Well known and well loved, The Woods of Windsor is a unique bar in comparison to its competitors on Chapel St due to the feeling it ignites within you; it’s as if you’ve been transported to a speakeasy in the 1930’s and you should be removing your fur coat to show off some extravagant outfit when entering.
With intriguing taxidermy scattered all over and gorgeous old-school décor, it’s the perfect place to take out a new squeeze to impress or even just for a wholesome catch-up with friends over some seriously spectacular drinks.
The bar was founded by Clint Hyndman, drummer of Aussie rock band Something For Kate and his best mate and business partner Dean Bowden, who have also brought us Yellow Bird. The Woods of Windsor now have new owners but the vibe has always remained the same, and they are still killing the game despite the mass amounts of cool bars and restaurants in the vicinity such as Mr Miyagi and Hoo Haa.
The Woods of Windsor embraces its name through its brand new fairy-tale inspired cocktail menu. The incredibly detailed artwork by artist Amber Cherrington sends you reminiscing back to those cherished childhood memories of mum and dad reading you your favourite fairy-tales, however you now understand the dark undertones and hidden meanings behind these tales, inciting more love for this in your adult years.
The menu is split into four sections which makes it incredibly easy to pick a cocktail based on your preferred tastes. If fruity and floral is your jam, the Garden of Eden section is where you should look. Red Riding Hood is an extremely popular choice because it’s a superfood lover’s dream, with Tromba Tequila, Crème de Myrtille, blueberries, lemon, cardamom, aquafaba and acai powder. Another amazing pick is the Bengal Tiger which boasts Boudier Saffron Gin, Talisker 10 year Single Malt Scotch, poppy seeds, cardamom, pistachios and coconut milk.
Fantastic Mr Fox is also a crowdpleaser, with Tanqueray, Brookies Slow Gin, pink pepper and strawberry gum syrup, sage, lemon and aquafaba. Rum aficionados will love the Big Bad Wolf, which falls under the Dusk section of the menu. It’s got Diplomatico rum, walnut, cinnamon and chocolate which will really drive those tastebuds wild.
If cocktails aren’t your thing then don’t fret, The Woods of Windsor is also well renowned for its extensive list of whiskeys that’ll leave even those who are amazing at making quick decisions (do these people even exist though) struggling to choose. There’s even flights of whiskey to help with that pesky decision making; just pick a type that tickles your fancy and you’ll be given three carefully curated whiskeys to try. It’s always a good idea to ask the super friendly staff on their suggestions when you’re so spoilt for choice because they really are the experts.
The Woods of Windsor is open every night of the week, weekdays from 5pm and weekends from 4pm, with live blues music to keep you entertained on Thursdays. They also have a tasty selection of snacks and grazing platters if you need something to nibble on with your cocktail.
To find out more about The Woods of Windsor, head here.
By Julia Dicconson
