40Res: A New Kind of Wedding Venue

In the heart of Sydney’s Surry Hills, 40Res brings together the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant with the considered detail of a destination dining experience. With its refined yet relaxed approach to food, wine and hospitality, the space has become a natural choice for couples seeking a wedding celebration that feels intimate, personal and entirely their own.

THEODORE Mag: 40Res has quickly become one of Sydney's most talked-about neighbourhood venues. What was the vision behind creating the space, and what experience did you hope guests would take away?

40Res: From the beginning, the vision for 40Res was to create a space that feels genuinely welcoming - somewhere with the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant but the attention to detail of a destination dining experience. We wanted to move away from the idea of formal hospitality and instead create a place where people feel instantly comfortable, whether they're joining us for a casual dinner, a long lunch or one of life's biggest celebrations. Our hope is that every guest leaves feeling they've experienced something thoughtful, personal and memorable, with incredible food, genuine service and an atmosphere that encourages people to relax and connect.

THEODORE Mag: Your approach to food is refined yet approachable. How does your culinary philosophy shape the celebrations you host, particularly weddings and private events?

40Res: Our philosophy has always been centred around sharing. We believe the best celebrations happen around a table, where food brings people together naturally. Our menus showcase premium seasonal ingredients prepared with care, balancing refinement with generosity. For weddings and private events, we want guests to feel as though they're enjoying an exceptional meal rather than a traditional function. The experience is elevated but never intimidating, allowing couples to celebrate in a way that feels relaxed, contemporary and genuinely enjoyable for everyone.

THEODORE Mag: Surry Hills is known for its creativity and vibrant hospitality scene. How does 40Res reflect the character of the neighbourhood while offering something uniquely its own?

40Res: Surry Hills has an incredible energy - creative, diverse and constantly evolving - and that's something we've embraced from day one. 40Res reflects the neighbourhood through its relaxed sophistication, independent spirit and focus on quality without pretence. At the same time, we've created a venue with its own personality, where thoughtful design, exceptional hospitality and an extensive wine program come together to create an experience that's intimate, polished and distinctly ours.

THEODORE Mag: When couples first walk through the doors, what do they usually fall in love with? The atmosphere, the food, the wine, or perhaps something unexpected?

40Res: It's usually the atmosphere first. There's an immediate sense of warmth and intimacy that makes people feel at ease. Then, as they experience the food, meet the team and explore the wine list, they begin to picture how naturally their celebration could unfold here. One of the things couples often comment on is how personal the space feels. It doesn't feel like a traditional event venue - it feels like hosting your wedding in your favourite restaurant, surrounded by the people you love.

THEODORE Mag: Your wine list is a defining part of the 40Res experience. How do you curate wines that not only complement the menu but also become part of a couple's celebration?

40Res: Our wine program is built around discovery and balance. We work with producers whose wines express character, craftsmanship and a sense of place, while ensuring every bottle has a purpose alongside our menu. For weddings, we take the time to understand each couple's tastes and the style of celebration they're creating. Whether it's introducing guests to something unexpected or selecting bottles with personal significance, we see wine as more than just a pairing - it's part of the story and often one of the lasting memories guests take away.

THEODORE Mag: Many couples are moving towards more intimate, experience-led weddings. How does 40Res cater to those looking for a celebration that feels personal, relaxed and memorable?

40Res: We love hosting intimate weddings because they're perfectly suited to the way we approach hospitality. Our size allows us to give every event genuine attention, tailoring menus, wines and service to reflect each couple's vision. Rather than following a standard wedding formula, we focus on creating an experience that feels effortless and personal, where guests can enjoy incredible food, exceptional wine and meaningful conversations in a beautifully designed space. It's less about formality and more about creating unforgettable moments.

THEODORE Mag: Looking back on the celebrations you've hosted so far, is there a particular wedding or event that perfectly captured what 40Res is all about?

40Res: Rather than one single celebration, it's the moments we see at every event that best represent 40Res. The speeches shared over beautifully prepared food, guests lingering long after dessert because nobody wants the evening to end, and couples telling us the celebration felt exactly like them. Those are the experiences we're most proud of. Our goal has always been to create weddings that feel authentic rather than staged, where every detail contributes to an atmosphere that's warm, joyful and effortlessly memorable.

THEODORE Mag: Finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to couples searching for the perfect wedding venue, what would you encourage them to look for beyond the aesthetics?

40Res: Beautiful spaces are important, but it's the feeling a venue creates that people remember. We'd encourage couples to look for somewhere where they genuinely enjoy spending time, with a team they trust, food and wine they're excited to share, and an atmosphere that reflects who they are as a couple. The best weddings aren't defined by trends - they're defined by how they make people feel. When the hospitality is sincere and the experience feels authentic, everything else naturally falls into place.

Visit 40res.com.au

Instagram @40reservoir

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