On the streets of Surry Hills, a neighbourhood that has come a long way from its manufacturing past, change and growth have been the new constant. One recent and exciting update is the expansion and transformation of the Adge Apartment Hotel into the Adge Hotel + Residences.
The new Adge Hotel + Residences, a $65-million project, aims to reshape the hospitality landscape of what is now considered one of Sydney’s most happening districts.
The expansion project, spearheaded by the private Ciena Group and managed by La Vie Hotels and Resorts, involved taking over adjoining properties, including the former Cambridge Hotel.
The venue now boasts a total of 242 lodgings, with 93 rooms set to open in mid-August. The shift from an apartment-only model to a more diverse offering now caters to a wider range of travellers.
The most striking aspect of the hotel’s transformation is its unique and playful design. A signature spiralled carpet pattern runs throughout the rooms, symbolizing the establishment’s fun and fresh approach to hospitality.
Polished concrete, psychedelic colour schemes, and whimsical art installations contribute to the hotel’s youthful and vibrant atmosphere. Architectural firms Tzannes in association with Team 2 Architects and SJB Interiors have masterfully blended the hotel’s design with the character of the local built environment.
The hotel’s culinary offerings add yet another layer of excitement for expectant locals. The much-lauded Korean café, Soul Deli, has found its new home within the hotel, while an Italian eatery is slated to open on the premises in the coming year.
From no-frills noodle joints to hole-in-the-wall sandwich spots, Surry Hills offers plenty of casual dining for budget-conscious foodies. Whether you’re a local looking for a new go-to lunch spot or a visitor eager to experience the area without breaking the bank, read on for our picks of the tastiest thriftiest grub Surry Hills has to offer.
Tucked away on Foster Street, Malibu is a charming little sandwich shop making big waves in the local food scene especially for budget-conscious foodies. Despite its modest size, this cosy eatery serves up hearty sandwiches loaded with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Their ‘big’ sandwich options pile layers of market-fresh produce and premium meats between slices of flaky, freshly baked bread. Favourites like the schnitzel feature juicy pounded meat cutlets with crisp baby cos lettuce on fluffy white bread. The roasted veggie sandwiches burst with hummus and seasonal produce sourced straight from nearby farmers.
Photo credit: Dan Au/Google Maps
In addition to their famous sandwiches, Malibu also offers homemade soups and sides that customers rave about. Their smooth and creamy potato salad, tangy celeriac coleslaw, and irresistibly herbed mayo have diners asking for take-home jars.
Malibu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Spice I Am
Photo credit: Dorethy W/Google Maps
No tour of Surry Hills’ acclaimed Thai food scene is complete without a visit to Spice I Am. Helmed by chef Sujet Saenkham, regarded as one of Sydney’s most gifted Thai culinary talents, this vibrant restaurant serves up an extensive menu with over 80 items to choose from.
Saenkham and his team of skilled chefs prepare each dish from scratch, by hand, to extract maximum freshness and flavor.Signature creations like the fabulous Massaman Curry Duck and classic Thai Eggplant Stir Fry with pungent garlic and shrimp paste are longtime customer favourites.
Photo credit: Hamid Fardoost/Google Maps
With Saenkham overseeing all the kitchens, diners can be assured of the utmost quality and authenticity in every bite. Meticulously trained, his chefs handcraft complex spice pastes and sauces that perfectly balance the five taste senses in Thai cuisine – sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy.
They are open for both dine-in and takeaways Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Pizza Frita 180
Photo credit: Samuel Howell/Google Maps
Pizza Fritta 180 transports diners to the streets of Naples in Italy with their authentic pizza fritta just like owner Luigi Esposito’s nonna used to make. This restaurant specialises in the three most iconic Neapolitan pizza styles: Margherita, Marinara, and light-as-air Pizza Fritta.
Esposito recalls his early days selling these piping hot fried pizzas with his nonna on the bustling avenues of Naples. With Pizza Fritta 180, Esposito has bottled the magic of classic Neapolitan street food that he used to enjoy with his grandmother.
Photo credit: Pizza Fritta 180/Google Maps
Their handcrafted oven was specially made in Italy using bricks from Pompeii and lava stone sourced from Mount Vesuvius itself. This imparts a deliciously smoky, charred flavour that’s quintessentially Italian.
