About Pamela’s
Pamela’s was a hidden basement nightclub and cocktail bar in Sydney’s CBD (inside the Prince of York venue at 18 York Street). Launched in 2019 by the Prince of York team, Pamela’s immediately became notable for its Studio-54–inspired atmosphere: the décor was swathed in pink velvet, and the entrance was concealed behind a giant photo of Grace Jones (www.broadsheet.com.au ). The space was designed as a “sunken house party” – an intimate, multi-generational dance club where guests could start with dinner and wine upstairs and then descend to Pamela’s for late-night dancing (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In practice, Pamela’s offered a unique retro-glam experience that Sydney had been missing, complete with a never-stopping disco ball, on-table dancing, and an emphasis on live DJs, performances and drag shows (reflecting the city’s thriving nightlife and queer culture) (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (www.broadsheet.com.au ).
Pamela’s was part of Sydney’s push to create a “midtown” cluster of bars and clubs, so that patrons could bar-hop without leaving the city center (www.broadsheet.com.au ). It joined other fast-paced venues in the area and was owned by the same hospitality team behind Prince of York (which opened in 2019). Although Pamela’s itself did not have its own independent heritage before this, it quickly became culturally significant as Sydney’s answer to a New York loft party – even allowing all ages to celebrate together in one “party palace” (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In short, Pamela’s stood out as an unexpected pocket of late-night extravagance under the City’s usual glare of offices.
Events and Programming
Pamela’s operated as a late-night dance venue and event space. Most weekends (especially Friday and Saturday nights) it hosted DJs spinning disco, post-punk and house music mixes, often curated by creative director Ed Loveday. The venue didn’t have regular theatrical shows like a theatre, but it was known for occasional live performances and themed parties – for example, during a 2021 cocktail festival Pamela’s partnered on a special “Night Brunch” drag show into the early hours (newsforthefoodlover.com ). It also played host to Prince of York’s famed drag brunch series (usually held upstairs) by extending the party into late-night sessions downstairs (newsforthefoodlover.com ).
Aside from one-off festival nights, Pamela’s had a “surprise and delight” programming approach – guests often didn’t know what to expect until arrival. Some evenings featured roaming cocktail trolleys and punch bowls, champagne towers or secret acoustic sets tucked into the wine cellar space (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (www.broadsheet.com.au ). The vibe was deliberately unpredictable: the team wanted “to keep everyone guessing” with sporadic events rather than a rigid calendar (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In practice this meant that booked events ranged from DJs and live DJs performing over the sound system to drag queen performances (especially on themed nights), premium bottle services with tequila/mezcal, or collaborations like the Don Julio “Night Brunch” with $15 specialty margaritas (newsforthefoodlover.com ) (www.broadsheet.com.au ).
Typical shows were immersive and high-energy – think disco hits, funk and dancefloor anthems. Ticket prices – when applicable – were usually moderate. For example, during the World Class Cocktail Festival’s “Night Brunch” event Pamela’s entry itself was free, but cocktails were $15 (newsforthefoodlover.com ). Many Pamela’s nights operated as bar entry (sometimes with a door cover charge in the teens) rather than straight ticketed concerts. In general, this venue was about spontaneous fun rather than formal box-office shows.
Tickets and Booking
Pamela’s did not sell tickets in the same way a theatre does. On most nights it functioned like a club – you could just show up (if there was room). For special events or festival tie-ins, booking was handled through the Prince of York’s channels or event promotions. For example, the “Pamela’s × Don Julio Night Brunch” in 2021 was listed on the World Class Cocktail Festival program (newsforthefoodlover.com ). For these, patrons would typically register ahead or claim a reservation through the festival or venue’s social media. However, many themed parties and dance nights were free to attend, with optional cover charges payable at the door or by buying special drinks on-site.
In practice, the best strategy was to follow Prince of York’s announcements or sign up for their newsletter around big events. Summer and festival seasons saw more advertised “pop-up” gigs. On regular weekends, though, advanced booking was rarely needed. Guests often lined up directly at the pub entrance and were let in on a first-come basis.
