There is something about Sydney’s hidden bars that intrigues the soul. Sometimes with their doorways in the most obvious but unnoticed of places, sometimes just around that corner you never travel. Perhaps it is that old adage, something worked for, or searched for in these cases, is cherished more. Love, Tilly Devine is a small Darlinghurst bar tucked away in Crown Lane behind Crown Street. The converted terrace presents an almost dour façade at odds with the welcoming warmth that enfolds you as you enter.
A ‘sly wine bar’, named as a tip of the hat to the neighbourhood’s inglorious past, has nothing to do with the nefarious activities of its namesake: the notorious Matilda ‘Tilly’ Devine. Instead, Matt Swieboda concentrates on providing his clientele with a surprisingly wide & diverse range of around 300 wines. My recommendation is that if you are a wine lover, allow plenty of time to make a decision on what to order as the menu makes for absorbing reading. Better yet, have a glass in hand while you peruse further.
The rather eclectic, but refreshing by-the-glass list has over 25 wines available from regions as far away as Slovenia, with not a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc to be seen. The line up of Sherry is better than you might find in some of Sydney’s tapas establishments & there are some other tempting aperitifs on offer also. If you are in good company and a sharing mood, the bottled wine list is just as satisfyingly diverse providing a wealth of choice for Riesling & Pinot Noir lovers.
The bar menu features seasonal produce that is locally procured where possible and is even better when teamed up with a glass or two of those Sherries. With the bar nestled at the front of the terrace, there is always someone to greet you as you enter and is something lacking in larger faceless bars. Love, Tilly Devine can only fit 40 patrons, making it comfortably intimate & a fine place for a cosy rendezvous and a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of the surrounding streets.
Tuesday – Saturday 5pm – 12am
91 Crown Lane Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Twitter: @lovetillydevine
Enquiries (02) 9326 9297 or tilly@lovetillydevine.com
http://www.lovetillydevine.com/
Love, Tilly Devine
Love, Tilly Devine
