Ferry Spotting
Circular Quay is noted as being a tourist spot filled with three of Sydney’s four major tourists attractions: The Sydney Opera House, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour. The Harbour Bridge is within view, but it’s not technically on Circular Quay.
As a result, more often than not, prices here reflect the tourist draw and most of the establishments cater for tourists, the restaurants in particular. The bars, however, seem to cater more to the office crowd than your average camera-wielding tourist. Minus 5 is the only exception here.
One bar which I like to go to is somewhat hidden. You hear the music but you can’t figure out how to get there. This is Bar ECQ. The bar is located in the Quay Grand hotel and the entrance is just next door to Baskin Robbins, along East Circular Quay, just a stroll away from the ferry terminals.
With its second floor perch, the bar has excellent views of the Rocks, Circular Quay Ferry Terminal, the ferries and the rest of Circular Quay. The layout is very open, with not so much a glass wall enclosing the area. The airiness and outdoorsy feel brings a delightful atmosphere to this watering hole. A simple electronically controlled sun shade forms the barrier between the bar and the outside.
I like the drinks selection a lot. The beer may be limited but they have Heineken and I’m very happy with that. What makes me like this place is their liquor selection, proudly displayed on shelves behind the wall. Among others, there’s yellow and green Chatreuse. The wine list is also relatively extensive and this is among the few bars I know in Sydney that have Moët & Chandon champagne by the glass.
The food menu is very simple but visibly different than most other bars in Sydney. Their beef nachos dip is my personal favourite. The obligatory chips aside, most of the dishes seem like mains than nibbles.
There’s a particular beauty in the simplicity of the décor. No large pictures, no flashy images, just a poster of Moët & Chandon Champagne and a television screen to distract you from views of the ferries and Circular Quay.
Bar ECQ is a nice place to unwind after a day of walking, a day of working or even a day at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Perfect to relax with a drink on a lazy afternoon, the bar has just the right number of people at any one time to ensure privacy and comfort. However, after work on a Friday, expect to stand, even at 5pm. Cheers!