Because Pamela’s was essentially part of the Prince of York pub, you didn’t normally buy an online “ticket” in advance except during very busy promotions. When special events occurred (like a major DJ night or festival showcase), details were usually handled through the festival website or a hosted event page. Checking sites like Broadsheet Sydney or local nightlife calendars (e.g. Concrete Playground) was a good way to catch announcements. (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (newsforthefoodlover.com )
Cover charges, when applied, were often modest. For reference, the Don Julio cocktail night featured $15 drink specials (newsforthefoodlover.com ), suggesting an event scale similar to other city bar fests. On non-special nights, Pamela’s entry was often free or just a small $10–$15 cover after 10pm.
Box Office/Presale: There was no traditional box office. If an event required tickets (like a New Year’s Eve or VIP party), Prince of York would announce the booking procedure. Otherwise, treat Pamela’s like walk-in nightlife.
Seating and Layout
Pamela’s was laid out as an underground dance hall rather than a seated theatre. The main feature was the open dance floor or stage area in the center, illuminated by a large disco ball that was meant to “never stop spinning” (www.broadsheet.com.au ). There were padded lounge areas and booths along the sides or back – covered in pink velvet – where small groups could perch when not dancing (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Wooden tables were placed around these lounges; guests were even encouraged to stand or climb on them (dancing on tables was explicitly permitted) (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In other words, the “best seats” were wherever you could lean back against a banquette or grip a pole to each other and groove. There was no fixed seating chart or numbered rows.
For audience sightlines, the ideal spot was near the center disco ball or DJ booth. Folk wishing to join in chorus or peer into the bottling area would gravitate there. Away from the dance floor, traffic fireplaces and locker area could be a bit congested; those who wanted a slightly quieter vantage might hover near the back or along the side lounges (though space was tight). No dedicated VIP area was openly advertised, but bottle service with tagged liquor (tequila/mezcal) was offered for tables that could be reserved for groups (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In practice, sound and light quality were fairly consistent throughout the room – the ceiling was low-ish, so music was loud everywhere, and the acoustics had a nightclub echo.
Practical note: Pamela’s provided about 40 small lockers at the entrance (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Customers were encouraged to store bags, coats and shopping items in these lockers and keep moving. This meant carrying minimal personal items (phone, wallet) onto the dance floor. There was no separate coatroom or cloak check (the lockers effectively served that purpose). Any sizable item had to go in a locker (especially on busy nights), so plan to bring only what you can fit in one of those slots.
Getting There and Parking
Location: Pamela’s was located at the basement of Prince of York, 18 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In practice, visitors would enter the main door (the historic former bank building on York and King Street) and head downstairs to find Pamela’s.
Public Transit: Being in the CBD, it’s very transit-friendly. The closest train station is Town Hall Station (on the City Circle line), which is only a couple of blocks from York Street – it’s roughly a 2-minute walk down York St to get to 18 York St. Wynyard Station is also about a 5-7 minute walk north along York St. Buses regularly run along York Street and King Street (and nearby George/Elizabeth Streets), stopping near Town Hall or Wynyard. Uber, Ola, Didi and the usual rideshare services all operate in Sydney; you can easily request a drop-off at York Street (the street is fairly broad, with taxi/rideshare zones nearby). There is no direct light-rail or ferry to this intersection, but the closest light rail stop is in the CBD (Central Station or near Town Hall, then walk).
Driving and Parking: Parking in central Sydney can be pricey and limited. There are no dedicated parking lots at 18 York Street. The nearest major car parks include Wilson Parking facilities (for example, 71 York St, just a block away on King Street) and the Asta Car Park on 130 Castlereagh Street (both 2–5 minute walks). Street parking is metered (with strict two-hour limits in most zones) and enforced heavily by Sydney councils – it can be hard to find a spot on busy nights. Some nearby public car parks include Secure Parking at 35 King St and Wilson at 1 Martin Place. Because of this, many guests prefer public transit or ride-share for convenience.
