Golden Age Cinema & Bar

"The Golden Age of Today Flickering candles, velvet theater curtains, hushed conversation, and classic cocktails dressed up with slices of dried lemon or lime—the Golden Age Cinema and Bar feels like a secret supper club of yesteryear. Yet, with a geometric light installation, fresh bar snacks and drinks, and a digital film projector, the experience is entirely modern. That's exactly what owners Barrie, Bob and Chris Barton—who also launched Rooftop Cinema in Melbourne—were after: creating a bar and movie experience that combines the best of today with the best of yesterday. The theater, housed underground in the 1940s Paramount Pictures building, features 60 seats made in the '40s and sourced from Switzerland . Shows are both classic and contemporary, with two screenings per night as well as special events such as the monthly Two Thousand Film Club, during which a notable local picks their favorite film and engages in a live Q&A. Before or after the program, enjoy movie-inspired cocktails, including a daily cameo that's crafted entirely around what's being shown—think whiskey for the music documentary Muscle Shoals set along the Tennessee River—with herb and parmesan popcorn, maple-bourbon pecans, or the sundae that Gelato Messina reinvents every month. Oh, and on Tuesdays, films are shown at "golden age prices," which means you could see a 1960s flick for $1 with the purchase of a drink. You're welcome."

"Travel back to a bygone era at the retro-chic Golden Age Cinema and Bar, a glamorous, intimate cinema with a handy watering hole attached. Set in the heritage-listed, Art Deco Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills, it was once the film company’s screening room, but has been lovingly restored. Launched in 2013, Golden Age screens classic, cult, and contemporary new-release movies, with a penchant for independent films, creative feature pairings, and documentaries." - Sophie Davies

"Travel back to a bygone era at the retro-chic Golden Age Cinema and Bar, a glamorous, intimate cinema with a handy watering hole attached. Set in the heritage-listed, Art Deco Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills, it was once the film company’s screening room, but has been lovingly restored. Launched in 2013, Golden Age screens classic, cult, and contemporary new-release movies, with a penchant for independent films, creative feature pairings, and documentaries." - Sophie Davies

"Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like? Travel back to a bygone era at the retro-chic Golden Age Cinema and Bar, a glamorous, intimate cinema with a handy watering hole attached. Set in the heritage-listed, Art Deco Paramount Pictures building in Surry Hills , it was once the film company’s screening room, but has been lovingly restored. What kinds of events can we see here? Launched in 2013, Golden Age screens classic, cult, and contemporary new-release movies, with a penchant for Australian and independent films, creative feature pairings, and documentaries. The program also includes film trivia nights, DJ sessions, and music gigs by up-and-coming singer-songwriters and bands. How are the seats? In keeping with the 1940-born building, the screening room is decked out in antique cinema chairs from Zürich hailing from the same era. The plush velvet-upholstered wooden seats are spacious and comfy, with plenty of legroom. Gorgeous mint-green walls and soft lighting add to the vintage mood, with all chairs offering a great view of the curtained mid-sized screen (seats are first-come, first-served, but there’s not a bad one in the house). Some of the original projectors are still in play, but this is a state-of-the-art experience. Good for kids? There’s an adult vibe at the Golden Age, given it hosts a bar. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Anything in particular that makes this place special, from the programming to a unique feature it has? The alluring adjoining bar, inspired by director David Lynch and designed from scratch to match the cinema, is open for drinks before, during, or after the film. You can also take food and drinks into the screening, with a kiosk serving craft beers, distinctive local wines, and snacks such as cocktail popcorn and choc tops from Gelato Messina. Even if you’re not seeing a movie, you’re welcome to visit the sophisticated, curvy bar, which features inviting tan banquettes, grainy wood and metal tables, wraparound curtains and atomic-style pendant lights. Enjoy tasty share plates or the famous Big Cheese Toastie. Cocktails take their cue from Hollywood—order a Team Zissou , The Keanu, or The MGM . If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for? Sydney offers some good cinemas, but this intimate affair is a one-off, and is especially edgy. Attracting a creative, youthful crowd, it suits lovers of design, style, and great drinks, as well as cinephiles. The building is also a magnet for foodies, with the Paramount Coffee Project café and Poly wine bar next door, and inspiring Paramount House Hotel hosting sleepovers." - Sophie Davies