Review :: Grasshopper

As far as small bars go, the owners of Grasshopper seem to be following rather than leading when it comes to concept. Whilst Grasshopper does nothing to offend - it also does nothing to excite or inspire. We have seen it all before, it is as if the owners have read "the complete idiots guide to setting up a small bar". The bar steals Shady Pine's basement down a laneway and Pocket Bar's seating, bar and wall art. It lacks any defining characteristics to set itself apart from what is becoming a crowded market of small bars in and around the city.

The combination of low ceilings and lots of concrete created for some deafening acoustics once the corporate set filled out the small place which put me off staying for dinner, which I hear is pretty good. The drinks list was short but satisfactory, a handful of wines clumsily measuerd with a beaker that wont break the bank but if you are a beer drinker I hope you like Peroni, since this is the only beer they serve! The cocktails are numbered rather than named - and the recipes seem to have as much imagination as the names. The cocktails come served in old jam jars with vinyl records for drink coasters, which to Grasshoppers credit is the one unique feature they do have.

Nestled down the back of the unremarkable Temperance Lane off George St, this bar/restaurant only just scores a pass - so you will need to make up your own mind whether to go in or simply pass it by in favour of another bar.

2.5/5

Temperance Lane, Sydney (off George St between King and Market, Next to RM Williams)