Freda's has been ever-present on Sydney's hospo scene for well over a decade in one form or another, whether as a laidback cafe and wine spot or an upbeat bar and performance space. Following Cafe Freda's closure, the venue is back – this time as Bar Freda's – with a design-led space as part of The Abercrombie. Moving into this new era as an inviting neighbourhood bar, it takes over two levels across multiple heritage terraces, with founders David Abram and Carla Uriarte delivering a welcoming space where people come together over good food, drinks and music. Launching on Thursday, April 24, the venue's ground floor is an eclectic affair, featuring vintage light fittings, reupholstered bar stools from the original Freda's and bay windows that link its architectural interior with the outside world. Heading upstairs, a giant disco ball signals the vibe shift, as you enter a dedicated DJ room powered by Freda's beloved Danley Sound System. Mosey into neighbouring rooms to find comfy booths and a stainless steel bar serving drinks into the early hours. As for the menu, those familiar with Cafe Freda's and the OG venue will know what awaits — bar snacks, nostalgic pastas and stacked sandwiches, including Sydney rock oysters, house-made pickles, lasagne croquettes paired with hot sugo, and rigatoni with eggplant ragu and stracciatella. Rotating deli-style sangies play on old favourites, like a Reuben with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Freda's house dressing, and a fried king prawn roll with Thousand Island dressing, pickled cucumber and iceberg lettuce. "Bar Freda's draws inspiration from late-night bars in Berlin and other great after-hours cities, and American dive bars that have maintained their character and warmth over many decades of servicing a city's social needs," says Abram. "[Bar Freda's] is meant to be fun and easy, but filled with quality and comfort." The drinks list won't disappoint either, with a hand-picked selection keeping the "focus on fun and nothing too heavy," as Uriarte puts it. Expect Freda's classic Mega Mate, featuring a powerful mix of vodka and Club-Mate designed to give your night a boost. Plus, there are elevated slushies like a frozen espresso martini and a matcha-infused pina colada, alongside in-house spins on martinis, negronis, margaritas and more. Bringing 15 years of hospitality experience to Bar Freda's, this space might be the duo's most ambitious yet. Serving as something of a throwback to the original Chippendale bar and nightclub, the crew is also launching Club Freda's next door. Here, they'll program regular events designed to give local DJs, artists and promoters a community-driven space that offers a solid platform to express themselves and fill a gap in Sydney's nightlife. Bar Freda's is open Tuesday–Thursday from 5pm–12am and Friday–Saturday from 5pm–3am at Abercrombie Terraces, 100 Broadway, Chippendale. Head to the website for more information. Images: Steven Woodburn / Daniella Braude.