Come Wine with Me | PS40 + Finding Self Love During Iso ♡

Reading Time: 5 minutes

PS40

$$

Skittle Lane, Sydney, NSW 2000

Rankings:

No 1 in Time Out’s 50 Best Bars in Sydney 2020

No 95 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2019

Firstly, wow- this bar has some serious credentials to its name. This is my first Come Wine with Me where I review bars (mainly in Sydney). I love a good drink (or two) and I am so excited to try new bars and share with you my thoughts. I can be very particular with bars and I always try to do a little bit of research finding a good place and personally, reviews have been really helpful so I hope this does help you.

The first thing I have to say about this bar is it is very hard to find. It is the first building on Skittle Lane on your left. We tried finding this place for a hot minute but we finally found it after I recognised the interior of the bar from the outside. It is very missable but I do love how exclusive and under the radar these trendier, ‘higher rated’ bars tend to be.

I think Baxter Inn takes the cake for ‘hardest bar to find in Sydney’. It is literally behind what looks like a fire door exit under some stairs. Like you need to have heard of it to get in. You don’t just randomly find it on the street.

Self Love in Iso

Thankfully, we are seeing the coronavirus restrictions mostly being adhered to which has meant bars, restaurants and cafes are now open with restrictions. God, I have missed you alcohol. I am strangely thankful for this pandemic as it has allowed me, as well as many, to find clearer direction and purpose in life.

The lockdown has definitely inspired me to pursue blogging and other creative passions as well as the most important lesson of all- self love and care. A little TLC does wonders. Self care has definitely helped my mental health and has taught myself to nurture and be kind to myself. Stay safe everyone!

Anyway, back to PS40.

Ambience

I really liked the ambience at PS40. I am aware that most places are not to full capacity and social distancing is still being adhered to but I loved the low-key vibe I was getting as well as the dim lighting. It felt very intimate but comfortable.

One of the songs that played in the bar was Love Affair by UMI which is a great song (we love a Shazam moment). I really digged the chill R&B, neo-soul flare this bar was going for. It really matched the atmosphere.

You will like UMI if you listen to: SZA, Omar Apollo, Jhene Aiko, Kyle Dion

This song – Play Too Much by Kyle Dion (ft. UMI and Duckwrth) is also a really good song that features UMI. I talk a lot about music on my blog so if you like my music taste, this is the place for you.

Decor

The decor was okay. I have definitely seen better looking bars (Baxter Inn is amazing for example! Highly rate it). However, I did love the vintage posters on the wall. I think it really brought a rustic atmosphere and it does look nice for a quick little photo op.

I also really liked how the bar looked behind. The decor was really simplistic but it was also very average. I did like the candles on the tables though.

Drinks

There is a very small selection of drinks on the menu but they do sound delightful.

I got the Africola which is described as

try before you die. Mr Black cold drip coffee liqueur, PS Wattle Cola, coconut foam

I was really fascinated by coconut foam and I loved it. It was very unique and inventive so I applaud PS40 for that. However, it was $16 and it was very small. Like shot glass small. You can even see how small it is compared to a standard glass of water.

Most of their cocktails are in the low $20 range so definitely a bit pricey but reasonable but they do have a few beer and wine options you can order at the bar.

They also offer a few food options including a cheese plate and hummus so you can definitely have a little snack.

Also, the service was immaculate! The waiters were all really nice and the drink service was quick.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed PS40 so I’m a bit sad how this review came across slightly negative. I guess there are just better bars that I have been to both in ambience and drink selection that are of a similar price point and quality.

For example, Baxter Inn is amazing! I can’t fault it and they even offer free pretzels. I guess PS40 is just missing a little wow factor. It is a great bar nonetheless.

Looking back, I wouldn’t by dying to go here despite its amazing rankings (sorry), but it is definitely a nice, quaint little bar to visit to as a backup. It was for us. The original bar I wanted to go to was Old Mate’s Place (followed by meeting rude security guard and a queue) and we decided to go someone else.

PS40 is only a 5 minute walk from Town Hall Station and only a 6 minute walk from Wynyard Station so it is also very convenient.