Sydney’s Hospo Legends On The Importance Of Community
It's an indisputable fact that good neighbours make great neighbourhoods. To celebrate the hospo venues shaping Sydney’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Square and American Express have teamed up with local chef Joel Bennetts to create Good Neighbours, a video series spotlighting the legends behind some of the city’s most-loved spots.
In this fresh three-part series, Bennetts asks the people behind some of Sydney’s most beloved neighbourhood spots—both newcomers and time-honoured institutions—what it takes to be a good neighbour. Curious? Read on for a sneak peek at the heartwarming local stories, or dig into the episodes here.
Inner West
Happyfield
96 Ramsay Street, Haberfield
Image Credit: Happyfield | Square
Happyfield is a bright and buzzing North American-style diner known for its hearty breakfast fare and seriously good pancakes. Owners Chris Theodosi and Jesse Orleans opened the cafe with the goal of embedding themselves in the community and showcasing the best local offerings.
“When there are too many people waiting on the footpath at Happyfield, we’ll say ‘Guys, it’s an hour wait—but go to Pasticceria Papa or Frank’s Fruit Shop if it’s too long a line.’ We just try our best to keep everything local,” they share.
With its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to community, Happyfield is more than just a cafe; it’s a local hub that celebrates the spirit of neighbourliness with every plate served.
Watch more here.
Earl’s Juke Joint
407 King Street, Newtown
Image Credit: Earl's Juke Joint | Square
Earl’s Juke Joint, a beloved Newtown spot, is the passion project of Pasan Wijesena, who is renowned across Sydney for his influential local bars. Pasan believes that “what makes you a good neighbour is also what helps you succeed in hospitality, right? It’s empathy. It’s willingness to support each other and help out when you need to.”
The venue’s charm lies in its deep local roots, with Pasan noting, “Our trade is predominantly local. The people in the area might change, but they’re still local. I’ve lost track of the number of people that I’ve met and become friends with through this place.”
Earl’s Juke Joint feels like a true community hub, where hospitality extends beyond drinks to fostering friendships and connection.
Watch more here.
Pillar Brewers
1 Unity Place, Burwood
Image Credit: Pillar Brewers | Square
Pillar Brewers, nestled in a discreet laneway, is much more than the typical specialty coffee shop. Co-owner Edwin Luo speaks to the essence of community that Pillar embodies:
“We all need each other. Every business out there. It’s always been about supporting local business, not just within here, but outside of here. Supporting people on their journeys—whether personal or aspirational. Being a good neighbour isn’t exclusive to just the people that we come across—we hold that value for everyone.”
With a minimalist, wabi-sabi design that creates a calm, zen space, Pillar offers carefully sourced and rotating specialty coffee brews, primarily from cult-favourite Skittle Lane and guest micro-roasters across Australia. The light food menu complements their cup of joe perfectly, making it a peaceful haven for both coffee connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.
Watch more here.
Inner Sydney
Khanom House
15 Meagher Street, Chippendale
Image Credit: Khanom House | Square
Khanom House in Chippendale is a charming bakery blending Thai heritage with French baking techniques, all wrapped in a warm local embrace.
Owner Yeen Veerasenee reflects on the strong community spirit that defines their ethos: “We have a lot of neighbours down the road. We have coffee, just talking and having a chat about how everything’s going in this area. Having this community surrounding us is so lovely. When opening a venue in a new area, to be able to feel that is a very special thing. We always support each other in any way.”
Known for its subtle, not-too-sweet Asian-inspired sweets and freshly baked breads, Khanom House is a beloved spot where great food and genuine neighbourliness meet.
Watch more here.
MLK Deli
168 Campbell Street, Surry Hills
Image Credit: MLK Deli | Square
MLK Deli, located in the heart of Surry Hills, is the vibrant creation of owner Myra Karakelle, who brings bold Central Asian and Middle Eastern flavours to the Sydney sandwich scene.
“To be a good neighbour is to be the first person that you think of when you’re in a bit of trouble. If you have a package and you’re not able to grab it, if you have a good relationship with your neighbour, they can help you. It’s not necessarily who we call on all the time, but it’s who we actually call when we’re in a bit of a pickle. That’s being a good neighbour,” says Karakelle.
Known for its halal sandwiches featuring Uzbek and Afghan influences, MLK Deli is as much about community and trust as it is about delivering exceptional flavours. Myra’s commitment to quality and connection has made MLK an adored local institution and a standout in Sydney’s bustling food landscape.
Watch more here.
Salumerie
Various Locations
Image Credit: MLK Deli | Square
Salumerie, a beloved Italian deli turned viral sandwich destination, is the passion project of owner Donato Salomone. Donato emphasises the importance of community in their day-to-day operations:
“It’s very much about sharing. Sharing love with all the people around you and with all the businesses around you. When we didn’t have a coffee machine—because we were waiting for a new one to arrive—we would send people to our neighbours. We help each other.”
This spirit of generosity and mutual support defines Salumerie, making it more than just a deli; it’s a cornerstone of its neighbourhood where connection and care are as vital as the food itself.
Watch more here.
Bondi
Lox in a Box
Various Locations
Image Credit: Lox In A Box | Square
Lox in a Box, a beloved Jewish-owned bagel shop reconnecting Bondi with Eastern European tradition, is led by owner Candy Berger, who embodies the spirit of generosity and kindness.
“Be generous. No matter what the people or situations are. When your neighbouring business comes in, needs something from you, give freely, give with your heart and have no expectations—we’re always doing things on the house, and I don’t expect anything back from it. It’s all about being kind, being charitable, being hospitable,” she says.
Lox in a Box is known not only for its authentic, hand-rolled bagels but also as a warm-hearted neighbourhood fixture that gives as much as it receives, nurturing a genuine sense of community in Bondi.
Watch more here.
The Shop and Wine Bar
78 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach
Image Credit: The Shop Wine And Bar | Square
The Shop and Wine Bar is a reflection of genuine community spirit. Co-owner Lucy Haskas shares, “Just giving back to the neighbours. Like, we built a community garden, after COVID, and tried to fill it with fruit and vegetables and all that for them to have. We had the mayor come down and open it because they were like, ‘You are such a community.’ It’s having that non-expectation that you’re going to get something back. We’re always borrowing stuff from each other.”
This all-day diner and wine bar is a welcoming space where generosity and neighbourliness flow as freely as the drinks, making it a cornerstone of the evolving yet deeply connected Bondi neighbourhood.
Watch more here.
Keen to watch the stories in full? Head here to watch Square’s Good Neighbours video series.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Square and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.