Avoid Press, Palmer & Co., and The Establishment unless you enjoy being treated like an inconvenience!!!!! I was with a group of four, dressed appropriately, dead sober, and simply trying to enjoy a night out. We couldn't find Palmer & Co., so we asked staff/people at Press for directions. They told us exactly where to go...cool, appreciated. We walk over to Palmer & Co., only to be told we "can't come in" with zero explanation. No dress code issue mentioned, no capacity issue mentioned, no behavior issued just a vague, dismissive rejection like we were supposed to read their minds. So we try The Establishment next. Same exact thing. Same attitude. Same refusal. Again, no reason given. At that point it's clear this isn't about rules. it's about arbitrary gatekeeping and staff who either don't know their own policies or don't care enough to explain them. If there is a reason people can't enter, maybe communicate it instead of making guests feel unwelcome and confused. Plenty of bars manage to be exclusive without being rude or vague. These three just come off as disorganized, pretentious, and. There are way better places nearby that actually want your business. So avoid Press, Palmer & Co., and The Establishment unless you enjoy being treated like an inconvenience. read more

The very best sushi on earth !! Love love ... melts in your mouth .. super fresh fish ..

Sadly the nachos let them down. Took pic after I started after hoping to see some pork. Lucky to have 150 grams, no sour crème, no guacamole whilst not advertised it resulted in dry corn chips a bit of spice and no more. You've lost me establishment! Never again. Worst nachos ever! read more

Establishment - What's advertised - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Whoever was the DJ on August 17, 2023, has worse judgement in music than he does skincare. One middle aged white woman song after another. I even held up a sign that said "i'm bored" and he doubled down and play mamba no5. the crowd was still and silent, one girl cried, a boy threw up because the music was so bad. Australia is a white stale piece of bread and that is thanks to the establishment. read more

Me and my bf tried to go to Latin Salsa night on the 28/06. We were holding hands before getting in. The bouncer didn't let us in because of my 'ripped jeans' even though I saw other people getting in on more casual attire than me. I tried to ask and he said 'You are too casual' and I asked 'it's Latino night? Or a fancy restaurant?'. He replied 'yes but we still need to take care of who gets in'. It took me a while to realize the homophobia. Don't want to try there again. Worse experience ever. read more

I have known this place right from the time it first opened its doors years ago and have ended up here on numerous occasions throughout the years. It used to be the place to be seen in the early days and, I think it lost a bit of glitz and, ended up being a place for people looking to pick up other people :-) It's a huge bar with a ton of seats around the whole bar and other spaces. There is a courtyard at the back and it has a nice ambience with high ceilings and so on. Not sure if it gets packed out like it used to but it was quite on a Monday night. The bar staff are friendly and quick to serve you and the drink choices are extensive. They have salsa nights here during the week and other such things to get patrons through the door. If you are in the city centre you might end up here or at one of the other trendy places nearby. I don't mind this place and have often been dragged in here with friends or colleagues after work for a drink or two. read more

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We are travelers who just arrived and was looking for a drink before we ended our first night in Sydney (it was a Monday too). The gentleman at the front door made small talk about the Super Bowl football game and then accused us of being drunk when we had only drank water! We lost all respect for him at that point. We were dressed casually since we are not from here and just arrived so if he had just been honest and said sorry you don't meet our dress code then we would have known. But to make small talk and then accuse us of being intoxicated was completely unnecessary and rude! read more

This trendy establishment (no pun intended) on George Street (as you head towards the quay) is so popular that you need to (literally, I am not joking here) use the law of attraction to grab a great spot inside come after work drinks or on a Saturday night. The ambience would have you mistaken for thinking that you (no ego here) are hanging out at the Qantas domestic business class lounge at Sydney and Melbourne airports in some cases. It is simple, chic and oh so elegant. Merivale have done it again. Their cocktails also pack some punch. You have to be in the mood to be really social here; otherwise you might end up buying some McDonald's two shops down towards the quay; walk back towards the quay - and before you know it you will be on a bus or a train home in no time. The noise factor is wow its noisy; and the garden at the back (although it can look artificial at times) is a good reprieve from the noise, although you cannot escape it for too long. A sense of gratitude and thanks comes through as you feel sorry for those fellow human beings waiting (even as far as the nearby Commonwealth Bank) to come inside. A great locale for those work functions, and to watch the Melbourne cup there as well. One of Sydney's best bars. read more

