Photography by Petrina Tinslay
Bobbie’s, 24 Bay Street, Double Bay
@bobbies_doublebay

Bobbie’s, a new underground bar by Neil and Samantha Perry, has just opened its doors in Double Bay. It’s Neil’s first dive into the bar scene after years as a top Sydney restaurateur.

Located in the basement of the iconic Gaden House in Double Bay, Bobbie’s is a joint venture with the Perrys’ longtime mates, Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, known for their Dante bars in New York City and Los Angeles (voted #1 World’s Best Bar in 2019).
The place is designed to offer a cozy, multi-layered experience, serving as both a top-notch cocktail bar and a snug music venue. Bobbie’s is named after Linden’s legendary grandfather, Australian DJ Bob Rogers OAM, who is famous for launching Top 40 radio on 2UE in 1958 and is Australia’s longest-serving radio announcer.

Linden says, “When Neil shared his plans for Song Bird and his vision for a bar in the basement, it felt like the perfect chance to come back to Sydney and work with one of my greatest mentors. Nathalie and I jumped at the opportunity to team up with Neil and Sam again and create an exceptional cocktail bar in our hometown that captures the live music and vibe of Bobbie’s era.

“We want Bobbie’s to be a throwback to when my grandfather ruled the airwaves during rock’n’roll’s golden age – a time of big ideas, three-martini lunches, and larger-than-life personalities.”

Martinis are a big focus on the drinks list, alongside some twists on classics and aperitifs. The menu leans towards classic cocktails with a modern twist, featuring negronis and highballs among other vibrant takes on favourites.

You can try the signature Bobbie’s Martini (Dolin Blanc, Mancino Dry, Hickson Rd Gin, clarified green apple, pickled onion), Tuxedo No.3 Martini (Fino sherry, Malfy Gin, clarified passionfruit, orange bitters), Watermelon Garabaldi (Davo Plum Aperitivo Bitters, Campari, fluffy watermelon), Negroni Rossa (Don Julio Rosado, Lillet Rosé, Ramazzotto Rosado, verjus, clarified watermelon), and Lychee Martini (Fig Leaf Hendricks, Lillet Rosé, Italicus, lychee).

The wine list is compact but top-notch, featuring under 50 options with a strong emphasis on Champagne. There are choices from emerging and established Champagne houses, sparkling wines from around the globe, and a neat selection of Australian wines, fortifieds, and local favourites from Double Bay.

To pair with your drinks, there’s a broad menu of seafood and snacks, including both fresh and toasted sandwiches, and a few sweet treats.

Highlights from Neil’s carefully chosen suppliers include Walker’s Big Eye Tuna with green olive and lemon salsa, Spencer Gulf King Prawn cocktail with Murray Rose sauce, and a CopperTree Farm beef patty cheese melt with gruyere and pickles.

Bar classics are also on the menu, like white sturgeon caviar, freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters, gildas with green olive, anchovy, and pickled chilli, and Neil’s popular finger sandwiches with varieties such as chicken, celery and walnut, king prawn and prosciutto, and picked and fresh cucumber.

Neil says, “We’ve designed Bobbie’s to be a spot where you can enjoy yourself any time of day or night – whether it’s for a martini and oysters in the afternoon, a nightcap and cheese plate on the way home, or a full evening of dining, drinking, and live music – the choice is yours.”

Bobbie’s interior design is the third collaboration between ACME and Caon Design Office.
The layout is long and narrow with a stepped design, creating a sense of discovery and intimacy as you move through the space. The main bar area features plush velvet chairs and marble-topped tables, with a mint green leather banquette wrapping around the bar pit, offering intimate, beautifully lit nooks. A stepped archway with a bronzed mirror at the end of the main room completes the space and sets up a stage for live performances.

The design team says, “The unique experience is driven by the careful choice of richly textured materials, including various marbles, granites, timbers, and custom lighting. These elements are layered throughout the design, enhancing Bobbie’s intimate atmosphere and highlighting its themes of fun, joviality, and top-quality cocktails.”

Bobbie’s has seating for 90 guests and can be booked for private functions for up to 120.
It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, 2:30pm until late.