They serve their pizzas daily, with takeaway and delivery options besides dine-in.
Gogyo
Photo credit: Gogyo Surry Hills/Google Maps
Tucked away in Surry Hills, Gogyo brings Tokyo-style ramen house vibes to Sydney. This lively Japanese eatery, founded by ramen legend Shigemi Kawahara of IPPUDO fame, specialises in lip-smackingly good broths and noodles.
Gogyo’s tonkotsu ramen is a perennial favourite, the rich and creamy pork bone broth packing serious umami flavour. Each ingredient stands out beautifully yet blends harmoniously with the springy noodles. Other hits include crispy karaage chicken and Japanese-style spring rolls, perfect pairings for the cocktails on their buzzing bar menu.
Photo credit: Anthony Nguyen/Google Maps
According to Kawahara’s ramen philosophy, Gogyo offers “drinks to start, tasty small plates, and ramen to finish.” With its rocking ambience and meticulously crafted noodle dishes, it’s easy to taste the passion and expertise behind Gogyo’s intensely flavoured ramen creations.
Gogyo serves their iconic Japanese dishes starting at 11:30 a.m. daily.
Wherever your affordable food adventures may take you in Surry Hills, you are sure to walk away satisfied. Surry Hills proves budget-conscious foodies that they don’t have to spend big to eat well.
The announcement of the sale of the $25-million sale of the Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale has sparked a wave of nostalgia among the local community. With its deep-rooted history as a cornerstone of Sydney’s nightlife and gig culture, concerns about the potential impact of the sale on the vibrant music scene and social fabric of the area have risen.
Since its inception in the 1930s, the Lansdowne Hotel has been a favourite hangout spot for students from the nearby University of Sydney. Its live entertainment offerings, diverse music events, and welcoming ambience have attracted generations of music enthusiasts and social revellers.
Located in Chippendale, the hotel sits amidst a rapidly evolving landscape, surrounded by ambitious urban renewal projects and the proposed Tech Central innovation precinct. As the government-backed technology hub continues to take shape, there are growing concerns that the development may overshadow the cultural significance of the Lansdowne Hotel and alter the area’s character irreversibly.
For long-time patron Sarah Thompson, the Lansdowne Hotel is more than just a venue; it is also a gathering place for celebrating milestones discovering new talents and creating memories with a group of friends. Thompson hopes that whoever buys the venue will give value to its significance.
Photo Credit: Australian National University
Amidst the concerns, the brokerage firms handling the sale, HTL Property and IB Property, assure that the hotel’s favourable planning approvals offer opportunities for alternative uses, including commercial, retail, and accommodation purposes. This has provided hope for some that the venue’s heritage can be retained while finding a sustainable future in the changing landscape of Sydney’s southern CBD precinct.
The Lansdowne Hotel’s sale is expected to garner significant interest, with expressions of interest set to close on 16 Aug 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
With the Darlinghurst location set to accommodate up to 300 patrons and the Martin Place outpost boasting a prime location in the Sydney Metro Martin Place tower, Lune Croissanterie is poised to deliver its signature culinary delights to even more eager customers.
The second Sydney location at 1 Elizabeth Street, Martin Place, which will be within the prestigious Sydney Metro Martin Place tower is anticipated to be a stylish venue, covering approximately 100 sqm.
Photo credit: Bridget Rawson/Google Maps
Recently, the pastry shop unveiled a new creation, the Belgian Truffle, which is expected to be offered in their new outposts. A result of a delicious collaboration with Koko Black chocolate, this new creation is set to send taste buds into a frenzy. Each bite reveals a fresh Lune traditional croissant with a delightful surprise at its core—a gooey chocolate centre made from Koko Black Cocoa frangipane and 70 percent Guanaja fondant.
The soon-to-open Sydney stores are expected to serve the pastry shop’s popular menu items including the sweet and crispy almond croissant, lemon curd cruffin, and Kouign Aman which are all best served with coffee.
Whether you’re a loyal fan of their classics or eagerly anticipating the arrival of the delectable Belgian Truffle, Lune Croissanterie’s new stores promise to be destinations for culinary delight that will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Get ready, Sydney, for a pastry revolution that will leave you craving more!
