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Surry Hills Icon Evening Star Has Hit The Market

The Evening Star Hotel, a prominent fixture on the border of Surry Hills and the Sydney CBD, has hit the market, presenting a rare opportunity for investors and operators in this thriving inner-city suburb.

Situated on Elizabeth Street, just steps away from Central Station and the Light Rail, the Evening Star is poised to benefit from the ongoing transformation of the area. The hotel’s prime location puts it at the heart of Sydney’s burgeoning $3 billion Tech Central precinct, which is expected to bring an influx of approximately 25,000 office workers to the neighbourhood.

The property boasts a spacious public bar, commercial kitchen, and a separate gaming room operating under a valuable 24-hour license. With 24 gaming machines and a historically strong ranking in the Top-250, the Evening Star presents significant potential for revenue growth, particularly in its food offerings.

Current owner Barham Hamarashid, who acquired the hotel in late 2020 for $12 million, has overseen recent refurbishments to both the bar and gaming areas. The sale comes as part of a shift in Hamarashid’s portfolio, which includes other commercial properties in Surry Hills.

Ben McDonald of JLL Hotels, who is handling the sale along with colleague Kate MacDonald, emphasised the unique positioning of the Evening Star. “This property offers a convergence of demand drivers that are rare in the tightly-held Sydney CBD and fringe areas,” McDonald stated.

The sale is expected to attract strong interest from operators looking to capitalise on Surry Hills’ ongoing gentrification and the anticipated economic boost from nearby developments. While specific price expectations haven’t been disclosed, industry insiders suggest comparable properties in the area are valued at no less than $20 million.

For Surry Hills residents and businesses, the sale of the Evening Star Hotel represents not just a change in ownership of a local landmark, but potentially a barometer for the neighbourhood’s rising property values and economic prospects.

Expressions of Interest for the Evening Star Hotel close on Wednesday, 8 May, marking a significant opportunity for investment in one of Sydney’s most vibrant and rapidly evolving suburbs.

Published 8-April-2024

LIMBO The Return: A Thrilling Fusion Of Circus and Music Unleashes in Surry Hills

Step into the electrifying world of LIMBO The Return at The Grand Electric in Surry Hills, where Strut and Fret unveils a breathtaking fusion of circus and music.

LIMBO The Return is set to enchant Sydney audiences once more with its potent mix of cabaret, circus, gymnastics, and ecstatic live music for three days from 22 to 24 May 2024.

This jaw-dropping extravaganza isn’t just a show—it’s an immersive experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat and craving more.

Scott Maidment, Creative Director of Strut and Fret and the director of the hit show “Blanc de Blanc Encore,” steers LIMBO The Return, which promises to be an unforgettable event. The live music sounds like “a New Orleans brass band meets the Beastie Boys on the way through Berlin, looking for a house party.”

Featuring a cast of famous circus artists and musicians:

Performers	Act
Sxip Shirey	A Jank maestro from New York
Grant & Mick Arthur	Two rebellious musicians
Maria Moncheva	A Bulgarian aerialist known for work on “Harry Potter”
Mikael Bres	A pole master from France
Hilton Denis	An Australian sensation
David Marco	A Spanish daredevil
Ben Loader	A rope virtuoso from the UK
Clara Fable	A singer who eats fire

LIMBO The Return has captivated audiences across Newcastle and Adelaide, and both reviewers and viewers have given it high marks.

Upside Adelaide calls this show “a whirlwind of excitement and wonder,” and See Do Eat Review calls the music “genius.”

From Brussels to Bogota, LIMBO was a hit and won awards. Now it’s back, redesigned and more jaw-dropping than ever.

Get your tickets now for a night of fun that you will never forget!

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Published Date 07-April-2024

Surry Hills Spotlight: A Tale of Love, Loss and Redemption in ‘Nayika’

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of “Nayika (A Dancing Girl),” a unique and enthralling performance coming to the prestigious Belvoir Theatre in Surry Hills.

Set to grace the stage at the for its debut, “Nayika (A Dancing Girl)” promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of theatrical splendor, showcasing the richness of its narrative and artistic expression.

