Hotel Harry Reopens in Surry Hills
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The iconic century-old Sydney venue, Hotel Harry has reopened as Harry’s with a stylish new fit-out, elevated dining offering and a renewed focus on nightlife and hospitality in Surry Hills.
Hotel Harry is back (though you’ll now find it under the simpler name, Harry’s) and the Surry Hills mainstay is stepping into its next chapter with a fresh look and a sharper focus on food.
Sitting on the corner of Wentworth Avenue and Goulburn Street since 1912, the venue has long been part of Sydney’s social fabric, and it still has all its original charming features. In 2013, The Point Group took the helm, steering the beloved venue through years of live music, chef pop-ups, and late-night parties and building a reputation as a go-to for both locals and industry insiders. This latest overhaul will further enhance that reputation.
A fresh new look
The renovation, led by interior stylist Anna Hewett, leans into the building’s heritage while giving it a warmer, more polished feel. Original features remain, but they’re now paired with softer textures and updated finishes that make the space feel more inviting without losing its character. It’s a subtle shift, but an effective one.
The layout has also been rethought to offer a bit more variety depending on how you want to spend your time there. Upstairs, there’s a bistro with an open kitchen that’s geared toward a more sit-down dining experience. Downstairs, things stay relaxed, with a public bar and lounge areas that work just as well for a casual drink as they do for a long, lazy lunch. There’s also outdoor seating wrapping around the building, which keeps it connected to the buzz of the neighbourhood.
A new menu
A big part of the relaunch is the food, which has taken on a much more central role. Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Executive Chef Danny Corbett are behind the new menu, and they’ve built it around a kitchen fitted with some serious equipment: a French rotisserie, a wood-fired Parrilla grill, and a pizza oven imported from Italy.
That setup translates into a menu that’s all about fire and flavour. The rotisserie, in particular, is a standout, especially in a banquet-style offering that includes organic chicken or Bangalow pork with all the extras—think roast potatoes, fried Brussels sprouts, and a rich, savoury jus. From the grill, you’ll find dishes like flame-cooked king prawns and a hefty bistecca Fiorentina designed for sharing.
Pizza is another key player here, with options that range from classic to more indulgent. One combines mozzarella, potato, guanciale, and rosemary for a rich, comforting bite, while another leans into bold flavours with sausage, ’nduja, pancetta, and vodka sauce.
Refreshed drinks
Behind the bar, the drinks list keeps things approachable but interesting. There’s a mix of well-made classics and house signatures, including the 1968 Harpoon Cocktail, which brings together gin, citrus, and a touch of bitterness. Upstairs, you’ll find a few more playful options, along with a solid happy hour offering that keeps things accessible.
Music, of course, hasn’t gone anywhere. Harry’s has always had strong ties to Sydney’s nightlife scene, and that continues with the addition of the Harpoon Lounge (harkening back to the venue’s previous identity as Harpoon Harry’s). The lounge is a dedicated space for DJs and live sets, kitted out with quality gear, including Technics turntables and restored vintage speakers, making it clear that good sounds are still a priority.
All up, Harry’s feels like a thoughtful update rather than a complete reinvention. It keeps the spirit of the original venue intact while adding a bit more polish, a stronger food offering, and a renewed sense of purpose. For a place that’s been around for more than a century, it’s a confident step forward without forgetting where it came from.
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