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Nashville-Inspired Whiskey Bar ‘Jolene’s’ Opens in Sydney


Whiskey lovers, rejoice! The Sydney bar scene has just welcomed Jolene’s, a Nashville inspired whiskey, cocktail & live music bar in the heart of the CBD. A true dram lover’s dream, the new venue boasts over 150 drops waiting for you to enjoy in the back bar, and with most arriving all the way from America, a visit here is about as Nashville as it gets.

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Images: Jolene’s Sydney

The bar is a new venture by Simon Rose-Hopkins, the former licensee of Surly’s American BBQ and bar manager of Nola Smokehouse & Bar. If you’ve been to these venues, then you know just what’s in store- quirky decor, Americana in all corners and the good vibes to keep you going all night long.

Whatever your flavour, Jolene’s will be sure to cater to every malt, rye, grain and wheat-based whim you can dream of. The bar is not only promising fun times, but it also promises to cater to the most knowledgeable of whiskey-lovers, those who know the difference between Tennessee Whiskey and Speyside! The drinking experience is designed to inform, as Jolene’s unites a global whiskies collection that spans top-shelf American classics, as well as Scottish, Japanese and new Australian blends with a low-key American Diner style menu.

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Images: Jolene’s Sydney

You can expect a dark, moody interior upon stepping inside this bar. A modern take on the classic Nashville bars, Jolene’s was inspired by the bright lights of Broadway, Nashville Tennessee, a city Simon himself travelled and fell in love with. The booths in the bar are named after country singers, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Rodgers, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift (for those more mainstream lovers) and of course Dolly Parton for the 12-seater VIP booth.

Simon explains, “The bar is my way of paying homage to some of the best nights of my life and bringing that genuine Southern hospitality to York St. The drinks are thought through and reference Tennessee. We can’t wait for it to open and introduce an authentic experience unlike any other.”

So, next time you’re in the mood for a fine whiskey, or two, or a delicious cocktail and some premium southern hospitality, you know where to go!

Check it out

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Images: Jolene’s Sydney

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Images: Jolene’s Sydney

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Images: Jolene’s Sydney

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Images: Jolene’s Sydney

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