Taxi/Rideshare Drop-Off: A common drop-off point is along York Street itself or around King Street/Town Hall. The Prince of York frontage on York St is easy to spot after dark. If using a taxi or Uber/Lyft, the driver can usually pull up in front as the street is wide and has loading zones. Camera taxis and rideshare pickup areas exist near Town Hall and Wynyard.
Walking: Pamela’s is in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. From Town Hall (toward the Queen Victoria Building shopping centre), it’s about 100m north on York St. From Wynyard, walk south on York for 300-400m. From Darling Harbour/King St Wharf, walk up York or take a bus up George St. Because it’s so central, many local visitors simply walked from nearby hotels or offices. Being indoors, weather (rain or shine) doesn’t really affect being at Pamela’s – just use a coat or umbrella on your way in.
Inside the Venue
Upon arriving at the Prince of York, you’d head down a staircase or lift into Pam el a’s. Expect a casual yet vigilant entry procedure: staff likely checked IDs at the door (minimum age 18, ID required), and might have scanned bags for any prohibited items. Metal detectors or pat-downs were not mentioned, so it felt more like a bar entrance than a high-security venue. Once inside Pamela’s, the atmosphere instantly shifted to celebratory disco. You’d find bright lighting under the disco ball, pink and purple lounge furnishings, and music pumping from high-quality speakers. (www.broadsheet.com.au )
Atmosphere: The vibe was fun and uninhibited. Guests often danced freely – even on the furniture – and staff mingled behind the bar and on the floor. It was a drag-friendly, queer-friendly environment where costumes or glitter were welcome, so you might see people dressed in 70s glam, sequins, or chic party wear. One key “ritual” was the disco ball: it famously never stopped spinning, and whenever it did slow, everyone would cheer or shout “bolla bolla!” together (www.broadsheet.com.au ). The mood stayed lively well into the night. Despite the high energy, it was not an intimidating crowd; the design encouraged customers of all ages (some folks were straight from dinner upstairs) to let loose together (www.broadsheet.com.au ).
Security and Policies: Security staff were present but not overbearing – more for checking ids and crowd control than anything else. Typical bar rules applied: no outside food or drink, no weapons, no excessive antisocial behavior. Unlike many dark clubs, Pamela’s allowed cameras and phones, so visitors could take pictures (just avoid flash during performances). There was no coat check, since customers were expected to use the lockers (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Smoking indoors was not permitted (per NSW law) – smokers had to step outside or use designated areas outside Prince of York’s entrance. The bar did not enforce a strict dress code, but since it was a disco club, most people came in clubwear. Pamela’s did have “dress up” themed nights (for example, the cocktail-fest drag event explicitly advised guests to “dress up and get down” (www.broadsheet.com.au )). On regular nights attire was simply smart-casual.
Food and Drink: Pamela’s primarily offered drinks. Its bar was well-stocked with wines, craft beers and a full cocktail list, with an emphasis on tequila and mezcal cocktails. Customers could buy bottles to tag and revisit (a bottle service style) and bartenders sometimes roamed with punch bowls (www.broadsheet.com.au ). During special events, simple snacks were provided – e.g. the Don Julio Night Brunch featured bacon sandwiches alongside spicy margaritas (newsforthefoodlover.com ). On ordinary nights there might be small bar snacks available (like nuts or chips), but no full kitchen menu. Note that Prince of York’s main upstairs restaurant served hearty burgers, steaks and modern pub fare, so some patrons would grab dinner there before dancing downstairs. If you needed a meal, you could order Robertson’s tapas-style dishes upstairs then shuffle down with it (some reviewers mentioned enjoying the kingfish on crackers from the upstairs menu during Pamela’s hours (www.tripadvisor.co.uk )). Given the party atmosphere, actual food service in Pamela’s was minimal – it was more of an accompanying treat than the focus.
Facilities: Restrooms were located nearby (likely both ground-floor and basement facilities), though at peak times there might be a line. Pamela’s itself was fully indoor (so no weather concerns inside). The venue had air conditioning and ventilation, but remember it could get very warm on the dance floor. There were no personal lockers or wifi mentioned beyond the storage lockers; assume phone signal might be spotty underground. The lighting rig included party lights focused on the dance area; it was dark in corners. If you needed to plug in or charge devices, you probably had to go upstairs or outside to find a power point. In short, Pamela's worked like a classic nightclub: it supplied the music and cocktails, and you supply the rest.
