant duo of interior stylist Anna Hewett and Woods Bagot Architects, Shell House is a visual feast with every detail carefully considered.

Post-2021 lockdown, we’re finally getting a taste of this revamped icon, starting with the glitzy Menzies Bar on the ground floor. Equal parts cocktail bar and bistro, it delivers European sophistication with a bold dash of NYC Wall Street swagger—and we’re all for it.

The cocktail menu, crafted by mixology maestro Josh Reynolds (The Dolphin, Scout), is nothing short of inspired. Try the intriguingly named In-Cider Trading, a mix of scotch, coffee, fig, cider caramel, and smoked honey. Fan-favorites like the Sicilian Margarita, featuring tequila, limoncello, Sichuan, and fresh lemon, also make a welcome appearance.

The wine list champions organic, biodynamic, and sustainable drops, perfectly complementing the menu’s mix of small and large plates. Think spanner crab crumpets, a mouthwatering sourdough toastie with fontina, black pig ham, and pickles, or heartier options like coral trout with Tropea onion and olive mascarpone.

Shell House is more than a venue—it’s a bold reimagining of Sydney’s dining and drinking scene, where heritage meets modern flair in the heart of the CBD.