Surry Hills Archives - Page 14 of 15

Connection Studios in Surry Hills Launches New Membership Program

Take pleasure in the benefits of dance by signing up for a class at Connection Studios, a dance space in Surry Hills that will be launching a new membership program for all genres and levels of dancing. However, there’s more to being a part of this creative facility on Foveaux Street.

Classes for new members will start on 24 May 2021, where every student may enjoy free dance lessons for the first week (until 28 May), as taught by qualified and talented teachers who are well-known for their styles. During this period, participating dance enthusiasts may join different sessions to get an idea of the different styles offered at Connection Studios.

Among the classes are:

Afro House
Hip Hop
Street Jazz
Heels
Commercial
Contemporary
Salsa
Mambo
Open Choreography

After the free classes, members who stick with the dance studio can then sign-up for 10 lessons with six months validity.

“Whilst some of these classes on timetable are designed for those who will have some previous dance experience it’s a fantastic time for those who are curious and really want to branch out from their comfort zone to give it a go,” per Kristy Pinna, the owner.

Incidentally, the studio provides Queer-friendly courses as well. These are designed to “encourage our queer community to have a safe place to come learn both partnered and non-partnered dance styles with no gender assigned dance role,” Ms Pinna said.

“These classes are so important to us and our community to break down barriers and spread the love of dancing far and wide. Our current program starts every 4 weeks and for anyone who is keen to join they can try our classes next Mon 24th May for FREE,” she added. “Our classes are suitable to ALL, the dancing queens, kings, diva’s, two left feeters and those still not sure, no prerequisite to join just a willingness to have fun, learn and shake that groove thang.”

But Connection Studios is also the “Airbnb of dance spaces,” where eight rooms with complete facilities may be rented out for dance rehearsals and workshops by other artists. If you’re a dance teacher, a yoga instructor, or a self-defense instructor and you’re looking for a space, the building is ideally suited for your needs. The spaces are also open for non-artists for workshops, meetings, private parties, and other gatherings.

“Connection Studios has now been completely transformed into 8 bright and clean studio spaces and I am absolutely delighted that the pursuit of my own personal vision and dreams has allowed all artists (both professional or amateur) to be part of our community, have a place that they can call home and pursue their dreams on their own terms,” Ms Pinna said.

Check the corresponding fees and the terms for these classes on the official site. For enquiries, email info@connectionstudios.com.au or phone 0416 052 742.

Hotel Hollywood in Surry Hills On the Market After 42 Years

Hotel Hollywood, the popular Sydney watering hole and events venue, has hit the Surry Hills market after 42 years.

Located on Foster and Hunt Streets, this four-storey golden brick building was once owned by noted actress, vaudeville performer, and hotelier Doris Goddard. Named for its proximity to Sydney’s cinema industry, Ms Goddard used to perform at this hotel amidst fancy spinning mirror balls.

Following her death in 2019, Goddard’s estate tapped HTL Property’s Andrew Jolliffe, Sam Handy, and Blake Edwards to handle the sale of Hotel Hollywood.

Constructed between 1938 to 1942, Hotel Hollywood’s structure remains intact and unaltered, becoming a heritage-listed site in 2012. Even Ms Goddard’s mirror balls are still there.

The hotel currently carries a liquor license, gaming machines, and a rooftop space that has the potential for a beer garden. The first floor houses the hotel manager’s residence whilst there are nine rooms on the upper levels.

The agents said that the hotel has plenty of redevelopment opportunities, should the incoming owners decide to start fresh. HTL Property foresees the hotel’s temporary closure as the sale is still ongoing and waiting for a new owner to step in.

The company estimates that the deal could fetch more than $10 million and there have been expressions of interest from developers, investors, hoteliers, and restaurateurs given the history, location and the “iconic nature” of the building.

Why Firedoor is the ‘Hottest’ Restaurant in Surry Hills

Diners and food lovers who are very familiar with Sydney’s food scene will agree that Firedoor in Surry Hills has earned its reputation as one of the “hottest” restaurants in the city.