The dynamic team of Nithya Nagarajan (Assistant Director of “Jungle and the Sea”) and Liv Satchell (“The Grief Trilogy”) co-created and co-directed this presentation. A coming-of-age story full of love, resistance, and self-reflection, this show has moments of happiness, sadness, and raw feelings that are sure to touch everyone who sees it.

A Sydney woman’s sudden flashback to her school days due to something an old friend says is the plot of this play. The story takes place on the beach in Chennai, and the main character is getting ready for her first dance performance, called an Arangetram, whilst also dealing with the complicated issues of young love.

But as the layers of her past come off, she faces the pain that has changed her life forever and learns how resilience and self-discovery can change things.

This powerful play looks at how trauma changes a person’s character in a deep ways. It also deals with hope, defiance, and taking back control. The mesmerising beauty of Bharatanatyam dance, along with moving stories and live music, promises to take viewers on a deeply emotional and healing trip in “Nayika (A Dancing Girl).”

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Don’t miss the chance to see this groundbreaking show that will surely leave a lasting mark on the world of theatre. “Nayika (A Dancing Girl)” shows how strong the human spirit can be and how art can change people.

Published Date 07-April-2024

Surry Hills Welcomes New Probus Club for Active Retirees

Active retirees and semi-retirees in the Surry Hills area will soon have a new community organisation to make new friends, participate in trips and outings, listen to interesting guest speakers, enjoy a wide range of organised activities, have fun and enjoy exclusive discounts.

The new Surry Hills Probus Club’s initial meeting is scheduled for the East Sydney Community & Arts Centre (Lower Hall) at 34-40 Burton St, Darlinghurst. Mark your calendars for the 7th of May 2024, 10:00 a.m.

Probus is known for fostering fun and friendship in retirement, and the new Surry Hills chapter is no exception. Warm invitations to join the Club are extended to any retired or semi-retired individuals seeking to connect with peers, share interests, and enjoy the simplicity of good company.

To ensure a personalised welcome, the Club is hosting a complimentary morning tea—a perfect chance to mingle and share stories with future friends.

Prospective applicants who can’t attend the inaugural meeting are encouraged to fill in their details to allow the Club to keep them posted on future communications and events.

What is Probus?

Probus is proud to operate as a not-for-profit and non-fundraising organisation. With over 1,500 clubs across Australia, Probus remains committed to keeping retirees active in all walks of life—mentally, physically, and socially.

The club will offer various engaging activities: monthly meetings with intriguing guest speakers, interest groups, regular outings, day trips, and even holiday getaways.

To join the Surry Hills Probus Club, there’s a modest one-time fee of $30 to cover the name badge and administrative costs. A minimal annual fee of $60 supports club insurance, PSPL administrative support, and venue hire—sometimes including your morning tea.

Embrace the Probus spirit of lively social engagement and enrich your retirement with the new Surry Hills Probus Club.

For any questions or to speak directly with a club representative, contact Jordan at 1300 630 488.

Surry Hills Chef Brings Froyo and Express Gelato Craft to CBD

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a new froyo and gelato haven to indulge in from a beloved Surry Hills restaurateur. Freo is the latest venture from Federico Zanellato, the owner-chef behind Lode Pies & Pastries at Crown Street.

Read: Avner’s Bakery in Surry Hills Revives Heritage Recipes, Fosters Community Connection

Located just steps from Town Hall, Freo is bringing a touch of luxury to the frozen dessert world. Zanellato takes a less-is-more approach, offering a few yogurt flavours like signature plain or Japanese strawberry, and a handful of toppings.

But don’t let the simple menu fool you. Freo’s frosty treats are made using premium, all-natural ingredients including pot-set yogurt from NSW’s Riverina region and toppings sourced from Japan. Flavours span the classic (mango) to the adventurous (taro). There are also plant-based options like organic coconut and Belgian dark chocolate.

