SAFE BETS: Elliott Armour's Safe Bets for a Swell Time in Sydney

Whether you’ve been in Sydney for a day or a decade, we all have those moments where we’re not feeling inspired to get amongst it, and we just need a guaranteed good time. Safe Bets is our new semi-regular series where folks who know share the spots that always hit right.

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I’m Elliott, longtime supporter of Sydney’s music and art culture. I’ve booked entertainment for venues, run club nights, managed artists, organised art experiences, and brought to life Swell Time [a one-day live music festival happening this Saturday at The Bridge Hotel! – more details below!]. I truly believe we have some of the most amazing talent coming out of our beautiful coastal city and it all deserves to be celebrated as often as possible.

Sydney is a surprisingly big place that can often feel surprisingly small once you're amongst it. Constantly only one degree of separation from the people around you, it feels like there’s always a link between you and everyone else. Our city has had its nightlife hammered in recent years, so finding a space that’ll almost guarantee you get your cup filled can be excruciatingly tough. However, as a lifelong resident, I’ve got a few favourite spots that seem to always deliver when I need them most.

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For Music

When it comes to dancing or enjoying music, there’s a few spots that have almost never let me down. Jazz at the Crix (Cricketers Arms Hotel, Surry Hills) on a Wednesday is always fun, usually filled with absolute characters, and has some of the most talented jazz musicians I’ve ever seen. From 7 until around 10 they serenade your ears as you flirt with strangers from across the bar. It’s heavenly. 

The Hollywood Hotel (Surry Hills) on any given Friday can be the perfect dance floor destination. With an unpretentious energy that’s pub-meets-club and an utter mixed bag of patrons that range from washed-up actors to art students’ first nights out. You never know what you’re going to get musically, but that’s honestly half the fun. 

The Botany View Hotel (Newtown) is another dark horse, nestled down South King St. This iconic pub plays a key role in supporting Sydney’s live music culture. They have a great approach to music curation and I’ve personally discovered at least ten new acts there that I’ve become a super-fan of, including Moody Beach and Johnny Hunter.

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For a Drink

If your ears are precious to you and loud places no longer feel that great, then my personal favourite spots for a casual drink – and potentially more – are Low 302 on Crown St (Surry Hills), The Old Fitz (Woolloomooloo), and Cut Lunch Deli (Clovelly). Low 302 is a real cute zone that is either perfect for a date spot or, if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble across a niche cabaret show.

The Old Fitz is arguably the most gorgeous spot to catch a sunset beer and much like Low 302, they have an attached theatre that supports amazing indie theatre performances. Cut Lunch have just recently opened up their cafe after hours for vino. As a local it is heaven-sent, given the local area lacked a sexy spot for a drink and to meet other sexy locals.

For a Sydney Experience

As a more Sydney-exclusive safe bet, grab your snorkel and pop on the ferry over to Manly. Walk round to the Fairy Bower and head out for an underwater symphony. With a good set of goggles you’ll be treated to an incredible variety of fish, cuttlefish, octopus, stingrays, and way more.

Afterwards fork out for an overpriced coffee and sit on the rocks watching the world go by. It’s utter bliss and one of the most perfect ways to spend a sunny day in our made-up fairytale home.

Those are my safe bets. What are yours?

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For a Swell Time this Saturday

Elliott is the curatorial brains behind this Saturday's Swell Time, a one-day music festival in Sydney's inner west known for championing local live acts alongside DJs, food and art. This year’s festival features a heavy dose of rock, with local legends like Body Type, Sweetie, O.M.R., The Slims, The Good Kids and Paste on the lineup alongside Melbourne stalwarts Dr Sure's Unusual Practice. 

Previously held at Petersham’s House of Music & Booze (now Darling Nikki’s), this Saturday Swell Time will debut at Rozelle’s The Bridge Hotel, a pub increasingly known for their raves that stretch from late at night until midday or even 4pm the next day, with oranges iconically served for breakfast.