0°C | Tuesday October 21, 2025 
9 October 2025
By James Mullan
Hayes Street in Neutral Bay is set to come alive once again with the return of the Sunday Summer Pizz Up, a beloved community event focused on food, drink, and connection. Hosted by Marilyn Nohra, the owner of local establishments Mum & Dads Place and Thelma & Louise, the event celebrates the vibrant community she has been a part of for over two decades.
All are welcome on Sunday 19th October, with festivities kicking off at 3PM. Nohra at the team will be putting a free grazing spread to go along with BYO drinks.
This year marks the tenth Pizz Up, an event that originated after the Hayes Street Fair was canceled due to insurance issues. “Everyone kept on saying, we should still all get together, this and that. And I said, you know what? I’ll organise it. We just come and hang out at the cafe,” Nohra recounted. What started as an informal get-together quickly grew into the popular event it is today, a testament to the strong community ties in Neutral Bay.
Nohra joined the community 21 years ago when she and her partner at the time opened the iconic Thelma and Louise Cafe, just next to Neutral Bay wharf. She shared what has led to their sustained success saying “Community. Honestly, we’re the best country town in the city. We have the most amazing community. Honestly, this street is just such a gem,” adding “We’ve been to births, deaths, marriages, we’re all involved in everyone’s business, but we mind our own business. It’s just such a cute little area. That’s our success, honestly. It’s our community.”
In 2023 Nohra expanded her footprint on Hayes St, opening up Mum and Dad’s Place at the former Ta Ta Thai site. “The reason I called it Mums and Dads is because I wanted everyone to feel welcome. I wanted the name to show that you’re coming to somebody’s home,” she explained. The restaurant serves up authentic, home style Lebanese food, emphasising a return to old-fashioned values.
“Every Monday and Tuesday we have kids eat for free just because it is hard at the moment. And any break we can give to the community, we’re happy because during COVID, they are the ones that kept us flowing.” Nohra added.
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than at Hayes St for a free feast, BYO drinks and a warm, welcoming community.
