Marrickville Masters

By Jamie Apps

As Sydney’s population continues to grow and the city expands exponentially we have more and more options for entertainment, shopping, fitness and arts. Marrickville is one suburb which has always been at the forefront though, check out some of the best and brightest here.

• Inner Space Yoga

Due to the hustle and bustle of city living we could all use an opportunity to relax, whilst also enjoying some physical benefits. Inner Space Yoga is a brand new progressive yoga studio which caters to everyone, from beginners to seasoned practitioners.

Inner Space Yoga’s new studio is located in Marrickville, in the heart of Sydney’s inner west and is easily accessible from the surrounding suburbs of Petersham, Enmore, Newtown, St Peters, Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill and Sydenham.

Offering Vinyasa Flow Yoga and Yin Yoga at an incredibly affordable price of just $25 per week for unlimited sessions Inner Space Yoga is sure to become a local hotspot.

To welcome new yogis into the fold Inner Space Yoga is offering a special $9 intro class (ending Nov 30).

Level 1, 22-24 Cook Rd, Marrickville. Info: www.innerspaceyoga.com.au or Ph: (02) 9051 2433.

• Gasoline Pony

Gasoline Pony has been a longstanding pillar of entertainment for Sydney’s inner west thanks to its unique atmosphere and wonderfully curated monthly lineups.

With a cosy front bar, regular live music and a big outdoor area, it’s no surprise the Gasoline Pony is one of the most popular local spots in Marrickville. Whether you’re into jazz, blues, folk, sea shanties, rock n roll, choirs or indie, you’ll find your groove here six nights a week.

If live music’s not your bag the Pony also offers a wide range of cocktails, craft beer and wine to savour in the spacious back courtyard along with tasty bar snacks.

Some of the highlights worth checking out over the next few weeks include; Queen Porter Stomp and Christine Jane, The Western Distributors and The Bravados.

115 Marrickville Road, Marrickville. Info: www.gasolinepony.com or Ph: 9569 2668

• Sidecar Marrickville

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat before heading to a night of music at Gasoline Pony then look no further than right next door. 

Sidecar is brought to you by the team behind Gasoline Pony who have carried over their ethos for excellence into the world of dining. Sidecar is a cosy, local eatery serving fresh modern Australian seasonal dishes with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

At this point in their lifecycle Sidecar is a BYO restaurant, but luckily there is a bottle shop right around the corner if you forget to prepare ahead of time.

City Hub recommends the seared scallops, crispy skin chicken or smoked eggplant.

119 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. Info: www.sidecarmarrickville.com or Ph: 0401 002 333

• Marrickville F45

There is a new fitness craze sweeping the city and Marrickville is at the epicentre, thanks to F45 Training Marrickville.

F45 is a training technique which has athletes and rookies alike gasping for air. The new technique whilst innovative is also incredibly simple. F45 studios offer 45 minute high-intensity interval classes with each being comprised from a list of exercises taken from a database of over 3,000 different options, so participants never get the same workout twice.

Currently F45 is running a special eight week challenge that will help anybody achieve their goals, whether that is reaching a goal weight, toning up or increasing fitness. F45’s industry leading nutritionists will provide you with a catered meal plan so that you know exactly what you’re eating each day and help you achieve those goals.

1/53 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville. Info: www.f45training.com.au/marrickville

• Hypmotive hub

Sydney-siders are always flat-out and shoppers have never been more in need of one-stop shops. Hypmotive hub is the perfect location to satisfy this need, and yet it’s still one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.

Hypmotive hub is an incredible unique gift shop and creative hub filled with an amazing selection of goods produced by over 60 skilled artisans, designers, artists, jewellers and emerging creatives. By being centred around creativity, Hypmotive hub exists to bring you a go-to destination for thoughtful unique gifts, original art, homewares and fashion created by local brands, artists, designers and makers each with their own unique story to tell.

If you have a burning desire to dive into a creative realm yourself Hypmotive hub is also a great option as they provide a space and experiences for you to explore your own inner creative via creative workshops and special events, such as their annual meet the makers unique marketplace.

By shopping with Hypmotive hub you are supporting the local art scene, local creatives and local businesses, helping to cultivate Australia’s creativity.

155 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. Info: www.hypmotive.com

• Maker Space

Many creative endeavours require a major investment in tools, equipment or studio/workshop space, which can dissuade many people from exploring their creative side. Maker Space though attempts to relieve some of these pressures by creating a supportive creative community in Marrickville.

Maker Space’s agenda is to build a culture of innovation and excellence in Australian design, whilst simultaneously strengthening the local community by bringing people together. Classes at Maker Space focus on design, making and business skills. From total first-timers trying to kindle a creative spark to master-classes for pro’s honing their skills, everyone is welcome.

As a member of Maker Space you’ll gain access to a range of design classes across the mediums of furniture, ceramic, metalwork, woodwork, textiles, electronics or printing. By participating in these classes you’l be given access to excellent teachers, hands on experience and specialised machinery which may be too expensive or big to have in a personal home.

1/17 Barclay Street, Marrickville. Info: www.makerspace.org.au

• Lazybones Lounge Restaurant & Bar

Located in the heart of Marrickville, Lazybones Lounge Restaurant & Bar, with its eclectic decor, is a restaurant and bar with a unique, relaxed atmosphere where people can meet, hang out, chat & listen to live music.

Offering live music seven days a week Lazybones Lounge is a bastion of live music in a city where that seems to be slowly fading away. Whilst there is a small cover fee each night the performers they bring to the city certainly justify the small fee.

Upcoming highlights include Dan Barnett, Coast and Taya Chani.

294 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. Info: www.lazyboneslounge.com.au

• Anytime Fitness Marrickville

With constantly busy lifestyles these days the need for 24 hour gyms has never been higher. Thankfully right in the heart of the inner west is one of the biggest fitness communities in the country.

Anytime Fitness Marrickville is there to provide any type of fitness training you need, whenever you need it. They have a huge range of equipment to help you push yourself harder than ever before, whether that is through self guided cardio, strength or functional training or through specialised personal training and coaching.

142 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. Info: www.anytimefitness.com.au

• Willie The Boatman

Very few business have a story as heartfelt and inspiring as the one behind local Sydney brewery Willie The Boatman.

Founded by fishing buddies Nick Newey and Pat McInerney, Willie The Boatman was born out of a mutual dissatisfaction with their regular 9-5 jobs and a shared passion for home brewing. With little to no experience, but a strong belief in their vision and unwavering support from the local community Newey and McInerny have been able to grow their small passion project into a thriving local business.

With community at the core of the business model, Willie The Boatman have stayed true to their original home brewing ethos and remain dedicated to producing good, clean beer using an uncomplicated approach.

Willie The Boatman now operates its own tasting room, which is open Thursday to Sunday, as well as supplying beer to numerous pubs, hotels and bottle shops throughout the inner west.

Suite 202, 75 Mary St, St Peters. Info: www.willietheboatman.com

• Marrickville Festival

Celebrate all things Marrickville this Sunday as the annual Marrickville street festival takes over the inner west suburb once again.

With over 120 stalls offering fresh produce, international cuisine and local produced trinkets, homewares and art.

Alongside the retail offering there will be a stellar lineup of bands and acts performing to keep you entertained throughout the day. Some of the highlights to check out on the day include the Mary Heart Band, The Protestors, Los Carmonas Flamenco, the Marrickville Public School Concert Band or any of the acts performing on The Break music competition stage.

Sun, Oct 21. Corner of Marrickville and Illawarra Roads, Marrickville. FREE. Info: www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au