The Art Syndicate has officially opened its doors and is bringing a new concept to Sydney as it blends an art gallery with a wine bar. It is a concept that is already receiving acclaim after being nominated as finalist for Wine List of the Year in the NSW Sommelier’s Wine List Awards.
The bar, located in the inner-Sydney suburb of Surry Hills, has capacity for 25 guests, seating them among artworks and vintage posters from the vibrant streets of 19th-century Paris and the social movements of the 1960s. The award-nominated drinks list is supported by educated and informative staff, who will help guests choose the ideal drink for their occasion.
Owner Saxon Strauss and sommelier Lisa Guenther-Strauss aimed to hero NSW producers in the drinks offering, with the pair also working alongside producers to reduce the bar’s environmental footprint.
“We are fortunate to have an outstanding variety and quality of produce right at our doorstep. The NSW drinks scene is constantly evolving, and I am excited to share my selection with our guests,” Lisa said.
With more than 450 wineries and over 70 distilleries in the state, The Art Syndicate had an impressive selection to choose from. However, there were some creative decisions that had to be made.
“Our commitment to sourcing exclusively from NSW has profoundly shaped our drinks menu. It required extensive research to identify suitable local products, especially when substituting traditionally imported items like Soju, Amaro or Pisco.
“Our approach has resulted in a more diverse and interesting selection. It’s pushed us to make smarter, more creative choices, often leading to cost savings while supporting local producers,” Saxon said.
The highly collectible vintage posters displayed at The Art Syndicate are available for purchase. As well as displaying these enduring and emotive works, Saxon and Lisa hope that the venue will have a similar effect of captivating and making a positive impact on the community. Their shared vision for The Art Syndicate is to create a local- and community-focused venue, and to support customers, producers and artists amid the current cost-of-living crisis.
“Balancing the dual identities of our business has been a unique challenge. Our goal is to provide an alternative to the established norms of how hospitality venues and galleries operate. We envision a space where our passion for culture, local drinks, and community converges,” Saxon said.
The Art Syndicate is open from Wednesday to Sunday and is also available for private hire.
Images: Lexy Potts 2024
