I was inspired to write this feature on exclusive clubs (many of which offer memberships) for The Sydney Morning Herald after reviewing White Revolver (pictured above) for Bar Zine.
Whether you love or hate White Revolver – and I’ve spoken to people who feel both ways about it – there’s no doubt there’s something appealing about a club that has a secret revolving door that, once unlocked, leads to an underground dance club.
The newest club in the feature is Beach Haus, which has opened up where the well known Barons used to be. Unlike Barons, which had a dark bohemian vibe and collected an eclectic group of denizens (and, incidentally, was one of my all time favourite bars in the world), Beach Haus has a clean, bright and highly designed atmosphere. There’s blond wood paneling embedded with strips of mirrors, lounges against the walls and a chandelier that all combine to make it feel somewhat like a hotel lobby. Talking of lobbies, members are given swipe cards to get through Beach Haus’s apartment-style street entrance.
I didn’t have room in my feature to review Beach Haus but I did actually have some cocktails there with Wing Woman. While you can go to the bar, which is manned by guys in sailor suits (my gay wingman would have loved this) there’s actually table- (or should I say lounge- ?) service where the impossibly attractive hostesses take your order.
I grab a spiced apple and lychee mojito with peppermint syrup while WingWoman has a Beach Bum (pineapple, 10 Cane rum, passionfruit and apricot brandy).
Like the décor, there’s nothing challenging about the cocktails: they’re good, strong and easy to drink, although what is novel about the cocktail list is that it also features share cocktails. These are large enough to be drunk by four to six people and cost upwards of $130. WingWoman and I see a group across from us drinking from a giant vessel but, to be honest, I don’t see the appeal. After all, if you want to catch cooties from your friends then why not at least get a range of drinks so you can all get a sip of something different? But I digress.
What I do like is the DJ, who’s playing an eclectic mix of music from Beat International’s Dub Be Good to Me (one of my favourite dance tracks) to a Crowded House remix.
Another club that has a retro feel about it is Shh!, which feels a little like a Vegas club from the 50s – think Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin sipping martinis. Unfortunately, however, I don’t fancy my chances of ever being allowed in there again – I was lucky to get in the first time, since I didn’t have the password that the owner needs to SMS you despite being given his number by an acquaintance.
The other clubs mentioned in my feature are Level 6 at Ivy, Tatlers and De Nom. If you’ve been to any of these then feel free to leave a comment below – we always want to hear about our readers’ experiences!
Thanks, interesting review (and really enjoyed the SMH piece as well!). These places are intriguing… wanky, but intriguing!
Glad you liked it!
I’ve been to Tatlers a few times ‘back in the day’ and have been 3 times this year (I won’t be going back ever again). It used to be such a cool club now it’s just a run down bar. I went to a party there recently and the toilet seat was on the floor, I mean seriously – how classy is that?
The bar staff are rude and it smells like someone’s garage that they tried to turn in to a club. It’s not even hard to get in to anymore. My friends have crashed plenty of parties without being on the list. They NEED people in the club because it’s gone downhill.
I think Tatlers needs a new owner or they need to reinvent itself to save what USED to be a valued club.
Prue im sure that it has to do more with you ,than the clubs you visit.If you are rude to the staff,anywhere,they will be rude to you.Simple.And anyway,i wonder why your friends keep going back to Tatlers if they dont like it!Tatlers are probably happy that you dont go back with your attitude
Joanne definitely works at Tatlers
I have no idea what Prue is on about, Tatler is THE best venue for small parties in Sydney. I have been several times this year and have not noticed it has changed at all in the past 6 years since they kicked out the drug dealers. The staff have always been friendly and the drink prices are some of the cheapest in the X, really! I work in the alcohol industry and visit alot of these bars and I would prefer to be at Tatler any day of the year than with some stuck up 21 YO wannabees
I’ve been to The Beach Haus, and despite being an ‘exclusive club’ we got in without questions, or paying, and didn’t see anybody worth mentioning.
it was a good night, but the waitresses might want to learn the words “excuse me” instead of shoving you in the small of the back – they are the staff, after all.
As an unashamed elitist I use to love Tatler. But I’m afraid this venue has seen its day. If I owned the building I would be hoisting the current tenant and finding someone with a bit of style (and charm) to breathe some life into this club.
Why would anyone want to go to an exclusive club? The beauty of Barons was that there was no door policy, it didnt matter who you were, what you did, what you looked like, your sexuality, class,age,gender or race… having gotten into some of the clubs mentiond, frankly the nights have yet to beat Barons and the suprises that were always in store up that creaky staircase…. The other grand club was The Tender Trap back in the 90s at the old Les Girls… which also had no door policy…..yep people over 40 do still go out…
I’m going to have to back Prue on this one. This is particularly annoying as Tatlers could easily be brought back to what it once was – perhaps with new management?