The Sydney building will have three brand-new hospitality and entertainment venues installed by the end of the year. The planned venues are the latest venture from Rabble Group, the team behind Braddon pub Assembly and modern Australian restaurant Corella Bar.
The group has taken over the corner of the Sydney Building, previously home to Canberra institution The Pancake Parlour. Rabble Group is hoping their newly announced venues will become similarly beloved by locals.
“The building is steeped in history and potential,” Rabble Group founder Wes Heincke said in a press release.
“We wanted to do something meaningful to recapture the essence of this iconic area.”
The ground floor of the impressive corner space will play host to Bada Bing, a nostalgic Italian restaurant (perhaps a nod to The Sopranos). Progress shots show a pizza oven under construction and a large central bar. Details are still scarce, but we’re told that the split-level space will also feature a private dining room.
Accompanying the restaurant is Al’s Deli and Diner, which will serve up both ready-to-eat and made-to-order lunches. Sandwiches are definitely on the menu and we’re crossing our fingers for a proper Italian meatball sub, or maybe a New York deli-style Rueben.
But we’ll have to be patient for more details.
“While we’re keeping some elements under wraps to maintain an air of anticipation, we’ve had a lot of fun with each concept and we’re thrilled to share a glimpse of what’s in store,” Mr Heincke said.
Canberra’s music fans will be pleased to hear that the third venue, Fun Time Pony, will be the Sydney building’s newest gig spot. This late-night live music venue is tucked away in the basement and promises to bring a rock dance vibe to the city. The team hopes to lure some big-name bands into the subterranean space to encourage partygoers to “boogie until the lights come on”.
Fun Time Pony joins the growing number of live music venues in the area, with Blackbird Bar, Louie Louie, sideway and ONE22 all hosting gigs nearby.
The Sydney building has become a favourite foodie hotspot, with popular food hall Verity Lane revitalising the precinct and bringing crowds back to the previously under-utilised area. Verity Lane also announced plans to expand their food offerings and add a restaurant to their corner of the Sydney building earlier in 2023.
The ACT Government has been working to create a more welcoming environment in Canberra’s laneways and recently unveiled upgrades to Verity Lane and Odgers Lane, including decorative lighting and improved pedestrian access.
Rabble Group first teased the project on their social media in March and promises to have the venues open in November, just in time for end-of-year festivities.
The three new venues will be located in the Sydney Building on the corner of Alinga Street and East Row.
Follow Bada Bing, Al’s Deli & Diner, and Fun Time Pony on Instagram to keep up with all the opening details.