Inside Saltbox: Sydney’s Next-Generation Events Space

The Surry Hills and Redfern neighbourhood is set to welcome an ambitious new player to its events landscape. Saltbox, a contemporary event space, will be opening soon at the Wunderlich Lane.


Read: Surry Hills Terrace Gets A Bold Renovation


Spearheaded by luxury events veteran David O’Brien and his team at Cook & Waiter, Saltbox will open its doors in Autumn 2025. Located at the intersection of Surry Hills and Redfern at 399 Cleveland Street, this sophisticated venue promises to elevate Sydney’s event offerings with its thoughtfully designed spaces and versatile capabilities.

A Space That Means Business

Photo credit: cookandwaiter.com.au

The 560-square-metre venue, designed by acclaimed architects SJB and built by TOGA Group, makes a striking first impression with its luxurious mirrored lobby and reception area. The ground floor entrance leads guests to Level 1, where three distinct event spaces await, each bathed in natural light yet equipped with blackout features for ultimate versatility.

Saltbox
Photo credit: cookandwaiter.com.au

Perhaps the venue’s most compelling feature is its impressive 119-square-metre outdoor terrace, which runs the entire length of the building, offering a dramatic addition to any event setup.

Flexibility at Its Core

Saltbox
Photo credit: cookandwaiter.com.au

Saltbox’s pillarless design allows for maximum flexibility, accommodating various event configurations:

– 250 guests for seated dining

– 450 for cocktail functions

– 300 in theatre-style arrangements

– 192 for cabaret setups

The venue’s strategic position in Sydney’s vibrant inner city offers excellent accessibility, with ample parking and transport links. Its proximity to The Eve Hotel adds another layer of convenience for out-of-town guests.

A Proven Track Record

Saltbox
Photo credit: cookandwaiter.com.au

This new venture comes from Cook & Waiter, a team with an impressive portfolio of high-profile clients including luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Porsche, and Lamborghini. Their expertise in delivering premium experiences positions Saltbox as a promising addition to Sydney’s event scene.

According to Mr O’Brien, the new venue represents an important expansion of their business portfolio, offering clients a distinctive destination in one of Sydney’s most dynamic precincts. He emphasises that the venue stands out for its innovative approach to location, guest experience, and sustainability initiatives.


Read: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Reopens After $70-Million Revamp


From corporate meetings and brand launches to cocktail parties and wedding receptions, Saltbox is poised to become a versatile addition to Sydney’s event landscape when it opens its doors in Autumn 2025, complete with a curated food and beverage offering by Cook & Waiter.

Published 22-November-2024

Wunderlich Lane: A Gastronomic Oasis in Surry Hills

Located at the intersection of Cleveland and Baptist Streets, the soon-to-open Wunderlich Lane culinary and retail precinct marks a significant transformation of the former Surry Hills Shopping Village site, breathing new life into the suburb’s heart.



A Gastronomic Tapestry

At the epicentre of Wunderlich Lane will be Olympus, a sprawling 200-seat Greek garden restaurant helmed by renowned restaurateur Jonathan Barthelmess.

Drawing inspiration from his travels through Greece, Barthelmess aims to showcase the diversity and richness of Greek cuisine, focusing on traditional and regional dishes from the mountainous regions.

Adding to the culinary mosaic, House Made Hospitality is set to unveil three distinct venues within the precinct. An all-day café-wine bar will cater to those seeking a casual yet refined experience, while a dedicated cocktail bar will offer expertly crafted libations. Completing the trio will be an Asian-inspired restaurant showcasing the culinary talents of Chef Andrianto Wirya.

Italian cuisine will also have its place in Wunderlich Lane, with Chef Federico Zanellato, owner of the acclaimed LuMi restaurant, set to open a wood-fired pizzeria. This venture promises to be more than just a pizzeria, offering a diverse menu beyond traditional pizza offerings.

Beyond Dining

Wunderlich Lane isn’t just about food. The precinct will also be home to The Eve, a hotel with 102 stylish rooms. Over 100 residential apartments will enhance the area’s appeal as a vibrant urban hub. A curated selection of high-end retail outlets will complement the dining options, creating a multifaceted destination for locals and visitors.

A Fresh Start

Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village

The Surry Hills Village project, of which Wunderlich Lane is a crucial component, represents a $60 million investment in revitalising the area. A contemporary, mixed-use development that considers the community’s changing needs has replaced the site’s previous incarnation as a shopping centre, known as the “murder mall.”

A Feast for the Senses

Photo Credit: Surry Hills Village

Wunderlich Lane’s commitment to culinary excellence extends beyond its restaurants. The precinct will feature diverse specialty food stores, including a flagship Harris Farm Markets. Spanning approximately 1,200 square metres, this market will showcase a wide selection of fresh produce, gourmet groceries, and artisanal products.



With its blend of high-quality dining, boutique retail, and vibrant atmosphere, Wunderlich Lane is poised to become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts and discerning shoppers alike. As the precinct prepares to open in late 2024, Surry Hills residents and visitors can anticipate a new era of culinary delights and urban experiences.

Published Date 22-August-2024