Establishment - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Elegant, tall, smart: all nouns to describe both the building and the people who frequent this George Street bar. Walking through the door, I instantly felt outsized and outnumbered. I was definitely the only person wearing jeans and the only person not with some smart office job. Still, it was a very cool place to come for a drink - crazy chandeliers that looked like dandelions hung the length of the room, and a combination of sofas, chairs and stools propped up the city slickers with their insatiable thirsts. I made a beeline for the Gin garden out the back, where the atmosphere was more relaxed. Cleverly, the garden had been given a large glass roof, to keep the heat in and the poo of errant pigeons out. Clever lighting made the garden atmospheric, but still light, with yet more dazzling chandeliers. The drinks menu was mind boggling - as well as about 15 Gin based cocktails, there was a selection of at least 30 types of Gin, and a choice of three house-made tonic waters. Wine also featured prominently. The barman was friendly and helpful, recommending different Gins that I should try and suggesting tonics to accompany them. Having bought two G&Ts for $21, I needed to sit down. Luckily there was plenty of space, and the seating was comfortable and well arranged. We ordered a plate of Turkish and dips to soak up the alcohol, and a generous portion arrived of deliciously charcoaled bread and some fabulous dips. After my initial worries, I did enjoy my drink here. It is a well-designed and funky place to come, but it certainly helps to be dressed smart and with a group of good looking and powerful people (it always does). Be prepared to spend quite a lot of money. read more

Establishment - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

I have been coming to Establishment when I visit Sydney for 5 years. Establishment is one of my favorite bars in the world. I recommend it to people when I know they are visiting Sydney. I still LOVE Establishment, but as I sit here tonight for my second visit this trip, I wonder what has happened to my Establishment? The level of service and attention to detail use to be World-class, literally. Unfortunately, I am finding service below Establishment's high standards and practice. While there is a 7 bartender staff, it took five minutes to get eating utensils for my food. It took me ten minutes to get my second drink. Bartenders seem to not there head up and periodically communicating with each other. I had to work to get my order in. I write this review hoping this is simply an anomaly. I will come back again, looking forward to the incredible hospitality experience I normally experience. I LOVE y'all! Please comeback! read more

Really cool open space bar to step into for a cocktail. We were waiting for a restaurant nearby and walked in here and really enjoyed it. The back bar makes excellent cocktails. read more

I am going to liken last night's experience with that of a medieval gauntlet but with far far more penis (can you say penis on Yelp?! Guess we'll find out.) Have you ever attempted to walk from one end of the Establishment to the other during Friday happy hour in a red dress? Well, holy shit. It is literally like speed-dating a thousand men. As you pass - each suit you walk by has two seconds to impress you. I found 'ohhhh hhheeeyyy' really quite effective, also, 'hoooollly shit' was pretty ambitious, 'god daaamnnn' was slightly sacrilegious but the most directl/succinct, 'marry me' was a real stand out. Women, if you are single and want to know what it feels like to be on the Bachelorette - go here. And for the love of god wear something bright - otherwise you will get lost in the sea of navy and pinstripes. I honestly haven't laughed so hard in a long time - I am 99.8% sure that most of the men here studied 'how to flirt' or watched the pick-up artist because their lines were text book perfection. 14 girlfriends from work hit the Establishment and I can assure you we left our mark. Ladies, have a laugh it was great fun and I am pretty sure most of the men actually had good intensions. Oh, and $5 sparkling during happy hour - winning. Where else can you clap out a grown couple who just pashed furiously on the dance floor as they exit to enjoy each other for a night (5 min max) of ecstasy at 9pm? Let's not all forget to have fun and have a laugh - pretention is this place's charm. So go, have a right laugh and have a boogie to the mad MJ tunes the DJ is kicking out over the dance floor. And maybe just maybe take home a suit. They don't call this place the drycleaners for nothing. read more

Wow. If the people here were dollar bills they'd be hundos. This place says money. But really, it says Kate should totes go shopping for a new dress! This is the spot for after work drinks. It's like walking onto the set of a Real Housewives show; Suits, expensive cocktails, lots of flashy accessories, and heaps of people out on the pull. Stay long enough and it becomes a real shit-show! read more

