Brooklyn Social opens in Surry Hills

Brooklyn Social opens on Tuesday in the old Central Tavern in Surry Hills, the one-time home of Mexico Food & Liquor.

But it is difficult to imagine a tofu hot dog on the menu at the '60s and '70s New York rock'n'roll bars that inspired the venue.

Brooklyn Social is a joint venture between publican Ben May, and Raul Gonzales and David Freeman from the BackRoom at Potts Point. May is joining the growing band of publicans jettisoning the traditional pub model, choosing to selectively join Sydney's small venue movement.

''There's still a place for good pubs. Places like the Sheaf won't change, but niche hotels might. We're getting rid of the name [the Central Tavern] and calling it the Hills. A new bar will open downstairs next month and Brooklyn Social upstairs,'' May says.

With 40 gins on the menu, Brooklyn Lager on tap and a heavy-hitter cocktail list, the upcoming downstairs venue will be less hard-edged than the black vinyl entrance and revealing posters at Brooklyn Social.

''It'll be softer,'' Gonzales says.