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants: 18 York Street sits in the heart of Sydney’s dining and nightlife precinct. For pre-show meals, there’s no shortage: just steps away on King Street are eateries like Mexican tapas, modern bars (e.g. the famous Bar Lafayette or eccentrically themed bars on Clarence Street), and casual cafes. The Prince of Wales Hotel’s Bistro (on York itself) is one nearby pub option for pub food. For fancier dining, you can walk one block north to find Italian or Japanese spots near Wynyard, or head east to the Sydney Tower and QVB area for all sorts of cuisines. Darling Harbour’s international restaurants are a 5–10 minute walk west. In short, you could easily grab anything from a quick sushi roll to an upscale steak dinner within a short walk.
Bars and Nightlife: Pamela’s was literally in a bar-hopping zone. Right up the street (actually above Pamela’s) is the Prince of York wine bar. Nearby are cocktail bars like Employees Only (a speakeasy-themed venue), The Baxter Inn (a subterranean whisky bar), Rosie Campbell’s, and the barber-themed speakeasy. Chinatown (Dixon St) with karaoke bars and Asian eateries is a block over. So if Pamela’s closed early or you wanted an after-hours drink, you had plenty of options without needing to taxi. Late-night pizza slices and kebab shops around Darlinghurst or Chinatown were within walking distance for post-party grub.
Hotels: If you’re coming from out-of-town or want to stay close, there are many city-centre hotels within easy walking distance. Landmarks like the Sofitel, Westin, Hilton Sydney and Novotel around Town Hall and Wynyard are just minutes away on foot (most are <10-15 minutes walk). Boutique stays like The Old Clare on Commonwealth St or the boutique Ovolo on Bathurst might be a short cab ride. Parking hotels can also be found nearby (e.g. the Hyatt Regency is a couple of blocks away). Usually, visitors to Pamela’s either lived in the CBD or stayed in the city center due to its convenient location.
Pre-Show Tips: Because Sydney traffic can get busy, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early in peak times. Happy hours on King or Clarence Streets (e.g. discounts at hot spots like The Baxter Inn) could be a fun start. Arriving earlier also lets you have a drink upstairs at Prince of York or another pub. Sidewalk cafés and coffee shops are also open in afternoons if you want a caffeine boost before the night.
Late-Night Transit: Sydney trains typically stop around midnight on weeknights (and 2am on Friday/Saturday), so if Pamela’s night runs late you may need a night bus or taxi to get home. Major hotel shuttles and rideshare vehicles queue around Wynyard or Town Hall entrances. Taxis often wait on King and York in front of Town Hall. There are also night buses (e.g. from the city back to suburbs) that stop on York Street after midnight. In any case, it’s easy to catch a ride home on George or York streets, which are bustling with nightlife transport.
What Makes This Venue Special
Pamela’s magic lay in its blend of surprises and nostalgia. Architecturally, burying a disco beneath a preserved 1878 bank building was novel – it felt like a secret club. The hidden entrance (behind Grace Jones’ image) and design by co-owner Paul Schulte’s furniture firm gave it a lavish, bespoke look (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Unlike typical Sydney clubs, Pamela’s actively embraced dance-ons-tables and interactive party games, harkening back to a New York or Berlin club ethos. It even introduced a fun crowd game – whenever the disco ball slowed, everyone would shout “bolla bolla!” to keep it spinning (www.broadsheet.com.au ). These kinds of traditions, along with roaming drink trolleys and leather banquettes, made it feel more like a continuous party than a standard night out.
