The Golden Age Cinema & Bar

The Golden Age Cinema and Bar was described to me as one of Sydney's prettiest bars, and the talk was not wrong. It is down in a basement in Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills.  The bar is stunning and beautifully lit. The curtains look golden as the light dimly expresses its colour. On arrival there was a big band playing all the usual standards. It takes you back in time, allowing you to forget the modern world. The band comes out from behind the curtain, literally a half a metre away. This is the bar to be taking your date to. To romance your special someone.

There is a cinema in the bar too, but I did not make it to the cinema this time round - though I will be back. They play old classics, so I have to remember to check out what is coming up and make sure I get a good movie - I am sure it will be worth the wait.

http://ourgoldenage.com.au/

Palm Beach

So it is long weekend and the weather is bad. I took the chance to take a small road trip up to Palm Beach. This is the strip where Home & Away is filmed, with the famous lighthouse in the background. Now this is not Bondi, so you are limited in what you can do food-wise, but it is very nice to look at. The clouds enhance the texture of the sky, which is different from the blue sky pictures you will find online.

 Had the day have been better I would have taken the trail up to the lighthouse. I have done this many years ago, and will keep it on my list to do again. Brave folk were swimming and surfing. I found a coffee and took in the view.

The Rocks Brewing Company

The latest fad in Sydney is boutique beer. Having outgrown their brewery in the Rocks, the Rocks Brewing Company opened its new brewery in downtown Alexandria. This has allowed them the space they need to produce their high quality beer. Now most of you know I am not a huge beer drinker, but the range and subtle flavours mixed in make me drool.

It the lure of beer is not enough then i should make a note of their food. Cheap pub food this is not! They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The steak I ate for dinner was cooked to perfection and served with wedges. I have also had a great lunch here, where the beef roll melted in my mouth.

The only negative is that it is a little too far for me to walk home, so I normally drive. I stick to the limit and order a take home back of beer and let the party continue at home.




 160 Bourke Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015

#rocksbrewingcompany

The Wild Rover

This is my favourite bar in the city hands down. Granted that they do not have the biggest cocktail list, what they do serve is spot on. Cocktails are served in small steins, giving it almost a Lord of the Rings feel - though let's not discount the fact that by this time the alcohol may be altering my thoughts.

This bar is not signed at all and looks like a disused retail shop from an era time forgot. Do not be fooled. Push through the heavy doors. On entry the bar staff all greet you and make you feel at home! the staff here really go out of their way to make you feel good. they are friendly - none of they Sydney pretentiousness here.

The trick to this bar is to get here early! When you do the staff are free to come and chat to you. I received table service and we were always well looked after.

Another reason to come is the décor. Another dimly lit room with great dark wooden furniture. There are some great red light fittings that stand out in this darkened space.

Also on display, is a set of old train timetable times. Young folk these were used before they all went electronic. They have been recycled into  menu. It looks great and takes me right back to my youth when I was looking for the fastest train out of Kogarah.

My cocktail suggestions is the Long Rum Run - try saying that after a few drinks!! Below is a picture of the stein. I love them.

 

 

Below are the old station signs that now display the menu.

 

The quirky bar with giraffe drawings

 

 

So readers - if you have not been yet then make your way down to Campbell Street in Surry Hills. Like NOW!! Get there early to get the attention of the staff and you will be well looked after.

This bar in my opinion is hard to be beaten!

Link to website http://www.thewildrover.com.au/

Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year!

This is a pretty big event with functions held across the city. This year there was a parade to celebrate the year of the Horse and the usual fireworks display (I swear there are fireworks every weekend over summer - which I think is great). At Town hall Station they have a dragon display and the below image shows  an art piece set up for CNY in World Square.

How do you Celebrate CNY???

The Corner Stone Cafe

The Corner Store Café s located within the Carriageworks complex- a disused set of train holding centres turned into an art space.

Now we all know I love a great coffee, and this place does not fail. Coffees are topped off with a cute mug and saucer reminiscent of 50s décor. Even this attention to detail plays second fiddle to the furniture. The brown leather chairs make it feel cosy. You forget the world for a few minutes and exhale. Old books are scattered around. I picked up Studies in American Literature for a laugh. You have got to love that old book smell.

 

Here is the entrance looking from the inside. The old building's industrial past is softened by plants and furniture making the space feel warm. It invites you in to sit down and unwind.

 

 

 

 

This chair I wanted to bottle up and take home. I sink right into it and sip on my coffee forgetting bout the world for a little while. Yes, I might need another one!

The room is softy lit with old school bulbs giving it s retro feel. At some points it looks like the walls reach to the sky, making you feel small but at the same time the room is set out so that it feels like you are in a small corner store café.

Yes Sydney, you have charm! I am impressed, and that does not come easy. By acknowledging your industrial past and celebrating it you have created a sexy and charming location. Forget the art and exhibitions, I just want a coffee! I may have to come back for their night menu with cocktails.


http://www.freshcatering.com.au/our-venues/carriageworks/dining/bar-and-food

The Sydney Festival 2

Hyde Park has been taken over by,... wait for it... a life sized, blow up Stonehenge. No joke. It is part of the Sydney Festival. If there was not a line up a mile long, I would have been jumping all over it. It is worth heading down to Hyde Park, if nothing else just to admire it.

 

The second picture is great because it looks like the real thing! The plants are hiding the inflatable bottom.