Bars | Work In Progress Pop-up Bar


There’s a new bar in town, and it’s a breathe of fresh air. Merivale’s new art-based pop-up bar, Work in Progress, was launched on Wednesday, 30th April at 50 King Street and will offer a unique bar experience to Sydney’s CBD.

Featuring artwork by Darwin-based artist Franck Gohier, Work in Progress is set up like a studio/gallery of Gohier’s work (expertly curated by former Senior Curator for MCA Australia Glenn Barkley) but with the added delights of tasty drinks and delicious Thai street food.

And it certainly is a feast for your eyes and your taste buds.  Gohier’s art is visually stimulating and there’s enough on display to be conversation starters for weary city workers sick of the sight of their cubicles. The drinks, particularly the cocktails, remind us all that although we’re right in the heart of Autumn, the light summer flavours still linger.  Try the Garibaldi Spritz ($18.00), made with Beefeater 24 gin, Campari and mandarin.  There’s also a wine list with glasses starting from $8.00. 

The food menu is designed to be shared and is the perfect accompaniment to the drinks and atmosphere of the bar – enticing and entertaining. Standouts include the Crispy Wafer stuffed with shredded chicken, fresh shredded coconut, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaves ($4.00 per piece), the Stir Fry Chicken with chili jam and sugar snap peas ($18.00) and the Betel Leaf Wraps with smoked trout, fresh ginger, peanut and caramelised roasted coconut ($4.50 per piece).

If you’re sick of the usual CBD haunts and have exhausted all small bar options, then Work in Progress may just be your new favourite place for after work drinks. You might even find Gohier there working on his next piece.

By Erica Enriquez


Work in Progress is located at 50 King Street, Sydney
Open Monday to Saturday 12pm to 12am
For any enquiries call 02 9240 3000

www.merivale.com.au/wipbar