It’s Friday night and the small bars are shutting their doors, but your new five-inch Chloe slingbacks aren’t quite screaming ‘hometime’.
Well shuffle a little further northwards towards the hazy neon glow of Bobby’s Boss Dogs, and look for the old ‘50s coke machine.
Bingo. Surry Hills ain’t over just yet.
Though the faux door you’ll find a dusty old ‘50s factory where dim lights hang from industrial rafters, revellers kick back in plush booths and on velvety mid-century furniture, and sweethearts twist on a dance floor with no fixed boundaries. Part bar and part music venue, the week sees things switch between acoustic bands, local DJs and international surprises.
Over at the bar, mixologist Mitchell Warters has descended on The Soda Factory from Richard Branson’s members-only Roof Gardens in London, armed with a drinks menu in keeping with the 1950s theme. Get five or six cocktails served sparkling from a soda siphon, add a touch of nostalgia with a spiked root beer float or keep it smooth with a chocolatey passionfruit martini.
And for more substantial fuel, raise a toast to a true American legend with the Frank Sinatra — a classic NY street dog with frankfurter, mustard, pickles and crispy onion rings, and just one of the nine gourmet ‘dogs on offer. Chef Michael Chase plans to roll out a ‘50s Italian-inspired menu in April too.
Shake, rattle and roll.
The Soda Factory
16 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Monday – Wednesday 5pm – late, Thursday 5pm – 2am, Friday – Saturday 5pm – 5am
T: (02) 8096 9120