Sydney has scored an underground Negroni den by the Bar Planet team – and it's hot as hell
'We're honoured to open our sixth beautiful venue, Herbs Taverne,' says Daisy Tulley, Mucho Group general manager. 'Herbs is another nugget of joy for Sydney – a warm, cosy, artistic space with delicious, surprising cocktails and an inclusive and empathic team who are ready to make memories. And the popcorn recipe is our best yet.'
Tulley isn't kidding. I don't know exactly what they sprinkle on Herbs' complimentary popcorn – said to be 'reminiscent of a Chicago deep-dish pizza drizzled with hot honey' – but to me, it tastes cheesy, salty and like popcorn crack.
Start with the Herbs Negroni. Made with gin, Campari and a custom blend of two red vermouths (one rich, one bright), it's close to the classic, but with a Mucho stamp. The Fernando – their take on Fernet & Coke – features house-distilled orange coriander vodka paired with Fernet and Chinotto. For something refreshing, go for the Americana, a riff on the Americano, served over lemon granita. I also like the sound of the fresh and zesty Seagreen, with vodka, sake, rocket, lime and sugarcane.
'We're looking to the deeper Sydney pantry, from the Chinese supermarket to the weird Euro throwback shop in the Inner West,' says Jeremy Blackmore, creative director at Mucho Group. 'We're trying to connect flavours that sing together, without being boxed into the expectations of their origin. Delicious cocktails that step just far enough outside of frame to feel distinctively Mucho.'
Inspired by 1900s theatre, '60s diners, German shoe shops and Flemish Renaissance paintings, the neon-red space rocks. A black-and-red chequered floor is complemented by old-school chairs, a glittering disco ball, and a wall feature that looks like a giant caterpillar with a shell-like skin. And it's all backed up by a groovy early-2000s soundtrack.
Tulley adds: 'A few people have already said, 'Herbs is my favourite Mucho venue yet'. I don't like to play favourites, but Herbs has a special place in my heart. I just love it and I think Sydney will too.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
6 hours ago
- Time Out
Nova's Skyline Sessions at Rooftop at QT
If you're a Spritz-sipping city slicker or live music lover (you're reading Time Out – you're probably both), we think QT Melbourne is set to rise to the top of your winter night out hit list. The beautiful CBD hotel is teaming up with the music moguls at Nova for a concert series kicking off in July that brings the heat. From July 5, Rooftop at QT, the hotel's – you guessed it – rooftop bar, is getting a little makeover. Think a pop-up front and centre stage backlit by Melbourne's city lights and the nighttime stars. Sounds pretty stellar to us. And hitting it will be some exclusive performers that you won't want to miss. You can expect intimate sets by the hottest up-and-coming artists from around Australia curated by Nova and its exclusive network. There's four nights for four stellar performers: The Voice winner Lachie Gill, indie pop singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley, the beautifully chill Chris Lanzon, and beachy guitarist Sam McGovern. The best part is that entry is free (18+, no booking necessary), so come and uncover some talent before the rest of the world does. The live music kicks off at 6pm and goes all the way to midnight. We recommend arriving earlier though – the doors to Rooftop at QT open at midday – so you can kick back and get the party started with a fun tipple. The series is complemented by a groovy partnership with Italian bitter liqueur Campari and Espolòn Tequila (made from 100 per cent blue weber agave from Mexico) so you can bet the drinks are just as in tune as the music. It's not just bangers and booze at Rooftop at QT. The menu is a Mediterranean dream with plates like lamb koftas, chargrilled octopus and steak frites all designed to share with the crew. Splash out and settle in one of the comfy booths.
Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
The best rooftop bars in Singapore
What is it? A new rooftop bar on Esplanade Mall's iconic rooftop, occupying a 5,000 sqft space. Why we love it: The first thing you'll notice at Baia is the view of Marina Bay – plus points if you opt for a seat by the patio. The bar is named after the ancient holiday resort city frequented by the Roman aristocracy, so expect no less than an atmosphere of reverie and celebration, amped up with DJ performances every few days. Baia enlists the help of Proof & Co, the consultancy behind successful venues like 28 HongKong Street, to craft its tipples. Try everything from the Campari-based Strombolian to indulgent blends of aged cognac, espresso and vanilla choco. Time Out tip: The perfect sundowner comes in the form of a tropical punch bowl to share with friends. Try the Oasis Punch with St. Germain and Prosecco.
The Guardian
11-07-2025
- The Guardian
Cocktail of the week: Baudry Greene's rouge claire negroni – recipe
This is a Frenchified take on the classic, as well as a rose-tinted riff on the white negroni. The lack of Campari means it's much lighter than the dark red of the traditional negroni, while the rosé vermouth means it's also more delicate, making this ideal for summer drinking. The much underused Suze is a French gentian aperitif bitter that complements the aromatics of rosé vermouth very nicely. If you've committed to buying a bottle and are wondering what else to do with it, try pouring some over ice and adding a good splash of soda. Serves 130ml London dry gin – Beefeater or Plymouth would be our go-tos20ml rosé vermouth, such as Cocchi Rosa (if you can't get hold of any, simply mix 10ml red vermouth and 10ml white vermouth – it won't be quite the same, but it'll be good enough)5ml Suze 1 lemon twist or coin, to garnish Measure all the liquids into a shaker or beaker, add a big handful of ice and stir. Double strain into a tumbler filled with fresh ice, and serve garnished with the lemon. Manfredi Pantina, head bartender, Baudry Greene, London WC2
