Sydney’s Oldest Working Lift Is Now A Moving Cocktail Bar
— 25 February 2025

Sydney’s Oldest Working Lift Is Now A Moving Cocktail Bar

— 25 February 2025
Garry Lu
WORDS BY
Garry Lu
  • InterContinental Sydney has turned Sydney’s oldest working lift into “The Southern Hemisphere’s Oldest Lift Bar.”
  • Guests can enjoy an intimate drink in the span of an ascent and descent; with mixologists crafting mini-cocktail serves on the spot.
  • This limited-time experience runs from February 21st to March 29th for $69 per person.

Drink at enough venues and, after a while, you’ll feel like you’ve seen (and tasted) it all. That is, perhaps, with the exception of an unforgettable experience just launched by InterContinental Sydney, tucked away within its iconic Treasury Bar & Lounge.

From February 21st until March 29th, you’ll be able to step into a historic lift preserved since the hotel’s transformation in 1985 – now transformed into “The Southern Hemisphere’s Oldest Lift Bar.”

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The journey begins in the Treasury’s atrium, where guests step aboard the aforementioned (and historic) people-mover. As it ascends and descends, mixologists will craft mini cocktails on the spot, each one a nod to the hotel’s storied past, dating back to 1851 (fun fact: the original cortile where you’ll find Treasury is where Australia’s first vine plantation was planted).

After savouring delectable drinks with a side of intimately charming ambiance, the experience continues outside the sliding doors; where a second cocktail from a curated menu is served tableside and paired with two small plates (another nod to InterContinental Sydney’s evolution).

Expect the following signature serves on ‘The Oldest Lift Bar’ menu:

  • The Georgian Gimlet
    Celebrating the Treasury building’s Georgian architectural style with Four Pillars Yuzu Gin, citrus, sugar, and sencha tea.
  • The Vault Martini
    Inspired by the old vault beneath The Treasury where bonds were once stored, this martini reimagines a classic serve with Beluga Noble Vodka, dry curacao, hibiscus, and citrus.
  • The Atrium Negroni
    Spotlighting the antique domed atrium, featuring Four Pillars Dry Gin, Campari, vermouth, and lemon myrtle.
  • 1851 Old Fashioned
    A nod to the heritage 1851 Treasury Building, with Dalmore Double Oak, sugar, bitters, and macadamia.

“The Treasury Bar is a vault of Sydney’s best-kept secrets and we’re thrilled to unveil the southern hemisphere’s oldest lift bar,” said Mattia Arnaboldi, Director of Bars at InterContinental Sydney.

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“It will allow guests to immerse themselves in a part of Sydney’s rich history, journeying through time and taste, as they sip on cocktails that reflect the heritage and charm of the Treasury.”

“The Southern Hemisphere’s Oldest Lift Bar” will welcome guests every Friday and Saturday between 4 PM and 6 PM with a set price of $69 per person until it wraps up in March. Book your experience below.

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Garry Lu
WORDS by
After stretching his legs with companies such as The Motley Fool and the odd marketing agency, Garry joined Boss Hunting in 2019 as a fully-fledged Content Specialist. In 2021, he was promoted to News Editor. Garry proudly retains a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, black bruises from Muay Thai, as well as a black belt in all things pop culture. Drop him a line at [email protected]

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