Moving cocktail bar opens in historic Sydney lift

Sydney’s hospitality scene has welcomed a unique new drinking experience with the opening of The Treasury Bar & Lounge’s working lift bar.

Located inside the InterContinental Sydney, The Treasury Bar is a venue steeped in history, including a historic lift that has been preserved since the transformation of the hotel in 1985. Today, guests can step into the lift and enjoy a cocktail crafted on the spot as it moves up and down.

With four miniature cocktails on offer, the menu has been designed to reflect the historical significance of the lift and its building. Celebrating the architectural style of the building the Georgian Gimlet combines Four Pillars Yuzu Gin, citrus, sugar and sencha tea; while the Vault Martini, crafted with Beluga Noble Vodka, dry curacao, hibiscus and citrus honours the old vault beneath the bar.

Rounding out the menu is the Atrium Negroni, a combination of Four Pillars Dry Gin, Campari, vermouth and lemon myrtle; and the 1851 Old Fashioned which blends Dalmore Double Oak, sugar, bitters and macadamia.

Mattia Arnaboldi, Director of Bars at InterContinental Sydney, says: “The Treasury Bar is a vault of Sydney’s best-kept secrets, and we’re thrilled to unveil the southern hemisphere’s oldest lift bar.

“It will allow guests to immerse themselves in a part of Sydney’s rich history, journeying through time and taste, as they sip on cocktails that reflect the heritage and charm of the Treasury.”

Once guests have enjoyed a micro cocktail inside the working lift, the experience continues at The Treasury Bar, where a second cocktail is served tableside alongside two small plates. Highlights from the menu include beetle leaves with caramelised pork, crisp vegetable herbs, and beef skewers with tonnato sauce, fried baby capers and herbs.