Escape the main streets - Explore hidden laneways of the CBD

Christine Chan ©

Ever since Sydney’s first small laneway bar (fittingly named Small Bar) opened in the CBD in December 2008, laneways have grown in popularity. maven christine takes us for a wee walk around the Sydney laneway scene. 

The City of Sydney is working with arts communities and local businesses to make laneways a lively place to hang out and enjoy the city life. Some of these laneways may have been hidden, forgotten or underutilised spots, but now they are helping us realise the vision of Sustainable Sydney 2030 with small laneway bars opening up and laneway art showcasing the talent of budding artists.

I recently discovered The Grasshopper, a small laneway bar at the end of Temperance Lane. It was great to find this place hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city, and I am eager to find out whether anyone else knows of any other hidden gems bursting with great energy. Whether they are small business entrepreneurs, artworks, hidden cafes or bars, please share so that city folk like me can escape the daily grind with an unexpected discovery.

If you’re up for something different, why not try the Art and About initiative in Sydney’s laneways, which features different artworks lightening up the walls of laneways. This is art outside of museums; street art that is a solace from the demands of city life. Presenting artists’ works in this way makes art more accessible to the public as you only need to wander through the city’s streets to find yourself face to face with a perplexing, amusing or meaningful piece; it surely inspired me, definitely gets conversations going and art appreciated.

It is exciting to discover how the City of Sydney has teamed up with everyone in the community to tap into the unused space of laneways. I can’t wait to hear of your experience of perhaps getting “lost” in the city during your lunch break, or amused by the limitless possibilities of what lies at the end of the laneway.

[Have any experiences of hidden laneway delights yourself? Share them below! - Ed]