Bar Freda’s will open within Solotel’s The Abercrombie in late April, taking over two levels of F&B and entertainment.
Helmed by Freda’s co-founders, David Abram and Carla Uriarte, Bar Freda’s will occupy two levels across a row of heritage terraces connected to The Abercrombie. Bar Freda’s is the latest iteration of Freda’s, a famed late-night bar in Darlinghurst that was forced to close due to the redevelopment of Taylor Square in 2020. A new site was then found for Café Freda’s, but that too was forced to close on 1 March due to redevelopment. In January it was announced that Abram and Uriarte had partnered with Solotel to keep the Freda’s concept alive – this time in The Abercrombie.
Solotel CEO Elliot Solomon says the new Bar Freda’s concept enhances The Abercrombie’s offer.
“Bar Freda’s brings a warm and intimate energy to The Abercrombie, complementing it with a space that’s equal parts neighbourhood bar, late-night hangout. It adds a whole new personality to the venue’s offering, while staying true to the Abercrombie’s core of celebrating community, music, night life and quality food. Dave and Carla are also going to be programming the night club and rooftop’s entertainment, this will ensure true integration across the whole venue’s offering. Watch this space for more announcements before we open.”
On the ground floor of Bar Freda’s you’ll find vintage light fittings casting a soft glow, bar stools that have been reupholstered from the original Freda’s, and large bay windows that let the neighbourhood in. Upstairs, a giant disco ball hints at what’s to come – a dedicated DJ room powered by Freda’s signature Danley Sound System. Adjacent rooms will be furnished with cosy booths, and a stainless-steel bar.
On the menu is an eclectic mix of bar snacks, pastas, and stacked sandwiches, including a Reuben-esque tower of beef pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Freda’s house dressing, as well as a fried King Prawn roll with Thousand Island dressing, pickled cucumber and iceberg lettuce.
Both the menu and the entertainment is influenced by the late-night scenes in major international cities.
“Bar Freda’s draws inspiration from late night bars in Berlin and other great after-hours cities, and American dive bars that have maintained their character and warmth over many decades of servicing a city’s social needs,” said Abram.
The drinks list is unpretentious and fun. Freda’s classic Mega Mate, a vodka + Club Mate combo is on hand, as well as elevated slushies include the Frozen Espresso Martini (made with NODO Coffee Tequila and dairy-free whip), and a Pina Colada infused with Matcha.
Classic cocktails with a twist are also feature heavily including the Freda’s Martini (vodka, vermouth, pickle brine), and a Negroni featuring pineapple Campari and pomelo vermouth. For Margarita fans, there’s a choice of three: Tommy’s, the Spicy with mezcal, mandarin and habanero, and a Margarita using all locally sourced ingredients that includes Black Snake Agave, rosella, and smoked salt.
“We’ve cherry picked all the drinks we love, with a focus on fun and nothing too heavy. Three different Margaritas. Easy drinking wines from small Australian and European producers. A rotating specialty tap from our friends at Grifter. Slushies using high quality and specialty ingredients. Cerveza on tap, that you can make into a Michelada. Lots of great boutique non-alcoholic options including Club Mate. Something for everyone,” stated Uriarte.
Solomon praised the partnership between Solotel and the Freda’s duo.
“Working with Dave and Carla has been a great collaboration. Their passion for hospitality and creative vision is really inspiring, and together we’ve built something that feels both true to the Freda’s spirit, but ready for a new chapter.
“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been created. Bar Freda’s is vibrant, welcoming and full of personality and we can’t wait to get the doors open so soon!”
Bar Freda’s will open on 24 April, one day after Solotel re-opens Redfern pub, The Norfolk.