Chef Federico Zanellato (second from left) and his team at Freo (Photo credit: Freo/Instagram)

With over 35 toppings that rotate daily, including fresh fruit, Japanese and Taiwanese mochi, homemade sauces, and many other options, Zanellato and his team encourages customers to get creative and load up their froyo or gelato as they please.

The upscale ambiance at Freo matches the premium dessert offerings. The Bathurst Street location boasts luxurious touches like marble counters, elegant drapery, and a vibrant, cheery colour scheme.

froyo — Photo credit: Freo Bathurst St/Google Maps

Just one month after opening, the shop is already drawing larger crowds each day, indicating their decadent frozen treats are a hit. Building on this early success, Zanellato plans to open a second Freo outpost in Chatswood later in 2024.

Read: Japanese and Italian Flavours Converge at Ito Izakaya in Surry Hills

If you love frozen yogurt or gelato, don’t miss Freo in the Sydney CBD. Visit the sleek Bathurst Street shop to taste Zanellato’s artisanal flavours and top them with an indulgent selection of rotating toppings like fresh fruit, mochi, and homemade sauces. With new items featured daily, you’ll want to make Freo a regular stop for an elevated sweet treat.

Published 26-March-2024

Raising the Bar: Surry Hills Shines in Sydney’s Night of Innovation

Surry Hills is known for its innovative and pioneering spirit in a city renowned for its lively culture. As part of the Raising the Bar event, the suburb is set to host a series of thought-provoking talks.

On Tuesday, 1 April 2024, 10 local bars in Surry Hills, Camperdown and Chippendale will hold 20 discussions of groundbreaking ideas – from climate change and sustainable investing to the future of healthcare and emission-free aviation.

This event, supported by the City of Sydney and in partnership with the University of Sydney, is set to ignite conversations and inspire change.

A Global Initiative, Locally Tailored

Raising the Bar is a global movement to increase accessibility to education and innovation. By moving these important conversations from the traditional confines of lecture halls to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere of bars, the initiative seeks to engage a broader audience.

The event promises a diverse array of topics. Highlights include “Unleashing purposeful investment for a better world” with Vis Vythilingam at Brix Distillers and “Migrapreneurs can unlock a better future for all” with Usman Iftikhar at Soultrap, both located in Surry Hills. These sessions will explore the frontiers of sustainable investing and the role of migrant entrepreneurs in our economy, respectively.

Raise the Bar Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: David Shirley/Brix Distillers/Google Maps*

Healthcare and technology merge in talks like “Can your health be programmed like an app?” by Pete Field at The Abercrombie in Chippendale, offering insights into personalized healthcare through technology. Similarly, “Harnessing brain waves to improve mental health” by Cameron Higgins at The Barrie in Chippendale delves into wearable neuro-tech’s potential to aid depression recovery.

From the future of electric flights discussed by Siobhan Lyndon and Andrew Moore at Wayward Brewing Co in Camperdown to Emma Bacon’s blueprint for cooler cities at Fortress Sydney in Chippendale, the event underscores the urgent need for innovation in addressing climate change. Moreover, “Ocean advocacy is for everyone” by Emily Rowland at Hermann’s Bar in Camperdown emphasizes the importance of community engagement in ocean conservation.

A Call to Action

Raising the Bar is more than an event; it’s a call to action to inspire change. With free tickets available to all, the organizers invite Sydney’s residents and visitors to partake in this unprecedented evening of insight, inspiration, and community spirit.

Whether you’re passionate about technology, the environment, or social change, Raising the Bar 2024 offers a unique opportunity to explore these topics in the congenial settings of Surry Hills and beyond.

CHECK TOPICS & VENUES

Published 26-March-2024

Foster Street in Surry Hills Receives Recognition as One of the Coolest Streets in the World

Did you know Foster Street in Surry Hills holds the distinction of being one of Time Out’s “30 Coolest Streets in the World” for 2024?

Nestled within the vibrant Hollywood Quarter of Sydney, Foster Street boasts a dynamic mix of culinary, cultural, and entertainment options, encapsulating what makes a neighborhood genuinely cool, according to Time Out, who placed the area in the 23rd spot on its Top 30.