The Establishment is worthy of LA pretentiousness status. This place is massive and is amazing place to see. It's a large grand hall with white marble counter tops and white stone columns. The people here are all working professionals in suits. I went here with some friends and wasn't in the suits and you can definitely tell the eyes were judging. It was packed to the core after work and its definitely a place for those who love to brag. Think of New York city bankers with an Aussie accent. I did remember the ladies were a lot more attractive here than other bars I've visited in Sydney. read more

When lunching in the city with colleagues, Establishment is always a popular choice. Located centrally in George Street near Wynyard Station be sure to book a table or get there before 12pm esp. later in the week. A good menu with an excellent Thai section - dishes that range from approx. $16 - $22. Popular with city business workers. This is the perfect inner-city restaurant due to the speed of their food service and consistent quality of their food. Great for a long lunch or a quick bite to eat between meetings. read more

Establishment - Chicken Pad Kling - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Tuesday night salsa classes are great! I've gone to a few venues in Sydney, but the crowd showing up tends to be very sociable and represents a variety from all walks in life. It's a lot of fun. However, the men at the door could use a bit more training. I had the misfortune of having a slight misstep upon entering on this rainy, slick evening. The guard was in his rights to ask how many drinks I had - which for me, was none. He refused to believe me and proceeded to argue with me for a good minute. A breathalyzer test would have cleared this embarrassing misunderstanding up in a heartbeat! There are far more discrete ways to handle these situations. General fatigue, poorly-fit shoes, general clumsiness, and the slippery sidewalk are all valid reasons that can occasionally trip anyone up. Additionally, I don't feel like I should have to disclose personal medical information in public. Several medications and conditions affect balance and posture, nor do I feel like anyone should need or feel pressured to disclose their personal health history unless it's to a trained medical or law enforcement professional. Guess what helps improve balance and coordination, ladies and gents?: Learning to dance! There are few more things frustrating in life than having your honesty and integrity openly questioned. Nonetheless, going here allows me to practice two things: my salsa and to pass a highly-inaccurate Sobriety Turing test. If it weren't for the salsa classes, I'd be quite happy to take my business elsewhere. 4 stars for the venue. 1-1.5 stars deducted for the hypervigilant staff at the door. read more

Yes, it's pretentious. Yes, you'll probably feel underdressed in the sea of bankers that crowd the bar after work. But it's honestly a great venue for lunch as well as for after work drinks-- apparently on the weekend it turns into a bit of a destination for newly turned 18 year olds to get their drink on, but Monday through Friday it's a completely different vibe. The Gin Garden out back is the perfect spot for a boozy lunch. You feel like you're in some sort of swanky outdoor patio instead of smack dab in the middle of the city, and I've found the food (what I can remember due to the booze....) to be quite tasty and reasonably priced. If it's a nice Friday expect there to be high demand for a table so come early and stay late (or just keep going to happy hour). And some advice for those after work drinks: brush your hair and reapply your make-up as some of Sydney's hottest and most eligible (I'm assuming, maybe they're all taken) bachelors like to unwind here. read more

I was recently appointed as a Lead Wingperson - APAC, by a girlfriend. Being out of the game for nearly a decade but determined to impress her with my diligent and tenacious nature, I researched suitable locations prior to our first meeting. Establishment stood out as a pick up joint, slash meat market, slash dry cleaners according to yelp and other sources. We arrived at 6pm on a Friday and the place was absolutely packed with dubiously fancy dressed people. Between the backless dresses, deep plunging necklines and colourful suits (there was a maroon velvet suit), I would take a wild guess that people changed before meeting there. And the way everyone eyed off each other...I felt like I accidentally walked into the Hunger Games dome. It. Was. Fierce. Thank goodness my friend dressed quite nicely as well, which was bad for me because my knee length work dress made me looked like a mum compared to everyone around us, but good for her because at least we didn't look like 2 mums. For our purpose of the evening, Establishment paid off. A couple of suitors approached and conversed with her. However it would not be my establishment of choice for a cheeky drink after work, they use plastic wine glassess for goodness sake. read more

