Rock Lily Review

Review by Laura House

When you walk into the recently renovated and multi-million dollar lobby of “The Star” hotel and casino (once upon a time Star City) and are exposed to its glistening marble floors and towering staircases, you tend to feel one of two emotions: right at home or a tad like a little fish in a very very oversized pond. I for one felt the latter, so I set off through the looming doors and found a pumping little place set up right at the back of the casino. I had found the perfect pond. The Rock Lily bar was the last thing I expected to come across, and is the perfect compliment to all the glitz and glamour that lies beyond it.

The first thing I noticed about Rock Lily was the live music and lively crowd. The band was a local act and played blues/rock style music creating a different and really fun atmosphere that is lacking in a lot of the Sydney bars and nightclubs. The music was perfectly complimented by the intimate atmosphere of dim lighting, long polished wooden tables, leather stools and couches and retro-style TVs above the bar. There was also a jukebox and photo booth, both adding a cool old school feel. No entry fee and a contagiously entertaining atmosphere, I wondered how I had not found this little hub before now.

The Rock Lily’s drink selection is generous, with $5 house spirits on Thursday nights! It also boasts an impressive selection of [“the world’s most sought after”] tequilas and invites guests to create their own “custom margarita” where they are invited to choose its style, build and tequila. If tequila isn’t your thing however, there is also an impressive cocktail list with very reasonable prices starting at just $10 and served by fantastic and upbeat staff. My personal favourite was the “Million dollar martini”- vanilla vodka and passion fruit puree, served in a martini glass with a vanilla sugar passion fruit; who says you can’t include a little of the “Star” glamour in your Rock Lily experience? For the people that are more straight to the point with their drinking, Rock Lily also offers what they call “flights with back-up”, or in our language, shots with a chaser. The food menu is not extensive but there are a number of hearty classics to keep you going such as the popular $9 ribs.

One thing I didn’t enjoy about my experience was walking through the casino to get there. A place as alternative and fun as Rock Lily deserves a place of its own instead of being set behind a very large and slightly zombie-like casino. Also, it is lacking an outdoor area or courtyard so for some, especially smokers, this could be problematic.

The crowd on a weeknight has a corporate feel, with many coming down for a drink after work or, at this time of the year, for a work Christmas party. However, the cool vibe and live-music brings in a flow of younger people all week long, creating the perfect mix of personalities and ages. The roomy dance-floor and awesome live band have everybody up on their feet and having the night of their lives. Open Wednesday until Sunday from 12pm-late, Rock Lily is definitely worth a visit.

For a night that began somewhat blasé, my little discovery was a pleasant surprise and a refreshing experience from the often-repetitive Sydney nightlife circuit. Two thumbs up from me!



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