Nick Mahlook Credit: Scott Ehler
Culinary director of Public Hospitality Group, chef Nick Mahlook
#feelnewsydney
As culinary director of Public Hospitality Group, chef Nick Mahlook oversees the restaurant and bar menus at Oxford House, a lifestyle hotel with a Palm Springs aesthetic in the inner Sydney neighbourhood of Paddington. He’s also responsible for setting the direction for the food offerings at Public’s other hotels around Sydney, including the nearby Strand Hotel in Darlinghurst and the busy Redfern pub The Norfolk. Here Nick shares his tips for an indulgent night out on Oxford Street, which runs through the centre of Paddington and Darlinghurst, and its maze of side streets.
Enjoy the best of both worlds
When Oxford House opened its doors in September 2022, it brought a Palm Springs aesthetic and new energy to the inner-city suburb of Paddington. The breezy boutique hotel straddles the border of the Paddington and Darlinghurst sections of Oxford Street, which is home to some of the most vibrant boutiques and funky bars in the city.
It’s also one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly precincts in Sydney: each February the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade makes its way along the Darlinghurst end of Oxford Street from Hyde Park in the city centre, passing iconic gay clubs such as Stonewall Hotel Sydney and Universal along the way. This end of Oxford Street is also home to the edgy music venue Oxford Art Factory and renowned bars like Shady Pines Saloon, Bitter Phew and Cliff Dive, which claim to be Sydney’s wildest watering holes
Equally LGBTQIA+-friendly, Paddington is also an epicentre of Australian fashion, with many of the most prominent local designers setting up shop around The Intersection, a precinct of upscale boutiques clustered around the intersection of Oxford Street and Glenmore Road. Further along Oxford Street, you’ll find homewares stores, hairdressers and reimagined Australian pubs like Paddo Inn and The Light Brigade alongside more fashion boutiques.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2019, Sydney Credit: Jeffrey Feng
Celebrating the colourful collision of creativity and culture across our communities, the world renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade unites hundreds of thousands of revellers for the biggest night on the LGBTQI+ calendar.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2019, Sydney Credit: Jeffrey Feng
Celebrating the colourful collision of creativity and culture across our communities, the world renowned Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade unites hundreds of thousands of revellers for the biggest night on the LGBTQI+ calendar.
Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
Discover a new favourite bar
Head down some of the many side streets leading away from Oxford Street in Paddington and you’ll find more restored neighbourhood pubs, but for a secret watering hole hidden in plain sight, walk into the lobby of Oxford House and make your way to the hip Pool Bar in the hotel’s central courtyard. “We definitely have people coming in when they’re just walking along Oxford Street,” says Oxford House’s Nick Mahlook, who devised the menu for the pool bar. “But most people don’t know we have a pool deck; they don’t know that anyone off the street can go and eat and drink there. And even though it’s a big open space, no-one knows it’s there.”
“It’s a great spot for cocktails and people-watching,” says Nick, who recommends the Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin fizz on tap: “It’s delicious — and we do a great grapefruit negroni [with Pampelle grapefruit aperitif as well as gin, Campari and Antica Formula vermouth]. And a spritz is always a good idea at this time of the year.”
Once you’ve settled in for a drink at the pool bar, you may not want to leave, it seems. “The bar’s open until 9 o’clock,” says Nick, “and then guests will all migrate to the restaurant out the front for dinner.” Oxford House’s food offering is expanding through a joint venture with the team behind the award-winning The Rocks cocktail bar Maybe Sammy. Taking over the Art Deco corner pub The Rose Hotel right next to Oxford House, El Primo Sanchez will serve up creative Latin American-inspired cocktails and Mexican dishes with a twist.
Oxford House, Paddington Credit: Anson Smart
Taking its cues from the understated and stylish aesthetic of Palm Springs, Oxford House - Paddington’s first lifestyle hotel- recently opened its doors on the iconic inner-city strip of Oxford Street. Featuring all day street level dining, a first level poolside bar, OH! as the hotel is affectionately known, provides an urban oasis just a short stroll from the bustling street and nightlife.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Oxford House, Paddington Credit: Anson Smart
Taking its cues from the understated and stylish aesthetic of Palm Springs, Oxford House - Paddington’s first lifestyle hotel- recently opened its doors on the iconic inner-city strip of Oxford Street. Featuring all day street level dining, a first level poolside bar, OH! as the hotel is affectionately known, provides an urban oasis just a short stroll from the bustling street and nightlife.
Oxford House, Paddington Credit: Anson Smart
Taking its cues from the understated and stylish aesthetic of Palm Springs, Oxford House - Paddington’s first lifestyle hotel- recently opened its doors on the iconic inner-city strip of Oxford Street. Featuring all day street level dining, a first level poolside bar, OH! as the hotel is affectionately known, provides an urban oasis just a short stroll from the bustling street and nightlife.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Oxford House, Paddington Credit: Anson Smart
Taking its cues from the understated and stylish aesthetic of Palm Springs, Oxford House - Paddington’s first lifestyle hotel- recently opened its doors on the iconic inner-city strip of Oxford Street. Featuring all day street level dining, a first level poolside bar, OH! as the hotel is affectionately known, provides an urban oasis just a short stroll from the bustling street and nightlife.
Venture into the side streets
If you want to venture elsewhere for dinner, Nick recommends 10 William St, a wine bar and restaurant on William Street in Paddington. “10 William is always a favourite of mine for getting a bite to eat — they have great little sharing entrees, beautiful fish, simply grilled meats, that classic Italian good stuff.”
Nick also suggests heading down to the side streets on the Darlinghurst end of Oxford Street. He’s a fan of the neighbourhood trattoria Pellegrino 2000 — “it’s kicking a lot of goals” — but his pick is Poly, a natural wine bar in the Paramount House Hotel. “Poly is one of my favourite places that I’ve eaten at this year; it’s a great spot. It’s the sister restaurant of [Chippendale restaurant] Ester, it’s got an open hearth and everything’s cooked over coals. They do really simple but interesting food with great produce.”
When the Oxford House restaurant closes for the evening, Nick and his crew are spoilt for choice for a place to go to wind down, although, he suggests tongue firmly in cheek: “Chefs don’t drink.”
“We’ve got a sister hotel, The Strand [on William Street, Darlinghurst], it’s open until 3am on the weekends,” Nick says, “so we either go there, or if The Unicorn [steps away from Oxford House on Oxford Street] is open, we go across the road. The Unicorn does some awesome meals — it’s a great pub: drinks, vibe, food, it’s got a great offer. And Big Poppa's [a hip-hop themed Italian restaurant on Oxford Street, Darlinghurst] is open until 3am — I like the food there.”
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
#feelnewsydney
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
#feelnewsydney
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.