Surry Hills has blossomed into an urban playground over recent years, with an abundance of #food, #drink and #culture to offer anyone walking down Crown Street. Even though this suburb is only a ten-minute walk or a three-minute light rail ride from #Central Station, you will feel completely immersed in the laneways of street art and alleys of terraces the moment you set foot here.
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D I N I N G
Renowned for its strong lineup of #eateries, planning a brunch out at Surry Hills may prove overwhelming. Nevertheless, it is a must-visit for a morning outing. My friends and I decided to test the infamous Bill’s Cafe for a recovery #brunch after a night out, but I also made sure to expand my horizons to the smaller #bakeries and delis spotted around the suburb.
Bill’s (Surry Hills Location)
What once started as a humble breakfast spot in #Darlinghurst courtesy of Bill Granger is now a global #breakfast phenomenon. I can now travel easy thanks to the truth that Bills have expanded to both Tokyo and London. Many will argue that there are hundreds of #cafes in #Sydney that feature a menu similar to Bill’s, however, what makes Bill’s so special is an emphasis on simplicity. The aura of the classic Australian #breakfast has been captured in the menu through the presentation of fresh ingredients paired with great #coffee.
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When visiting Bill’s, you must try the famous ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter. The cakes are fluffy, and light, yet still stuffed with flavour thanks to the ricotta. The butter provides an extra-sweet sensation to your meal and you will probably find yourself ordering extra because it's that good. I recommend pairing the pancakes with the corn fritters as a savoury duo (if your stomach is up for the challenge).
If you want a full savoury experience, the “Full Aussie” features all the basics like perfectly silky scrambled eggs, sourdough, cumin roasted tomatoes, herbed mushrooms, sausage and bacon. For the #veggie lovers, the “Fresh Aussie” was my personal favourite as the smoked salmon and avocado combo was the perfect hangover cure. The sleek, warm ambience of the cafe further reflects how simplicity is ultimately satisfying.
Bourke St Bakery
If you need #breakfast on the go, there are other quality options you can turn to. Bourke Street Bakery has been proudly serving the people of Surry Hills since 2004. Located on the corner of Bourke and Devonshire, you will spot the store from a mile away due to the persistent line out the door.
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Bourke St Bakery is perfect for those who love to invest in fresh loaves of bread, which are baked in-house daily. If you’re craving something sweet, take a moment to glance towards the many hand-made #pastries that also decorate the storefront. Stopping by for an almond croissant and #coffee after exploring Surry Hills on foot for an entire afternoon was the perfect way to finish my trip, and I know I will be coming back to try more soon.
Chin Chin
It is extremely hard for me to pick just one #dinner location for our Surry Hills deep dive, however, Chin Chin defiantly deserves its place here. Whilst Chin Chin uses many aspects of #Thai cuisine, patrons will find a wide range of South East Asian flavours in their meals. The entire vibe of the restaurant evokes vibrance, fusion and fun.
The entire vibe of the restaurant evokes vibrance, fusion and fun...
If you’ve come hungry, the Chef’s Banquet is there to serve you. At $88 per person, you will taste fresh kingfish sashimi, stir-fried diamond clams, chargrilled #wagyu and much, much more. Otherwise, a plethora of standalone dishes such as beef rendang #curry and slow-cooked pork pancakes affectionately referred to as “roll-ups” are also available. Chin Chin is just one of the many diverse dining options on Crown Street, it perfectly symbolises the playful vibe of the whole suburb.
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D R I N K I N G
If I were to write about every #bar in Surry Hills this post would probably read like an atlas. To narrow things down, I’ll be focusing on venues that truly capture the artsy nature of Surry Hills through their respective niches. By pairing #drinking with unique #experiences, a night to remember can be guaranteed.
Pinot & Picasso
If you find yourself initially a bit shy and reserved about showcasing your amazing #art skills to friends and family, I have the perfect remedy for you. ‘Paint n sip’ is the latest end-of-week #adventure that you must try with a group and involves two simple activities - painting and #drinking.
Image credit: Pinot & Picasso
Based on what we know about Surry Hills so far, it’s therefore only natural that this suburb houses a range of Paint n Sip #bars. Pinot & Picasso is a worthy choice due to its wide range of session types and a strong emphasis on having a good time. After a few glasses of #wine, you may find your colours blurred and brush strokes sluggish, so it’s a good thing that you’re class will be hand-held through the painting process, ensuring that you stumble out of the studio with a visual masterpiece in hand. So grab your friends and a bottle of red and head straight to the Pinot & Picasso website to pick which piece you want to recreate and #drink your way to the Louvre!
Golden Age Cinema/Bar
To finish off strong, I’ll be walking you through one of Surry Hill’s most historic venues. Constructed back in 1940, the Paramount Pictures theatres have been showing screenings to eager patrons since WW2. In 2013, the #cinema underwent extensive renovations to bring viewers back to the ’40s. A moody, candlelit #bar has also been paired with the #theatre to complete your evening.
Image credit: Golden Age Cinema
If you want to see the latest blockbusters at the coolest cinema in Sydney, Golden Age can accommodate and is currently screening Elvis however, it would also be worth checking out some of the #arthouse #films that are offered too. Maigret is a French crime - drama officially endorsed by the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival 2022 that I am eager to experience at Golden Age this month. Another unique trait of the Golden Age is its #live #music stage. Every Thursday to Saturday, you will find many artists eager to perform for you, from RnB to drag. There is no better way to spend a Saturday night out than #movies, #drinks and #live #music - especially if they are all in the same historic venue.
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