eatsleeptravelrepeat

So here we are, back in Sydney again! Although I have covered a lot of the big attractions in Sydney I found some more beauties whilst we were back.

Black Velvet Cupcake Shop

I think I have mentioned numerous times now that I have a sweet tooth. Well, we were recommended this place and it was round the corner from where we stayed and I am sooo glad we checked it out. We ordered a Golden Gaytime and Salted Caramel cupcake- they were amazing. I cannot describe how good they were, the cake itself was really light and the icing was sweet and creamy. They were exactly the right size to get your sugar fix without feeling sick. 

The interior of the shop is right up my street aswell- monochrome. Plus the guy behind the counter was so nice, he recommended flavours for us to try but without being pushy. I will definitely be returning back here when I get back in May!

Pacha at the Ivy 

Through a friend we managed to get free tickets to a Timmy Trumpet performance at the Ivy. Drinks were the same price as a Thursday which I was quite surprised at. It was a really good night but like I said about the Ivy it gets busy very quickly! Plus, it's queues galore. I will always like the venue though, it has a swimming pool for crying out loud! 

O'Malleys

This Irish haunt was right around the corner from Asylum so we would often just find ourselves there. We were in there for Paddys day aswell which was a right laugh. However, drinks are not that cheap here especially in comparison to the CBD where often happy hours and deals save their otherwise expensive drinks menu. It's good for a laugh especially if you cannot be bothered to walk or bus it in to town.

Goldfish

We ended up coming here on a Friday night after a spontaneous decision to go out. We knew someone that was working the door which worked to even better for us because we got some drinks vouchers. Unlike most places on a Friday night in Sydney this place is free to get in to. The music is quite good although the crowd can be eclectic. Just be warned, the drinks vouchers you get you are given cheaper vodka than normal whereas drinks you pay for use Smirnoff. We ended up having a really good night here and we didn't spend that much money- RESULT!

Strawberry Hills Hotel

People from work actually introduced me to this place. It serves cheap quality food and drink isn't ops bad price either. It's in Surry Hills, so around the corner from Centrsl station for those of you staying in WakeUp or YHA. I had a really good steak, peppercorn sauce, salad and chips for $12. Also, steak in restaurants is normally always less expensive than chicken. 

Kings Cross Hotel 

We wanted a mid afternoon drink as you do and thought that this place might be the place. Even in happy hour, the selection was not great but we managed to enjoy a nice chilled glass of wine in there. To be fair, we have been living of goon so it was nice to feel slightly classy for once. They did do food which looked good however we had just eaten but from other people I have heard that it is worth checking out.

World Bar

This is another Kings Cross haunt worth checking out. If you arrive before 11 it's free to get in and after its $10. You can also get your stamp and come back if you wanted to drink more before you came out.  Inside, it is nothing special but if you fancy a dance and to chill it's not bad at all especially if you are staying in Kings Cross.

Home Bar 

I had been recommended Home Bar on a Saturday night by many people and managed to get free tickets so thought it would be rude not to. You can also get $5 tickets from many hostels including a bus pass. It's got about 5 rooms maybe more, all with different types of music. It is a really good night, just be ready to get your sweat on! 

Bourbon Hotel

We decided to treat ourselves on our last night to a nice meal. However, we were not able to really far because we had not packed...so anyway we found the place which was a secret treasure. It is worth noting that you need to order at the bar for everything, we were not told this so waited around for a while. I had the Cuban surf and turf burger which was pulled pork with prawns, bbq sauce, chips and slaw. It was heavenly although I could not finish it *ASHAMED* This was all washed down with some Huckleberry Sling. I would recommend giving this place a go.

General

A few tips for anyone who is travelling to Sydney or planning to live there etc:

1. When shopping for toiletries go to Priceline Pharmacy. It's a pink shop and you are never that far away from one. I have been in the one on George street and the one near kings cross. Both are good although the George street one has more selection. Toiletries are expensive in Australia but this place is not bad especially for high street make-up brands. If you are planning on staying, they do have a card that works like a boots card which is worth taking a look at. 

2. Download the Trip View app. It allows you to put in journeys from stations in the city. However, unlike other apps allows you to plan indirect trips e.g Kings Cross> International Airport. It tells you the time, duration, which platform you leave and arrive on. I could not recommend this more, especially if you are new to the city. Save yourself some time and effort and let the app do it for you. The best things out it, it's free!

I wish I had been to:

-The Blue Mountains

-Palm Beach

-Hunters Valley 

Well it's a good job I am coming back for round three in May! 

Love Imogen xoxo