My Secret Sydney with Ingrid Weir
Exploring the city's hidden corners through the eyes of this designer, photographer and author.
In this regular series you'll find a community of kindred spirits who share my passion for exploring off-the-beaten-path cafes, charming shops, and secret spots in cities around the world. These discoveries are curated by creative insiders who know their stuff, so you can trust that you're getting the inside scoop.
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Ingrid Weir over the past 12 years, and I must say, she's an absolute treasure trove of creativity and style – the perfect candidate for the My Secret City series. With her impeccable taste and insider knowledge, I just knew she'd be the one to share all her favourite places and design delights that make Sydney so captivating.
Ingrid is a creative professional with a background in interior design, architecture, set and costume design, and photography. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Sydney University and has designed interiors for clients such as The Macquarie Group, The Sydney Opera House, and The National Art School. Her career spans film, television, and theatre, and she has studied photography at CCAC in San Francisco and The Australian Centre for Photography.
Her latest book, New Coastal: Inspiration for a Life by the Sea, is a stunning sequel to New Rural. It explores coastal towns in Australia and the USA, sharing inspiring stories and practical tips for creating a coastal feel in any home.
Let’s get started…
Favourite Sydney cafes?
The Joey in Palm Beach. Hard to beat sitting out over the water, looking over to Lion Island and the entrance to the Hawkesbury River.
Min Butik is a hidden away oasis in Paddington – a Swedish courtyard cafe with cinnamon buns and fresh salad plates.
AP House, the rooftop bakery in Surry Hills. You have to get there early to avoid the queues but the strawberry and whipped ricotta toast with rosemary is well worth the wait.
Favourite Sydney restaurants?
Sean's. Especially on a cold winter's night, when the rain is lashing the windows, and you are sitting inside this warm, cosy room, being looked after with delicious plates of food.
Le Foote in the Rocks. It does feel secret, burrowing through a back passage in the Rocks to the find the bistro with the brilliant mosaic Italian wall mural. The cheese pie with lemon and native berries is so good.
Favourite Sydney homewares shops?
Crafted on Oxford St in Paddington for custom-made furniture. I had the Ella Modular sofa made for a recent client – highly recommend.
Saarde in Redfern. A beautifully designed flagship store in the new Redfern development. I like everything in this store – their homewares edit is superb.
The Merchants Warehouse in Annandale is a collection of many different stalls and is a great space to trawl for vintage and antiques.
Favourite Sydney fashion shops?
The New Trend for good denim and accessories.
Peggy Concept Store for a tight edit of Australian design.
Anine Bing for classic pieces with modern proportions. Her clothes feel good on the body
Zimmermann for craft-like details and unique prints.
Bassike for pieces that work hard.
Favourite Sydney vintage shops?
Paddington Vinnies, where I once found a russet-coloured Burberry blazer.
Dolly Up for unique and memorable pieces.
Swop clothing exchange, a great concept and good atmosphere.
Most underrated place in Sydney?
Paddington Library. They focus on design and have all latest books on the display shelves. Great for research and inspiration.
Best Sydney souvenir?
Design with a uniquely Australian flavour – from Dinosaur Designs or Utopia Goods.
Best Sydney view?
When you stand the base of the Opera House and look up at the sails and then over to the Harbour Bridge and marvel at the scale. It always feels exciting.
Any other Sydney secrets?
Taking the ferry from Palm Beach over to The Basin and swimming in the lagoon.
Capybara Bathing – so serene – a good place to catch up with a friend.
Cassandra Bird gallery, currently the vibrant heart of Sydney's art scene.
Shooshfest at the Paddington RSL – the silent film festival now in its second year. A hot ticket!
Looking forward to Restoration Hardware opening in Sydney Double Bay at the end of the year.
Thanks for sharing your Secret Sydney, Ingrid. You can follow Ingrid here.
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I'm furiously taking notes for my upcoming Sydney trip!
Thanks for sharing these Sydney secrets...maybe I'll come over one day!