The team behind One Penny Red has extended its offering, launching Vernon’s Bar on top of the Summer Hill diner.
Chef RJ Lines (ex-Longrain) has created a menu of modern seasonal dishes, with items including hiramasa kingfish crudos with ruby grapefruit, cucumber and horseradish; a chestnut, Jerusalem artichoke and Portobello pie with sauce soubise; and Vernon’s fried chicken wing dings with miniature sauce.
The bar’s beverage menu, overseen by head barman Nick Donelan, features twists on classic cocktails, including the Willy Chapman, a blend of sloe gin, apricot and Prosecco; the Shiso Sour – nikka, shiso leaf and absinthe; as well as the Basil Gimlet which sees vodka, basil and elderflower blended and served straight up in a basil garnished martini glass.
Vernon’s fit-out was designed in-house by co-owner Nina Alidenes and offers 60 indoor and outdoor seats, including a private dining room which boasts a floor-to-ceiling wine rack.
Sommelier and co-owner David Murphy said “Nina, RJ and myself are passionate about creating an environment for people in the inner west and beyond that encompasses everything a good bar should, without airs and graces. Just great food, great wine and great service in a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere.”
