Live music and cool cocktails make for the perfect night at InSitu
InSitu is alive with chatting groups, live music and a packed out bar when we arrive on a Saturday night. The bar, which is situated in the heart of Manly just off the Corso, is lit with fairy lights and tables outside, packed with people enjoying the clear winter evening.
Former Home & Away actor Matt Evans is the live musician that night, perched on a stool at the entrance of the bar, guitar in hand, filling the area with popular tunes that have some patrons up and dancing and others bopping along in their seats.
The bar has a playful retro appeal, and stretches along the first half of the venue, after which there are tables for couples and small groups and then a Mediterranean style courtyard for those looking to have a bigger gathering.
InSitu, known for its ‘cocktails for days,’ doesn’t disappoint. The butterfly lychee martini is a sweet treat which is as appealing to the eye as it is to the tastebuds. Featuring butterfly pea tea gin with vermouth and a foam topping, the cocktail has a citrus twist.
InSitu director Jorja Thomson says the cocktail menu has been designed by her business partner, Pete Jenkins, in collaboration with the bar team. “We have a lot of fun with the cocktails,” she says, adding they are ‘fun, approachable and moreish.’ “I think half of Manly would agree that the apple crumble martini is our signature cocktail. It’s been a crowd favourite for decades.”
We have a lot of fun with the cocktails. They are ‘fun, approachable and moreish.
Jorja Thomson, InSitu director
InSitu is one of the oldest restaurant and small cocktail bars on the Beaches, operating for over 20 years. We sample some delicious dishes from the tapas menu, starting with the gnocco fritto, puffy, fried dough in Napoli sauce, pesto and aged parmesan, the perfect accompaniment to our drinks. The harissa spiced chicken skewers served with mint yoghurt, pita and house pickles arrive, and as we enjoy the tangy flavours and take in the feel-good atmosphere, we feel like our night is kicking along nicely.
The pizza menu is a hit with regulars, Jorja says, with the goats cheese and honey pizza having been a favourite for years. Italian-born chef Matteo Chimenti’s beef ragu lasagna is a recent addition to the menu which is also proving popular.
The good times flow at InSitu, which has a mix of live acoustic musicians and DJs on the weekends, mixed with karaoke. It also has specials like Margie Mondays, and its famous Drag Bingo Bottomless Brunch on the first Saturday of every month.
When our time comes to leave, we exit through the bar which is buzzing with chatter and fun, and look forward to returning again.
INSITU
1/18 Sydney Road, Manly
3820 7314
