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Surry Hills to Host Hangover-Free Pop-Up Bar with New alc-eze Supplement Packs

The alc-eze supplement brand will unveil its latest 3-pack and 6-pack formats during an exclusive pop-up event in Surry Hills, promising attendees a night free from hangovers, complete with a money-back guarantee if they’re not satisfied.

From 25 to 28 April 2024, The Nocturne bar in Surry Hills will transform into the alc-eze Hangover-Free Bar.

Guests who purchase their first drink will receive a complimentary dose of the alc-eze hangover supplement. Should any patron still experience a hangover the next morning, alc-eze has committed to refunding their drink tab up to $50.

alc-eze’s product includes a potent mix of ingredients like nashi pear, known to reduce hangover symptoms by 80%, alongside damiana, kudzu, huang-qin, B vitamins, milk thistle, and molybdenum. These components work together to enhance the body’s ability to process alcohol more effectively, aiming to prevent the discomfort associated with typical hangover symptoms.

Highlights

Launch Event: Hangover-Free Bar pop-up in Surry Hills, 25-28 April
New Products: Portable 3-pack and 6-pack alc-eze options
Money-Back Guarantee: Up to $50 if patrons experience a hangover
Retail Expansion: Broader distribution in liquor and convenience stores
Key Ingredients: Nashi pear, damiana, kudzu, and more for effective hangover prevention

The introduction of the 3-pack and 6-pack formats of alc-eze responds to consumer demand for more portable options following the success of their 30 and 60-tablet bottles. These new packs are priced at $9.99 and $14.99 respectively and are now available at top Australian pharmacy chains.

alc-eze is planning to expand its distribution to more liquor stores, bars and convenience stores across Australia, to make the brand more visible and accessible to consumers, allowing them to enjoy celebrations without the fear of hangovers.

Published 25-April-2024

Lack of Commercial Interest Challenges $60m Elizabeth St Redevelopment in Surry Hills

Despite the potential to create hundreds of jobs, the developer behind the $60m redevelopment on Elizabeth St in Surry Hills claims that lack of commercial interest has hampered progress.

The substantial redevelopment plan, approved in September 2023, aims to transform vacant buildings into a 10-storey commercial hub in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The proposed site, located just meters from public transport on Elizabeth St in Surry Hills, is set to include 6,300 square meters of new commercial office space alongside ground-floor retail.

This development would convert five separate terrace buildings into modern office spaces reaching 50 meters in height, significantly changing the area’s landscape.

The $60-million project, spearheaded by the development company Stasia, is projected to generate between 200 and 300 construction jobs and an additional 800 to 1,200 operational jobs once completed. This job influx is anticipated to revitalise the local economy and enhance the area’s unique character through increased activity and service demand.

Commercial Interest and Challenges

While initial documents from the City of Sydney suggested that the development would attract major creative firms, Matthew Harris, a Stasia project developer, reported that commercial interest has been disappointing.

Mr Harris highlighted the challenges of securing commercial tenants without significant precommitments, indicating that the market’s dynamics have shifted unfavourably over the years.

The redevelopment is expected to have a broader positive impact on the community by activating the precinct. The plan includes the creation of a new laneway and significant architectural contributions by Candalepas, enhancing pedestrian connectivity between Foster Lane and Reservoir Street. These changes will foster a vibrant, transient working population and stimulate further commercial growth.

Published 23-April-2024

Experience a Unique European and Asian Inspired Sauna Spa at Surry Hills’ Capybara Bathing

Photo Credit: Capybara Bathing/Instagram

Surry Hills welcomes a serene escape with the arrival of Capybara Bathing, a unique sauna spa that invites visitors to unwind and ease their mind from the buzzling city life.

Found on Commonwealth Street, Capybara Bathing offers a space where phones are encouraged to be put on DND, or better yet on airplane mode, allowing customers to distress themselves upon entry.

Co-owner Natalie Cheung envisioned Capybara Bathing as a retreat from urban chaos, where people can experience a slow-paced life rather than their normal busy one.

Ms Cheung, along with a team of friends including Daegeon Song, Justin Lo, Nicholas Souksamrane, Sebastian Tsang and Rebecca Qin, drew inspiration from global wellness traditions to create a sanctuary that celebrates relaxation and cultural diversity.

The uniqueness of the spa’s name didn’t go unnoticed. According to the team, the name reflects their philosophy of friendliness and wellness inspired by the animal, capybara, itself.

*Photo Credit: Capybara Bathing/Instagram*

Unlike other relaxation and wellness centers, inclusivity and uniqueness is found within the four-heated walls of Capybara Bathing that pays homage to bathing rituals from Japan, Russia, Morocco, and beyond.

