InterContinental Sydney's new bar is located in an historic elevator

A unique experience: InterContinental Sydney’s new bar gets off the ground.
Sydney’s oldest working elevator has been masterfully repurposed.
It is open for a limited time only until March 29, 2025.
READ MORE: Here’s where to find Lune’s croissant-inspired gin in Sydney.

Here’s a fun piece of trivia for you: the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest working elevator can be found in Sydney at the InterContinental hotel. The 1851 lift was once part of the former treasury that was once located on the site. What’s even more fun? It is officially the home of InterContinental Sydney’s new bar. Yes, the minuscule lift space is now a bar.

What to expect at InterContinental Sydney’s new bar

In the hotel’s iconic atrium, head towards the green gated lift that is encased by a spiral staircase. Inside, the mixologist will take your order and craft a mini cocktail of your choosing (more on the menu shortly) on the spot as the elevator ascends. The space is intimate, only allowing two passengers alongside the mixologist, so make sure you visit with someone you don’t mind getting up close and personal to! It could make a memorable first date location.

As you reach the top of the domed atrium, step outside the sliding doors to savour your drink while admiring views across the atrium and the striking curved Treasury Bar below.

Afterwards, take a seat in The Treasury to enjoy a second cocktail served table-side and paired with a small plate. Plates include salt bush friend calamari with lemon myrtle aioli and Vannella burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of fig balsamic.

InterContinental Sydney's new bar experience includes cocktails and small plates, including beef skewers and caramalised pork served on beetle leaves. (Image supplied). — The Elevator Bar experience includes cocktails and small plates, including beef skewers and caramelised pork served on beetle leaves. (Image supplied).

What’s on the menu?

Each of the mini cocktails is a nod to the hotel’s rich history, dating back to 1851. The menu comprises of:

The Georgian Gimlet

Inspired by the elegant and clean lines of the building’s Georgian architectural style, it is crafted with Four Pillars Yuzu Gin, citrus, sugar and sencha tea.

The Vault Martini

The old vault that lies beneath The Treasury is where bonds were once stored. This martini reimagines a classic, with Beluga Noble Vodka, dry curacao, hibiscus and citrus.

The Atrium Negroni

As the name suggested, the antique domed atrium inspired this take on a Negroni, which combines Four Pillars Dry Gin and Campari with vermouth and lemon myrtle.

1851 Old Fashioned

The classic is made with whiskey, sugar, bitters and garnished with orange zest or cherry, but this reinvention features an Australian culinary gem: the macadamia nut. Dalmore Double Oak, sugar, bitters and macadamia create a smooth and nutty mix that offers a nod to the heritage Treasury Building.

The small print

The Elevator Bar experience costs $69 per person, which entitles you to one micro cocktail in the lift bar, followed by one cocktail and small plate in The Treasury.

This limited time experience is available between 4pm-7pm, Thursday to Saturday until Saturday March 29. Tickets are sold in pairs and are available to book here.