Hotel Hollywood

Surry Hills might be an awfully long way from the palm trees, smog and freeways of Hollywood, but there is a place where you can go to relive the glory days of show business.

And it's all thanks to Hotel Hollywood's former owner Doris Goddard. Back in the day, Goddard – who passed away in 2019 – was an actress and Vaudeville star, appearing in movies with the likes of Bob Hope and Katharine Hepburn. For three decades Goddard ran the Hotel Hollywood and concentrated all her efforts on creating a warm and inviting venue, minus the pretensions and gimmickry of many other Surry Hills watering holes.

Mementoes of Goddard’s career in showbiz are displayed proudly on the wall, but otherwise there isn’t too much fancy about the Hollywood. There are a few beers on tap, a healthy selection of bottled beer and a surprisingly good wine list. The decor's faded a little, but the dimly-lit front bar – with its swirling mirror ball and comfy booths – is an awfully pleasant place to get the lowdown from your friends or to discuss your latest project.

You may be a 14-hour plane ride from the glittering lights of Hollywood, but thank your lucky stars, because you've found one of Sydney's most original pubs.