Sydney's icons will light up for the 2018 Vivid Sydney Festival from 25 May for a month-long celebration of light, music and ideas and Veriu Central is celebrating with its own Vivid cocktail to tantalise the senses - the Smoke & Lights. 

Served exclusively in The Drawing Room, a classic 1920s themed bar in the hotel lobby, Smoke & Light is the creation of Quinton Seeto of JRM Hospitality, who have partnered with the Veriu Hotels group to manage all food and beverage operations.

“With Vivid being an experience of light and sound, we have focused on stimulating the senses to create a cocktail which is visually appealing with a touch of theatrics and a zesty taste,” says Seeto.

The cocktail is gin based using Tanqueray gin and Cointreau, shaken with fresh pressed lemon juice, a bespoke raspberry syrup and egg white.  Vibrant pink in colour with a creamy texture cut through with lemon citrus, the cocktail will be revealed from beneath a transparent cloche with a cloud of hickory wood smoke – ensuring all five senses are aroused.

The Drawing Room is the 'social hub' of Veriu Central where guests can enjoy a light breakfast in the morning, coffee and snacks through the day and choose from a substantial list of wine, beer and cocktails with a range of delicious tasting plates in the evenings.  Communal tables and classic art deco style furniture complete the room's nod to the roaring 20s - the hey day of the building formerly known as Wentworth House.

Guests staying at Veriu Central through Vivid can enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, dumplings at Harry's Dumpling House, located adjacent to the lobby. during happy hour complimentary coffee and pastries in the morning and free WiFi.  Rates start from $179 per night*.  Visit www.veriu.com.au for bookings and further information.

Veriu Central officially opened in April in Sydney's Surry Hills, surrounded by some of the city's finest dining options including Nel restaurant, the unique bunker-style space below the hotel, transformed by chef Nelly Robinson into one of Sydney's finest degustation-led restaurants.