Kings Cross Quarter has banded together over 30 local venues offering deals and discounts to help revive the area.
Neon signs around Kings Cross mark participating venues in the Light Up The Cross campaign.
The initiative is strung out through the month of November, making it more tempting to check out new venues like The Hook and Teddy.

Talks about a Kings Cross revival have been buzzing ever since the pandemic, but the conversation has never stood taller than it does right now.

This month, the Kings Cross Quarter, a collective of local business owners and folks who just really want to see it spring to life again, is presenting somewhat of a united front to increase the area’s foot traffic and get this show on the road.

And the best way to go this in the midst of a cost of living crisis: deals, discounts and parties, all marked by neon signs in an attempt to light up the cross.

“This time feels different because the sense of community among businesses is stronger than ever, with a collective effort to collaborate and promote the area as a whole,” explained Kings Cross Quarter Director, Justin Marmont, who was the owner of local late-night icon Dean’s Lounge until it was replaced by the new Arms Length earlier this year.

Up until November 30, the Light Up The Cross campaign aims to reposition Kings Cross as an integral part of Sydney’s day-to-night lifestyle, pushing for more than just visibility for the numerous new nightclubs that have opened. But for the many local Potts Point businesses as well that make this such a vibrant destination.

[This campaign] offers a chance to evolve the narrative from what Kings Cross was to what it hopes to be–Sydney’s after dark playground that’s bringing foot traffic back to the area and helping businesses thrive once more,” added Marmont.

The attempt to bury the lazy and outdated narrative that Kings Cross is dead has necessitated a concerted effort from the new and established businesses in the area. These include the aforementioned Arms Length, Teddy’s, Chula, The Hook and Caravin.

What to expect from The Cross this month

The campaign will run through to the end of November with the following deals and discounts available every single day of the week. We’ve listed them below for your convenience so you can string together a crawl through the Cross.

Chula

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Dia de los Muertos with a special glow in the dark drink and snack menu featuring a “Lights On” pomegranate Paloma cocktail for $16 and a tonic cured prawn ceviche tostada for $12.

Arms Length

Sip on a glow-in-the-dark “Luminous Lagoon” Blue Margarita for $12, taken with a side of drag queen entertainment.

Grove Bar

Two of Hearts and Goldfish are the names of two new $15 glow-in-the-dark cocktails offered at this cosy Darlinghurst Road bar. It’s best to head along on a Friday with sets by Dark Energy DJ, or on a Saturday with performances from Drag in the Dark.

Dulcie’s

One of the best bars in Kings Cross is offering a $18 raffle ticket, netting you one of four surprise 80s-themed cocktails on rotation.

Potts Point Hotel

This multi-floor behemoth of nightlife, standing opposite the infamous Coca-Cola sign, is throwing their considerably sized hat in the ring with two neon cocktails on offer throughout the month of November.

Teddy

November is the perfect time to head in and try one of the area’s newest restaurants. Teddy, coming from the same team behind next door’s Ezra, is putting on a daily happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. Although if you head along on a Sunday, that happy hour turns into an all-day affair with discounts from open to close.

The Hook

One of the most interesting new venues in the area, The Hook, is playing to its strengths for November. The oyster and piano bar is offering half-price freshly shucked oysters from 5pm to 7pm Wednesday through Sunday.

And the rest

Look out for the neon signs marking participating venues this month. In addition to the above, you’ll find great deals and discounts offered by Cafe Roma, Lady Chu, Sonora, Bloom, KX Social Club, and both Holy Moly and La Di Darts.

kingscrossquarter.com