22 September 2025
From Surry Hills beginnings to becoming a Crows Nest favourite, Li’l Darlin is celebrating a year serving up some of the best hospitality on Willoughby Road.
The journey of Li’l Darlin story traces back to just blocks away from Central Station, Surry Hills, where owner Peter Augoustis acquired the original venue on Elizabeth Street. Augoustis, a seasoned hospitality veteran with experience founding businesses like Crust, Zeus Street Greek, and Divide 8 pizza, successfully revitalised the Surry Hills location following a downturn during light rail construction.
Building on this success, Augoustis brought the Li’l Darlin brand to the North Shore, recognising a market opportunity in Crows Nest. He secured the former ‘Mac n Gs’ site on Willoughby Road, establishing the second outpost of Li’l Darlin.
View this post on Instagram
To celebrate its first birthday, Li’l Darlin is offering a limited-edition cocktail and hosting a party this week. The celebratory cocktail, named “First Flame,” is a $15 vodka-based drink with apple and cinnamon notes, reminiscent of an apple crumble. It will be available for one week only, from September 23rd to 28th, at both Li’l Darlin Crows Nest and Loom Lounge, a venue located just behind Lil Darlin.
The anniversary celebrations will really kick into gear on Saturday, September 27th, with live music from Rein Mali from 6 PM to 9 PM, followed by a party with live DJs out the back in the Loom Lounge.