When there’s a fun, kitschy new hotel in town, with Sydney’s restaurant game peaking, of course we’re there to explore it. A new hotel means a twist…
…..and the twist with Caption By Hyatt Central Sydney is its chic community hub for travellers. With its bold, stylish hotel rooms, an all-day restaurant-café-bar called Talk Shop, and community meeting rooms called The Gathering Place; it’s a sanctuary in which to unwind, or gather, before venturing out into the heart of Haymarket and the cityscape.
Part of the global Hyatt empire, this colourful, fun mid-range hotel had me at opening night. I was greeted by a funky soiree at the top of the stairs, revealing a converted dining room, Studio 54 style: disco balls dazzled, mood lighting dimmed, sliders, donuts and spiked ice tea flowed, while a saxophonist had the crowd dancing. The colourful interiors were decked out with wall art by local artist Chris Yee: whose illustrations celebrate the local heritage and street culture.
My first question to the General Manager Temara Exton? ‘Can this place be hired out for functions as such? I’m loving it already.’
‘It sure can’, she said.
Talk Shop is the hotel’s central meeting place; a restaurant with early morning coffees to laid back lunches and late night soirees. It’s great for solo diners, remote workers, friends, groups and locals.
Led by Head Chef Yammi Cheung who brings 11 years of culinary expertise worldwide with a menu boasting Western cuisine with an Asian twist, her food mantra is ‘Healthy Vs Indulgent’; you can pick your journey of wellness or indulgence.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a very indulgent burger: the first prawn Laksa burger, in Australia. Yes I said it, a prawn laksa burger. One bite and my mouth was buzzing with the intensity of the spicy flavours. By contrast the Hong Kong style egg waffles and matcha soft serve sundaes were a crispy, milky heaven.
With a strong sustainable ethos, Talk Shop’s design also incorporates upcycled furnishings, locally sourced produce, and zero-waste initiatives, which is refreshing. No water bottles please!
Peter Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing says: ‘Talk Shop is more than a dining venue. It’s a space that connects people through shared experiences, where the community and travellers alike can discover the unique flavour of Haymarket.’
A hop, skip and a jump from the light rail and a 5 minute walk from Central Station, it also feels like a hidden away speakeasy, with no noise pollution.
I found myself calling my friend to let her know there’s this ‘cool new place’ to have breakfast at while having zoom calls and catching up on emails, and another friend to say we must hire out the dining room for our friend’s birthday, saxophonist included.
For more information contact Caption By Hyatt Central Sydney: https://tinyurl.com/bdsctc82