HAPPY HOURS
GET SET FOR THE BEST $20 HAPPY HOUR DEALS IN SYDNEY
NOVEMBER IS YOUR MONTH TO DINE AROUND
A month-long festival of happy hours, long lunches and bottomless brunches is hitting the suburbs of Surry Hills, Potts Point, Darlinghurst and Woolloomooloo in Sydney’s inner-east.
November 1-30, will see over 40 mouth-watering $20 deals across local pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes during the golden hours of 5-7pm.
Dine around and discover a different venue and offering. Each day, salivate over everything from hot wings to pizzas, pasta, burgers and Japanese combined with craft beers, wines, spritzes and jugs.
$20 doesnt go far these days and HAPPY HOURS brings back some good time value with a reason for locals and foodies alike, to explore our iconic neighbourhoods. Why not experiment and discover a new favourite or two?
After work, shuck to your heart’s desire with $2.50 oysters at Riley St Garage; devour burgers and fries + beer at Stonewall; down some margaritas and tacos at Lil Darlin Bar; Feast on steaks and schnitzel deals at Kings Cross Hotel; start your night with an Espresso Martini and empanada at Lilly and Bee; or a gyoza and Sapporo at Goros; beer and fried chicken or cheeseburger at Jangling Jacks; truffle and cream pasta with wine at Giul’s, gourmet cheese and paired wine at Grove Bar; pulled pork slider with fries and schooner at East Sydney Hotel; Highball and waffle at Eileen’s Bar; 12-inch pizza + beer at Ching-A-Lings; French pate + shiraz at Bon Vin; rock oysters and Prosecco at Bar Nina; Ceviche and wine at Beast & Co… to name a few!
The best and most loved venues in the area go above and beyond within the golden hour of 5-7pm - a chance to get excited about a quality offering and absolute value for money!
Also keep an eye out for Lunch-time and All-day deals including Breakfasts and Bottomless Brunches and Drag Brunch dates with entertainment. Well known foodie hot-spot Stanley St and new micro-precinct HQ Sydney in Surry Hills are also offering irresistible menus. If you want to venue-hop $100 is adding up to a great experience in the ‘hood!
This November makes no excuses - it’s the month to drop into that bar or restaurant you’ve always wanted to explore!
Find the $20 deals HERE
Find more information HERE
HEART OF SURRY HILLS
Mouth-watering morsels to sample and savour, speciality cocktails, gorgeous character-filled streets and live music and DJ talent for all to enjoy – you’ll want for nothing this November when you immerse yourself in the Heart of Surry Hills.
For four exciting weeks, from 01 to 30 November, the Heart of Surry Hills will bring together the area’s renowned and unique culinary flavours and experiences in one all-encompassing showcase.
The month-long program of food and beverage, art, markets and music includes a community art project, bespoke and signature beverage and dining menus, walking tours, and a free showcase event in Shannon Reserve featuring live music and DJ’s, food and beverage celebrating local brewers and distillers.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said, “The gorgeous character-filled streets Surry Hills will come alive this November with delicious bites, and entertainment for everyone – as part of the Heart of Surry Hills celebration.
“The City of Sydney is proud to support the month-long program of food, art, and music that concludes with a spectacular weekend event at Shannon Reserve.
“This activation for the month of November highlights the very best of our world-class hospitality venues, distilleries, and breweries as well as connecting communities through art and music.”
THE ROVER
The new-look Rover’s make over has given the bar all the charm and sophistication of a New York style cocktail bar. The dimly lit copper shines and is at once inviting and exciting for The Rover’s welcome return to the Surry Hills bar scene.
Here you can tuck into a very satisfying martini and some freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters. Or roll into the night and indulge in a generous seafood-driven menu boasting poached octopus, smoked sardines and a curried fish finger sandwich, all washed down with quaffable, punchy wines from near and afar.
Whether dropping in for a casual tipple or seeking a proper night out, the extensive wine offering, formidable whisky list and English-inspired menu guarantees to keep you satisfied, whichever way the night goes.
Walk-ins only.