Follow Lune Croissanterie on Instagram @lunecroissant for updates on the stores’ opening.
The highly anticipated Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre in Moore Park has been inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for the $70 million project, which transformed the iconic Royal Hall of Industries building into a cutting-edge training and community facility.
Formerly known as the show bag pavilion, the renovated building now serves as a world-class home for the Sydney Swans men’s and women’s teams, as well as the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. Beyond catering to the needs of the football club, the facility also offers a space for Sydney Swans members and is open for community use.
The Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre boasts an impressive array of features. It houses an indoor training field, a gym, a wet recovery area, and medical facilities. The premises also include a retail store, a commercial kitchen, a media studio, an auditorium, a learning center, and office spaces.
Additionally, a rooftop terrace allows for a scenic and relaxing atmosphere. The adjacent newly constructed building features an international standard multi-purpose indoor sports court.
In a testament to its commitment to community engagement, the Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre is not solely dedicated to the football club. It also accommodates the GO Foundation, the Clontarf Foundation, and Lifeblood’s largest donor center in Sydney’s east. Furthermore, 98 Gym and Hoops Capital, the owners of the Sydney Kings and Flames basketball teams, have also found a home within the facility.
The successful completion of this ambitious project was made possible through various sources of funding. The Federal Government contributed $15 million, while the NSW Government invested $26 million. The AFL added $6 million to the endeavor, and the remaining costs were covered by the Sydney Swans Foundation and the generosity of club donors.
The opening ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Their presence emphasized the significance of the Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre as a symbol of sporting excellence, community support, and the cooperative efforts between various levels of government and private stakeholders.
The University of Sydney has achieved a remarkable milestone in the highly regarded 2024 QS World University Rankings, jumping an impressive 22 places to secure a spot among the top 20 universities globally. This significant rise places the university at equal 19th worldwide, solidifying its position as one of the leading educational institutions in the world.
The exceptional advancement of Australian universities, including the University of Sydney, underscores the nation’s standing among the best in the global academic landscape. Among Australian universities, the University of Sydney now shares the esteemed 19th position and ranks second in the country.
Professor Mark Scott AO, the Vice-Chancellor and President, expressed his admiration for Australian universities being acknowledged on the international stage, achieving their highest rankings to date. He noted that these outstanding results are a win not only for the higher education sector in Australia but also for universities in Sydney, affirming the city’s reputation as a thriving hub for higher education.
The QS World University Rankings are highly regarded for their comprehensive evaluation of academic institutions worldwide. This year, the rankings introduced three new metrics to reflect shifts in the sector and changing priorities of students. Notably, the University of Sydney claimed the first position in Australia for sustainability, one of the newly introduced categories. The other two new categories are employment outcomes and international research networks.
Moreover, the University of Sydney’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its cutting-edge research and engagement. With a remarkable score of 99.7 for sustainability, the university secured the top position in Australia and an impressive seventh place globally.
Professor Emma Johnston, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), expressed her delight with the results, emphasising the value of benchmarking against leading universities worldwide. She also highlighted the importance of the rankings in gaining recognition from various stakeholders, including industry partners, government entities, and prospective students.
The institution’s endeavours include the development of a low-cost battery with significantly higher energy capacity, initiatives by medical professionals to reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint, successful biodegradation of hard-to-recycle plastics, and multidisciplinary projects exploring the relationship between the ocean and the global north and south.
In addition to its sustainability prowess, the University of Sydney achieved commendable rankings in other categories. It ranked 13th globally for attracting international students and 31st for academic reputation. Within Australia, the university secured first place for sustainability and international students, second place for academic reputation, and third place for employer reputation and employment outcomes.
The university’s strong appeal to international students is reflected in its perfect score of 100 for the international-student ratio. This indicator underscores the university’s commitment to providing a diverse and internationalised educational experience, enriching the learning environment for all students.
If you’ve been craving Filipino cuisine in Sydney, your wait is finally over. Takam, a popular eatery that previously focused solely on home delivery, has opened a brick-and-mortar store in Darlinghurst serving delicious Filo favourites.