Foster Street’s Charms

Foster Street is a perfect destination for those looking to experience the real taste of Sydney. The street boasts a rich history and cultural significance, exemplified by the iconic Hotel Hollywood. Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the variety of dining options, including the highly recommended Pellegrino 2000 and Nomad. You can embark on a culinary journey like no other on Foster Street.

Art enthusiasts can enjoy live music at the Great Southern Nights festival and visit China Heights Gallery, an artistic haven that contributes to the street’s eclectic atmosphere.

The Hollywood Quarter: A Cultural Beacon

Located in the vibrant Hollywood Quarter, Foster Street and Campbell Street have become synonymous with Sydney’s inner-city culture. This area is popular for attracting high-profile visitors, including celebrities like Taylor Swift.

It boasts an array of culinary delights, artistic endeavours, and sustainable initiatives. Pellegrino 2000, a favourite Italian restaurant among locals and stars alike, epitomizes the street’s culinary excellence with its inviting pasta dishes, which even the most privacy-conscious celebrities venture out to enjoy despite the paparazzi.

Nomad Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Nomad/Facebook*

Culinary and Artistic Haven

Foster Street is not just a place where celebrities can be spotted; it’s a hub of culinary innovation and artistic expression. The street offers a diverse range of food options, from Nomad’s heartwarming dishes served in an industrial-chic setting to Malibu’s hefty sandwiches, which cater to all tastes.

The Paramount Building is another area attraction. It houses the Paramount Coffee Project, AP Bakery, and the Golden Age Cinema and Bar, making it a cornerstone of cultural and social activity.

Paramount Bldg Surry Hills — Photo Credit: Paramount Building/Facebook

Nightlife and Entertainment

The street’s vibrant nightlife is centred around the Hollywood Hotel, a historic Art Deco pub that has been a Sydney institution since Doris Goddard opened it in 1977. Adjacent to the Hollywood Hotel, Tio’s Cerveceria and The Rover offer diverse evening entertainment options.

Hollywood Hotel Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Hollywood Hotel/Facebook*

The Great Southern Nights music festival further enhances the Hollywood Quarter’s reputation as a dynamic venue for live performances and highlights the area’s dedication to promoting a lively entertainment scene.

Artistic Flourishes

Art enthusiasts can explore the creative heart of Sydney at China Heights, a gallery located on Foster Street. This venue is dedicated to showcasing the works of emerging artists in the city and offers a glimpse into the area’s unique cultural landscape. The gallery’s warehouse-style space is an added attraction that enhances the overall experience.

Looking Ahead

The recognition Foster Street received from Time Out not only acknowledges its current appeal but also lays the foundation for its future evolution. As Sydney keeps growing and redefining its urban spaces, Foster Street’s recognition serves as a reminder of its neighbourhoods’ lasting charm and potential.

For both locals and visitors, Foster Street offers a unique experience that blends the historical with the contemporary, and the global with the local, making it a true embodiment of what it means to be cool in the eyes of the world.

A Global Affair

Time Out’s selection process for the coolest streets involved input from editors and contributors worldwide, ensuring a diverse representation from every continent except Antarctica. The list, which includes entries from capital cities like Buenos Aires, Manila, and Tokyo, also highlights the cultural richness of second cities such as Sydney, Vancouver, and Rio de Janeiro. With London’s Gerrard Street and Lisbon’s Rua da Boavista also making the cut, the compilation offers a kaleidoscope of destinations that blend history, heritage, and modern vibrancy.

Published 19-March-2024

Qtopia Unveiled in Permanent Home, Celebrates LGBTQ+ History in Darlinghurst

Photo Credit: Qtopia/Facebook

Sydney’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community gains a significant addition as Qtopia, the city’s inaugural queer museum, finds its permanent residence within the historic Darlinghurst police station.

Established as part of the city’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festivities, Qtopia emerges as a landmark of remembrance and celebration, honouring the diverse stories and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in Sydney and beyond.

Reviving History: Inside Qtopia

Upon entering Qtopia, visitors are greeted with a poignant reminder of the lives lost during the AIDS epidemic, commemorated in a solemn memorial at the museum’s entrance.

