Banchō is a popular small bar located in the very heart of Sydney's Chinatown at 10 Thomas Lane, Haymarket. At the moment of its opening, it certainly took the spots in the nightlife of the local area, where you can enjoy not only a great cocktail but also excellent whiskies. A long list of Japanese and Scotch whiskies includes rare independent bottlings to satisfy even the most refined palates.
The quality and the tradition ooze from the interior of Banchō but are cast in a modern light, which underpins contemporary sophistication but only nods to the historic surroundings. This building was built in 1910/11 and forms part of what was originally known as the city market complex. It was designed by then City Architect George McRae, who also penned other Sydney landmark buildings such as the Queen Victoria Building and Capitol Theatre. Over the years, it has served a number of purposes, having been used as a warehouse for Wing On & Co., one of the major importers of goods such as bananas from Fiji and North Queensland.
At Banchō, everything is about creating exceptional experiences through drinks and setting. This bar offers a variation of cocktails inspired by Asia, made with fresh produce supplied by the markets in the area. This not only underlines the wealth of ingredients available locally but is also an attempt to respect the historical context in which the bar was established.
On a more personalized note, Banchō has 38 bottle lockers that clients can rent for their bottles of whisky or any other liquor bought from the bar. When guests come back, their bottles are served with the glassware of their choice, accompanied by ice and mixers, to ensure a tailored experience.
What makes this place special for whisky enthusiasts and cocktail lovers in Chinatown, Sydney, is a rich historical backdrop for the commitment to quality at Banchō, matched with a commitment to the celebration of local produce.
