Chippendale’s laneway precinct was revamped in 2015 to make way for 25 new restaurant, retail and creative spaces. It’s since become a destination for fine dining with restaurants like Kensington Street Social and Automata taking up residence in the former warehouse blocks. It’s also where you’ll find the five-star all-day eatery A1 Canteen, as well as the revamped pub and boutique hotel the Old Clare.
There plenty of places to grab a cheap eat, too, before catching a movie at Palace Central. There’s the lantern-lit courtyard Spice Alley, which is a cashless outdoor hawker market serving up Singaporean, Cantonese, Japanese, Malaysian and Thai dishes from Alex Lee Kitchen, Bang Luck and Hong Kong Diner, plus many more. Spice Alley is licensed for BYO booze and open in all weather, so pick up a bottle from urban winery Handpicked Wines Cellar Door, which uses grapes from across the world's wine regions.
Each year, the laneway hosts Kensington Street Lunar New Year Festival – a one-day celebration of the street’s Asian flavours, from Holy Duck to Koi Dessert Bar. And there are boutiques to explore all year round, such as Kakawa Chocolates, which is tucked into a row of tiny historic cottages. Their sweets are handmade and naturally gluten free, and make beautiful gifts.
For more local tips, check out our area guide to Chippendale.