The Swinging Cat

Below pavement level on King Street in the CBD there’s a den of New Orleans-inspired drinks, food and jazz. Pete Fischer (previously The OXO Tower at Harvey Nichols, Zeta Bar, Hemmesphere, Level 6) is behind this small bar. It is the culmination of all his extensive bar experience to date, delivered with moody vibes and clever simplicity.

This bar is just hidden enough to create intrigue, filled with French street lamps and accented with slightly creepy art sourced on a research trip to New Orleans. The tight food menu is designed to be delivered quickly and match a drinks menu that boasts a whole sazerac cocktail section. Most of the drinks are New Orleans classics. The Swinging Cat recreates this by using the sazerac as a cognac base, the way it was used originally, as well in modern-day twists, using single-malt scotch, rye whiskeys and bourbons.

There’s a premium cured meat range for the hefty charcuterie board but keep an eye out for the grilled-cheese sandwich, with raclette cheese, bush tomato chutney and smoked wagyu.