Scout Sydney

Led by Matt Whiley (The Talented Mr Fox, European Mixologist of the Year, and the brains behind Scout London), Scout Sydney is a cocktail experience like no other. 

Its London counterpart is a regular feature on the World's 50 Best Bars list, and it's not hard to see why. Whiley's attention to detail with each creation is inspired. Each drink is a delicate work of art, designed to transport your senses around his overarching modus operandi: "live off the land". 

Housed in a hidden room above The Dolphin Hotel (kind of like a very cool, stylish attic), the menu at Scout Sydney includes 10 original cocktails made from only native and local ingredients, and a trio of Whiley's special ferments too (banana wine, for example).

Try the Cedar Creek—a bellini style cocktail made with Chardonnay verjus, peach leaf and Tanqueray. The Desert Tree includes Bulleit, sandalwood, palo santo and quandong. Whiley's even given us a cocktail dedication to avocado on toast, made with Tasmanian 666 Butter vodka, avocado, orange wine, prosecco and lychee tannin. 

You'll also find classics like a vodka soda and an espresso martini, all with an elegant Scout-style twist. Bar snacks are equally delicate and delicious, made using seasonal and native ingredients. 

Image credit: Scout Sydney.