Golden Age Cinema & Bar

Movie theater · Surry Hills

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Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null
Golden Age Cinema & Bar by null

Highlights

Nestled in a chic 1940s art deco building, this cozy cinema offers a stylish bar and a delightful mix of classic, cult, and new films for your ideal night out.

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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80 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia Get directions

$$

"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."

The Best Bars in Sydney
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Mar 16, 2022

View Postcard for Golden Age Cinema & Bar

"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

·

Apr 15, 2021

View Postcard for Golden Age Cinema & Bar

"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

·

Apr 15, 2021

View Postcard for Golden Age Cinema & Bar

"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

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Apr 15, 2021

View Postcard for Golden Age Cinema & Bar

B Z

Google
Such a cute place. The bar is buzzing with life and feels very stylish and sexy. The cinema is very cute and cozy, showing a range of cult films and new releases, we saw Blade, what a fun movie to be shown on a Saturday night. All the team that work there are very friendly and nice. Choc top was delicious, I only wish the popcorn didn’t leave oil all over my hand. Overall, a great place and I can’t wait to return soon.

Linda S Scott (Fasha)

Google
What an enticing event the Saint Laurent event. A theatre of yesteryear year with the accent of all that is all superbly today. Visit to see something spectacular you will not be disappointed. Niche and yes small but epic.

dave dingus

Google
lovely cute theater. nice drinks. i liked the popcorn, they had cinnamon which was greasy but good. the only downside is you can hear the noises outside the theater if it’s getting rambunctious out there.

Joanne Hong

Google
Lovely spot for a cozy date night. Quite easy to find a paid street parking spot on a Sunday afternoon as well.

Rattan Muttoo

Google
Great little underground bar opposite Longrain with really friend servers and a good wine / cocktail list. Would highly recommend to check out for a movie or just a drink. Only gripe is the lack of seating.. once there's 7-8 groups of 2-3 people there is no seating left in the venue but everything else is great

Justin S

Google
Been to Golden Age many times and visited last Saturday night. Great drinks as always but the most blase customer service I've seen in a long time. 4 staff behind the bar and no one in the whole venue except for 2 people at the bar, yet the staff barely bothered to say hello, no effort to make us feel welcome and when we left, not even an acknowledgement or wave. Hoping the manager sees this and reminds your staff that being hospitable and welcoming is always a requirement, even when the bar is quiet. I lead bar tours and I'm now reluctant to visit or recommend Golden Age to my guests. UPDATE: Thanks for the reply Golden Age - I do hope the team gets the message as it is a beautiful bar and location. I'll drop by for another visit at some point and look forward to being able to improve my review.

Joshua Cook

Google
Look, their movie choice is pretty decent plus it’s a nice place but like they’re a cashless venue and yet charge a card fee, super messed up.

Brett Spencer

Google
This place is so fabulous. We had a drink in the bar prior to the film. Such a great ambiance. Then we went to our seats and we're amazed at how cute the cinema is. We had a great time and will definitely be back. Next time will try the food.

Benjamin B.

Yelp
Are you ready to STEP BACK IN TIME to an age when men were dapper, women were genteel and cocktails were potent? Come then, friends, down to Golden Age Cinema. Attended their first birthday party last night and got to see some of the reasons this place rocks socks. Like the tiny, old-school cinema with all the original touches, like low-slung wooden chairs, green velvet walls, and the coup de grace, the unbelievable old film projectors that they found in the basement of the Paramount Building (when film reels had to be changed every 20mins during a movie). The main bar is low-lit and great date territory, the cocktails are inventive (maple pecan Old Fashioned, anyone?) and they do a small range of big-taste toasties. Oh and there's a secret mirrored performance stage hidden behind a remote-controlled curtain in the main bar.

Guida B.

Yelp
I came here with a friend after he recommended it for a catch-up venue. Golden Age Cinema & Bar is a really lovely little place to have an intimate night with a friend (or probably a date... great mood lighting!). The bar had a delicious-looking cocktail menu and a nice range of pre-cinema snacks to choose from. It's only a small venue but it's perfect for a couple of drinks and conversation before you head in to watch a film. The actual cinema is really cute. Older-style seating and a pretty small screen might put some people off... but I loved it. Overall Golden Age made me feel like Sydney is finally "growing up"... it's a venue less concerned with trying to look cool and more focused on being a quality, enjoyable option for anyone and everyone. I highly recommend it!

Patrick L.

Yelp
When they closed down the Encore Cinema, I never thought in Sydney we would see classic Hollywood and cult films shown on a cinema screen how they should only be shown. Or ever experience watching another live comedian voice over performance classic film like Hercules Returns ! The films, bar, food and staff 10/10

Astri P.

Yelp
Love the bar at the golden age cinema. It's very New York but pretty chilled as it doesn't seem like many people know about it. On Fridays they currently partner with Nighthawk diner and serves burgers that you can eat at the bar or in the movies! Pretty sweet deal. Nighthawk diner has amazing burgers. I was really surprised at how good their burger is, even compared to Mary's! The staff at the GAC are nice and enthusiastic about making the customers happy. Something that is unfortunately rare in Sydney's hospitality industry. Oh did I mention you can bring your drinks into the cinema?!

Edie C.

Yelp
I have just returned from a six week trip to Australia, Singapore and Japan and can enthusiastically report that the coolest, chicest and most memorable place visited on the trip was the Golden Age Cinema & Bar in Sydney. In this day and age, seldom does one come upon a place that is as elegant and as well thought out as this remarkable oasis of libations, conversation and movie viewing. Created in the lower level of the Paramount building in Surry Hills, it's as if you have fallen down the rabbit hole to discover a secret moment of quiet refinement and sophistication. All that and it's also great fun! Not to be missed.

Kat D.

Yelp
Even though whoever does the film programming at Golden Age has been killing. it. ever since they opened, it took the last Sunday night showing of Clouds of Sils Maria to get me along. It's a great space; the theatre itself is intimate with a surprisingly small screen (it reminded me a lot of the Avalon in Portland, Oregon) but (aside from the program) the real gem here is the bar which is all kinds of perfect for a chilly winter's night. Bring a date and thank me later.
Golden Age Cinema & Bar on Postcard