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Could Mary's crew take on Sydney landmark The Basement?

Scott Bolles
Scott Bolles

Mary's owner Jake Smyth.
Mary's owner Jake Smyth.Dominic Lorrimer

Is one of Newtown's chirpiest food venues stepping in to save a landmark Sydney CBD music and food destination?

That'll do us for a Christmas present at Good Food, thank you very much.

The crew at Mary's are circling the long-time Circular Quay home of the Basement, which unplugged the amps and closed with much public mourning in April.

The guys from the beer and burger joint in Newtown cut a distinctive and recognisable look among the CBD suits when spotted sizing up the digs.

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While any food plans for the venue are unknown, it is believed Mary's owners are keen to reboot live music.

"Negotiations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to talk about it at this stage," Mary's co-owner Jake Smyth says.

While a who's who of hospitality from hotelier Fraser Short to chef George Calombaris were linked to the site, a Mary's deal is believed to be well advanced.

Agents Steffan Ippolito​ and Matt Yovich had been shopping the venue for expressions of interest, but couldn't be reached for comment.

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Scott BollesScott Bolles writes the weekly Short Black column in Good Food.

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