Known for its smokey and mouthwatering dishes, Firedoor on Mary Street has a kitchen that isn’t usually found in any other Australian restaurant.

Owner and head chef Lennox Hastie prepares and cooks the customers’ orders using no gas nor electricity. Every dish touches fire as the restaurant is equipped with two wood-fired ovens, several grills and a dedicated wood-burning hearth which has to be cleaned every day.

When Firedoor first opened more than five years ago, it was instantly celebrated for its unique cooking style yet it’s not exactly a groundbreaking process since human’s pre-historic ancestors cooked food this way. However, Chef Lennox masterfully plays with heat and timing to create a primal, raw, energetic but well-controlled technique that enhances the flavours and tastes of the food.

The most popular dish on the menu is the 140-day aged rib-eye steak, perfectly paired with wine. Whilst it comes with a hefty price tag, it’s a meal worth splurging and indulging for.

For all of its barbecued meat, it’s the abundance of seafood that makes picking just one order challenging. But for families or groups, you can’t go wrong with the fleshy trout belly, char-grilled to perfection with garlic and chili.

Even the choices of side orders like bread and veggies are wood-fired. The restaurant also serves unique desserts like smoked buttermilk panna cotta.

Chef Lennox’s technique has been commended by food critics abroad, who have specifically come to Australia to dine at Firedoor and he was featured in the Netflix documentary Chef Table.

For the best dining experience, ask to be seated at the ringside near the open kitchen so you can watch the chef prepare the orders. The smoke or heat will not be a bother but your sense of smell will definitely be completely stimulated!

To enquire for table booking, email info@Firedoor.com.au or visit their Facebook Page.

“The food here is truly delicious in every way. The wine and beer selection is also exemplary. This combined with the high standard of service makes Firedoor a truly memorable occasion. We were seated opposite the kitchen which adds another layer of interest in the experience, particularly with the fires and activity around the kitchen. The only notable downside was the expensive bill at the end of the night. “
Dan Elliot

“My wife and I ate here for my birthday last week. The food was unreal. We’d hear the steak was the signature dish, so made the investment. It was so good! Soft like butter but the delicious crust on the outside. We also bought the book, which Lennox personally signed with a lovely message! I can’t recommend this place enough.”
Daniel Simpson

This was our first stop in Sydney for lunch! After a long flight, this meal was the high point of our entire trip! The ambiance, atmosphere, food, and service were unbelievable. We tried several carafes of wine and the chefs menu for lunch! This is a MUST if visiting Sydney and you would like an exciting and beautiful dining experience!
OT

Here’s What’s Happening At Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre

Photo credit: Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre/Facebook

Did you know that aside from venue rentals, vacation care, after school care and various classes, the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre also offered wellness programs and various services for people of all ages?

Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre’s wellness programs include “Women’s Wellness” where women are taught self-defence, nutrition and mindfulness; the “Eat Well Live Well” program which is dedicated for people living with HIV; “The Kitchen Table Project,” which is for young people at risk of harmful use of alcohol and other drugs; and the “Young Parents Program,” a cooking program for young parents and their children.

After SHNC’s Eat Well, Live Program (Photo credit: Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre/Facebook)

Art workshop for kids (Photo credit: Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre/Facebook)

“You are welcome to take part in our community cooking and wellness programs, run by nutritionists and other wellness professionals. Whether you’re young or elderly, healthy or a little out of shape, an expert cook or new to the kitchen, there’s something here for you!” SHNC noted in their website.

In addition to their wellness programs, SHNC has different kinds of services for people of all ages. One of the popular ones among locals is the aged care services where they offer help with shopping, paying bills, transport, respite and nursing homes.

There are also services for children aged 0 to 12 years; for people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds; for young people living with disabilities; and Health services which includes mental health.

Free tax help, available for low-income earners, is offered from early July until the end of October the Australian Taxation Office Help Program. Tax Help is offered for people whose income does not exceed $60,000.

Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre can be reached by emailing admin@shnc.org or by calling 02 9356 4977.

About Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre

Since 1978, the organisation has been building a strong and inclusive community in Surry Hills. One of their founding members is Helen Mayer, who described the first SHNC as her second lounge room. Through the years, the organisation has expanded and diverse and extensive activities were added.

New SOUL Deli Introduces Korean Flavours to Surry Hills

The recently-opened SOUL Deli offers the Surry Hills community a range of delectable Korean-inspired breakfast dishes, as well as products created by local Korean artists.

SOUL Deli’s menu offers a variety of Korean-inspired breakfast dishes such as their house hot cakes, made ottogi style and served with butter, maple syrup, and a choice of Korean fried chicken, bacon, or hash browns. Another one of their dishes includes their Sweet Corn Kimchi Pizza, which is reminiscent of a corn fritter, a kimchi pancake and a pizza, all served with mozzarella, feta and tomato.

Extras are also available upon request, allowing customers to order additional eggs cooked according to their preferences, as well as different varieties of kimchi: traditional, vegan, vegan white, or stir-fried.

Sydney-based Primary Coffee Roasters provides the delicious brews, which are made from beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, among other places. SOUL Deli’s menu has been created with takeaway options in mind, allowing customers to buy the restaurant’s very own kimchi, pickles, drinks, snacks and sauces for serving at home.

Customers found themselves raving over the restaurant’s pancakes, calling them “…fluffy and delicious,” whilst simultaneously complementing the taste of their Korean fried chicken and kimchi. One reviewer in particular commented on the restaurant’s “amazing” flavours and people before stating that they couldn’t wait to return to Sydney again.

How SOUL Deli Came to Be

SOUL Deli, founded by Illa Kim and Daero Lee, first came about as a response to the duo losing their old restaurant SOUL Dining due to the lockdown in 2020. Initially, the restaurant — which at this point was still known as Bowl by Soul — served Korean bowl meals such as spicy pork belly, galbi ribs, and the vegetarian option dubbed the “umamishroom” bowl for takeout.

These bowl meals are still available to this day. Bowl by Soul’s success led to the expansion of the business before rebranding into SOUL Deli, which eventually came to offer dine-in services.

Customers can opt to sit down and enjoy their meals, or order food for takeout through the restaurant’s grab-and-go pantry — one which is reminiscent of Asian groceries and stocked with artisan and ethically-sourced products. The cafe also offers goods such as clothing, ceramics, and art from local Korean artists based in Sydney.

Other Details

For those unwilling or unable to leave the house, SOUL Deli offers delivery services through Uber Eats. Delivery services are available from 9am to 3pm, though it is also important to take note that the restaurant might not offer these services during peak hours on weekends. Take-out will also be available for those on the go.

SOUL Deli can be found at 185 Campbell Street, Surry Hills, open every day from Wednesday to Sunday from 7am to 4pm, though the kitchen closes at 3pm. Visit their website for more information. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on meals, deals, and other special announcements.

Sydney Cycleways: Consultation Opens for ‘Environmental Impact’ in Surry Hills, Other Sites

The environmental impact of the Sydney cycleways is up for review nearly a year since the cycleway implementation across various areas, including Surry Hills. Have your say on what’s going to happen to these pop-up cycleways by participating in the ongoing public consultation.

According to the City of Sydney, the review will help determine if the temporary Sydney cycleways installed in Moore Park Road and Fitzroy Street, to boost cycling activity during the pandemic, could still be retained for the next two years. The initial plan is to remove the pop-up when the Oxford Street cycleway is completed.

Councillor Christine Forster said in a post on Facebook that Lord Mayor Clover Moore is likely leaning on approving the “permanency “of the Sydney cycleways during the May 2021 Council meeting. Hence, it is important for the residents to share their insights into this plan before the final decision.

The environmental impact review allows residents and those who use these bike paths to share their experience on the current state of the streets with the addition of the cycleways. Locals are encouraged to enumerate the pros and cons of this plan so Council can make the best assessment.

The public consultation will run until 9 April 2021. The community may also send their feedback via emailing sydneycycleways@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack announced that the Federal Government will fund 50 percent of the planned new cycleway on Oxford Street. This will run from Oxford Street east, connecting Taylor Square to Paddington Gates.

