Now a few weeks into operation, Paddington’s revitalised Goodbar has breathed some necessary new life into Sydney’s nightclub scene, representing a move forward despite the weight of lockout laws still looming over the city. Owner Scott Robertson and Division Agency are behind the big refresh, taking on the iconic building at 11a Oxford St – which has seen a several incarnations over the past 10 years – and paying homage to its history, bringing back the legendary nightclub with modern twists and turns to update it for 2016.
The dynamic revision now has the venue split between two personalities, bringing different angles to the main focus of good music and great cocktails. The ground floor will be operating as a cocktail bar for five nights each week, while the lower basement level will dive heard-first into weekend with a Berlin meets New York inspired underground club with state-of-the-art lighting, fashioned by Robertson who has been involved in the music industry and nightclubs for two decades. Both areas are fueled by Void Acoustics as well so the sound is guaranteed to be on that crisp, pristine wave.
“The exciting challenge for me with this project was to create a venue that was more than just a nightclub”, said Robertson. “I wanted to create an intimate environment where you would happily go for a mid-week cocktail and a bite to eat after work or a nice scotch after dinner but then on weekends the rest of the venue comes alive”.
Popping colour palettes have been designed by award-winners AZBCreative to help give the venue it’s new character, aiming to present Sydney with something world-class that will balance art and music, helped along by neon and raw concrete features.
Drinks Cabinet’s Jason Crawley is on board and oversees the cocktail bar, pushing a menu that moves Goodbar in somewhat of a healthier direction, meaning concoctions are aimed at providing something refreshing and sessionable, with layers from the likes of on-trend cold pressed juices and fresh herbs, pairing with a food menu that’s been curated by Drew Bolton (Vine, Seadeck). Hungry bar-goers can expect classic bar food with a bit of a gourmet lean, including a dedicated rotating grilled cheese menu, and snacks like truffle butter popcorn.
Goodbar’s first official club night, Peoples Club will take place every Friday with curation from David Bangma and Nergal Youkhana, bringing some forward-thinking line ups to the club with the likes of Seekae and Detroit Techno Militia already bringing the goods. Saturday follows with Nights Like This, a collaborative party with frequent Division partner Paul Strange, banging on house and techno with a taste for both international and local acts – think Antonio Thagma and Santé.
With music programming all other nights of the week handled by Division’s own Trevene Patrick Keuneman, Goodbar is looking to bring in a new-age of Sydney clubbing looking to take folks back in order to move them forward and inject our city’s nightlife with something both familiar and fresh.
Goodbar
Address: 1-11 Oxford Street, Paddington.
Website: Facebook
Image supplied
———-
