There wasn't a dry eye in the house when the beloved Darlinghurst institution that is Cafe Freda’s announced their imminent closure at the end of 2024. After indelibly marking Taylor Square with their energy, the bar and restaurant set their last date in their current venue to be Saturday 1st March at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025.
But today, we see a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel, with news reaching our ears that Freda's is making a triumphant comeback to Chippendale this April, with a fresh twist on its legacy. Owners David Abram and Carla Uriarte, in collaboration with hospitality powerhouse Solotel, announced on Instagram this afternoon that they are launching a new venture – Bar Freda’s – in the historic Lil Sis site, while also taking over creative direction for The Abercrombie, the storied late-night venue with a coveted 24-hour license.
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For fans of the original Freda’s, this news feels like a full-circle moment. “The last four years running Café Freda’s have been so rewarding, but we’ve always missed the energy of a dance floor,” Abram shares. “If we had our way, we’d have never closed the original Freda’s, but circumstances forced us to say goodbye. Now, it feels like serendipity to return to Chippendale, where it all began.”
Abram and Uriarte are blending the essence of Freda’s and Café Freda’s into a dual-concept nightlife experience. Bar Freda’s promises an intimate yet electric vibe next door to The Abercrombie, which will host Club Freda’s nights – paying homage to the venue’s party-forward roots.
This partnership with Solotel also signals a new chapter for Sydney’s nightlife. “The opportunity to create something special at one of the city’s most iconic late-night venues is a dream come true,” Abram says. “Working with Elliot Solomon and the Solotel team allows us to build a destination that reflects the love we have for this city.”
With its innovative programming, creative direction, and a dedication to fostering connection on and off the dance floor, Freda’s 2.0 is set to reignite Chippendale’s after-dark scene. Expect high-energy nights, artful cocktails, and a sense of nostalgia infused with the bold vision of what’s next.
Feature images via the Cafe Freda's Instagram.