Tuesday – Friday 4:00pm - late
Saturday12:00pm - late
75 Campbell St, Surry Hills
CUT STORE
CUT Store has opened its new, flagship retail space on Crown St, which means their covetable portfolio of US fashion brands, usually only available online, are now in-store for instant gratification!
Brands include Jen’s Pirate Booty, LUV AJ, Lacausa and perfectwhitetee as well as new brands in the CUT family including Understated Leather, Daydreamer and Baggu.
“We could not be more excited to open the doors to CUT Store Surry Hills and invite our customers in to experience the world of CUT in a physical setting for the first time,” says CUT Agency director, Hannah Maginn. “We have grand plans for 2022 with the introduction of several exciting new brands which we cannot wait to share with our customers in the new Surry Hills flagship store.”
CUT stands for Conscious Universal Traders and in keeping with this ethos they search out brands that are conscious, ethical and sustainable. The CUT customers are moving away from trends and instead are investing in wardrobe pieces that are curated with longevity and craftsmanship in mind.
The store is a dreamy world of deep greens and blush pinks, with inviting, textured carpets and curved fixtures making the perfect setting for indulging in the CUT world of fashion and accessories.
263 Crown Street, Surry Hills
VIVID
The bright lights are back with VIVID reigniting Sydney once again. Think light shows, installations, talks, performances and bright ideas!
Whilst the main event is happening in and around the CBD, Eastside venues have some great offers for pre and post VIVID experiences.
light up cocktails at THE WINERY
Try some of the best craft brews in town in this locals favourite and bar with an industrial vibe and cool crew to match.
Drop in between 5-10pm for a Cheese and Charcuterie board with a beer or wine for $49 or add an extra drink (for 2 people) $55. As Vivid lights up the skies and buildings they light up our drinks. Try the cosmic light inspired beer list as you watch the interactive beer bottle led light display, across the whole of the bar area, inspired by the VIVID night time glow.
1/137 Oxford St, Darlinghurst
Pink Guava Imperial Sour at bitter phew
VIVID NIGHTS are coming to life at Alibi Bar every night with three new cocktails, discoverable only to those in the know via blue light. Ramping up the experience every Thursday – Saturday evening, enjoy hidden cocktails and plant-based bites to the tune of Under Control DJs. It’s the perfect spot for pre or post-Vivid drinks.
Ovolo Hotel, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
ALIBI cocktails
Look into the NOMAD window and see the amazing LED light display design especially for VIVID. Come inside and Indulge in NOMAD's Caviar Course $100 per person for a limited time only - the perfect pairing of Champagne & Caviar. Featuring a serving of Polanco Grand Reserve Oscietra Caviar, crème fraîche, hash brown + a glass of Michel Gonet ‘6g’ Brut, Blanc de Noirs Champagne, it's the ultimate addition to your NOMAD feast.
16 Foster St, Surry Hills
champagne and caviar at NOMAD
Follow our laneway path and discover a magical glamping experience…
Grab your pals, sip on cocktails and enjoy an intimate grazing experience in a cosy glamping tent. Indulge in our four-course shared tasting menu for $69pp. Take it up a notch with beverage pairings for an additional $39pp.
Throughout Vivid, enjoy $10 Lightbulb Spritzes in different flavours! Mango and vanilla / Rum and mint / Vodka and orange / Vodka, rose and lychee / Gin and grapefruit /
285A Crown St, Surry Hills
GLAMPING AT THE WINERY
Enjoy your drinks with glow-in-the-dark ice cubes and straws, as you feast on a late weekend brunch (finishing at 5.15 just in time for VIVID lights) just a short walk across the Domain into the city.
55 Riley St Woolloomooloo
RILEY ST GARAGE banquet
SYDNEY WORLD PRIDE
Sydney World Pride is on its way! Coming to Sydney in February 2023,
Sydney will be hosting WorldPride in 2023 and its going to be a big deal! The theme for the festival, GATHER DREAM AMPLIFY.
“We want people to gather here, on the lands of the oldest surviving culture on the planet, to listen deeply. We want people to dream of the future they want and collectively work together to make those dreams a reality. We want to ensure that new voices and perspectives are amplified….” says Ben Graetz, Festival Creative Director, First Nations.