Culturally, Pamela’s carved out a space in Sydney’s LGBTQ+ and nightlife scene. It hosted well-known drag performers and brought a campy sophistication to drag brunch culture by extending it into the night (newsforthefoodlover.com ). That all-ages, all-energies crowd mixing would have been rare elsewhere. Patrons often cite “fabulous nights” there (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ) because it felt celebratory rather than exclusive – you could show up in street clothes after work or in full costume and be equally at home. Also, the ammo calorie: it was one of the few city clubs easily accessible by foot from the CBD (no need to hail a cab to Surry Hills or the inner west). In summary, Pamela’s was special because it broke the mold of the Sydney club: a tucked-away, high-design dance club that united different scenes (foodies upstairs, nightclub-goers downstairs) under one funky roof (www.broadsheet.com.au ) (www.broadsheet.com.au ).
Finally, talk to anyone who went and they’ll mention the staff and community. Users noted the team (like Edwina and Kostas) gave “amazing service” – warm hospitality that made regulars feel welcome (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). The way liquor bottles were tagged for reuse showed guest-centric thinking (you could come and go without losing your tab) (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Even one review praised the “delicious” bar food served as snacks. All of these little touches (from the lockers to the beverage choices) combined to make Pamela’s a beloved local legend.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Pamela’s was located downstairs in an older building, so it may not be wheelchair-friendly. The only access to the club was via stairs (or possibly a small service lift for deliveries). Patrons requiring step-free access should be careful: there is no ADA-style ramp or elevator entrance directly to the basement dance floor. If mobility is an issue, call the venue in advance to double-check or consider other nightlife options.
What to Bring and What to Leave: Always carry valid photo ID (18+). Bring only small belongings – large bags or backpacks will need to go into the provided lockers (www.broadsheet.com.au ). In fact, use those lockers as soon as you enter. Don’t bring outside food or drinks (standard bar policy), and leave bulky items at home. Comfortable shoes are a must for dancing (the floor can get warm and crowded). You may want earplugs if you’re sensitive to sound, since the music is loud by design. Also consider a light jacket or wrap – sometimes the stairway can be cool even if the club is warm.
Dress Code: There was no strict dress code, but normal nightclub attire is recommended. On themed nights (especially those in the World Class Cocktail Festival), guests were encouraged to dress up – people often wore great 70s disco outfits, glitter or glamorous costumes (www.broadsheet.com.au ). For regular weekends, smart-casual is fine (jeans and a nice top, sneakers or boots). Avoid streetwear that’s too casual (no thongs/flip-flops). It’s better to err on the trendy side, since part of the fun is dressing for the atmosphere.
Age Restrictions: As a licensed bar in Sydney, Pamela’s entry was typically 18+ (you must have valid ID). Some special events have had 21+ notices, but the majority of nights were open to all adults. Check event postings in case of any “21 and over only” nights (especially special parties or New Year’s events). Under-18s were not allowed. The crowd skewed young (20s–30s) but with plenty of 30s–40s too – thanks to the mix of all-ages policy from upstairs.
Timing: Pamela’s opened late – usually around 10pm – and went on until the early morning (2am or later on busy nights). If you arrive too early you might have some wait, since the main action starts after midnight. Lines could form on a big event night, so get there at the start time to avoid disappointment. During pandemic-affected years it was unpredictable, so following their social channels for exact open times was handy.
Connectivity and Organizers: Apple and Android users should note: sometimes club playlists and announcements happen via social media Live or hashtags (for example, #sydneylocal). The venue didn’t have its own app or page, but Prince of York often posted on Instagram and Facebook. If you want live updates, follow “Prince of York Sydney” on social media or sign up to their newsletter. (Disclaimers: no photos of people were allowed unless they consented; be polite about sharing images.)
Safety and Etiquette: Common sense rules apply. Keep an eye on your drink, stay hydrated (the bar sold soft mixers and water). The staff were friendly, so if you need help (finding the restrooms, first aid, or help calling a cab), just ask them. Dancing on tables was part of the house rules (www.broadsheet.com.au ), but do it carefully (abide by staff instructions). Feel free to join in the traditions (like yelling “bolla bolla!” when the disco ball slows) – it’s all for fun. Lastly, when leaving late at night, stick with friends and move through well-lit areas on the way home. Sydney’s CBD is generally safe at night, but normal caution is wise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pamela’s and where is it located? Pamela’s was the late-night club housed in the basement of the Prince of York (a heritage pub) at 18 York Street, Sydney. It functioned as an underground disco/bar space separate from the pub’s upstairs dining area. (The Prince of York address is 18 York St, Sydney NSW 2000 (www.broadsheet.com.au ).)
