Saltbox Reveals New Event Spaces, Brings Wow Factor To Wunderlich Lane
Saltbox, Sydney’s newest destination for elevated events, has opened the doors of its architecturally striking home within the vibrant new lifestyle precinct, Wunderlich Lane, with a standout calendar of corporate and social experiences that herald an exciting new era for the city’s event scene.
Designed by renowned architects Bates Smart, Saltbox is the exclusive, dedicated event venue at Wunderlich Lane on the cusp of Surry Hills and Redfern, and is located just metres from luxury destination, The EVE Hotel.
The sculpted and sophisticated setting is also the first sole-operated location from legendary catering company Cook & Waiter, which is celebrating 10 years in operation and catering to some of Australia’s highest profile brands, as well as corporate and private clients, under the creative direction of owner, David O’Brien.
Saltbox quietly opened in May with a high-profile, multi-day event for a luxury fashion client. The venue is heavily booked throughout June and July and already has a busy schedule of End-Of-Financial-Year and festive events, as well as Spring and Summer weddings.
A luxe, ground-floor entrance in the heart of this charming inner-city lifestyle precinct makes a lasting first impression. Saltbox’s welcome is warmly immersive – with burnished tones, a soft palette, and dramatic copper ceiling pendants guiding guests up a graceful curved stairway. At the top, three versatile and inviting event spaces await – elegantly understated yet undeniably compelling. Together, they create an intimate, connected energy that elevates every occasion.
An expansive all-weather terrace completes the offering, with sweeping views over tree-lined streets and the vibrant precinct below – a dynamic and impressive space in its own right.
A soft, neutral aesthetic and an abundance of natural light highlight the property’s stylish design and provide the perfect canvas for the vibrant culinary adventures for which Cook & Waiter is renowned.
“Extraordinary flavours, artful presentation and experiences that are elevated in every way are at the heart of everything we do,” Mr O’Brien says. “Saltbox is the exclusive dedicated entertaining venue at Wunderlich Lane, where it acts as an extension of a world-class collective of hotel, hospitality and boutique innovators – offering a premium, compelling and convenient location to host a memorable occasion in Sydney.”
The Menus
Menus showcase the very best responsibly-sourced, local produce, and “a pinch of fancy”, that enhances celebrations of all styles – from networking breakfasts, half- and full-day conferences, cocktail parties and weddings.
Ten visually dramatic and abundant Food Tables add the signature Saltbox wow factor, while four showstopping Trolley Services are signature theatrical touches:
- A Cheese Trolley showcasing Australian, Italian and French varieties
- A Baked Cheese Trolley featuring baked Coulommiers served with hot honey and house-made bread
- A Steak Tartare Trolley presenting Rangers Valley beef with capers, cornichon, eschalot, and chives, served with crispy shallots, potato crisps and gem hearts
- A Petit Four Trolley that brings out every guest’s inner child with house-made sweets, including Rocky Road, citrus jellies, and milk chocolate fudge
The Spaces
The main pillarless hall, The Box, boasts an impressive, sculpted timber ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows with sheer curtains that flood the room with natural light. Sleek, sustainable features include an exposed timber frame constructed from lightweight, carbon neutral, cross-laminated timber (CLT) and eco-friendly, contemporary cork flooring that is rich in style and soft underfoot. The room accommodates 240 guests seated at round tables, 300 theatre-style, 400 cocktail-style and 180 cabaret-style.
Suites One and Two are perfect for intimate meeting rooms and breakout spaces. Operable walls allow for a larger combined space ideal for arrival registrations, pre-drinks, networking, and conference catering. The suites open onto a spacious 119 square-metre terrace that provides a sense of connectedness with the wider precinct, and can host arrivals, morning tea, and alfresco functions.
Suite One entertains 24 guests boardroom-style and 60 theatre-style. Suite Two welcomes 18 guests boardroom-style, 36 theatre-style, and 12 in a U-shape. Combined, the suites accommodate 50 guests boardroom-style, 120 cocktail-style, and 96 theatre-style.
All spaces have sophisticated blackout facilities, and world-class audio-visual capabilities, provided by
in-house AV partner, Avionic Event Production – a dedicated team of expert event technologists offering a hands-on approach and customised technology solutions for Saltbox.
“Saltbox is in great company in the urban oasis that is Wunderlich Lane, which works in the favour of planners and guests,” says Cook & Waiter Head of Sales & Marketing, Jules Cameron (née van der Weegen).
“Located just metres from The EVE Hotel, top-tier restaurants like Olympus Dining and Lottie, and luxe retailers and health and wellness operators such as Saardé and The Parlour Room, Saltbox is the ultimate setting for business guests and wedding parties seeking not only a premium experience, but also fabulous places to stay and play for a night or two.”
Wunderlich Lane is conveniently located just 1.3km from Central Station, 4km from the CBD, and is easily accessible via Surry Hills Light Rail and local bus services. Onsite parking is also available, with two hours free.