So far plans have been made for landmark events like the Opening and Closing Ceremonies (currently slated to take place in The Domain with 25,000+ attendees), First Nations Gala Concert, a world class Human Rights Conference, and the festival closing party at Bondi Beach (10,000+ partygoers). All with local and international headline artists.
There will also be a Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with over 50,000 participants – the largest pride march to ever be held in Australia.
Sydney WorldPride spans 17 Feb – 5 Mar 2023, during the usual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras season. Mardi Gras Festival events will be held within the overall Sydney WorldPride program, including Fair Day, Parade, Party, Laneway and more. More announcements are being made regularly so make sure you check www.sydneyworldpride.com/events.
MOTHER’S DAY
Looking for a lunch option, without leaving the ‘hood? Here’s our top picks for you and mum this Sunday.
Show mum a good time with a Chin Chin feast. Dig in to the mother of all menus – choose from $88pp or $135pp Feed Me Menus and devour all your favourites like Kingfish Sashimi and much more. To keep the celebrations flowing, $11 Piper-Heidsieck champagne and Mother’s Day cocktails will be pouring all day.
11am till late : $88 or $135 pp book here
69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
Beloved by its locals, The Old Fitzroy is a pub, brasserie and theatre all rolled into one. Recent renovations haven’t changed the look of the place but a change of chef has certainly changed to food on offer. Mother’s Day set lunch from head chef Anna Ugarte-Carral includes ricotta with grapes, roast chicken, and fig tart. Plus a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival for mum too.
midday -4pm : $60 per person
129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo
Show mum a good time with a Chin Chin feast. Dig in to the mother of all menus – choose from $88pp or $135pp Feed Me Menus and devour all your favourites like Kingfish Sashimi and much more. To keep the celebrations flowing, $11 Piper-Heidsieck champagne and Mother’s Day cocktails will be pouring all day.
11am till late : $88 or $135 pp book here
69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
If mum prefers a vegan option you cant go past Potts Point’s YELLOW. The set menu is available at lunch and dinner and includes snacks and a five-course individually plated tasting menu. The vegan tasting menu changes seasonally using only of the best Australian produce available. Mother’s Day menu includes Japanese Pumpkin, Pumpkin Seed Miso Sauce, Pickled Ginger with a side of Brussel Sprouts + Sesame Dressing.
When: From noon-3:30pm & 6-10pm
How much: $105 per person
LUMIERE CAFE
Lumiere Café is a bustling inner-city cafe just a block away from Taylor Sq and the Rainbow Crossing on the Darlo and Surry Hills border. Its a local’s favourite for all day breakfast and brunch.
So much choice! From the popular Ricotta Hot Cakes and French Brioche to the savoury favorites of the Corn Cake Stack and USA Burger. There’s a large selection of Eggs Benedict options. Great coffee too. Plus lots of gluten free and vegan options.
Owner Effie is warm and hospitable and will make sure you don’t leave hungry! Look out for their Bottomless Brunch deals especially around Mardi Gras time, when they really turn on the drag queen entertainment.
Made in the USA Burger
Sit indoors or outdoors and watch the passing parade. Access is easy and they’re also family, pet and wheelchair friendly.
425 Bourke Sy, Surry Hills
ELMS
Elms is a curated lifestyle store in the heart of Sydney’s Surry Hills, showcasing beautiful Australian and New Zealand-designed products. Everything about this store, from their sustainability credentials to their carefully edited range of women’s fashion, accessories, homewares, books, skincare, wellness, baby and children’s products, emphases quality in design, and mindfulness.
Having run two internationally successful apparel and accessories brands and retail stores in Sydney for more than eight years, founder Rebecca Elms is passionate about supporting local artisans and designers and collaborating with like-minded creatives while building the Elms community from her Surry Hills shop.
Monday - Saturday / 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday / 10.00am - 4.00pm
387 Crown St, Surry Hills
Hunter Lab, skincare, stocked at ELMS
RECORD STORE
If you’re a vinyl fan looking to add to your collection, get some spare turntable parts, new stylus or just hang out with your tribe in the flat music society, the Record Store on Crown St is the place for you.
