The Charles Bar is one of three venues opened in a grand art deco building in Sydney CBD by the team behind Loulou in Milsons Point – joining The Charles Brasserie and basement bar Tiva.

Echoing the elegance of the brasserie next door, there are wood-panelled walls, warm lights, lowered ceilings and cosy banquette seating. It feels like an old-world European bar. And the menu flits across the continent. Get into oysters with mignonette, chicken liver parfait or kingfish crudo to accompany a Martini or carafe of wine. Or sink into a Caesar salad, rotisserie chicken with fries, or flat-iron steak.

The wine list is 600-strong, featuring mainly French and Australian producers. Cocktails are designed to complement the elegance of the food or simply stand up on their own. The Reverse Martini is a lighter, sweeter take on the classic, made with Lillet Blanc, gin and bitters. Then there’s traditional sips like Gimlets, Margaritas and Old Fashioneds, as well as vodka or gin Martinis.