What is the capacity of Pamela’s? The exact capacity isn’t officially published, but Pamela’s was a relatively small, intimate venue (think a cozy club space, roughly a couple of dozen tables and a dance floor). It wasn’t a huge arena – mostly standing room with some lounge seating around the edges. For safety and comfort, expect a few dozen people at most on the dancefloor at a time. On sold-out nights it could feel quite packed, so arriving early helped secure a spot.
How do I buy tickets for events at Pamela’s? Pamela’s didn’t have a traditional ticket office. For most nights, entry was simply walk-in (sometimes with a small door fee). If it was a special event (like the World Class Cocktail Festival nights), ticket bookings were handled through the event promoter or Prince of York’s announcements. In practice, you usually just arrive in person, or follow Prince of York’s social media for any RSVP link. Many events were free to enter, with payment taken for drinks only.
Are there reserved seating or VIP areas in Pamela’s? Pamela’s didn’t have formal reserved seating sections like a theatre. The space was mostly open dance floor and lounge booths. However, it did offer bottle service for groups. You could purchase a bottle of tequila or mezcal to tag (they’d mark it so you could come back for refills) (www.broadsheet.com.au ), effectively reserving a lounge area. So if you wanted a more VIP experience, ordering bottle service to use the lounge tables was your best bet. Otherwise, all other guests were free to roam the floor and sit where they could.
Can I bring my own food or drinks into Pamela’s? No. Pamela’s operated strictly as a bar, so outside food and drinks were not allowed. The venue offered snacks and cocktails (for example, they sold famous bacon sandwiches during a special event (newsforthefoodlover.com )), so you could eat on-site. Drinking water and mixers were available at the bar if needed. The only storage provided were lockers for personal items (www.broadsheet.com.au ) – not for food or alcohol. You should enjoy the food and drinks provided by the club and upstairs restaurant only.
What is the cover charge or ticket price for Pamela’s nights? Cover charges varied by event. On many regular nights Pamela’s admitted guests for free (you just paid for drinks and tips). On big events or festival nights, there might have been a modest cover (perhaps $10–$20). For example, at the 2021 “Night Brunch” event cocktail prices were set to $15 (newsforthefoodlover.com ), which suggests a low cover. Always check the event’s announcement: special festival nights often list prices, whereas theme nights usually didn’t charge an extra fee beyond drink purchases.
What kind of music and entertainment can I expect? Pamela’s was known for a disco/house music mix with a retro-funk edge. DJs played anything from classic 1970s funk and disco to modern house and indie dance (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Entertainment often included live performances (local DJs, occasional acoustic sets, drag acts or dancers). Nearly every night was a party vibe – dancing on the tables was OK, and the never-stopping disco ball underscored the 70s-club theme (www.broadsheet.com.au ). If there was a special theme (like a drag show or cocktail showcase), the entertainment would reflect that (drag queens lip-syncing or special guest performers). Otherwise, expect a fun dancefloor with party lighting and an enthusiastic crowd.
Is Pamela’s wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately, Pamela’s was not easily wheelchair-accessible. The club was in a basement accessible only via stairs (the historic building did not have a public elevator to the lower level in normal operation). Patrons with limited mobility may have difficulty getting down to the dance floor. (The main Prince of York had some accessibility features upstairs, but access to the Pamela’s basement itself was via a stairwell.) If accessibility is a concern, it’s best to contact the venue ahead of time – the general principle is to plan for step-free options.
What is the best place to stand or sit for a good view? Since Pamela’s was a club, the “best view” is usually on or near the dance floor. Being close to the disco ball (center of the room) is most festive. If you prefer a bit of separation, some booths along the sides offer good vantage points. In practice, the crowd tends to form a semi-circle around the DJ/disco ball. There were no raised platforms or balconies, so everyone had roughly the same level. For photo or video opportunities, a spot by the dance floor is ideal. Keep in mind the sound is loud everywhere, so there’s no clearly “quiet” zone – if you want to chat, step into the lounge booths or near the lockers.
