Wouldn't Sydney harbor be the perfect place to host a floating bar? The Dispensary is proof that this concept works spectacularly. From the Man O War Steps, I arrived at the dispensary via water taxi. As the sun was setting, views of the Opera House became increasingly captivating. Thankfully, the greatest views of the Opera House, Royal Botanical Garden and the CBD can be enjoyed with a cocktail from a pontoon smack in the middle of the harbor.
Two Sydneysiders, winners of The Premise competition to create their own bar, designed this luxurious space with the $50,000 prize money. The apothecary-style pontoon is serviced by bartenders with bowties and suspenders (think prohibition-era rather than hipster fashion). The Dispensary is also a promotional venue for Drambuie, and it is the only spirit available at the bar. A mixed drink was around $9.
I had expected this place to be cramped and filled with a pretentious crowd, yet I was pleasantly surprised to find it spacious and open (giving you some leeway to sway with the waves below). There is definitely a feeling of exclusivity being on this 'island.' The DJ was playing an upbeat mix of house music, which was at an ideal volume. In my opinion, there isn't a bar that offers greater vistas of the city. I was on the guestlist, so I'm not sure if you can board a water taxi without being on it. read more