The news has brought delight to both Filos longing for a taste of home and locals eager to explore the flavours of Filipino food. With dinner options in the works, Takam has an interesting brunch menu that’s rapidly becoming a local must-try.
One of their standout creations is okoy, a crispy and golden-brown fritter made with a savoury mixture of in-season vegetables. This delightful snack, which can be enjoyed as an appetiser or a satisfying meal, is served with a tangy vinegar or a dipping sauce made with their very own spiced vinegar called sinamak.
Okoy (Photo credit: orange_tree_au/Google Maps)
Takam was born during the pandemic when three talented chefs and long-time friends, Francis Dela Cruz, Aileen Aguirre, and Lesley Roque, decided to launch a delivery business. Their mission was simple: to satisfy people’s cravings, which is exactly what “takam” means in Filipino. Now, they have taken their venture a step further by establishing a physical presence in Darlinghurst.
Takam’s mission extends beyond satisfying cravings. The eatery aims to showcase the unique flavours and cultural influences that make Filipino cuisine stand out on the global culinary scene.
The menu boasts a variety of popular dishes, including Kababayan (Filipino sweet muffin), Ox tongue pares (beef stew) and Kinalas, a bold and savoury beef broth featuring slow-cooked tender beef ribs complemented by a meaty boiled egg and crispy pork crackles. Other delectable offerings include Palabok, Inasal, and Empanada, among others.
Interestingly, Takam shares its welcoming premises with Don’t Doughnuts, owned by the award-winning pastry chef Miko Aspiras. So, if you have a sweet tooth after indulging in Filipino cuisine at Takam, you can satisfy it right there.
Hollywood Quarter, aka as HQ Sydney or Little Hollywood, has undergone a remarkable transformation. This micro-precinct located between Darlinghurst and Surry Hills will receive $200,000 from the Uptown Grant Program to help it become a prime entertainment destination in Sydney.
Once characterised by abandoned warehouses, neglected shops, and tattoo parlours, the area has now become a thriving community.
HQ Sydney received $200,000, which will be used to develop a marketing campaign to put Hollywood Quarter Sydney’s entertainment district on the map for locals and visitors from across Sydney and beyond as a night out or longer stay destination.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The area previously occupied by Paramount Studios has been transformed into Paramount House, which includes Paramount House Hotel, trendy cafe Paramount Coffee Project, Golden Age Cinema with its charming art-deco space, A.P. Bakery, and The Office Space.
Photo credit: Google Street View
A minute away from this renovated space is Hotel Hollywood, one of Sydney’s oldest and most cherished pubs, preserving the legacy of the legendary Doris Goddard.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating that it allows various businesses and creatives in Sydney to create well-known areas with unique attractions for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring the winding streets of HQ Sydney, visitors can discover a range of excellent restaurants, cosy bars, and local art galleries. The area now boasts some of Sydney’s top dining establishments, providing a diverse culinary experience.
Boutique hotels offer delightful accommodations, whilst charming trattorias bring a taste of Mediterranean ambiance. Nightlife enthusiasts will also find plenty of clubs where they can dance the night away.
The transformation of the Hollywood Quarter into HQ Sydney exemplifies the power of community collaboration and visionary urban planning. This once overlooked neighbourhood has emerged as a vibrant and highly sought-after destination, attracting visitors from around the world.
As the Uptown Grant Program continues to breathe new life into Sydney’s districts, the Hollywood Quarter stands as an inspiration for other areas aiming to undergo similar revitalisation.
Check out the latest addition to Sydney’s diverse dining scene! Bar SOUL is a Korean tapas bar with an impressive menu crafted by a Michelin-starred chef.
The brainchild of husband and wife duo Daero Lee and Illa Kim, Bar SOUL is the third venture by the SOUL Group, known for its popular neighbourhood Korean deli, SOUL Deli, and the esteemed restaurant, SOUL Dining.
https://www.barsoul.com.au/menu#breakfast
Bar SOUL, with its cozy 30-seat setting, has taken over the former location of its sibling venue, SOUL Deli. The latter has found a new home on Riley Street, ensuring loyal customers can still savor its beloved kimchi and KFC hotcakes.
