A phoney fifties’ coke machine hides a secret entrance to a space you’d never expect. The Soda Factory’s not exactly the newest kid on the Surry Hills small bar block, but its late-trading license (open until 5am on Friday and Saturday!) make it a place we’re hella keen on. The joint’s also got a live music license so have the tunage sorted. Expect a regular offering of live acts, international DJs and local vibe controllers to engineer your nights from chill in the early evening to some sweet, sweet d-floor action later on. Lest we forget to tell you about The Soda Factory’s Movie Mondays, Dollar Dog Tuesday and Mad Menu Thursdays – there’s plenty of reasons to check out the digs.
The team: Bar owner and Experience Entertainment Director, Graham Cordery is the head honcho behind The Soda Factory. He’s an accomplished DJ with more than 15 years of experience as a music producer and event manager. Business partner Michael Chase also brings a wealth of experience in live music acts not to mention his background in MGM Distribution.
Who’s pouring? That’s a certain Mr. Mitchell Warters who mastered the art of beverage invention at Richard Branson’s exclusive members-only Roof Gardens cocktail bar in London. Woah!
Flavours: The Soda Factory’s become known for a quality cheap eat. And we repeat: Dollar Dog Tuesdays. Yeah, that’s right – $1 = 1 x hotdog! Frankfurter fanatics, wiener worshipers snag lovers from all walks flock in mobs to mop a tasty feed. But if a snag ain’t your thang, pop into the Factory on a Thursday for the Mad Menu and experience a mid-century New York-inspired night. Grab some ‘Naked Balls’, the ‘Manhattan Meatball Sub’, or ‘Madmac and Cheese’. What better way to line the stomach ahead of a big weekend?
Care for a drink? Mixologist Mitchell Warters, who concentrates on promoting the old school atmosphere of the bar rather than the traditional concoctions cocktail lovers have become accustomed to. Think big, adventurous flavours like the Chocolate Passion Martini, which is a lush blend of Mozart dark chocolate liqueur, passion fruit, Tuaca liqueur and Ketel One vodka shaken and topped with a treat. The Factory team are also charity conscious, so for every cocktail bought 50 cents goes towards the bar’s charity of the month. Then of course there’s the staple ‘floats’. Flavour selections include raspberry, bourbon and coke and pina colada – all topped with a generous dollop of ice cream. Bring back the alcoholic spider we say!
Make us drool:
With a cool retro American theme, live music, addictive eats and cocktail list, The Soda Factory has fast become Sydney’s hippest hotspot for those in the know. With some serious music creds, the venue has become the hangout of choice for visiting musicians like Jason Mraz, Bloc Party and A-Trak, who have all been spied lounging in booths or busting out the moves with punters in the last few months.
And when the weekend rolls around, be prepared for a late one. Being one of the only venues in Surry Hills with a 5am license, expect to leave early… if you know what we mean.
The Soda Factory is located 16 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills. It’s open Mon-Fri 5pm-late and Saturday 7pm-late.
