After much anticipation, Bar Freda’s officially opens today, marking the return of one of Sydney’s most beloved hospitality crews to the Chippendale neighbourhood. Occupying two levels of heritage terraces connected to The Abercrombie, the venue is the next chapter from Freda’s co-founders David Abram and Carla Uriarte – a warm and welcoming space that brings people together over food, drink and music.
To celebrate its launch, Bar Freda’s is serving up Happy Hour specials Tuesday to Saturday from 5–7pm. That includes $7 schooners, $12 frozen cocktails, $15 Tommy’s Margaritas and 10% off all bottled wine – a perfect excuse to drop in before the dance floor kicks off upstairs.
On the ground floor, vintage light fittings cast a soft glow over bar stools reupholstered from the original Freda’s and large bay windows let the neighbourhood in. Upstairs, a giant disco ball hints at what’s to come – a dedicated DJ room powered by Freda’s signature Danley Sound System, surrounded by cosy booths and a stainless-steel bar built for good times that roll late into the night.
The food offering brings together the best of Freda’s past and present. On the menu you’ll find an eclectic mix of bar snacks, nostalgic pastas, and stacked sandwiches. There’s Sydney Rock Oysters, housemade pickles, sliced meats and marinated vegetables made for sharing. The Lasagne Croquette with a side of hot sugo promises to be on high rotation.
Pasta lovers can expect throwbacks to Freda’s cult pasta nights, like Rigatoni with eggplant ragu and stracciatella, and Mafaldine with crab, tomato, chilli and pangrattato. Bookending the menu are rotating deli-style sandwiches.
As for the drinks, the list is intentionally unpretentious, fun and crafted with care. You’ll find Freda’s classic Mega Mate (vodka + Club Mate), Frozen Espresso Martinis made with NODO Coffee Tequila and dairy-free whip, and a Piña Colada with a splash of matcha. There are cocktails with personality – the Freda’s Martini with vodka, vermouth and pickle brine, and a Negroni with pineapple Campari and pomelo vermouth. Margarita fans can choose from three: a classic Tommy’s, a spicy mezcal version with mandarin and habanero, and a native Australian expression with Black Snake Agave, rosella and smoked salt. The wine list features small Australian and European producers, while non-drinkers can enjoy boutique sodas, Club Mate, and rotating zero-proof specials.
To mark the official opening, Bar Freda’s will host a three-day Festival of Freda’s from tonight, Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 April, taking over The Abercrombie’s Club, Rooftop and Bar spaces. It’s a vibrant showcase of everything that made Freda’s an institution in Sydney nightlife – eclectic music, wild energy and community at its core. See full Festival of Freda’s lineup here
All the Details
Opening Happy Hour Specials: We will have happy hours Tuesday to Saturday 5-7pm. On the menu will be $7 Select Schooners, $12 Frozen Cocktails, $15 Tommy’s, 10% Off Bottled Wine
Bar Freda’s Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 5pm-12am; Friday & Saturday 5pm-3am. Bookings now open! Book here
Address: Abercrombie Terraces, 100 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
Instagram: @bar_fredas
Website: www.abercrombie.sydney/bar-fredas
Festival line-up and event details click here for event details and to purchase tickets
Link to opening day images and link to pre-opening images
