When the working week winds up and Friday ticks along, I’m forever left with the question, where will I go tonight for my TGIF celebrations?

I was invited along to Zeta Bar at the Hilton Hotel last week for a sneak peak of their new Winter Concept promotion, which sees their rooftop terrace transform into lively outdoor fare inspired by London’s Convent Garden.

It’s just one of the many pop-up events taking place around Sydney this winter, including Winterland at Carriageworks, Bondi Bergstation and Ice Blue Festival at Burwood.

Every Friday night this winter, Zeta Bar will offer an array of winter-inspired Zeta creations including mulled wine (spiced with cinnamon, ginger and orange), Hot Toddy’s ($12) and roasted chestnut infused cocktails ($19).

Zeta Bar has also introduced Nitro Eggnog ($5) to the menu, which takes a playful and experimental twist on the classic winter drink. It reminded me a lot of the Nitro Puffs from the Cryogenic Sorbet launch earlier this year. The puffs tasted like eggnog ice cream, only creamier with a nice spicy finish. It was such joy to watch the guys at the bar make this number and even more fun to eat!

The mulled wine ($8) was a particular highlight for me. I’ve never had one before and was surprised by how soothing and comforting it was (and not just because I’ve had a busy week at work!). The mulled wine is served piping hot to order, perfect for battling the winter chill.

And how could I overlook the roasted chestnuts ($6)! One of my favourite winter treats, chestnuts are notoriously tricky to cook, so it was nice to see these on the menu – along with toasted marshmallows ($5).

The menu isn’t the only thing that’s changed. For Winter Concept, Zeta Bar has also brought in buskers, street performers, jugglers, live music, a caricature artist and even a shoe shiner!

Zeta Bar
Level 4, Hilton Hotel
488 George Street
Sydney
# 02 9265 6070
www.zetabar.com.au

Thanks to Horizon Communications and Hilton Hotels for inviting us along. Photography provided by Hilton Hotels and Bar Solutions.