The museum’s diverse exhibitions delve into various aspects of queer history, encompassing Indigenous contributions, transgender experiences, evolving legal landscapes, representations in media, and confronting instances of police brutality — a particularly resonant theme given the museum’s former identity as a police station.

Transforming Spaces

Greg Fisher, Qtopia’s chief executive, underscores the museum’s transformative nature, emphasizing its departure from its former role as a site of enforcement to one of storytelling and empowerment. The museum’s renovation breathes new life into the once sombre confines of the police station, now reimagined as a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ culture and heritage.

Within the Qtopia complex, the newly inaugurated Loading Dock Theatre offers a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to share their narratives through performances and events. This 60-seat venue promises to showcase the richness and diversity of queer experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and creative expression among its patrons.

Accessible Engagement: Admission and Funding

To ensure accessibility, Qtopia offers a range of admission prices, with free entry for children under 10 and discounted rates for students and concession holders. Additionally, the museum’s commitment to community engagement is exemplified through free Sunday admissions for the first year, made possible through support from the City of Sydney.

Further bolstering its resources, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese provides Qtopia with a substantial financial boost, with federal funding earmarked for ongoing enhancements to the museum.

Reclaiming History

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the transformation of the former Darlinghurst Police Station into Qtopia symbolizes a profound act of liberation, reclaiming a space once synonymous with persecution and oppression. However, Mr Fisher acknowledges that for some, the trauma associated with the site may linger, underscoring the importance of preserving these memories while forging ahead with a renewed sense of pride and purpose.

The museum’s opening resonates deeply with activists like Rebbell Barnes, a member of the 78ers who vividly remembers the brutality faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during the early Mardi Gras protests.

For survivors like David Polson, Qtopia represents the realization of a long-held dream, fulfilling the vision of the late Dr David Cooper AC, a pioneering HIV/AIDS physician. Through exhibits like the recreated Ward 17 South of St Vincent’s Hospital, Qtopia is a testament to resilience, remembrance, and the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

Published 12-March-2024

Avner’s Bakery in Surry Hills Revives Heritage Recipes, Fosters Community Connection

Avner’s Bakery is a hidden gem in the busy streets of Surry Hills, offering a variety of delicious treats deeply rooted in Eastern European heritage.

Did you know tht the man behind the bakery, which opened in February 2024, is “Fast Ed” Halmagyi, known for his stint on TV’s Better Homes and Gardens?

Avner's Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Avner’s Bakery is more than just a place to eat—it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and community. Despite being a recent addition to the area, it has already gained a loyal following.

Reviving Family Recipes: The Heartbeat of Avner’s Bakery

Avner’s is a restaurant that has a strong family legacy and a passion for culinary intrigue. Inspired by his grandmother’s treasured recipes, Ed has set out to revive old traditions in the lively neighbourhood of Surry Hills.

With the help of cryptic notes from an ancient notebook, Ed carefully unravels the secrets of Transylvanian rye bread and other cherished delicacies, infusing each dish with a tangible sense of history and nostalgia. Every creation at Avner’s is a testament to craftsmanship and homage, from the slow fermentation of bagel dough to the subtle infusion of pastrami with smoky undertones.

Artisanal Mastery: Crafting Culinary Perfection at Avner’s Bakery

Avner’s stands out in an era where mass production dominates by championing the ethos of artisanal excellence. The bakery rejects mechanised monotony and instead infuses each creation with a labour of love and attention to detail that goes beyond mere sustenance.

From the custom-built smoker, meticulously crafted from WWII relics to the daily ritual of hand-shaping bagels, the dedication to authenticity permeates every aspect of the bakery’s operations. Every slice of pastrami and every braided challah bears the mark of human touch, serving as proof of the enduring allure of traditional craftsmanship.

Must-Try Treats at Avner’s Bakery

Avner’s Bakery boasts a wide variety of baked goods, but a few items stand out as customer favourites.

One such item is the signature lox-loaded bagel, a delicious combination of smooth lox, creamy schmear, and perfectly toasted bagel that showcases the bakery’s culinary skills.

