Gin fans, this one’s for you. Anglophiles, line up. Pub lovers, take note. Hayman’s Gin Supper Club is popping up at the Lord Dudley for the month of October.
The Lord Dudley, in Woollahra, is one of Sydney’s oldest and best English-style pubs. Who better then to host Hayman’s Gin, run by fifth-generation distillers? The popup features a British menu paired with cocktails featuring Hayman’s Gin.
The jaw-dropping part is the price. You can get an entrée + cocktail for $25, a main + cocktail for $40, or, with the Supper Club Special, an entrée, a main and two cocktails — all for a mere $60.
The night of the launch, selected media arrived at the Lord Dudley in a fleet of authentic black cabs from the London Cab Company. The pub itself feels like stepping back in time — all beautiful wood, historic framed photos, and the cosy feel of the best sorts of British bars.
Upstairs, fifth-generation distiller James Hayman took us through a gin tasting. While I don’t normally go for a G&T, I was quickly disavowed of my aversion once we started pairing the smooth gins with different flavours of tonic water. Who knew that could make such a huge difference?
The Hayman’s Gin Supper Club takes place in the revamped basement dining area. Past an Instagram-worth setup of flowers, botanicals, oranges, and gin, we took our places and got ready to sample the menu.
Each course is paired with a different cocktail. I recommend going with a friend or partner and ordering one of each starter and main so you can get the full experience. The menu is as follows:

Hayman’s Gin Supper Club
The Garden Restaurant, The Lord Dudley Hotel
236 Jersey Road
Woollahra NSW
Dates: 1 – 31 October 2017
Bookings: 02 9327 5399 or www.lorddudley.com.au
Pricing: Entrée + cocktail for $25 | Main + Cocktail for $40
Supper Club Special: one entrée + one main + two cocktails for $60