New bar opens in Surry Hills

By Sacha Delfosse

Black Penny is the latest Sydney small bar to call Surry Hills home, occupying the corner of Bourke and Cleveland Streets and offering a cool and cosy place to drink and eat.

Although small, the venue has various dimensions and uses, from DJs spinning tunes in the front of the bar amongst lounges and communal tables to a mini-gallery space for art and fashion displays.

The owners – Damian Dlugolecki, Mike McGarth and Phil Beck – have embraced a 'locals-first' philosophy that is evident in the bar's beers, wines and food, which are all sourced locally.

The venue is decorated with an eclectic mix of cinema and music posters and street-art inspired murals, with the focus on good service, drinks and food.

Head Chef Paul Bryan, the former executive chef at Longitude 131 at Ayers Rock Resort in the Northern Territory, has come up with a food menu featuring Beef Roll Ups, Surry Fried Chicken and a twist on the traditional Fish and Chips where the fish is served inside the chips.

Managing the bar side of things is Elizabeth Major, who has put together a drinks list that is divided into two sections, The 7 Deadly Sins featuring some signature cocktails, and The Lucky 7 featuring interpretations of old classics.