Hollywood Hotel, Surry Hills

2 FOSTER STREET, SURRY HILLS

Reviewers: Burger Bot, Joe Blogs
Time of Review: Friday lunch time, 1pm

 

"Golden Olden"

 
Tucked away in the backstreets between Museum and Central train stations stands the golden-trimmed Hollywood Hotel. While just a hop, skip and stumble away from The Macquarie Hotel, the two neighbour pubs are worlds apart.

The lone barman greeted us with a welcoming smile offering up four tap beers. What Hollywood lacks in tap choice, it makes up for in price. The two Coopers Pale Ales we ordered were $5 a piece, making these the cheapest Coopers Pale schooners we'd come across in the city thus far. Score!

The small bar (comfy, well worn, no bullshit, knick-knacky) is illuminated by a bar lamp, a coloured light or two and the most important piece of all, the always-spinning disco ball. Grab a spot leaning at the bar (a la Rake's Cleaver Greene/Richard Roxburgh) or perched around the popular "rib" (once a section of bar that has found its way into the middle of the room). There's also a spot to be found on the perimeter couches or hidden out in the back room.

The challenging stairway entrance to the Men's will sort the men out from the boys, or the capable from the drunks. The Ladies have less of a skill-tester entry point.

THOUGHTS

"It was so dead-quiet when we were there, we could have just about poured the beers ourselves, but I hear on Friday and Saturday nights it can get busy. A good option for a beer and hangs with mates, live music and good times in Surry Hills, without some of the pretentiousness of other bars in the area. Dig the 'wall of fame' homage to long time owner and ex-star Doris Goddard. Wish I lived closer." - JB

"This place hasn't changed in 10 years. I used to frequent the Hollywood when I first moved to Sydney, due to the fact it was close to college and like a home away from home! I vaguely remember some of the open mic nights? But quiet weekday, post exam drinks are what I remember most. An honest Sydney pub, that I should visit much more regularly." - Burger Bot

"I tried to go there a few times but they wouldn't let me in cos I was too drunk." - Southy


The Hollywood visit was a pleasant experience and although the reviewers would have been happy to stay on longer, paid jobs were calling them back to the office. Recommend checking it out. Grab a cheap beer and watch that ball spin!


Hollywood's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotel.hollywood.sydney