An Expat Guide to Living in Sydney

We talk to expat Ashley Leszczuk about what it’s like living in Sydney and what gems he’s found around the city since moving from the United Kingdom. 
Name: Ashley Leszczuk
Occupation: Underwriter, Crisis Management
Current Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney
Originally from: Chelmsford, Essex
What was your first perception of Sydney when you moved there: Actually how small it is a City, which is great for getting around and exploring suburbs, far easier than London or NY for example where I have lived and worked before.
Favourite restaurant in Sydney: Tough, tough question. There are so many great restaurants around the suburbs, and especially where I live, it is almost easy to not go back twice as there is so much choice and I have never had a bad experience. One place that I do love and go back to again and again, for drinks and a good time also (I had my 30th birthday there) is Ziggi’s in Chippendale. Ziggi creates Aus-raeli food, a mix of Australian and Israeli cuisine. The 72 hour hung pork is killer. Literally melts in your mouth. He also has a great selection of cheeses, wines and cocktails which I am sure he makes up as he goes along! There is always local artist work hung on the walls and sometimes you may even see artists working their magic in the bar itself.

Best place to hang out on the weekend: I don’t really have a “best place” as there are so many places to explore. From wandering around Darlinghurst / Surry Hills / Potts Point, to catching the ferry to Manly beach, to a lazy Sunday on the Opal card maximum $2.50 spend, which basically involves wandering down to Circular Quay, picking a wharf at random, picking a destination at random, getting off the other side and finding somewhere to eat. Your own mini adventure of a Sunday afternoon.
Where will you find the best cup of coffee: Although I am yet to buy into the coffee buzz, without doubt, the best place I have found is the Crown Street Grocer, on the corner of Crown and Foveaux Street. Great selection of overseas blends and a perfect spot to sit in the window seats, rummage through a local paper and people watch (my favourite past-time).
And where is your favourite place to go for breakfast: More like lunch by the time I drag myself out of bed after a large night before! The best spot I have found is on Bayswater Road, Kings Cross at Uliveto Cafe. Tucked away, this is a great spot to shake off the night before….

Best bar for midweek drinks with friends: Seriously too many to mention. Just try and avoid anything with a bookies built in. stay away from those “traditional Aussie pubs” as there are far better one’s on every street.
Best secret hangout for those who don’t want to run with the crowd: Any of the small bars; Mojo Record Store, Frankie’s Pizza, The Barber Shop, Ramblin’ Rascals, the list can be quite endless. Although these are still busy, they are away from your standard watering holes and have a great mix of local beers and classic cocktails. Or, just get out of the City and go to anywhere in Newtown/Erskinville !
Best BYOB in Sydney: If you can get a table, Bar Reggio in Stanley Street, Surry Hills. Great, cheap Italian which is always packed to the rafters, be prepared to queue for a small amount of time.

Best beach to escape to from the city: If you have access to a car, head North to Palm Beach. About an hours drive, a great spot for surfing and body boarding. Alternatively, I quite enjoy walking from Manly to Shelly beach, only takes about 15 minutes or so, and a lovely little spot with a great bar/restaurant next door to sit back and relax after exhausting yourself in the sea all afternoon.
Best place to go for a walk: Manly to Spit scenic walk is about 10km. Just don’t do what I did and do it in the height of summer, in jeans with no water!!! Not a good idea, I almost melted.
Best area to live in and why: I love Darlinghurst. There are laneways with secret cafes, there are secret bars, great pubs, a 20 min walk to the city, a 20 minute walk to Elizabeth bay parklands, bus to Bondi in 30 minutes. It really is central enough for a lot of things. You have Surry Hills on the doorstep, Paddington, Moore Park for footy and all things sporting.
Best pub for lunch: Take your pick. Literally, these questions are getting harder and harder as there are so many! Take your opal card down to Circular Quay, pick a wharf, pick a destination, hop on and go explore!!! All for $2.50 on a Sunday, perfect lazy Sunday lunch with good food and a good bottle of wine. Job done.
Best place to have a weekend away from Sydney in: Melbourne. It is literally New York of Australia. Great bars, great cafes, great vibe, a great city.
The best thing you’ve discovered about living in Australia so far: The beer. I was concerned it was going to be all VB and Carlton. Oh no. They have an amazing array of good ales, combined with some amazing food, you really cannot go wrong to kick back, find a spot and watch the World go by…

By Ashley Leszczuk
Find out more about moving to Australia