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Liane Morris

BATTLESTICKS | Sophisticated, European and now open!


Battlesticks at Scratchleys Newcastle
Battlesticks at Scratchleys Newcastle

Battlesticks, Newcastle’s favourite bar, is back and better than ever before! This sophisticated bar and European tapas-style dining experience is housed in a spectacular architecturally designed building that is also home to the iconic Scratchleys restaurant. 

 

Battlesticks was forced to close throughout the pandemic to enable the expansion of the space for Scratchleys to accommodate the physical distancing rules that were in place at the time. The bar has only recently been reopened in November late last year.

“I want to remind people that we’re open again,” said Neil Slater, owner.

“It’s such a special space, and we invite everyone to come and take a look. You can’t see inside the bar from outside on the wharf, and sometimes I think that makes people a bit nervous about coming in. We may be luxurious and sophisticated, but our prices aren’t. We’re no more expensive than a good pub. Our place is different; it’s like a breath of fresh air, and

everyone is welcome.”


Neil sees this latest incarnation of the Scratchleys / Battlesticks harbourside building as the culmination of his 34 years on the site.


“I’m proud of what we’ve built here,” said Neil.


“It’s a legacy building that’s simply gorgeous. When we designed Battlesticks, we wanted it to have a large, ambient, public space feel that has an incredible degree of interaction with the harbour. We’ve certainly achieved that.”


Battlesticks is built over the lapping waters of the working harbour along Newcastle foreshore. Its design is reminiscent of sails with 12-metre-high cathedral ceilings and glass, providing vision to both the water and the sky above with 180-degree views. Its sumptuous cream and gold interior evokes a luxury yachting experience enhanced by the cool breezes wafting through the louvred windows.




“We designed a space that feels sophisticated, and that supports the way in which I like to entertain. It’s very European. A place to meet friends, enjoy a cocktail or a drink from our extensive wine and beverage list, and nibble on a shared plate or two. Maybe you settle in for the night, or you’re off to dinner at Scratchleys or out to an event, the movies or the theatre. Lots of people pop back in for a nightcap before heading home. There’s even a gold-tiled selfie wall to capture the memories!”


Battlesticks shares its friendly and professional staff with Scratchleys, so the customer service and menu are reliable and of very high quality. All dishes are designed to be shared, with many featuring the seafood that Scratchleys is known for. There are both European and Asian flavours at play here, with some of the favourites being Natural Oyster Nam Jim with wasabi & lime, Arancini of the day or the Steamed Bao Bun Trio with crispy spicy chicken, seared tuna or crumbed eggplant.


Even the Shoestring Fries come with truffle oil, shaved parmesan and parsley! “There’s something for every taste on the

menu, and the same goes for the drinks. One of the things I love the most about what we’ve done here at Battlesticks is our extensive selection of champagne, beers and wines by the glass or the bottle, our sensational cocktail list and our marvellous choice of spirits. I truly believe that we’ve got one of the best beverage lists of any bar in Newcastle. And if you can’t find a cocktail that you like on our list, our very talented bar staff are only too happy to concoct one with you!”


Battlesticks is open Friday to Sunday from noon until late and is open to over 18s only. Later in February, Neil hopes to have live entertainment playing on Sunday afternoons for the ultimate in that chilled-out ‘end of the weekend’ vibe. There are also function packages available and a dance floor that holds up to 80 people. To book a table, call 02 4929 6989 or go online at www.battlesticks.com.au.




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