Hotel Hollywood

Surry Hills might be an awfully long way from the palm trees, smog and freeways of Hollywood, but there is a place in the inner city suburb where you can go to spot minor celebrities out for a drink.

And it's all thanks to Hotel Hollywood's former owner Doris Goddard. Back in the day, Goddard – who passed away in 2019 – was an actress and Vaudeville star, appearing in movies with the likes of Bob Hope and Katharine Hepburn. For three decades Goddard ran the Hotel Hollywood and concentrated all her efforts on creating an inclusive venue.

The Parlour Group (Riley Street Garage, The Village Inn) snapped up the pub in a mystery bid in 2021, and they’ve changed barely a thing since. There are still toasties on the menu, a few no-nonsense beers on tap, and a surprisingly good wine list. And the dimly-lit front bar – with its swirling mirror ball, comfy booths and Hollywood memorabilia – remains an excellent place to chew your friend's ear off on a Saturday night.

You may be a 14-hour plane ride from the glittering lights of Hollywood, but thank your lucky stars, because you've found one of Sydney's best corner pubs.