Photo credit | Josh Raymond
1930s Kings Cross Sydney is resurrected through the atmosphere, style, flavours and culture of Dulcie's Kings Cross.
The subterranean space – which seats 60 patrons – was once a popular strip club by the name of Strip a-rama. You can view the old club neon lights in the bathrooms. Named after Sydney’s queen of bohemia, Dulcie Deamer, who was also a novelist, poet, thespian, journalist, founder of the Fellowship of Australian Writers and the first female boxing reporter.
The venue features decadent fabric, rugs and antique furniture. Old portraits of Deamer, posters of old maps and photos of Sydney before the Harbour Bridge was built hang on the walls. Re-creating a bohemian abode and a very comfortable place for a drink.
The stage of the former venue remains intact and will be used for tarot reading, burlesque, cabaret and monologues. Live shows and talks on the history of the Cross are also planned.
Dulcie’s is also about showing and celebrating modern Australia says General Manager Brandon Martignago; it's serving only Australian wines, spirits and produce. Which we are sure will be a big hit with our guests, who love to discover Australian beverages on our dining walks.
The cocktail list has been inspired by people and places that have defined Sydney culture. The Burn ’em Down Dawn is named after Dawn O’Donnell, a prominent supporter of Sydney’s LGBTQI community. It’s a concoction of Starward Two-Fold whisky, lemon-myrtle liquor, and a dash of fig and cinnamon bitters, before it’s set ablaze with Jezebel absinthe.
Homage is also paid to activist Juanita Nielsen, who saved Victoria Street from high-rise development in the 1970s, with the Darling Juanita – a mix of Remedy dry gin, cucumber juice, basil, cracked pepper and mandarin syrup. There’s a dedicated list for Martinis, a drink that rose in popularity during the 1930s.
While cocktails are the main act, attention has been paid to the wines. Most are sourced from South Australia, with the odd Riesling from Canberra’s Mallaluka Wines. A changing cured meats & cheese platter is also available to compliment the drinks.
We are thrilled that Dulcie’s has opened on the strip. We need more brave and innovative operators to open small bars, restaurants and retail stores to fill the Cross with life and colour once again.
