Overview
Of Sydney's rapidly developing inner city suburbs, Redfern is one that's changed the most in recent years. The area's main drag, Redfern Street, is almost unrecognisable to what it was five years ago. But, while lots of small bars and fancy cafes have moved in, the history of Redfern hasn't been lost, and neither has the community feel.
Redfern locals are understandably passionate about their home and are big believers in buying local. So we've teamed up with American Express to show you where they shop small — whether it's for late-night obscure groceries, homewares or a good bottle of plonk. Shop small at these venues with your Amex Card.
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If you can’t tell from the design of the shop and gorgeous minimalist items on the tables, one of the co-founders of The DEA Store, Karin Huchatz, used to be a gallerist. This store has an flawlessly clean and handmade aesthetic, offering up unique, whimsical homewares and designer goods made by crafters from all around the world, including plenty of local and Australian artists. Every item in the store is chosen depending on whether it is visually pleasing to one’s delicate eye area, which is what the ‘DEA’ in the store’s title stands for.
Image: Trent van der Jagt.
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This tiny little Redfern corner store has become somewhat famous in Sydney — people travel far and wide to visit, and Redfern Convenience Store has more than 15,000 fans on Instagram. Owner Hazem Sedda started working in his dad’s corner store when he immigrated from Palestine, and made a big impact by starting to import hard-to-find international snacks and beverages to set his store apart. The difference with this store is that it’s more about community and the customers than it is about the products; Sedda loves chatting to all who walks through his doors, and he regularly features his customers and their recommendations on the store’s social media. In fact, you can become a bonafide Redfern celebrity by winning the store’s highly-coveted Customer of the Day title.
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If you’re looking to purchase some vino or brews that are a little less commercial, Vine Providore should be your first port of call. Every drop that finds its way to the shelves is hand selected, and the staff are so well-versed in their product knowledge it’s likely you’ll never want to set foot in a Dan Murphy’s again. Unlike a lot of purveyors of unique wine, all budgets are catered for — so if your card limit won’t stretch as far as you’d like, you’ll still find something delish that won’t break the bank. Vine Providore holds regular tastings, so if the nuances of wine makes your head a bit fuzzy, you can stop by for the most delicious learning experience you’ll ever have.
Image: Trent van der Jagt.
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Redfern has a beautifully diverse population, and one of the most wonderful examples of it is The Bearded Tit. This local LGBTQIA institution is always filled with art and has cosy booths for you and a few friends to pile into to enjoy some casual drinks. The Tit also has a busy roster of live entertainment and events — you could be watching drag queens one night, and a boisterous art auction the next. You’ll never know what you’re going to get at this bar, but that is certainly part of its charm.
Image: Katje-Ford.
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This haphazard little produce market has some of the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet, and it’s sort of a classic Aussie corner fruit shop and Asian grocery rolled into one. Redfern Fruit Market stocks some impressively diverse items, so it has a reputation as the go-to place if you can’t find an uncommon ingredient. As well as fresh, well-priced fruit and vegetables, they also offer a wide range of spices, nuts, organic goods, ready-to-eat Asian meals, and some luxe gourmet goods.
Image: Trent van der Jagt.
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This petite, uncluttered little eatery is serving up some of Sydney’s best ramen. Scott Gault travelled all around Japan trying all the ramen he could find, and ended up studying for two years under ramen masters from Fukuyama before heading back home to open up his own ramen bar. It’s a great place to stop in for either a quick bowl for lunch or a casual dinner date — the menu has an impressive range of local beers and natural wines, too. If you want to wear your love to Rara on your sleeve, make sure you check out the small range of merch available for purchase.
Image: Luisa Brimble.
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Chee Soon & Fitzgerald is well established in the Sydney design scene. The shop has a rich and impressive history — it first opened in Surry Hills in 1996, and were the first in Australia to stock Finnish homewares giant Marimekko. If you’re a fan of lush textiles and left-of-centre homewares, this place is sure to become one of your favourites. The Redfern store is home to Japanese ceramics, African textiles, folk art from all around the world and, if you’re lucky, that one-of-a-kind antique piece you’ve been dreaming of.
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If you’ve been hanging out for a cocktail — especially a gin-based one — Moya’s should be next Redfern stop. This lovely little gin joint is staffed by people who know and adore the delicious juniper spirit, and will be able to help you pick a drink that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes and botanical desires. The bar also hosts weekly free jazz nights on Sundays, so you can relax and soak in some jazz with a $10 negroni in hand, and imagine you’ve been transported back to the 1920s.
Image: Steven Woodburn.