Pretentious? Yes. Expensive? Yes. Sceney? Yes. Would I go back? Yes. The Establishment, or The 'Stab, is an institution upon itself. It's pretentious, sure, but a great place to grab a drink after work. Especially when your work is covering the tab. I've enjoyed my self the times we do work event here but probably would not come on weekends. It's a similiar scene to the Ivy and really not my style considering my going out apparel tends to be more casual than what is acceptable by the bouncers here. Simply put: midweek after work drinks - good, weekend - no. read more

We got here by a coincidence when our other dining options tried to play hard with no tables available for more than an hour. We decided to give this place a shot which is more a lounge/bar than an actual restaurant. Anyhow they also serve simplified food which could be ordered by the bar and collected in the counter by their kitchen. We got seated on a shared table and had our drinks and food ordered by the book. Once our food arrived it started to get pretty crowded and it felt like a typical upscale after-work spot. Food wasnt a culinary experience beyond my wildest expectations, but it definitely wasnt disappointing for the price and location it was offered to. The shared tables makes it very easy to connect to other, and it felt like this wasnt a tourist spot either. We had a great night here meeting some locals, until we decided to get further into Sydneys nightlife elsewhere. I think this is a great spot to start off your night, or even stay the whole night if you just want a "calm" one. They have plenty of seats all over the place and if you dont find a spot right away, it wont be long, since there are people coming in and out all the time. read more

If you're looking for an after-work drinks spot that reminds you a little bit of an upscale frat party from college, the Establishment is your establishment. Adorned with attractive patrons and overpriced drinks, you can have a really fun night here if you know what you're getting yourself into. This isn't a place for a quiet, romantic date night, or a place to have a couple of chill drinks, though. Drinks: 4/5 Value: 3/5 Service: 4/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 read more

I've been on Tuesday for the free salsa class. It is a slightly less pretentious crowd than observed at other times. I agree with the general sentiment that it's a good place for picking up suits, particularly if you're into faux and nouveau riche. Or if your panties drop every time finance jargon and names are dropped. Are you not a perfect fembot? Go on Tuesdays when some of them appear to go fornicate beneath their AmEx-determined station in life, but still put in the effort because practice girls are a dime a dozen. Now if you're male and want to do well with the well presented models-secretaries, be sure to wear your presumed affluence on your sleeves. If you don't fall into either category, let's make an evening of people watching. Particularly if you can provide David Attenborough-inspired commentary on the mating behaviours of the upwardly mobile. read more

Super-cool fitout on this space. Big, marble bar well-staffed with friendly and fast staff wearing various small, black dresses. Guessing the code is simply black and short - but it works. Fridays 5-7 they have taps and house pours for $5; the reality is they'll start pouring well before that at the happy hour price, which is a boon in the CBD. The crowd is decidedly professional, and really picks up after working hours. Busy, pretty staff, great venue, where is the 5th star? While the DJ was welcome, the place is acoustically bright and got really loud, really fast. I support taking a Friday Happy Hour and turning it into a real evening, but it seemed like they were trying to rush the transition with music. Let the cocktails do that... read more

Great place to kick start a great night out! Last Friday night a couple of us got together for a night of fun and frivolity. Although I work next to the Establishment and use it as a reliable lunch spot it's never seemed like an after work kind of venue. It was only because of the teeming rain we decided to kick start our night there while waiting for the rain to subside. Much to our surprise we discovered a great place to unwind - the variety of drinks was great and reasonably priced, the service quick and friendly, and for the price conscious they have a set menu of Happy Hour drinks on offer. I really liked the vast amount of stools available at the bar, as it meant that we could easily relax and get down to booze-ness, while getting to chat to lots of people as they queued for drinks. We only spent a couple hours there so I am not sure what it's like as the night wears on, but i would thoroughly recommend it as a great meeting place to kick start your night. read more

Interesting ambience with a a sitting area that is inside an indoor garden further into the establishment... Loved the vibe. Had the Thai beef salad which was quite average and wasn't really a salad (think coriander - UGH and beef). My colleagues had the burgers which looked good so might have been a wrong choice on my part. Definitely an after work spot so wouldn't recommend if you're looking for a quiet, romantic date spot. Otherwise a cool spot to hang out in! read more

