Remember how excited we were to see Sydney Tower/Centrepoint Tower rising above the city in the late 1970s?

Passengers aboard the QEII in 1978 were a bit too early to dine in the Tower,

THE QEII MOORED AT THE QUAY (Sydney Morning Herald)

When it opened in 1981 it was THE place to take overseas visitors, and to celebrate significant occasions in our lives. What were we served in those days? I seem to remember French onion soup, frogs legs, oysters Kilpatrick and sorbets.

The tower remains Sydney’s highest structure.

My partner Rob and I now live in the Blue Mountains, so visits to the ‘big smoke’ (and the tower), always have that fission of excitement in seeing the whole city spread before us. If we can sip a cocktail or two while doing so, all the better. 😍

Sydney Tower, home of Bar 83.

In 2020 an events area on the 83rd floor was completely refurbished, re-opening in September as the retro Bar 83.

As Baby Boomers, my partner Rob and I love this place…partly for the nostalgia, partly (actually quite a big part) because there is no blaring music, but most of all because of those amazing views.

This level doesn’t revolve, but at least there is no danger of your handbag ‘escaping’ if you are seated by the windows. By the way, banquette seating means everyone enjoys unrestricted views.

The retro design of Bar 83.

We tend to go along in the late afternoon, especially during the shorter days of autumn and winter, when within a couple of hours the whole vista changes. The sun goes down and the lights of the city turn on. It’s very romantic, even for an old married couple like us. 💛

The entry tickets have a touch of whimsy. This was one I found from last year. It was the only ‘boarding pass ‘ we needed in 2021, and Bar 83 is the furthest from the ground we have managed in quite some time.

It’s interesting to see how much the cityscape has changed during the past forty years. The Opera House has to compete against jostling new buildings.

FOOD AND DRINK AT BAR 83

The cocktail I’m holding is Apple Moon Pie – gin, cinnamon whiskey, apple, lemon, and egg white.

The bar food is another delight.

HERVEY BAY SCALLOPS
MINI LOBSTER ROLLS, AND A LOCAL BEER

The Cocktail on the right was mine. It was Senorita Marmalade; tequila, sherry, marmalade, lime, lemon balm, and apricot brandy. Rob nearly finished his before I could take a photo, but it was Sunset Martini; gin, rose vermouth, and strawberry shrub….whatever that is.

CHARCUTERIE PLATTER

THE FINALE

A beautiful sunset, and how wonderful to see planes coming into Sydney again now that Covid regulations have eased. Rob took this very special photo.

Sunset from Bar 83
The night time view from Bar 83

Something sweet to share – mixed berries and meringue sticks.

If you have ordered only a couple of dishes there is time for a ‘proper’ meal elsewhere in the city. However, Rob and I find the bar food makes an excellent early dinner. We usually just wander back to our hotel, feeling very mellow….. and with a renewed appreciation of Sydney’s beauty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BAR 83, CLICK HERE

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