By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Whoever said Sydney’s nightlife was subpar, forget to pass the memo to Loom Lounge, a fresh listening lounge in Crows Nest that delivers a carefully woven experience where music, food and cocktails come together to create a night that’s equal parts intimate and electric.
The latest concept from Li’l Darlin, developed in partnership with Sydney’s entertainment collective Sultry & Sample, Loom Lounge is designed for those who appreciate curated beats, clever cocktails and an atmosphere that evolves with the evening. Think less chaos, more connection; less noise, more nuance.
Purpose-built to spotlight sound as the main event, the venue hosts a rotating lineup of DJs, selectors and live musicians from Thursday through Sunday. Sultry & Sample’s programming lets music unfold like a slow, captivating thread - no headline grabs, no viral distractions, just a steady, soulful groove.
Speaking of grooves, the food menu is designed for sharing and savouring between sets. Tapas-style bites kick off with classics like guacamole and chips, marinated olives and truffle fries, leading into crowd favourites such as salt and pepper calamari, arancini balls, chicken tacos and Peking duck pancakes.
If you’re feeling peckish, the pizzettas (small pizzas) hit the spot with options including Margherita, chorizo, celuxe and truffle and cheese - all at a tidy $15 a pop.
Cocktail lovers are also in for a treat, with twists on familiar favourites like the Aperol Margarita, Pinot Noir Negroni and Elderflower Gin and Tonic. For a little fizz and buzz, the Espresso Fizz offers an energising spark to keep the night rolling.
The interior, crafted by Obi Kyei, mirrors this layered experience: velvet seating invites you to sink in, sculptural lighting sets the mood and a patchworked textile installation made from salvaged offcuts weaves texture and warmth throughout.
The name Loom embodies the venue’s ethos - a space where music, people and energy interlace organically, creating a tapestry that’s far from the typical late-night fray.
This collaboration brings together Li’l Darlin’s hospitality expertise and Sultry & Sample’s sonic curatorship, crafting a venue that treats music not as background noise, but as a core ingredient of the night. It’s intentional, immersive and refreshingly unpretentious.
So, if you’re ready to pull on a new thread in Sydney’s nightlife fabric, Loom Lounge is waiting to spin its spell. No loud distractions, just the kind of vibe that keeps you coming back for more.
