Spot of Pac-Man and a pizza, anyone? The Keystone Group are launching a brand new foodie pop-up, Barbarello's Pizza and Arcade, on level one of the Sugarmill building in Kings Cross. Running June to September, the pop-up will see the Sugarmill space transformed into a classic Italian pizza and pasta joint — infused with old-school arcade games and a smattering of hip hop. Think Pac-Man, pool and pinball machines, with a little Buck Hunter thrown in for good modern measure.
Smack bang in the middle of the Cross, Barbarello's is being pitched as a late-night dining and drinking joint, with a no-frills, cheap and cheerful pizza and pasta menu (all under $15). Expect to find pizzas like the 'Mutha Clucka' and 'Porky's Pig and Pineapple', alongside a 'Spagless Bolognese' (made with penne, much easier for dates). Plus, for the bargain hunters, there's going to be two-for-one pasta nights on Mondays.
Looking for an Italian-style tipple? Keystone's national bar manager Manuel Terron and the crew have come up with a special menu for Barbarello's, playing on traditional Italian favourites like the Negroni, Aperol Spritzes and fresh OJ and Campari go-tos. There'll be $10 Negronis before 9pm on Saturdays, if you're looking for a cheap, early cocktail option.
Barbarello's is the first pop-up space for the Sugarmill's first level, a 250 square metre space Keystone intend to hand over to pop-up bar ideas for the foreseeable future. And while we're not sure whether it's technically a 'pop-up' if it's popping up in your own venue, we're going to run with it.
Barbarello’s is open on level one of the Sugarmill, Friday – Monday evenings from 5pm. Find the Sugarmill at 33-35 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross. To book, call (02) 8070 2424.
Barbarello's is having a launch party this Thursday, June 18 at 6pm. Entry is free (with RSVP) and details are over here.