"The Stables, Surry Hills by For the People. For when you're walking down Bourke Street and realise you're hungry, poorly dressed and in need of a coffee - all at the same time. The Stables is a small complex that combines a cafe/restaurant down back, with a designer fashion store up front. The coffee is great, the pastries from Luxe Bakery are lifechanging, and the sandwiches & salads for lunch sell fast. The whole concept is great fun, even if the clothes are a little more expensive than your cappuccino."
This is the sixth or seventh time I've visited and although it started off well, it has dramatically gone downhill. Less selection and poorer quality of food. Smaller drink menu and NO cocktails unless you order off the menu! I tried to order just a standard gin or vodka martini to be told "We're not allowed to make martinis anymore. Unless it's the Espresso Martini - on the menu." Both bar and food service was really slow and many of the team members seemed lost or unsure of what they should be doing. If you asked me last year for a recommendation, I absolutely would have given one without hesitation. Now, especially considering the mark up in prices from downstairs ($5 extra on the same bottle of champagne), it's not worth it. So disappointing. Won't be falling over myself to make it up here again.
Aslan DM
Google
Great selection of brands - Kloke, Norse Projects, etc. Friendly staff too.