Shirt Bar in Sussex Lane: Yarnbombing with Magda Sayeg
Shirt Bar in Sydney’s CBD played host to the unveiling of an unusual piece of art just outside its doors. The stairs in Sussex Lane were yarnbombed with splashes of colour by knit graffiti artist Magda Sayeg in a piece called “Untitled”.
Sussex Lane yarnbombed
Part of the Art & About Sydney festival running from 23 September to 23 October, Magda, guerrilla knitter from Austin, Texas, addressed guests at the Shirt Bar and gave a brief introduction to her work.
Yarnbombing the steps
Yarnbombing, yarnstorming, or guerilla knitting is described as “infusing a warmth and humanity to a landscape of concrete and steel”, an exciting concept that is causing a lot of interest in the art world.
Guests at Shirt Bar
Magda Sayeg at Shirt Bar
For the occasion, Shirt Bar opened its doors in the evening of Saturday 24th September and offered a tasting of Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic with canapés from Balcony Bar (review to come), another small bar further along the pedestrian laneway.
Hendricks Gin & Tonic at Shirt Bar
Shirt Bar in Sussex Lane has been on our radar since it opened its doors in June 2011 due to to Mr G’s long association with men’s fashion. A novel concept store, it combines business shirts, a café and a small bar with an emphasis on dark spirits under the same intimate roof.
Shirts, bar and café
Shirts by Ganton, Jensen, Bespoke and Louka & Sabina are at home with single malts, wine and spirits, single origin FAT coffee and Micks gourmet pies.
The wine selection includes the sexy range from Saint and Sinner Wines and Champagne from G.H. Mumm. Two Peroni beers are available and a minimalist cocktail list which includes Mint Julep served in a chilled pewter cup and Espresso Martini. With a good range of spirits on display, the bartenders may just accommodate a request if you ask nicely.
Selection of dark spirits
But you come to Shirt Bar for their impressive range of dark spirits, particularly whisky and rum. Single malts from Scotland include a few favourites such as Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Glenfiddich and the Balvenie. There’s even Lark Distillery single malt from Australia, Yamazaki and Nikka from Japan and Hudson single malt from the USA – all of which we have tasted and reviewed at the Sydney Whisky Fair.
Blends include 3 varieties of Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker Black and Blue, and Monkey Shoulder. Bourbon, tequila and rum complete the spirit collection, with the 12 year old Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, a rum we particularly enjoyed at the Baranows Emporium Cigar and Spirit event at La Bodeguita Del Medio during BarShow Week.
For whisky aficionados, Shirt Bar holds regular Scotch Club tasting sessions with accompanying food.
Art and drink at Shirt Bar
Shirt Bar concept
Colour on Sussex Lane during Art & About
Shirt Bar, Sussex Lane
Shirt Bar is not just a quirky business combining retail and hospitality. Its classy and artful interiors coupled with a small bar vibe make it a top spot to unwind with a serious drink in hand and a welcome respite after a long day in the corporate world. Sláinte to that!
Shirt Bar
7 Sussex Lane
Between 275 Kent St & Sussex St
Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.shirtbar.com.au
Magda Sayeg
http://www.knittaplease.com
Art &About Sydney
http://www.artandabout.com.au
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The yarnbombing looks great. Amazing what colour adds to laneway. Shirt Bar looks fun. It’s about time there was a bar in a men’s shop for the girls!!
An interesting art concept I hadn’t heard of before and it’s a lot of fun! Yes, I was very impressed with Shirt Bar – great selection of spirits and art-fashion surrounds!
I’ve been wanting to try Shirt Bar for a while now! Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Looks great!
They’ve done it very nicely. Shirts and spirits can’t go wrong!
Big fan of Shirt Bar – and knitting…!
Knitting too? I never got into it… but as an artform, it’s interesting to see what can be done with it!
This is right near my work so I’ve been keeping an eye on the yarnbombing. Love knitting :) I’ll have to check the bar out too
It’s a great spot to combine art and a bar. I’m sure you’ll like it! :)
i only recently had this whole gorilla knitting brought to my attention & I love it. i think that quote ““infusing a warmth and humanity to a landscape of concrete and steel” sums up so nicely exactly what it does. Sounds like Shirt bar has a lot of things going for it that make it a place I’d be happy to spend a bit of time drinking some dark spirits!
It’s certainly exciting to see what can be done with this art form. As for the Shirt Bar, you’d enjoy what’s on offer on the menu!
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