The Waratah invites local talent behind the bar

Sunday nights at The Waratah just got an overhaul with the launch of a new monthly event series, The Neighbourhood Mix.

Rooted in community and collaboration, the new bar takeover programme invites some of Sydney’s top bartending talent behind the bar for a rotating series of pop ups, kicking off with the team behind El Primo Sanchez.

Cynthia Lister, Co-founder of The Waratah, says: “Darlinghurst has always had this magnetic sense of community – it’s vibrant, diverse and full of character. With The Neighbourhood Mix, we wanted to honour that spirit by opening our doors to the incredible talent that makes Sydney’s hospitality scene what it is.

“This series is about connection and community – sharing stories, drinks, food, and having a bloody good time with the people around us. That’s what neighbourhood bars are all about.”

Taking place on Sunday 8 June, the first lineup in The Neighbourhood Mix series features 2023 World Class Bartender of the Year Eduardo Conde and World Class finalist Omar Alvarez.

Bringing the bold Mexican flavours that El Primo Sanchez is famed for, Eduardo and Omar will serve up a shortlist of four signature cocktails, including tropical Margaritas, carbonated mandarin Palomas and the popular Acapulco slushie (Patrón tequila, guava and orange).

Eduardo says: “At Primo, we’ve always seen ourselves as a true neighbourhood venue – somewhere people can drop in for a taco, stay for a Margarita, and feel like they’re part of something. Being part of this series is really exciting for us.

“In Mexico, neighbourhoods are everything – everyone knows their local taqueria, their local bar. That’s the energy we’re bringing to Primo [and to this collaboration]. It’s about community, connection, and sharing good food and good music with the people around you.”

Bringing together the ethos of the two venues, The Waratah’s kitchen will serve up a unique menu of Mexican food made with native Australian ingredients, including a Mexican riff on The Waratah’s beloved Sunday roast, served alongside baja fish tacos and mushroom quesadillas.