Basing ourselves in the quiet leafy streets of Surrey Hills for four nights to attend the Reed and Life In Style Gift Fairs gave us the opportunity to not just work but to enjoy a great little city break. Staying at Ace Hotel, Wentworth St, on the edge of the Sydney CBD was a great choice. I love this area of Sydney; it's away from the hustle and bustle of ‘big city’ vibes. Houses are old, colourful and private that lends a charm to the whole ambience. Local residents and businesses let their plant collections extend from balconies to the side walk. The warmth and humidity means that by late February you could be walking in the tropics.
Surry Hills is full of small eateries spilling onto the street or tucked in behind doorways that make you feel like you’re entering a friends house.
Kiln Restaurant - within the hotel on the 18th Floor you will find this restaurant and bar serving contemporary Australian cuisine. Comfort and service are well tuned and the nod to Italian and Asian inspired dishes made it a great choice on our first night.
Loam - On the ground floor of the Ace Hotel is the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast to kick start your day and keep you going till lunch
Copains Bar a Vin Cnr Belmont and Albion St - “copains” is French for friends and this little bar is the perfect place to meet friends for a wine, a snack or shared plates. Friendliness and perfect attention to detail makes this spot a favourite of ours.
Pellegrino 2000 - neighbourhood trattoria in Surrey Hills
We sat at the double sided espresso bar talking to the barman as he served cocktails and we ate roasted red pepper, prawn stuffed ravioli and blue cod. The menu is filled with Italian staples, the walls are stacked with anchovies, tomatoes and similar delights and the wine list is littered with Italian classics.
Shaffa - tucked in between two heritage listed buildings, blink and you’ll miss it, Shaffa never disappoints. An inviting and friendly middle Eastern restaurant and bar inspired by the markets in Tel Aviv it is a feast for the senses.
I have listed four but I could easily list 20! To name a few more...Nomad, Firedoor (book well in advance), Chin Chin, Tokyo Lamington, Lode
