My Sydney: Cheek Media’s Hannah Ferguson on a “Gold Star” Cafe, Pineapolis Cocktails and Alter Egos

Earlier this year Hannah Ferguson was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30, alongside Shameless Media’s Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews and The Daily Aus founders Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski in the media and entertainment category.

As the co-founder and CEO of Cheek Media, and the co-host of podcast Big Small Talk, Ferguson is a trailblazing voice in the way we receive and interpret the news – from politics to pop culture. What makes her platform so powerful is its straight-shooting, transparent style.

“I never expected the impact to be this big, but Cheek’s success is tied to its transparency,” she tells Broadsheet. “I don’t hide pimples; I don’t conceal what I think. I am a straight shooter who is willing to be wrong and to show up online as I am. I think that has resonated with people in a curated … digital world.”

Last year Ferguson published Bite Back, her debut book on news, politics and law. Her second book, Taboo, has just hit bookshops and it’s a more personal take on the subjects women are generally socially conditioned to feel shame about.

“Gossip, Botox, babies, marriage, work and money – these are all taboo subjects we skirt around or skim the surface of – but what if we actually asked the questions that have been categorised as no-go zones at dinner parties and in our intimate partnerships?” she says. “[It asks] people to reflect on how they’ve reached their perspectives and how we can be less restricted in our conversations. I want to dismantle the taboo by naming it. I hope the book does that effectively.”

Broadsheet chats to Ferguson about the places she likes to spend time in and what she thinks is underrated in Sydney.

Hannah, you were one of Forbes 30 Under 30 this year. Who do you admire from that list?
It’s hard to pick one person, but on the day of my shoot, I met two amazing people whose work struck me. Grace Brown, the 23-year-old founder and CEO of [Andromeda Robotics] – a company building AI-powered robots that provide social and cognitive support for healthcare – and Matt Crott, one of the founders of Resus Right, which builds medical resuscitation devices for newborn delivery rooms. Grace and Matt’s work is just incredible. There are a lot of big names on that list, but those in science, healthcare and social impact should be given more of the spotlight.

Where do you live in Sydney?
I live near Paddington. I am a true inner west girl in spirit, though, and will move back there soon. I love being right in the thick of it at the moment with two of my best friends, Annie and Lilli.

What do you love most about Sydney?
While I hate the cliques, I love the personality of each area. When I wake up on the weekend, I have the power to pick my vibe and move toward it. Everyone has a Bondi and Newtown alter ego inside them, and mine compete most Saturdays. I love this city for all of the different vibes it juggles at once.

Do you have a favourite cafe?
The Wedge in Glebe is gold star. The breakfast burger with a chorizo patty is a must-try, otherwise the Mountaineer [soft boiled egg, avocado, marinated artichoke on a nut and seed loaf] is my go-to.

Fave restaurant?
I'm a regular at Chaco Ramen, but for a sit down restaurant experience I have to go with The Apollo for a birthday lunch or other celebration. I had the chef’s table menu for a friend’s birthday earlier this year and I basically rolled out of there. The Pineapolis is my cocktail of choice.

Where do you go when you want to impress someone?
The Waratah in Darlinghurst. It feels like a pub when you walk in, but it is an incredibly elevated place (with a great bottomless lunch). It’s so professional, has such lovely staff and is always a heap of fun. I love when unassuming locations end up being the best dining experience in your area.

What’s underrated in Sydney?
Huelo in Newtown. I’m absolutely obsessed with the vibe of this bar, the cocktails are amazing and I love the staff. It’s always a beautiful time having an afternoon drink here with friends on a Sunday.

Who or what makes Sydney a better place?
I live for a sunset swim with fish’n’chips at Bronte. I am not a peak-of-the-day beach attendee, but I will die on the hill of sunrise and sunset dips with a big meal on the grass.

Where is the sexiest place in Sydney?
Eileen’s Bar at the Four Pillars Gin Laboratory in Surry Hills. It has the sexiest date night vibe. The dress code there for me is always a bit of black lace.

Where do you go to escape the city?
Gerroa. I love the south coast and I’m a huge fan of Berry.

Is there an essential book about Sydney?
Love & Virtue by Diana Reid. It may not have the best view of university culture, but it is such a perfect young adult’s picture of this city.

Taboo is out now. Cheek Live with Hannah Ferguson is touring Australia in November and December.

@hannahferguson___

“My Sydney” is a regular column discovering the places and spaces that captivate and entice Sydney’s well-known residents.