Ms Qin referenced a Northern Asian family tradition of resting on hot benches in public bathhouses after their sauna.

Through these influences, the concept of Capybara Bathing was born, offering heated benches and communal spaces that encourage connection and rejuvenation that everyone deserves.

Local artists and designers contributed to the spa’s ambiance, with ceramic basins crafted by Daegeon Song and staff uniforms designed by Sean Tran of Redfern-based label Shhorn.

The space also features artwork by Sally Anderson and lush plants sourced from High Swan Dive in Newcastle.

Guests can indulge in a 90-minute session that includes time in a hot-stone sauna, steam room, and a large heated magnesium bath. Scrubs are available for purchase, and there’s even a two-person ice plunge and nooks that are specialised for heated bench and ice scrub—a refreshing addition to the spa experience.

As Capybara Bathing prioritises inclusivity, they are also offering low-sensory sessions and welcoming support people free of charge.

Follow their Instagram page or their website to learn more.

Published 19-April-2024

Surry Hills Welcomes Late-Night Feasting at Bar Conte

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Facebook/ Bar Conte

Surry Hills residents rejoice! Craving a delicious meal after 9:00 p.m.? Look no further than Bar Conte! The owner of Australia’s first negroni bar has introduced a late-night dining menu, drawing inspiration from his Italian heritage.

Inspired by the Italian lifestyle where late dinners are the norm, Bar Conte will now offer patrons delicious food options from an acclaimed chef until 11:15 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This comes as a welcome change for Mr Lombardi, who, like many others, found himself limited to fast food choices after a late night out or his son’s Sydney FC soccer practice.

“It’s been a struggle for me in Sydney to have dinner late,” says Mr Lombardi. “Even 9pm is too early for me, but so many restaurants close their kitchens before then.”

With the new menu, Bar Conte moves beyond smaller share plates to offer more substantial, satisfying dishes.

Head Chef and co-owner Steven De Vecchi, formerly of Potts Point’s famed Apollo, has crafted a menu featuring over seven pastas, including king prawn and squid ink spaghetti, alongside a showstopping 500g O’Connor rib-eye steak.

“Everything is made to share and comes in generous portions,” explains Mr Lombardi. “It’s high-quality food, but it’s not fine dining—that’s the Italian way.”

BOOK HERE

Taking a cue from traditional Italian bars, Bar Conte aims to be a one-stop-shop for all your cravings, from morning coffee and pastries to late-night digestives. With plans to extend their late-night dining options to earlier days of the week, Bar Conte promises to be a haven for those seeking a taste of Italy, no matter the hour.

Published Date 15-April-2024

Surry Hills Revels in the Shadows of Its Past with Unique Performance Series

“Sly Groggin’ with Kate Leigh the Gangster Queen,” an event series, is set to captivate audiences with spellbinding intimate performances, plunging them into the heart of the infamous history of Surry Hills.

This immersive experience will run from Saturday, 20 April 2024, until Saturday, 11 May 2024, at Jazzy Cafe Bar on Devonshire Street, a venue steeped in history. The site is the former residence of Kate Leigh, the most notorious gangster queen of Surry Hills. Ms Leigh operated her sly grog business from this location until her later years.

Jazzy Cafe Bar in Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Jazzy Cafe Bar/Google Maps*

“Sly Groggin’ with Kate Leigh the Gangster Queen” promises to transport attendees back to the turbulent 1920s and ’30s of Surry Hills, offering a glimpse into the life of Ms Leigh and her associates, Snowy “Magic Gingers” Mackenzie and Bludger “Banjo Playing” McGurk.

Guests are invited to knock on the door of Ms Leigh’s illegal bar, entering a world where the lines between law and crime blur. The intimate setting of Jazzy Cafe Bar, limited to 20 attendees per session, ensures a personal experience with true stories about Ms Leigh and her cohorts.

Kate Leigh Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

The narrative focuses on their exploits during the Depression era, highlighting Surry Hills’ transformation from a destitute neighbourhood to its present-day refined character.

The event is a storytelling session and a social gathering where guests can meet at shared tables. Upon arrival, guests will be served an antipasto plate and desserts will be served during the interval. This format encourages interaction among attendees, making the experience more communal.

Surry Hills’ history as a haven for criminals in the early 20th century, with large Catholic families living in cramped conditions and a proliferation of illegal activities, sets the backdrop for this performance. The series aims to educate and entertain by highlighting a pivotal time in the suburb’s past, making history accessible and engaging through the arts.

For more details, reservations, and inquiries, interested parties can reach out via phone at (02) 8034 4036, email at snazzy@jazzycafebar.com.au, or visit the official site.

Published 10-April-2024

Surry Hills Icon Evening Star Has Hit The Market

Photo Credit: Google Maps

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!

GET TICKETS

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