Just a personal confession, but I have a soft-spot for bars and restaurants that have outdoor areas. Whether it's the openness, the breeziness or just the laid-back, naturally relaxing courtyard atmosphere, it always makes me love an establishment that little bit more when I see a balcony or even better, a rooftop, connected to a great bar.
 

Oxford Street’s newest addition, Hunky Dory Social Club, satisfies the hungry desire of mine, and no doubt a lot of Sydneysiders’ for such refreshing outdoor reposing opportunities. Decked out with old furniture ranging from chairs, couches and tables, its paradoxically carefully ‘thrown together’ impression is both comforting and impressive. Downstairs is Bruno’s Italian Restaurant whose wood fired pizza chef Lorenzo assures is delicious, and by the smell of them, I don’t disagree with him. When you can, tear yourself away from the mesmerizing olfactory charm and make your way upstairs, where you’ll find yourself in the Social Club itself. The pressed metal ceilings, concrete floors, stuffed peacocks, stripped-bare brickwork, old chesterfield couches, Moroccan chandeliers and its all-round rustic aesthetic chime ‘New York’ to this bar’s feel; that ‘small bar in a big city’ sensibility.
 

This three-levelled haven of new found merriment ascends as follows: Bruno’s downstairs, a middle bar with the two large stuffed peacocks, and the top level which is essentially a grand balcony with a small indoor bar to the side. All three are fun, buzzing and of course, social. Up and coming events at this 'club' is the rooftop transformed into a live music venue, Saturday flea market and open-air cinema. All in all, Hunky Dory is a must-visit, a must-see and a must-join social club.