LOCATION
On the corner of Queen and Moncur Street, Woollahra, ten minutes from the CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Moncur Terrace lounges in Woollahra where trees frame the streets and the fragrance from the florist over the road seems to float along the footpath. As you walk into the Woollahra Hotel, a polished charcoal stone staircase leads up to Moncur Terrace’s cocktail lounge which is broken up into different moods. Once upstairs, a warm breeze washes through the courtyard and settles around stiletto clad ankles. Damien Pignolet's signature style carries through to this casual yet sophisticated venue. Elegance pervades every aspect from the leather lounges that overlook Queen Street, to the chic nine metre long bar.
This afternoon, a group of women have collected in the lounge to toast the end of the working week. The French Kiss cocktails are clearly a hit with the after-work crowd. I’m not surprised considering they entice the tongue with strawberries, ruby red grapefruit, hendricks, and a zest of cucumber and lime. Later, when the evening inspires appetite, it’s time to retreat to the softly lit booths to share the bianco pizza with marinated artichokes, salami, rosemary and cherry tomatoes. The wagyu beef burgers are a favourite amongst men as they sit along the polished timber banquettes after work, their necks free of ties. All year round the relaxed atmosphere of Moncur Terrace invites casual gatherings. In winter the fireplace is lit, and foreign cinema coteries huddle together on Tuesday nights. The reds of the extensive wine list are shared during the autumn months, between the whites of spring, and the roses of summer. During the cooler months the popular terrace is enclosed by high skylight panels, but these open out onto tanned shoulders come summertime. Moncur Terrace of the Woollahra Hotel is effortlessly sophisticated, and possesses classic style that never goes out of fashion.
Edwina Storie, August 2010
DETAILS
The Woollahra Hotel is one of the eastern suburbs best pubs, with the well established award winning Bistro Moncur downstairs ajoining the pub, a great bar with live music on the weekends and now Moncur Terrace offering a more casual dining experience. Chef Damien Pignolet keeps the menu exciting with new specials each day, while holding onto staples such as the wagyu beef burger, sandwiches and pizza. The stylish terrace is modern and sleek with stainless steel furniture, a retractable awning and trellises that has earned the venue its name makes for ideal outdoor eating. An impressive 10-metre bar runs along the inside, with an extensive wine list.
WOOLLAHRA HOTEL
Thursday night at the Woollara Hotel have never been better and more fun with live music, ranging from soul, RnB, smooth latin grooves and funk. Admission is free. For details of artists go to www.woollarahotel.com.au web site.
FUNCTIONS
Moncur Terrace is an exciting and flexible space that can cater for many different types of functions and events from formal dinners to casual cocktails, wine tastings to private parties. The lounge area is ideal for groups of 50-70 for a cocktail party.