“Adding a separated cycleway will make it safer for cyclists and help calm traffic – creating a more pleasant environment for those on foot and the many businesses along the strip,” the Lord Mayor said.

Since the pandemic, New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said that cycleway use increased to 40 percent.

Federal Member for Wentworth Dave Sharma said that he will support the removal of the COVID-19 pop-up cycleways on Moore Park Road and Fitzroy Street when Oxford Street is ready so the city could bring back the side street parking spaces to the locals.

Pilsner from Surry Hills Brewery Wins Best Beer in QLD

Sydney Brewery in Surry Hills has bested 485 entries and 71 breweries at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show (RQFWS) Beer Award to win as Grand Champion Beer for 2021.

As the biggest winner of the annual event, Sydney Brewery will take home a $5,000 Lion Bursary investment, allowing the business to sustain or improve their award-winning beer. The brewery may also be featured at the Kingdom of Beers event in Brisbane from 9 to 11 April 2021.

The judges especially loved the Sydney Brewery Pilsner. RQFWS Beer Advisory Group member and judge Steve Henderson said the Sydney Brewery Pilsner was an outstanding example of the style.

“Pilsner is a hoppy lager, so we look for elevated hop intensity balanced with the rest of the beer,” he said.

“Since it’s a light style of beer it’s very difficult for the brewer to hide any faults and the team at Sydney Brewery has overcome this challenge.”

Hours after the event, which was held at the Brisbane Showgrounds, Sydney Brewery proudly posted their trophies on Instagram.

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“First competition of 2021 and we had our best results ever! Congratulations to our foundation Pilsner, taking out Champion Lager and Champion Beer of show! And we took out Champion Small/Medium Brewery, we are so proud about that one. Congratulations to Scott Hayward and our Brewery team. And congratulations to all the other winners, well done.”

This year’s RQFWS Beer Awards gave away 39 gold medals and the advisory group acknowledged that they had more entries compared to 2020. The group also said that the quality of submissions also improved and made it harder for the judges to pick the best of the best.

Locals See Problems With Cleveland Street Traffic Flow Changes in Surry Hills, Redfern

Transport for NSW has been distributing leaflets among residents of Surry Hills and Redfern, announcing that it’s seeking feedback on the planned traffic flow changes on the long stretch of Cleveland Street.

However, some locals are pushing back on the proposal as concerns of clogging on the intersecting streets have been raised, despite Transport for NSW saying that it will improve the safety issues of this key east-west road.

Among the changes include:

Reducing the speed limit of Cleveland Street, between City Road and Anzac Parade, to 40km/h
Installing new traffic lights on the intersections
Removing right turn access from Cleveland Street to Wilton Street, Walker Street, Young Street and Crown Steet
Returning the left turn access on Cleveland Street to Baptist Street
Installing “No Right Turn” signs on the concerning streets

But members of the Cleveland Street Action Group said that the traffic flow changes will open the possibility of motorists creating “rat runs” or unintended short cuts in the side streets so drivers could avoid heavy traffic and other obstacles.

In particular, backstreets like Boronia, Rainford and Mort Streetshave been identified as potential rat runs.

“These intersection improvements will improve Cleveland St traffic flows at the expense of local roads, adding to dramatic changes in local amenity and increased risks of vehicular conflict with pedestrians, cyclists and people (men, women and children). Increased traffic does not help property values either,” Annette Tolhurst, the group’s coordinator, said.

Ms Tolhurst said that they are not asking Transport for NSW to scrap the plan but for the agency to do a “proper impact assessment” by listening to the community.

“Our only hope is to try to have it paused until proper consultation can happen,” the coordinator said.

The group also called on residents of Surry Hills and Redfern to complete the survey from Transport for NSW.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that the State Government should hold off on its plans to implement the changes after proper consultation.

An average of 49,000 motorists use Cleveland Street on a weekly basis. From 2014 to 2019, about 217 crashes were reported on the busy road, which has resulted in 42 serious accident cases, including one death.