They stock house, techno, rock, electronic, indie, pop, hip hop, bass music, reggae, funk, soul, jazz, blues…in fact, anything with a groove.
They also sell turntables, needles, headphones & accessories, can help with de-warping records, converting vinyl, repairing Technics 1200/1210s & pro cleaning vinyl and are always on hand with an opinion or to point you in the right direction if you’re on the search for something special, rare, old or new.
Open 11am - 5pm. 7 days, 34/277 Crown St, Surry Hills (cnr Campbell St).
SHIFT EATERY
SHIFT EATERY lays claim to Sydney’s “first vegan deli, serving up tasty af cruelty-free food”. They’re truly passionate about offering a variety of exciting options for both lifelong vegans and those that are just making the shift. It’s all about tasty options - sometimes you want a healthy wholefood bowl and other times, you just want to go all out and eat otherworldly decadent.
Shift is renowned for the World’s Best Vegan Bacon & Egg Bagel - so popular that it sells out most mornings, however don’t stress if you miss out, there are plenty of other options including all-day breakfasts and tasty af salads and bowls. They also stock a massive range of vegan deli items and goodies and you can order ahead for take-away or delivery.
241 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
BAD HOMBRES
BAD HOMBRES, GOOD FOOD is their motto. This Mexican inspired all vegan eatery in Surry Hills also offers gluten free options, a natural wine list and tequila cocktails. Get in early for Taco Tuesdays (3 for $10) and Wine Wednesday (half price natural wines)
Cosy decor and and 80’s inspired playlists makes a great setting for groups and couples alike. Open every day till late (except Monday) you can always be guaranteed of getting your quesadilla / margarita fix!
40 Reservoir St, Surry Hills
SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY
Celebrate all things Shakespeare with all who share a passion for his work, his mind and his talent. As a writer we may think Shakespeare to be courtly, cerebral, metaphysical, melancholic, Machiavellian, neurotic, light-hearted, loving and much more. However, as there are few factual things known about him we are in the curious position of compelling ourselves to adding to his portrait.
Known throughout the world, Shakespeare’s writings capture the range of human emotion and conflict and have been celebrated for more than 400 years, and yet his personal life is somewhat a mystery. No birth records exist, but an old church record indicates that he was baptised in Stratford-upon-Avon on 26 April 1564.
This is the eighth annual Sydney Shakespeare event that celebrates his life and work with performances, poetry and open readings. It is an inclusive community event and welcoming to all who share a passion for Shakespeare and would enjoy participating, being in the audience and being entertained.
The event will occupy four rooms on the first-floor of the Shakespeare Hotel, offering a speak-easy atmosphere with the interior design and architecture of the mid-eighteen hundreds.
An open reading and open mic will be staged throughout the event. Registrations are encouraged to ensure a position. Email through your participation to mail@poetrysydney.org
Expect new experiences through poetry and performance in celebration of Shakespeare at his place.
WHAT: Will DO! Celebrating William Shakespeare
WHEN: 6.30pm doors open for 7.00pm – 10.00pm, Wednesday 27 April 2022
WHERE: Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills
TICKETS: $25, Bookings HERE
REGISTRATIONS: Open reading and mic registrations, email: mail@poetrysydney.org
BEST VEGAN
Whether you’re a committed vegan, vegetarian, meatless monday kinda person or just yearning for the tastiness of fresh plant-based food, we got you covered.
SHIFT EATERY lays claim to Sydney’s “first vegan deli, serving up tasty af cruelty-free food”. They’re truly passionate about offering a variety of exciting options for both lifelong vegans and those that are just making the shift. It’s all about tasty options - sometimes you want a healthy wholefood bowl and other times, you just want to go all out and eat otherworldly decadent.
241 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
BAD HOMBRES, GOOD FOOD is their motto. This Mexican inspired all vegan eatery, in Surry Hills also offers gluten free options, a natural wine list and tequila cocktails. Get in early for Taco Tuesdays (3 for $10) and Wine Wednesday (half price natural wines).
