For those seeking an intimate, cosy and quietly luxurious space where refuge is taken and senses are soothed, paradise is found at The Burr Bar — an impossibly quaint watering hole nested in the centre of Ayrburn‘s sprawling hospitality precinct on the outskirts of Arrowtown.
Here, the past and present collide; wander through the impeccably manicured grounds before reaching a stone farm cottage where weathered, timber-framed windows are set in a stacked stone facade — the roof a sheet of rugged corrugated steel; the front door a hinged barn gate. Inside, you’ll find stone walls adorned with metal and wooden shelving packed with all manner of libations, sumptuous leather and timber banquette seating, and a pitched roof of heavy exposed beams.
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When it comes to the all-important list of libations, the inventive cocktail menu nods to the site’s heritage with a number of tipples themed for a country garden setting. Our order? ‘An Ode to Adrian’, where Ayrburn Noble Riesling is paired with vodka, crème d’apricot, blood orange tea and a hint of fresh lemon, and ‘The Green Lady’, which is the perfect mix of savoury and tart, muddling lemon-infused gin and limoncello with fresh citrus and basil, resulting in the perfect summer satiation.
Elsewhere on the menu, an extensive list of wines is largely focused on Ayrburn’s very own vintages; spanning everything from textural whites to brooding reds, fruit-forward rosé, rich late harvests, sparkling, and everything in between. Alongside this, you’ll find a small selection of international wines available, as well as a concise beer list, barrelled spirits, and The Burr Bar’s signature non-alcoholic iced tea, made with fresh herbs from the surrounding gardens.
Of course, given Ayrburn’s impeccable culinary team, the food is utterly divine — expertly crafted to pair with the drinks on offer. From classic beef tartare with Bloody Mary dressing and crisp potato, to lamb and pork meatballs with shaved Grana Padang, green olive, anchovy and guindilla pepper gildas, crisp artichoke with romesco, pickled shallots and cheddar, and much, much more, here, there’s something to compliment anything you opt to imbibe.
From its refined interior to its carefully curated, thoughtful drinks offering to the impeccable menu that speaks to our local landscape, The Burr Bar is everything a bar should be — inviting, intimate and incredibly well-appointed. There’s no better spot to kick back, relax, and celebrate the year that’s been (and the one ahead).
