Hotel Hollywood

The look: This quirky art deco pub is Sydney’s best kept secret. The front bar’s walls are adorned with glamorous 1950s stills of Dorothy, the Hollywood’s muse. Colourful mismatching carpets add to the understated charm and the intimate back bar has cosy booths.
The soundtrack: Tuesday night’s is live jazz and blues. Other nights it’s an eclectic mix from classic Doris Day to the latest cool tunes. Signature drink: The Negroni cocktail ($10) mixed with Campari, gin, sweet vermouth and topped with soda.
Bar snacks: are minimal. There’s the infamous cheese platter ($10) served with olives, three types of cheeses with wafers or a true blue meat pie ($2.50).
Best for: drinking with young, creative types like musicians, actors, film industry bods and journalists.
The wow factor: Doris Goddard, the publican who has been the publican since 1977 was a 1950s movie star. She has worked with legends like Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn, Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan. If you’re lucky you’ll meet this Sydney institution and she’ll regale you with tales of Hollywood or belt out a tune.
If this bar were an animal it would be: a gorgeous Labrador – comfortable yet cool.

By Kathy Buchanan

Address: 2 Foster St, Surry Hills, Sydney
Phone: 9281 2765
Open: Monday - Saturday