What are Pamela’s opening hours? Pamela’s typically opened at 10:00 PM on weekend nights and stayed open until around 2:00–3:00 AM (depending on licensing and demand). The Prince of York’s stated hours were 12pm–12am (Mon–Sat) for the wine bar and dining, but Pamela’s nightlife began after those hours (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Special events might have extended lockdowns (with the bar licensed to 2am or beyond). Because COVID shutdowns affected patterns, it’s worth checking if a particular night is on before heading out. In any case, think of Pamela’s as a late-night venue – arriving anytime after 10 PM was normal.
Are there age restrictions or ID checks? Yes, standard NSW nightlife rules applied. Pamela’s was a licensed venue, so you must be 18 or older and carry valid photo ID to enter. The staff did ID checks, especially on busy nights. Some advertised special nights might have been 21+ only, but generally anyone 18+ could go down. If you’re coming as a guest, have your passport or driver’s license handy. (Pro tip: photocopies often aren’t accepted.)
What items are not allowed inside? Patrons were asked to follow normal club rules: no outside alcohol or drinks, no weapons or drugs, and no large backpacks or scooters. Cameras and phones were fine (small cameras are welcome). Because Pamela’s provided lockers (www.broadsheet.com.au ), any large bag or coat you bring must go in a locker before entering the dance floor. Also, smoking inside was prohibited by law – smokers had to step outside the venue. If you have questions, just ask the bouncer or bar staff at the entrance, but generally think of it like a bar: if it’s clearly not allowed at a pub, it’s not allowed at Pamela’s.
What food and drink does Pamela’s serve? Pamela’s itself mainly served a full cocktail menu, beer, wine and spirits. Liquor-wise, it emphasized tequila and mezcal (with special cocktails like Don Julio margarit as seen at events) (newsforthefoodlover.com ). You could also buy whole bottles to tag. There were some small snacks available during events (for example, during the cocktail festival they handed out bacon sandwiches (newsforthefoodlover.com )). Otherwise, it was a drink-focused crowd. For a proper meal, guests could head upstairs to the Prince of York restaurant (which served pub fare and share plates) before or during their visit.
Is there a dress code at Pamela’s? There was no strict dress code, but most people dressed smart-casual or “night-out” style. On theme nights (like disco or drag parties) guests often wore costumes, glitter, sequins or retro attire (www.broadsheet.com.au ). Heeled shoes or good sneakers are recommended since you’ll be dancing. Basically, dress for a fun party. Just avoid very casual items like flip-flops or tank tops, since most patrons dressed up a bit for the club atmosphere.
Does Pamela’s offer any coat check or cloakroom? Pamela’s did not have a manned coat check, but it provided around 40 lockers at the entrance (www.broadsheet.com.au ). When you arrived, you could put your jacket, purse or small bag in one of those lockers before heading into the club. Keep your key (or combination) handy so you can reclaim your items later. Large items were not permitted on the dance floor (security would ask for them to be locked up), so plan to arrive with only what you can carry. Because of this locker system, bringing a big handbag or backpack was discouraged.
What is the “bolla bolla” tradition I heard about? “Bolla bolla” is a fun crowd ritual at Pamela’s. The disco ball was set to spin continuously while the music played – but when it did, just once in a while, start to slow down, the entire room would shout “bolla bolla!” to encourage it to keep spinning (www.broadsheet.com.au ). It’s a throwback to a club tradition discovered by the venue’s music director, and every guest was welcome to join in. So if you hear that shout, you’re either doing it or about to!
Is Pamela’s still open? Unfortunately, no. The Prince of York (which housed Pamela’s) closed its doors as a venue in recent years (www.timeout.com ), and Pamela’s is no longer operating. This information is being provided for historical reference. As of 2025, check for any new clubs or events in Sydney’s CBD – the scene changes, and there may be new venues that have replaced its spirit. (Tip: many of the team’s former events still pop up at other clubs and parties around town.)