Cosy decor and and 80’s inspired playlists makes a great setting for groups and couples alike. Open every day till late (except Monday) you can always be guaranteed of getting your quesadilla / margarita fix!
40 Reservoir St, Surry Hills
ALIBI - Matthew Kenney, world renowned plant-based chef, is the man behind the Alibi vegan kitchen food, with a simple food philosophy - clean eating need never compromise on taste.
Try a bespoke cocktail or a wine from the expertly curated list. Bar is open 4pm till midnight.
Weekend High Tea (12-4pm) giveS locally sourced plant-based ingredients a creative makeover and features both sweet and savoury options.
At Ovolo, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
alibibar.com.au
YELLOW - a vegan bistro located in the iconic Yellow House building in Potts Point. The plant-based menu has a focus on interesting and heirloom vegetables, grown by local suppliers. The eclectic wine list balances the familiar and the obscure and perfectly complements the plant-based menu.
Wednesday to Sunday for dinnerYellow is open five nights a week, with lunch offered on weekends. They offer a 5 or 7 course Vegan tasting menu only, changing every eight weeks.
57 Macleay St, Potts Point
BUTTER DOES RAMEN
Cult favourite BUTTER - for lovers of fried chicken, sneakers and champagne is bringing back the World Famous Butter Fried Chicken Ramen to the menu just as the weather starts to get cold and our thoughts turn to nourishing, tasty, steaming bowls of goodness.
Executive Chef Julian Cincotta’s signature Fried Chicken Ramen has developed a cult-following over the past few years and is the perfect companion to get you through the looming winter.
Plus last year’s Butter Ramen Club Tour (cut short by lockdown) is back too!
Julian Cincotta's World Famous Fried Chicken Ramen
Chef Julian has linked up with some of Australia's best chefs to create a range of mouth watering Ramen variants for the Tour.
Here’s a taste of the line up...
Julian Cincotta (of Butter Sydney) / Butter's World Famous Fried Chicken
Kerby Craig (of Ume Burger) / The Ume Miso Corny
Nick Smith (of Rising Sun) / Burnt Ends Chicken Hot Ballz
Julian Cincotta (of Butter Sydney) / French Dip Ramen
Louis Tikaram (of Stanley Brisbane) / 5 Spice Fragrant Ramen
Luke Powell (of LP's Quality Meats) / Smokey Flavour Packed Chicken Special Ramen
Nick Smith's Burnt Ends Chicken Hot Ballz Ramen
First up is Julian’s Fried Chicken Ramen - a tonkotsu style ramen consisting of one of Butter’s crispy fried chicken tenders, fresh thick cut ramen noodles, ajitsuke tamago (marinated soft boiled half egg) and enoki mushrooms in a chicken and dashi based broth.
The Butter Fried Chicken Ramen ($20) will be available in limited numbers each day from Tuesday 19th April.
Also, keep an eye out for the release of Butter Ramen Club apparel range, available online and at the Surry Hills store.
6 Hunt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
SYDNEY SUMMER STREETS
This summer the city streets will be taking on a festive vibe with street closures, al-fresco dining and entertainment all adding to a carnivalé atmosphere for the City of Sydney’s Summer Streets Festival.
Street closures on Darlinghurst Rd, Redfern St and Crown St in Surry Hills will be encouraging locals to come outside and mingle with their community.
Expect marching bands, drag royalty, fire-eaters and plenty of food and drink options.
Check out the City what’s on page for more details.
HAPPY HOURS FESTIVAL
The HAPPY HOURS Festival is back, a month late, happily undefeated by Covid, or recent lockdowns, or rainy El Nina weather! There’s something to suit everyone , during this 11 day festival of food and drinks deals; performances of comedy, cabaret, drag and music; and spoken word, poetry and book launches.
There is nowhere in Sydney as diverse as Eastside and the businesses of Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and Potts Point are throwing open their doors and preparing to play host and encourage Sydney-siders to once again kick up their heels.
Taking place from 25th November until 5th December HAPPY HOURS is the first festival to emerge this summer and offers over 100 mouthwatering food and drink deals, plus performances in smaller bars and venues - inspiring city dwellers to rediscover their local hoods and support local business.