Small Time Pizza

Small Time opened in early 2020 as an inviting bar serving cheap New York-style slices, punchy cocktails and Aussie beers. It’s also a live-music venue, recording studio and artist-development hub.

The generously sized slices – cut from impressive 55-centimetre pies – start at just $5. And the menu is short and sweet. There’s the margherita-style Super Cheesus, a classic pepperoni pie, a vegetarian option and the plant-based Viva Las Vegans, plus regular specials that have previously included Hawaiian and Capricciosa pizzas.

The drinks list has wintry cocktails – such as a Hot Toddy and the Smoke Rings, with rye and peated whiskies, sherry and chocolate bitters – as well as a tight local wine list and beers from the likes of Bodriggy and Temple Brewing (as well as the house special, Small Time Draught).

The space itself is homey and welcoming, with a charming out-of-use fireplace, arched doorways, brick finishes and a pool table. And the rooftop patio is an excellent place to let the arvo roll into the evening. But Small Time is a music hub first and foremost. You can catch a set from a local band or peer into a soundproof-glass studio where another might be laying down a live recording.

There are plenty of writing, recording and mixing spaces to help in-the-works projects come to fruition. As well as helping artists write, record, produce and release music, it runs a weekly residency where a featured up-and-comer live-streams a performance online (and plays to anyone in the venue). More established artists might get a slot on Small Time TV.