Pull up a chair at Arms Length, the new Redfern bar and restaurant headed up by a team of young hospo talent.
Straddling the border between Redfern and Surry Hills, Arms Length finds its home in a bustling area of the inner city. Set on the corner of Bourke and Cleveland Street, this new Modern Australian restaurant and bar is an unexpected addition to the area, rubbing shoulders with dry cleaners and late-night Turkish takeout joints. But this new spot brings a breath of fresh air to this corner of Redfern.
It’s no mean feat opening a new venue during a global pandemic, and this ambitious crew has taken the challenges of the past few months in their stride. But hospo is nothing new to this team, with Arms Length headed up by Rebecca O’Shea (ex-Rockpool Dining Group) and the kitchen led by Head Chef Jeffry Sue (who trained under awarded chef and restauranteur Alessandro Pavoni of Ormeggio).
At Arms Length the team keeps things friendly and casual, with the knowledge to bring top-notch service at the same time. Expect a wine bar-style menu of share plates and a few substantial options. As far as signature dishes go, don’t miss the White Anchovy Crostini with white bean puree and fresh dill (the perfect snack at $6 a piece) and Sue’s signature chicken liver pate served with onion jam, and cornichons is smooth and silky on the pallet ($18).
Plus don’t miss their handed rolled gnocchi served with pork ragu and pangrattato ($26), and finish off your dining experience with a serve of Apple and Ginger pudding, with warm rum and Butterscotch sauce ($14).
As for drinks, Rhys Samuel Bailey has curated the drinks list to showcase local spirits and Australian wines. Sip your way through a Mezcal Old Fashioned ($20), made with BRIX Distillery Gold Rum or try a bottle of Unico Zelo’s Nero d’avola.
With plans to grow to 50 pax venue once restrictions lift, Arms Length is the perfect spot for an afternoon tipple while overlooking the crossroads of Bourke and Cleveland. And with their afternoon happy hour running from 4-6pm daily (featuring $6 schooners and $6 house wines), you know where to head.
Find Arms Length at 648 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, open weekdays from 12pm till late and weekends from 11am till late. Find out more here.
