In 2023 the team behind awarded restaurant ESSA unveiled a concealed laneway bar called The Nixon Room. Much like its older sibling, the exterior of The Nixon Room gives almost nothing away about the sleek space that lies within. Hidden down a vine-covered walkway off Robertson Street, the bar is accessed from the street by an unassuming brass door. There are no windows to look into the space, merely a wide glass vitrine, which is filled with an ever-changing display of curiosities to entice you to take a step inside. The bar itself boasts a mid-century modern aesthetic and is connected to ESSA through an internal door – allowing patrons to seamlessly move from a drink to dinner, or from dinner to nightcaps and dessert. As to be expected, The Nixon Room’s menu adopts head chef Phil Marchant’s forward-thinking approach using exceptional produce – think elevated snacks like potato gems with cultured cream and caviar, squid ink and truffle salami, fried-duck sanga with black-garlic mustard and truffle mayo, and baked brie with river mint honey. Martinis rule The Nixon Room’s cocktail menu alongside a clutch of signature concoctions and wine by the glass.
