Paint & Sip Surry Hills

Surry Hills sits just south-east of the CBD, close enough to the city that a group can meet straight after work, and it suits a relaxed night where the point is catching up. Paint and sip fits that brief well: bring a bottle, take a seat at an easel and let an artist talk the room through a painting one step at a time. Cork & Chroma has been running these sessions since 2013, and its Sydney studio is on Holt Street, just off Crown Street.

Before you book a paint and sip in Surry Hills:

• Getting there: Central station is within walking distance and light rail stops in Surry Hills, which is handy because street parking near the studio is limited.
• The experience: an artist leads the group through a painting step by step, no experience is needed, and everyone leaves with a finished 40 x 50cm canvas.
• Group size: private events need a minimum of 10 paid seats, while smaller groups can book seats together in a public session.
• Booking ahead: evening private events are arranged by contacting the studio well in advance and carry a higher minimum, so give yourself plenty of lead time.
• Food and drinks: it is BYO for drinks and food, with glassware, water, a fridge and display tables supplied, though you bring your own plates and serving gear.

Sessions start from $69 per person. Public sessions run for about three hours in the evening with a set artwork, while private events run for two to three hours and let the group choose any painting from the catalogue, or pay extra for a commissioned piece. Private events are open to all ages, so the studio works for a family birthday as well as a hens party.