Like a fading Hollywood star, this place feels nostalgic and roughed up. The 'Holly' is licensed to a real Hollywooder (Doris Goddard) and it attracts locals and indie types.
Hotel Hollywood ain't no spring chicken. In fact, not much has changed here since the 1930s. This is one of Sydney's original art deco-styled pubs. The dim lighting and pre-war building facade preserve it as an old-fashioned larrikin's boozer.
Sipping on a Manhattan, I read old news clippings pinned to the wall. The articles are about the Hollywood's owner, starlet Doris Goddard, who still regularly performs her own songs and poetry. There's a remnant of the hotel's old timber bar frame which is positioned in the main room. You get the picture, but if not, locals will tell you straight out that the 'Holly' is a Surry Hills icon.
During daylight hours, sounds of The Rat Pack sometimes stream from the stereo speakers in an old-school kinda way, but don't let this fool you. Friday and Saturday nights see the Hollywood packed wall-to-wall with young rockers dancing out to live bands and DJs. In fact, there's live music four nights a week.
Standard domestic beers are available on tap and food can be ordered from surrounding restaurants and eaten in-house. Cocktails go for around $12 a pop.
For a bit of old-school Sydney tinged with younger Sydney rock-out, venture to the Hollywood. It suits those who are sick of mod designer pubs with sterile renovations.
Darren Mara
