New Chippendale Laneway Bar a Chip Off the Old Block

In the early 20th century, the now seemingly harmless triangle of land between Broadway, City Road and Cleveland Street was a “no-go zone” for “respectable Sydneysiders" — an inner-city den thick with thieves, gamblers and criminals of both the petty and not-so-petty varieties. The descent into the underworld began in 1817, when farmer William Chippendale shot dead a convict to stop him from stealing potatoes.

Surprisingly enough, that didn’t stop old Chippo having a suburb named after him. But it did unleash a criminal culture that persisted well into the following century.

Today, of course, you can wander Buckland and Balfour Streets without fearing for your pocket (or your life). And what is appealing about Chippendale is that, where other once-working class Sydney neighbourhoods have been gentrified beyond recognition, it has retained a down-to-earth, artsy vibe, which the founding of the Chippendale Creative Precinct has only magnified.

And so, the concept behind soon-to-open new laneway bar, The Chip Off the Old Block, makes sense. Young arts-food-wine aficionado Katya Ginsberg is transforming a gothic-revival church into what she describes as “a drinking institution" where "working-class Chippendale meets modern day” and “everyday folk” can get their hands on “good grub and booze”.

“As a lover of boutique bars and an active bar-goer ... this has always been a dream of mine,” she tells us. “For years, I have been storing ideas in my head that I hoped one day could be realised.”

At just 23 years of age and mentored by her mother (restaurateur, gallerist and CCP founding director Nicky Ginsberg), Ginsberg is set to become one of Sydney’s youngest bar owners. The menu she's prepping promises “humble and hearty” Oliver Twist-inspired creations with a dash of contemporary influence. Think fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, bacon butty, prawn cocktails and bubble and squeak pie.

And how about parching that hard-earned working-class/cultural elite thirst? There’ll be craft beers, including a local brew served in a paper bag; a handpicked selection of boutique wines; and a signature cocktail by the name of Gin and Bear It. And if you’re feeling the pinch, you’ll be able to drown your sorrows without ravaging your bank account between 5pm and 7pm Wednesday through to Sunday with $5 house wine and $5 beer.

“I have poached some young, exciting and fresh faces from the world-renowned European Bar School that is operational around the corner in Chippendale, as well as some experienced Merivale bartenders,” Katya says. She herself spent three years working at a fine wine club before managing the Mission Restaurant Bar.

The Chip Off the Old Block, to be found at 3 Little Queen Street, Chippendale, will launch on Wednesday May 28. Thereafter, you’ll find it open Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm.