St James Hotel

Outside: Ooh, straight out of gay Paree? Not quite, but this is a groovy little spot in the city.
Inside: The Street Level Bar is undeniably girly, with ornate mirrors, cream leather high stools and marble tables. Upstairs, Mirabelle is a sexy, ruby hued den full of chesterfield lounges and fake Renaissance furniture. It’s tacky plush, somewhere Marie Antoinette might go if she were slumming it.
The crowd: During the week, suits and late-night shoppers. On weekends, chic urbanites.
The soundtrack: Anything from lounge to Latin to live percussion.
What to drink: Try the signature cocktail, Mirabelle ($12), a blend of kiwi vodka, blood orange and lemon juice, peach liqueur and pomegranate syrup.
Best for: A girls’ night out.
The wow factor: The Hyde, a function room overlooking Hyde Park.
If  this place were an animal it would be: A bat, happy to hang around in deliciously dark corners.

Address: 114 Castlereagh St, Sydney.
Phone: 9261 8277 or visit  
Open: Daily