S. Haslam
Only in Byron will you find such a unique experience; a genuinely dedicated crystal gallery integrated with a luscious cocktail lounge. It’s like a luxe cosmic cave in the centre of Byron.
The room itself is painted black but doesn’t feel dark as it glows with quite outstandingly illuminated crystal pieces. There are plinths that run along the centre of the lounge with substantially sized, gorgeous, crystalline formations, and on the side walls are display units that frame the crystals like art works (which they are) and cabinets with other crystals and jewellery that are luminous in the space. There are comfortable, backed, high chairs and tables along the side and luxurious velvet lounge chairs and low tables nearer to the bar. As well there is seating on a small balcony that overlooks Jonson Street and the salmon-coloured sunset sky.
You can just browse the gallery or you can settle in amongst the crystals, soak up their vibrations, and order a refreshment. There are delicious crystal-infused mocktails, and cocktails, imbued with crystal elixirs, from Herkimer Diamond Martinis to spicy Citrine infused Margheritas, (an amethyst-and-lavender infused creation) – and more. If you are not drinking alcohol, I think you’ll be delighted with the mocktails, the best I’ve tasted. I tried two different ones. As well, there is a very good wine list with Antipodean and European wines, French Champagne, and some petillant au naturel selections.
There is a great little bar menu (by No Bones, so it tastes sensational but is plant-based), which includes shitake mushroom and truffle cognac pâté with organic baguette; and Blue Cheese with Byron Bay seeded crackers, rosemary, walnuts and pear. The Patatas Bravas was very good, served hot with a crunch on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with two tasty dressings, it went down a treat. There are a couple of lovely desserts; the Ferrero chocolate ganache, hazelnut shard on a chocolate soil with hazelnut ice-cream; or Key Lime Pie, macadamia, finger lime, cream and toasted coconut.
The Quartz Gallery’s crystal range has been carefully selected from countries all over the globe and includes small crystal treasures to very large breathtakingly beautiful decorator pieces. Magnificent crystals with large clusters and cathedrals grace the centre of the room, and medium and smaller ones glow in cabinets, each with their own space so you can feel their energy. Some eye-catchers were a large Amethyst cluster sphere, a large Malachite Stalagmite and a stunning pyrite tower. There is also unique crystal jewellery, crystal artwork, and many mineral specimens.
The Quartz Gallery is also an events venue for hire, the space can literally transform before your very eyes to suit any function, from celebrations to sound healings to creative exhibitions, product launches and the like.
This is a truly one of a kind experience, where you can surround yourself with crystals, imbibe the crystals, and even take one home if it calls to you. This rare specimen of a space is a little tucked away, above the entrance to the car park of the Mercato complex, but worth the searching out to find this hidden gem.
Quartz Gallery and Cocktail Lounge
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 12–10pm
Mercato on Byron
Level 1, 108-114 Jonson St
Byron Bay.
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