Christopher Hanna Brings a New Level of Guest Experience to Sydney

The concept of enjoying a tipple while getting your hair done may not be so novel, but Christopher Hanna is bringing a new level of guest experience to the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Christopher Hanna is a well-established salon with a focus on hair, beauty and cosmetic treatments. Previously located in Surry Hills and The Ivy, the recently-opened venue is situated along Bridge Street with Jade Temple and Kid Kyoto as neighbours. Set in a beautiful heritage building, the space combines an elegant salon with a small bar and an inviting cocktail lounge. The bar, which is open to the public is accessed directly through Bridge Lane.

The venture by owners Sam Badawi and Guy Binder is “the first in Australia of its size and calibre,” Mikee Collins, Bar Ambassador explains. Mikee, whose previous venue openings include NOLA, Chin Chin, Vine Double Bay, Ash Street Cellar, Gazebo Wine Garden and Alira, the tapas bar he owned on Jones Bay Wharf, is on board bringing his vast expertise in hospitality to the exciting new concept.

Interior designer Melissa Collison is responsible for the design and the heritage-listed building features expanses of brass, copper and marble, with beauty and cosmetic rooms kept private. The bar itself is a marvel with a stunning semicircular design, black Italian marble and velvet upholstery.

The venue lends itself easily to private events and functions. The bar is multi-purposed and can be petitioned from the salon if need be.

The drinks program has a focus a strong classic cocktails catering for a consumer bar in a financial district. Up to 50 wines feature on the drinks list including boutique wines from Australia, France and America. A solid fine spirits list and a “humble focus on champagne” as Mikee Collins calls it complete the offerings. Bottle service is on offer where customers can purchase a bottle of and it is kept for them until their next visit.

Cocktails centre on classics from easy-drinking Bellini and Sgroppino to stirred-down boozy numbers such as the Negroni, Old Fashioned and Rob Roy. The little touches and attention to detail are evident throughout, from the service to the elegant glassware, clear ice and branded citrus.

Like any good bar, guests are not limited to the cocktails on the menu and the bartender can craft a bespoke creation according to their taste.

You’ll also find bottled cocktails and an all Australian nitro Espresso Martini on tap. Order any of the bottled cocktails while waiting for your foils to set, and the bartender will bring it to you on a tray along with an element of theatrics at the salon as the drink is stirred, strained and garnished right before you.

If you feel peckish, there’s ample charcuterie, cheese and antipasti as well as small bites such as Chicken liver parfait and Galician Octopus & potatoes. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a selection of Oscietra caviar is just what you need to pair with your favourite champagne.