Big area with 1 long bar and lots of after-work people on a Thursday night. Not much to rave about except it's a good place to people watch - especially guys trying to hit on drunk women. read more

The Establishment Bar has the ambiance of Hollywood Glamour and a touch of New York sophistication. Nestled in Sydney's inner city, the bar boasts award winning service and an excellent location. A Sydney icon, the bar is a place to see and be seen with its buzzing atmosphere and Sydney's crème de la crème. It simply calls for a glitzy night out with the girls. With Armani suit clad men on a Friday evening and salacious dancing on Sienna Saturdays; you won't be forgetting this haven in a hurry. The Establishment has Ivy creeping up the marble topped walls with a bar that extends the length of the venue. Its heritage features are complimented by the bar's striking elegance and timeless grandeur. Be greeted upon arrival with the latest R & B beats. Renowned international and local DJ's frequent this hugely popular bar, attracting an entry line that snakes down the laneway. Be sure to arrive early (say 10pm) as the bar is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike. Bouncers and door bitches are strict, so smart-casual is advised. Sneakers and thongs (aka. flip flops) are not permitted upon entry into the club. If you're lucky, you might just be ushered to the front of the queue and be admitted for half price. Full admission will cost in excess of $20 but arrive before 10pm and a 2 for 1 deal won't have you wallowing in debt. Contact the venue's promoter and sign over your name for a $15 guest list entry fee. Strike up a conversation with one of the friendly barmen (or women), bask in the glow of dimmed lighting, or simply sway to the addictive music. Prepare to blow your budget in the drinks department as alcohol does not come cheap. Standard drinks will set you back $12-15 dollars, with a beer costing $7-8. Despite this small setback, the Establishment experience is well worth the expenditure. read more

Also known as the "Dry Cleaners" (because its a good place to pick up a "suit"). But to those not into picking up suits, it's still agenerally a good place to dig the architecture here and admiring the um... scenery. read more

The Establishment is one of the largest inner city business bars, it's a friday afternoon drinking hole - a fancy gliterfest of marble, glass & intimate lighting. It attracts business people from all walks of life, from the Lawyers in their slick Armani suits, to the Accountants in their buttoned down shirts and tie clips, the ladies are suited up as well, although the heels go for a walk over the weekend. The weekend just means the same people with different clothes. Be aware that the bouncers are strict on the dress code, so don't bother waiting in line if you just got off the bus from the beach, and you're wearing thongs & a polo. Somewhat pretentious. The bar is very open planned, with a large central bar area spreading the length of the inside, until you get to the outdoor Gin garden. The bar tenders are good looking & friendly, and every drink is made very professionally, with care and a big smile. The cocktail list is extensive and somewhat expensive, where by some of the fruits and mixes will require a thesaurus or interpreter, the barmen were helpful in translations. If you're after a beer, that'll set you back up to $9.50 for a Asahi. read more

Ask anyone who works in the CBD where they'll be going for their after-work drinks and it's a unanimous yell of 'Establishment.' This cavernous bar would better be described as a grand hall, decked out in fine marble and a swish white bar in the centre. Best of all it leads out into a lovely open courtyard out the back where, if you get there early enough, you can soak up the last of the afternoon's rays. There is a food menu here but I would find the atmosphere too boisterous to eat in. Suits are mingling, flirty and just generally kicking back here there and everywhere before the night sets in. An early evening must if you've got the cash to splash! read more

Very open, spacious bar with a fun environment. They also have an area in the back that's outdoors.