Other popular choices include the chocolate babkas, which feature rich chocolate swirled into flaky pastry layers, and the freshly baked challah bread, which is made every Friday to celebrate the start of shabbat.

For those looking to try something new, the ube and date babka is a unique fusion of flavors that combines the exotic taste of ube with sweet, caramelized dates. Additionally, Avner’s offers smaller treats like rugelach and babka bites, each of which is packed with flavour and nostalgia.

Whether you’re indulging in a classic dish or trying something new, every bite at Avner’s Bakery is sure to be a delicious experience that reflects the bakery’s dedication to quality.

Immersive Experience at Avner’s Bakery

With antique wood accents and an open layout, the bakery invites patrons to stay a while. The centrepiece of the space is an antique wood island bench, where the magic of bagel-making unfolds before your eyes, adding to the bakery’s allure.

Here, amidst the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and the gentle hum of conversation, customers find solace and connection. They forge bonds over shared meals and memories.

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A post shared by Avner’s Bakery (@avnersbakery)

Avner’s founder, Halmagyi, has infused the concept of “tikkun olam,” a Jewish custom of benevolence, into the very fabric of the bakery. The bakery follows the age-old Turkish tradition of “askida ekmek,” which invites customers to purchase loaves and bagels for those in need.

It’s a place where the simple act of breaking bread becomes a celebration of life, love, and community.

Follow Avner’s on Instagram for updates.

Published 8-March-2023

Crown Street to Come Alive for the Festive ‘Sydney Streets’

Get ready for a street party unlike any other! This April 6, Crown Street in Surry Hills will transform into a vibrant car-free zone filled with food, music, entertainment, and community vibes for the highly anticipated Sydney Streets Event Series.

Read: Locals Split on Surry Hills’ Taylor Swift Mural

The focal point of the event will be Crown Street between Cleveland and Foveaux Streets, where vehicles will be prohibited and pedestrians can freely take over the thoroughfare for the exciting festivities.

The all-day event invites the community to enjoy Surry Hills’ lively culture and support local businesses who will have special offerings, sales, classes, and attractions.

Expect pop-up dining on the street, fresh food stalls, retailer giveaways and competitions, live performances on small stages, dancers, musicians, and child-friendly entertainers.

The Sydney Streets Event Series has been making its way through several Sydney neighbourhoods since kicking off in Potts Point in February, with events following in Darlinghurst, Glebe, Redfern, and Pyrmont in March. The series will then arrive at the Surry Hills edition on Crown Street in April.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore shares that the Sydney Streets concept has re-energised neighbourhoods across the city since the pandemic’s lockdowns.

“Last year we hosted 16 events, and since we kicked off the series in 2022, we’ve organised almost 30 editions,” she said.

Visitors can soak in Surry Hills’ artsy vibe whilst relaxing at an outdoor cafe, listening to live bands, exploring local shops, or letting kids enjoy activity stations. The evening offers a festive night market atmosphere to linger.

The Surry Hills edition will see Crown St closed off to vehicles from 9:00 a.m., with the festivities and street market running from 11:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. Surrounding side streets will also be blocked to traffic during the event’s hours, reopening at 11:30 p.m.

Read: Sydney Endorses Cycleway Projects Connecting Ultimo to Surry Hills

About the ‘Sydney Streets’

The Sydney Streets series aims to spotlight distinct neighborhoods, foster community connections, and boost local businesses across the city’s vibrant commercial districts.

Local shops and venues can participate by offering sidewalk sales, specials, classes or attractions to creatively draw patrons during the pedestrian-only events.

With roads closed to vehicles, businesses also have the chance to potentially extend retail stands or dining outdoors. To transform these streets into lively public spaces, the City of Sydney arranges road barriers as well as tables and seating throughout the area. Roaming acoustic performers entertain guests, whilst additional amenities like portable restrooms are provided.

For parking and traffic details, visit livetraffic.com to find special clearance restrictions in place surrounding the pedestrianised zone.

Published 28-February-2024