Latest news with #Darlinghurst
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Much-loved Sydney restaurant announces shock closure after seven 'glorious' years: 'I'm devastated'
One of Sydney 's most celebrated and unique dining spots is preparing to bid farewell, but not before one last serve of its signature hoppers. Lankan Filling Station, the award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant in Darlinghurst, is officially closing after a seven-year run. Owner and chef O Tama Carey made the shock announcement this week, confirming the end of an era that's been filled with fiery curries, punchy sambols, crab curry Sundays, and 'so many hoppers'. 'At this stage, there is no exact end date, but it will be soon, perhaps the end of winter,' O Tama said in a statement. The much-loved eatery first opened its doors on Riley Street in Sydney's East, in 2018 after two years of market stalls and pop-ups. It quickly gained cult status for its lacy, bowl-shaped fermented rice pancakes - known as hoppers - which fans would tear apart and drag through rich black curry or slow-cooked coconut lentils. But it wasn't just the food that made Lankan Filling Station a Sydney icon. With its tiny, atmospheric space and ever-evolving menu, it became a go-to for diners craving something bold, hearty and resembled authentic Sri Lankan home cooking. The venue earned a coveted hat in every edition of the Good Food Guide since its opening, with the most recent guide describing it as 'a celebration of spices' and praising the depth and complexity of every dish. 'We have changed, adapted and grown. We lived through COVID and the general chaos that comes with a restaurant,' said O Tama. 'We have dealt with superior suppliers, worked with many talented and lovely people, and served, fed and beveraged (sic) so many of you, our excellent customers.' While no exact date has been confirmed for the final service, diners have been urged to head in over the coming weeks for a last taste of the restaurant's famous flavours. 'Hoppers will still be cooked, lunches and takeaway will continue, crab curry Sundays may make a reappearance, our curry powders will still be stocked and old favourite dishes will make a comeback,' O Tama added. And while this marks the end of Lankan Filling Station as a physical space, Carey hinted it won't be goodbye forever. 'In Sri Lanka, one doesn't say goodbye,' she said. 'Instead, there is a beautiful phrase which translates to 'I will go now and come back later'. Saying goodbye is far too final and dramatic - which, in this instance, suits me perfectly.' Adding to the bittersweet news is the announcement of Carey's second cookbook, Lankan Filling, which will be released on September 30. The venue earned a coveted hat in every edition of the Good Food Guide since its opening, with the most recent guide describing it as 'a celebration of spices' and praising the depth and complexity of every dish She's hinted that the book, and its launch events, will keep the spirit of the restaurant alive long after the final dish is served. 'There will be a launch party and book events and from there, who knows? So, you see, LFS will continue but in yet another form.' Until then, there's still time for one more crab curry, another spoonful of sambol, and maybe just a few more hoppers, while you still can.
News.com.au
10-07-2025
- News.com.au
Senior police witness allegedly fails to appear at Kiama MP Gareth Ward's criminal trial
The sexual abuse trial of Kiama MP Gareth Ward came to a startling, hours-long halt on Thursday after a senior police witness allegedly failed to appear in court, instead remarking he was 'happy to get arrested'. Mr Ward, a NSW independent MP, was charged in March 2022 with three counts of assault with act of indecency, an alternative charge of common assault against an 18-year-old man at Meroo Meadow in 2013, and intercourse without consent against a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015. Since his arrest three years ago, the 43-year-old has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all counts. His criminal trial has faced several tiresome delays since it first began in May, and Thursday was no different. Mr Ward and all relevant legal parties as well as the 13-person jury attended the Darlinghurst District Court on Thursday as the criminal trial before Judge Kara Shead SC continued for its seventh week. However, a senior police witness called by Crown Prosecutor Monika Knowles about 10am seemingly failed to appear, halting proceedings. About 2pm, when the man had arrived, David Campbell SC asked the former officer if he understood his requirements to appear before the court on Thursday morning, to which the man replied 'yes' he did understand, but admitted that 'no, he did not attend'. 'I apologise for the inconvenience I had commitments I could not get out of this morning at 10am … and I advised I would be a bit late,' the former officer said. 'It certainly wasn't my intention to be disrespectful or to disobey that order.' The court was told the man had discussions with another police officer who he believed would advise the court of his unavailability on his behalf. He was then told by the police officer that he would need to obtain a medical certificate, which he said he was willing to do given he had been 'quite unwell'. Mr Campbell put to the man that he told another officer words to the effect that he was 'happy to get arrested' and that he 'simply couldn't move the meetings over'. 'I did make an off the cuff comment to that nature,' he replied. It was suggested by Mr Campbell the officer 'did what he wanted to do' instead of 'what he should do'. 'Absolutely not,' the man said. The former officer's evidence is expect to continue on Thursday afternoon. The allegations against Mr Ward were first reported to police in November 2020. He is alleged of assaulting a man, who had just turned 18 at the time of the alleged assault at Mr Ward's South Coast home in February 2013. It is also alleged the MP sexually assaulted another man – who was 24 years old at the time – at his Potts Point apartment in September 2015. Beginning his political career in 2011, Mr Ward was a councillor on the Shoalhaven Council before becoming the Liberal member for Kiama in 2011, a seat he has held since. The trial before a 13-person jury continues.
