Rock Lily launch party

“Trust me. You’re not gonna see this anywhere else” the tattoed barman promises, expertly pouring a precise 30ml tequila shot. Despite long established wisdom that one should never trust a man who says “trust me”, in this case it’s a gamble I’m willing to take.  With over 120 tequilas on offer, Star City’s new bar Rock Lily offers sought after varieties that can’t be found anywhere else in Australia.

Not just a tequila bar (though the Cadillac margaritas are sensational), Rock Lily is Sydney’s newest and most exclusive live music venue, attracting top Aussie rock bands and international talent (Snoop Dogg has already hosted his invitation-only after party there prior to the official opening) to perform for no more than 200 people.  Despite being in the middle of neon-drenched Star City casino, Rock Lily manages to pull off an intimate and atmospheric performance space that will attract bands and rockers alike.

At the official launch party on Wednesday 20 April, the crowd was treated to ‘up close and personal’ performances by hot Australian bands Washington and Art v Science.  I could practically reach out and touch Dan Mac from Art v Science (tempting but I did refrain) and someone from the crowd offers him a beer to scholl mid-performance.



Art vs Science


Lounging in converted Cadillac seat booths while watching the 1970s tvs above the bar, all décor - from the juke box in the corner to the mustard squiggled hot dogs - follows the mid-west American diner theme recently embraced by bars such as Shady Pines Saloon and the Stuffed Beaver.  Tattooed works of art cover the arms of all tequila savvy bartenders, suggesting that no detail has been neglected in designing and bringing the concept to life.

I step outside to take a phone call, and am momentarily confused to find myself surrounded by the bright lights and clanging jangles of a casino – I hurry back into the dimly lit oasis of rock and cocktails.

A surprisingly laid back and inviting space, let’s hope that Rock Lily is the start of movement by Star City to make the most of its huge, inner-city precinct.  Showcasing the best talent from home and abroad, Rock Lily is will inspire celebration among live music fans – just make sure you’re one of the 200 lucky enough to get through the door.

Rock Lily is open from 5pm on Wednesdays to Sundays


This article first appeared on Eat Drink Play.