New Hollywood? Marvel Filming Moving to Moore Park Studios

Moore Park is set to be in the spotlight in the next few years as it becomes the new Hollywood hub. Big studios from the United States, including Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), are set to move their production to the suburb’s studios.

Reports cited that Marvel boss Kevin Feige wants the MCU to relocate to Moore Park in the next five years. At least four productions are already planned whilst more movies and television shows are still in development:

Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 (Chris Pratt)
Captain Marvel sequel (Brie Larson)
Dr Strange sequel (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Black Panther sequel

Fox Studios Australia’s head office in Moore Park is on Driver Avenue but it has nine massive sound stages for hire by local or international productions. Filming Disney/MCU movies in any of these sound stages is done using green screen technology. According to reports, most of these facilities are fully booked for the next two years.

The Moore Park site is also within walking distance of The Entertainment Quarter, the precinct that has heaps of bars, cafes, restaurants, and other retail stores, which are projected to get more business when Hollywood moves in.

The MCU previously filmed in Georgia, Atlanta, and London in the U.K. but a source from the studio said that Mr Feige wants Sydney to be their new home. A major reason for the move is due to productions shutting down in the U.S. and the U.K. as their COVID-19 cases have yet to go down.

Other Hollywood megastars like Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts and Sean Penn are coming to Sydney in the next few weeks as well.

Ms Lawrence is filming the Fantastic Four franchise reboot under the MCU, whilst Ms Roberts and Mr Penn are working on a TV show, titled Gaslit, with Australian actor-brothers Joel and Nash Edgerton.

Bastardo in Surry Hills: New Italian Food Retreat from an Old Player

When it comes to food, there’s no doubt that the Italians have conquered Sydney and whilst there is a handful of Italian restaurants in Surry Hills, a new player, Bastardo, is making waves because it’s a really interesting take-off from an old favourite.

Anyone who has been to the tapas bar Bodega x Wyno in the last 15 years will get the same vibe from its latest sibling site next door. Bastardo is definitely a refreshing addition to the Porteño precinct on Holt Street with its mint green tables, bright orange floor and colourful artwork.

The Porteño crew has opened this Italian trattoria as inspired by the owners’ Sicilian and Argentinian/Genoan background and having a meal at Bastardo feels a lot like visiting an extended family.

The team picked the name “Bastardo” because their food is the “bastardised” alternative to Italian dishes. Everything will be simple and classic, made the way it should be enjoyed as comfort food.

Bastardo’s menu features a great selection of fresh pasta like Corn Agnolotti (brown butter, capers, sage), Paccheri (cuttlefish, panchetta, tomato white wine), Tajarin (bottarga, butter and lemon) and the Culurgiones (potato, onion and ricotta with Napoli sauce).

Sister site Bodega’s grilled swordfish and porchetta are also on the list, along with choices of salads and the unique-tasting bullhorn pepper stuffed with anchovies and pepper.

For almost two decades, a generation of customers has loved dining at Bodega. In this new normal, a new peer group is bound to make Bastardo their Italian food retreat.

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Bastardo opens from 5:00 p.m. to late night. For the menu or table booking, check their official site or follow their Instagram.

“Food was unbelievable. Service – fantastic! The team helped us make some decisions and made some really good recommendations. The whole process from making a booking to getting the bill was seamless,efficient and professional. Looking forward to checking out Humble next. Thank you for an amazing night.”
Matt Gellert

“A delicious new restaurant from the Bodega crew, with a lovely vibe and mouth watering menu. We had the entre special (tiny fried pizza!), followed by the crab pasta and potato pasta. All were delicious. For an aperitif, the cocktail list is short but super – the goldfather is a must! Wine list also comprehensive, and we tried a unique Italian style Chardonnay. Great for date night or a catch up with friends.”
Abbie

“Super cool ambience and the food was incredible. Do not leave without ordering the corn agnolotti and olive oil + fennel cake! Will definitely be back when I return to Sydney.”
Carolyn Stebbing