I have been here a few times and it can be a great venue and the outdoor area is pretty cute too but it can get so packed that it takes forever to get a drink. I was there this past Friday for happy hour and I am not sure I will go back again based on that experience. I stood at the bar with a friend for over 15 minutes and that was not in line but just at the front of the bar waiting, they seemed to help everyone around us to the point where my friend and I thought it was some kind of personal vendetta or joke or something. We weren't drunk nor did we give them any reason to ignore us. Finally someone took our order and she was pretty friendly so I figured I would let it slide. Then right before happy hour ended I went to the outside bar, again I waited for quite some time but I managed to order before 7pm when happy hour ended....only he gave me my bill and the drinks were full price. I explained that I ordered before 7pm (which was why I ordered 4 drinks) and he said oh yeah but it is over now. I asked him why he wouldn't have rung them in before it ended though (and don't even get me started on how long it took to poor spirits into a glass and add soda from a gun) and he said he just wasn't watching the time. He said he could refund my money and since I seem to be all about principals, I said yes please....because you should still use please even when you are angry and trying to prove a point. So he took the drinks back, I assume he poured them out and refunded my money. He was also apparently trying to prove a point. If I had been him I would have refunded half and let me keep the 4 drinks but then again I am Canadian and when I worked in restaurants I always went out of my way to ensure the customers had the best experience, that doesn't seem to ring true all that often here. read more

Stopped in to Establishment on a Saturday afternoon for a quick bite before a show at the Opera. We didn't realize this is the place to be seen in Sydney, otherwise we would have dressed better. Anyway, if you get there early enough you can grab a delicious burger or cajun chicken sandwich at the bar and sip a great glass of local wine or cool cocktail and chat up the gorgeous and friendly ladies behind the bar. Prices were on par with the rest of Sydney despite its SUPER trendy vibe. As soon as the sun set and we were leaving the music turned up to the untz untz untz that the kids like these days and the crowds started to arrive. STunning people, dressed in the hottest styles lined up to make their way into Establishment. (Oh to be young again!) Anyway, Establishment is a great place for a nice bite and drink and a good conversation or a hot night out on the town. Either way, highly recooment! read more

I rolled into this venue on a Thursday night before a long weekend as I had been wanting to check it out for some time in subsequent trips to Sydney. The bar is well designed and attracts a good mix of people depending on the time of day. Drink prices were not out of control for the location and the service was pretty slick for how busy they were. We stayed and had a few drinks that night as it was a bit of a happening venue at the time however would have been better served with a few more couches rather than the high bars with stools which after a while become uncomfortable. Overall worth visiting for a afterword drink or start to a great nit out with a cocktail read more

Also known as the "Dry Cleaners" for the ladies out there keen to pick up a suit post work. Endless predatorial action and super entertaining people watching on Thursday 'ladies night' as traders attempt to pick up cute secretaries, who simultaneously try and snag themselves a trader. I opted to kick start Saturday night shenanigans here with a girlfriend. The idea was hot chips and cold champagne, but somehow they've got it the wrong way round. The chips are cold and the bubbly's warm. Might have something to do with the bottle wearing a wetsuit inside the ice bucket, hence no ice directly cooling the bottle. I later discover this is due to the "no glass" rule in Merivale establishments. So I guess the warm champagne is for my own safety as I'm less likely to get glassed later on if patrons turns feral. The staff are extremely friendly which kind of makes up for it, but I won't hurry back... unless of course, I'm in the mood for a new suit... read more

Establishment - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Love the funky bar, groovy lights, relaxed atmosphere if you are here for a drink or lunch. If you want an inexpensive place for lunch try their $15 meals and sit out the back in the Gin Garden surrounded by bamboo, a soothing water feature and high ceilings. Burger awesome (it is GF without the bun) and the fish and chips looked great. Whether you are a tourist looking for an afternoon relaxing drink or a local wanting a drink after work I recommend this spot. Great beers on tap, friendly staff and honest patrons (I left my cell phone on the couch and some kind soul returned it) - treat yourself to a visit. read more

I was unfairly treated by the staff in this establishment and I will never go here again. If you are black or non-Australian, think twice about going here. It is not a welcoming place and their staff made me feel unsafe and unfairly targeted. I'll spend my money elsewhere and you should too. read more

Gorgeous modern interior,great place for a corp, holiday or special event. YUMMY food. Elegant feel without being too pretentious (it IS a little bit but not over bearing. I would go in groups but not good for dining alone--vs Ivy Palings I would totally go sans mates). read more

When you are looking for a lively place on a Tuesday night, it got to be Establishment. Every tuesday night, it is full of people with great latin music and a free dance class. This place has a nice alfresco area too, which I love to hangout there most of the time read more

Went there for drinks before we headed upstairs for Sushi. Beautiful place. Drinks are expensive, but you gotta pay to play, so no hatin' there cuh! read more