Overview
11a Oxford Street has been reincarnated more than once within the last ten years. After Sydney clubbing institution Goodbar closed in 2006, the space transformed into Eleven nightclub, and then pop-up dance floor Church. Now it's time to go back to where it all started — Goodbar is reopening this September.
The news that Goodbar was set to be reborn, thanks to promoter Scott Robertson and Division Agency, was met with rapturous applause from Sydneysiders who like to stay out past 1.30am. The venue falls just outside the Sydney lockout zone, making it exempt from many of the stifling restrictions other city bars and clubs face.
Robertson says Goodbar will fill the void of classy establishments that are open to punters who are keen to have a drink after a gig or dinner. "I enjoy a nice glass of scotch and find it incredibly frustrating that as a grown man I can no longer go into a venue and order one on the rocks after a certain time," he says.
The completely renovated venue will have two distinct personalities, with the ground floor operating as a cocktail bar, and the basement as an underground club. The basement is set to become the home of house and techno 'Nights Like This' every Saturday, and organisers are already boasting an incredible international lineup. Paul Strange (Tank, Home Nightclub) will be running one big night at the venue (details to come), and Friday evenings will see 'People's Club', run by David Banga and Nergal Youkhana, enlisting the help of Seekae to kick things off on September 2.
Interestingly the team behind the rejuvenation of the venue have decided to keep the original name. "I always liked the actual name itself," says Robertson. "It was pretty iconic back in the day and I think enough time has passed to reinvent it and make it our own brand for a whole new generation."
The drinks list has been put together with help from hospo veteran Jason Crawley who was inspired by healthy daytime drinking consumption. Think cold pressed juices, coconut water and pro-life spices and herbs. "I wanted to continue this immune boosting choice into the night space and into the cocktail context," says Crawley. "In some cases, we have cold pressed zingy yuzu instead of lime juice and some nice flavour extensions into the flora world with unique-tangy flavours such as geranium." Immunity boosting cocktails? Sign. Us. Up.
Goodbar is expected to open in September, and might just give Paddington what it needs to become Sydney's next late night precinct. The Unicorn's just up the road.
Goodbar will open September at 1-11 Oxford Street, Paddington.