For many Sydneysiders, the CBD was synonymous with two things: tourists and office workers. This year, things changed. With those two elements stripped right back, we can see more clearly than ever what makes the CBD such a special part of Sydney: its small businesses. We're talking about the hole-in-the-wall joint that serves your life-giving morning latte, the reliable boutique shop that's become your go-to for last-minute gifts, and the bar you head to for a post-work cocktail and boogie. Every encounter you have with a local vendor contributes to why you love living in Sydney. And they need your patronage more than ever.
So, we teamed up with City of Sydney to ask you — Concrete Playground readers — what businesses you love to visit in the CBD, from the beating heart of the city to the harbourside, Barangaroo and The Rocks. And you came up with some absolute gems.
Read on to discover some of the most popular picks to visit during the day. Then, flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
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CP reader Ze GM tells us Marlowe’s Way is their “favourite place to get some bean juice”. This cosy joint may be out of sight, tucked away on Tankstream Way, but what it lacks in exposure, it makes up for in personality.
The family-run cafe is pretty small, seating about 15 people. And it has a quirkiness to it, with hand-painted murals and artworks covering the walls, soul music playing on a vinyl player and, if you sit in, a vintage spoon that accompanies every coffee. Speaking of coffee, the crew here serves a signature blend by Little Marionette alongside a daily menu of home-style Italian meals. The cafe also regularly hosted live DJ sets at night but they’re on hold for the time being.
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We already knew it, but 2020 has driven it home more than ever before: art is really, really important. What would we have done in lockdown without books, music and films? And, for CP reader @schnooze, Title is a go-to for all three. Together with its original store in Surry Hills, Title Barangaroo offers the biggest collection of art books in the country, plus a huge range of vinyl, indie and independent films and games.
The team here is more interested in stocking quality products over what’s new or trending (though it has those things covered, too). So even if you’re after some obscure title, we suggest trying your luck. Don’t know what you want? Even better. This is a great spot to uncover a hidden artistic gem.
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Another hole-in-the-wall coffee joint that makes more of an impact than its tiny dwellings may suggest is Single O CBD. As recommended by CP reader Valanto Rossides, this coffee bar is a great spot to get your morning jolt. Like its OG location in Surry Hills, here you can expect a rotating range of single origins and blends. Though, with only a single standing table on-site, you’re encouraged to BYO reusable cup and enjoy your brew to-go.
To pair with it is a selection of pastries and two TBTs (twelve-buck-toasties, that is): lemon and pepperberry chicken with shaved haloumi, olive and burnt garlic aioli; and field mushroom with truffle mayo, kimchi and gouda.
Image: Alana Dimou
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The next time you’re wistfully daydreaming about walking around ol’ Paris with a crepe in hand, let your mind (and feet) wander over to Four Frogs Creperie in Circular Quay’s Gateway Sydney. The restaurant chain, which also has outposts in Lane Cove, Randwick and Mosman, is owned by four French friends.
Take your pick from dozens of sweet crepes — ranging from traditional butter, sugar and lemon to the next-level chocolate, banana, whipped cream, grilled almonds and vanilla ice cream. If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, opt for a savoury crepe instead, known as a galette. You can tuck into the likes of prosciutto, goats cheese, walnuts and honey; smoked salmon, spinach and chive cream cheese; or smoked duck, spring onion and hoisin sauce. All crepes are made with Australian buckwheat flour so they’re gluten free (though it’s advised to still inform staff if you have an allergy).
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We love watching (and covering) all of the new, innovative businesses that pop up across our fair city, but the classic haunts deserve just as much attention. And this establishment is about as old-school Sydney as it gets — it’s been trading as a licensed hotel since 1841. It’s also the site of Australia’s oldest pub brewery, which was added in 1986. As CP reader Susi Reed tells us, “The Lord Nelson was the first pub I ever worked at many moons ago, and it’s still great.”
It maintains a rustic charm with the original sandstone facade, timber floorboards and a cosy fireplace. The aforementioned brewery churns out 100 percent natural beers, free from additives, including a summer ale and the super popular pale ale, Three Sheets. The dining room upstairs boasts a pretty impressive menu for a pub — think chargrilled quail, kingfish curry and chilli crab and lobster spaghettini.
Image: Destination NSW
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There are two types of present buyers. The first one is the person who gets super into the whole process and buys each person in their life something expertly tailored to their interests months in advance. The second? The one that forgets and panic buys something the day of the event (or the day after). And this CBD specialty store caters to both types.
Across two levels in Westfield Sydney, Sorry Thanks I Love You sells the perfect gift for whatever message you’re trying to convey. It only peddles wares that are unique and thoughtfully designed, so you can say “happy housewarming” with black marble stone salad servers, “happy birthday” with 32-centimetre brass candle holders or “I’m sorry for that thing I did” with a gourmet hamper of Bruny Island cheese.
Images: Joey Clark