Step inside Central Coast gin bar, Bar Botanica
Eddie de Souza knows precisely how to give the people, what the people want. Step inside Bar Botanica’s latest offering.
Eddie de Souza knows what he’s talking about. Bondi born and bred, cocktail aficionado and protégé of Justin Hemmes, he has his sights set on the Central Coast. De Souza’s new venture, Bar Botanica, set on the grounds of the nostalgic Fragrant Gardens, is his love letter to a community which he now calls home. Married to a Coastie, he has watched the rising cultural tide over the past few years.
“The Central Coast is blossoming,” said De Souza. Blossoming indeed. Bar Botanica has had several previous lives; Once a lavender-scented nursery, then a gelato and cake offering. Now, De Souza’s hospitality pedigree has shaped the space to its full potential.
Former owner of Bondi’s Neighbourhood Bar and ambassador for alcohol giant Diageo, De Souza knows what people want. He saw the site as a chance to gift the community with an immersive “Gin Wonderland.” Think of the hedonistic mashup of Gatsby falling down the rabbit hole and you have Bar Botanica.
Maintaining a respectful nod to its past, arrival to Bar Botanica is heralded by the original Fragrant Garden gates. Sprays of colourful flowers and thriving crops line the brick pathway. Set amongst the garden is the enormous, gleaming Everlasting Martini fountain, the first tip-off that Bar Botanica is all about decadence.
There is much to indulge in. De Souza’s vision is for people to build a relationship with the space and become part of the Botanica family.
“We hope that people come and feel like they can stay for hours.” Bar Botanica offers experiences which creates synergy with Philip Moore’s neighbouring Distillery Botanica.
Patrons are invited to indulge in long brunches and lunches which feature fare from local makers. Cheese and fruit boards, charcuterie platters, salad, locally made Shhmoakesys Gourmet Pies and toasties; there is something for everyone. Not a “carrot cake café”, Botanica products are crafted with ingredients from the gardens and the distillery itself.
Bar Botanica Gin Bar, Erina
Currently, weekend Gin and Jazz sessions from 2pm create the perfect ambience to enjoy lazy afternoons in the garden. Also on the menu are premium cocktails and delectable desserts infused with Distillery Botanica gin or the famous Mr Black Espresso. Notably, one of Botanica’s hero products, Mr Black, was just touted by Hugh Jackman as his go-to ingredient for espresso martinis.
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Gin enthusiasts can take advantage of the juggernaut success of local, Philip Moore. Winner of the Gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, Moore has also just received the honour of being the first Australian distiller inducted into the Gin Magazine Hall of Fame. Distillery Botanica is offering patrons the unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain and book interactive experiences such as immersive gin tasting and masterclasses.
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Relaunching Bar Botanica as a premium event space is one of the fundamental objectives of De Souza. As the sixth venue that he has independently helmed, the opportunity to offer the Coast such a wondrous setting to host events makes Bar Botanica one of his most exciting projects. Weddings, birthday parties, hens events, anniversaries and more, De Souza is throwing open the doors of the Coast’s most iconic mud brick building.
Sitting at Bar Botanica, sipping on a gin, watching the bees busy themselves in the garden, it’s easy to imagine that you are in the hinterlands of Byron Bay. Or in the famed Grounds of Alexandria. But, instead, you are here, on the Central Coast. Eddie De Souza has gifted us the key to a “Gin Wonderland” in our own backyard. All you need to do is unlock it.
Keep up to date with all happenings at Bar Botanica’s Insta @barbotanica_erina. Or their website.
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