Daily Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Sydney Grammar's $39m expansion located next to brothel
A prestigious Sydney private school has been thrust into the spotlight after its landmark $39 million property expansion has been revealed to border one of the city's longest standing legal brothels. Sydney Grammar School is known as one of the city's oldest and most coveted private boys schools and was reported to have purchased a property on Hargrave St in Darlinghurst in October. The property is a large warehouse in Darlinghurst and the Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time that the expansion was made as part of plans to build a cutting-edge indoor sports facility and recreational space. The multimillion-dollar site on Hargrave St had previously been used by Sony as their Australian headquarters. However, since then it has been revealed the $39m property purchase has stirred controversy as the location of the site will make the boys' school neighbours to a functioning brothel. MORE: Shock $2k a month bank cost exposed The brothel – or nude massage parlour – on Hargrave St has operated under various names over the years and according to its website, runs under the current business name 'Darlinghurt Massage' or 'Sydney Baby Massage'. The website advertises 'nude massage' and a 'roster' of 'Asian girls dressed in sexy uniforms', among other things. Google Street View imagery taken in 2020 showed a sign and direction of how to enter 'Sydney Baby Massage'. MORE: Aus warned: Blur your home on Google Maps According to reporting in the Sydney Morning Herald, there had been 'a few concerned members of the school community,' about the location of the brothel within reach of the new sports facility. The schools fees are reportedly around $45,000 per year. Previous reporting show the brothel sold for about $1.5m in 2006 and features 10 rooms. The Daily Telegraph has reached out to Sydney Grammar School for comment. MORE: Home reno warning Aussies shouldn't ignore
News.com.au
04-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Sydney Grammar's $39m expansion located next to brothel
A prestigious Sydney private school has been thrust into the spotlight after its landmark $39 million property expansion has been revealed to border one of the city's longest standing legal brothels. Sydney Grammar School is known as one of the city's oldest and most coveted private boys schools and was reported to have purchased a property on Hargrave St in Darlinghurst in October. The property is a large warehouse in Darlinghurst and the Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time that the expansion was made as part of plans to build a cutting-edge indoor sports facility and recreational space. The multimillion-dollar site on Hargrave St had previously been used by Sony as their Australian headquarters. However, since then it has been revealed the $39m property purchase has stirred controversy as the location of the site will make the boys' school neighbours to a functioning brothel. The brothel – or nude massage parlour – on Hargrave St has operated under various names over the years and according to its website, runs under the current business name 'Darlinghurt Massage' or 'Sydney Baby Massage'. The website advertises 'nude massage' and a 'roster' of 'Asian girls dressed in sexy uniforms', among other things. Google Street View imagery taken in 2020 showed a sign and direction of how to enter 'Sydney Baby Massage'. According to reporting in the Sydney Morning Herald, there had been 'a few concerned members of the school community,' about the location of the brothel within reach of the new sports facility. The schools fees are reportedly around $45,000 per year. Previous reporting show the brothel sold for about $1.5m in 2006 and features 10 rooms.
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Aussie parents lose it over who the neighbours are next to Sydney Grammar's new $39million building
Parents of students at a prestigious private school in Sydney are grumbling over the institution's new land grab after learning it borders one of the city's oldest brothels. Sydney Grammar, which was officially opened in 1857, announced in October last year that it had purchased 1-19 Hargrave Street in Darlinghurst. The large office block, which was purchased for $39million, is due to be transformed into a sports and recreation centre for the students. In a letter to parents, seen by The Sydney Morning Herald, headmaster Richard Malpass - who is leaving for Singapore to run a senior school - told parents the site had 'extraordinary potential value and historical significance'. But, the 'historic' importance of the building has since been turned on its head as it was pointed out the building next door is a brothel. A street view of the property, which was formerly Sony Australia's headquarters, reveals an old building with the sign: 'Sydney Baby Massage'. Its website advertises an hour-long 'remedial and body nude massage' for $140 or $270 for an hour-long 'double body nude massage'. Open seven days a week, the business also lists it 'masseuses' aged between 19 and 23-years-old dressed in lingerie, with descriptions listing their height and bra size. The website regularly uses 'super young sweet uni girl' and 'innocent uni girl but really professional massage skill' to describe the women. The private school, which costs $45,000-a-year, prides itself on its heritage. 'Since its foundation, the School and its Old Boys (called 'Old Sydneians') have played an important part in the history of this country,' its website states. Sydney Grammar has also started construction of its $54million Weigall Sports Complex, which will be based in Rushcutters Bay. The worksite, which can be seen from the T4 train line, was approved in 2021 despite opposition from residents.