The space has undergone a complete transformation, featuring mustard-yellow banquettes, new furniture, and traditional Korean folk Minhwa prints adorning the walls. Moreover, the bar boasts a storage capacity for an impressive selection of 120 wines, further emphasizing its commitment to the marriage of wine and Korean flavors.
Challenging the conventional belief, Illa Kim, co-owner of Bar SOUL, asserts that Korean cuisine is seldom paired with wine. With an impressive culinary background at renowned establishments like Quay and the Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant Ryunique, head chef Sunny Ryu is determined to shatter this notion..
One of the highlights of Bar SOUL is its unique pairing of Korean cuisine with an extensive wine selection. Guests are encouraged to explore the diverse wine selection, with the Domaine Anne Sophie Dubois L’Alchimiste Fleurie standing out as a recommended choice, perfectly complementing the flavours of Korean cuisine.
Illa Kim recommends trying the Touriga Nacional paired with their mouthwatering dry-aged duck accompanied by sweet potato puree and Korean cabbage salad—an exquisite combination that promises to be a revelation for the taste buds.
https://www.barsoul.com.au/menu#breakfast
With Bar SOUL’s fusion of innovative Korean cuisine and thoughtfully curated wine pairings, it is poised to become a trailblazer in Sydney’s culinary scene. Illa Kim believes that after experiencing the delightful offerings at Bar SOUL, the city may witness the emergence of similar ventures.
Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other as Bar SOUL redefines the boundaries of traditional wine bars and introduces Sydney to the harmonious fusion of Korean cuisine and wine.
Tension ran high during a heated public meeting attended by billionaire developer Harry Triguboff regarding a proposed construction of a 90-meter tower in Zetland, as local residents and community leaders joined forces to voice concerns about what they perceive to be “inadequate project infrastructure.“
Meriton, the development company owned by Triguboff, submitted plans to modify the approved designs for the former Holden Suttons car dealership on Epsom Rd and South Dowling St. The proposed modification seeks to increase the height limit, allowing for the construction of a towering 25-story building.
As a result, the height of surrounding structures on the site would be reduced. The ambitious project aims to deliver 784 apartments and 30 townhouses.
Despite the development site falling within a neighboring local government area, Randwick Council unanimously passed a resolution during a recent meeting, urging the City of Sydney to reject the modified plans put forth by Meriton.
Photo Credit: Planning Proposal/City of Sydney
The proposal has sparked a wave of backlash from worried residents in Zetland and West Kensington. Over 60 residents, along with Heffron state Labor MP Ron Hoenig, gathered at Rosary Primary School’s Jubilee Hall to rally against the construction of the 90-meter tower.
Hoenig urged residents to submit “reasonable” objections to the City of Sydney, emphasizing that the zoning of the site would inevitably lead to high-rise developments, regardless of Meriton’s involvement.
The primary concern voiced by residents revolves around the potential impact of the proposed tower on local infrastructure and parking availability. There is a prevailing fear that the City of Sydney residents, once occupying the new development, would flood into West Kensington, burdening the already limited parking options.
At an earlier inquiry into Randwick Council’s objection to the development, Triguboff defended Meriton’s adherence to regulatory requirements, pointing out that the site falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Sydney. He dismissed the concerns raised by Randwick Council, asserting that Zetland offered an array of amenities for its residents, including shops, childminding centers, and supermarkets.
However, Randwick Councilor Andrew Hay vehemently rejected Triguboff’s remarks, warning that if the proposal were to proceed, West Kensington would be reduced to a mere parking lot for the new residents. Hay argued that the number of parking spaces proposed by Meriton was insufficient and called on the City of Sydney to be a “good neighbor” and incorporate additional parking spaces into the plan.
Another Randwick Councilor, Alexandra Luxford, echoed Hay’s sentiments and emphasised the urgent need for improved public transportation in the area. She highlighted the scarcity of bus routes, pointing out that the 370 bus route had been voted the worst in Sydney.
Despite the mounting pushback, Triguboff remained firm in his stance, declaring a necessity for high-rise apartments in the area. He defended his long history in the housing industry, stating that he had been building for 60 years and that a few more apartments would not make a significant difference. Triguboff also contended that Zetland was already teeming with apartment buildings.
