Anzac Eve found Sydney’s switched on set rubbing shoulders at Ministry of Sound’s Housexy soiree in The Rocks. Fifteen hundred people braved torrential rain to head to the Argyle Hotel, the newest and spiffiest member of the cities’ entertainment venue fraternity. Heritage listed and having just undergone a 30 million dollar overhaul, the Argyle proved an almost perfect location to usher in the public holiday with dinner, drinks and dancing.

Entering through the outdoor courtyard really sets the Argyle apart from its peers. Looking up to see the stars above and scuffed cobblestones below is a special treat indeed. DJ’s and bar staff were noticeably absent outside, but it is easy to imagine how amazing this space is going to be once it’s properly setup. There is a real sense of history outside and it’s a shame that Tuesday’s rain kept people inside for much of the evening.

Stepping inside through the massive glass double doors reveals a sensory wonderland with plenty of dark corners and just enough mood lighting to let the imagination run wild. The opened-beamed roof and rafters and the labyrinth of overhead piping gives the place a vibe somewhere between an old woolshed and a bar from Manhattan’s meat packing district. Black circular booths, giant lamps, futons – it all comes together to create a well realised modern space that still manages to retain an old and charming feel. Indoors is split over two spacious levels and by about 10pm these both featured a healthy crowd. There are lounges and chairs peppered across both levels, with upstairs even boasting a suspended DJ booth hanging above punters heads. Rumours about its glass bottom were true, though carpet keeps the voyeurs’ eyes from straying too far skyward.

The ‘facilities’ are also an experience. Frosted glass doors leave little to the imagination, and the egg shaped, cascading waterfall male toots at the end are unusual to say the least. There is even a table with hand towels and flowers. Nice.

As expected, the music didn’t stray too far from the typical Ministry sound. Alan Thompson and Nathan G played many of the tracks that have featured on previous Housexy compilations – anyone expecting cutting-edge haus would have been left wanting. Most of the distinctly older crowd appeared happy with the evenings’ soundtrack, though it would have suited the surrounds to hear music from the deeper side of the spectrum. It was quite refreshing to discover that conversations actually stood a chance of co-existing alongside the music too.

The staff were friendly, particularly those manning the door. The police did visit, and people were turned away later in the night, but in ye olde Sydney towne, the rules of caveat clubber always apply after 11pm.

As always, there were a few niggles, chief among them the ridiculous bar queues. Drink prices were reasonable. Spending an average of half an hour at the bar each visit was not. This loses the venue money, annoys the patrons and stresses the bar staff. It’s far too much time to waste shuffling from foot to foot, three people back from the bar. Sure, a few jokes with the punters helped, but many people ended up bringing a friend to pass the time with which didn’t help the situation at all.

Some voyaged upstairs to try their luck at either of the two, equally packed, bars. Unfortunately, spending any amount of time on the second level started to feel like being trapped in a sauna. Also, there is no clearly defined space to dance, with dance floor real estate limited to whatever room you could clear around your particular lounge. A DJ in the massive courtyard would solve this.

Overall the evening was a great success. Sydney has been crying out for a new music venue and the Argyle seems perfectly placed to deliver. If issues like the bar lines and upstairs temperature turn out to be teething problems then the Argy might just become the new place to hide from winter’s cruel clutches.