Big ideas for new Upstairs at Fred’s extension

A new extension to one of Camden’s favourite haunts will bring together elements of the historic town with a new vibrant wave of enthusiasm.

Upstairs at Fred’s owner Steve Wisbey will transfrom an unused rooftop into a vibrant space for food and fun. Picture: Ian Svegovic

A new extension to one of Camden’s favourite haunts will bring together elements of the historic town with a new vibrant wave of enthusiasm.

Upstairs at Fred’s will expand by the end of the year to use its outdoor rooftop area at the back of the restaurant.

Owner Steve Wisbey has big ideas for the extension and promised customers “Fred’s Big Deck” would bring a unique vibe to the town’s restaurant scene but wasn’t giving much away when discussing the food on offer.

“Close your eyes and imagine the most fun foodie market you can think of,” he said.

“We’re still going to stick with the craft beers and the tapas indoors but the back area will be different.”

The new section will be fitted with 1.8m high acoustic screens to limit noise to surrounding residences.

Mr Wisbey said he was looking to bring elements of Camden’s historic features into the new outdoor area.

“At the end of the day I think it’s going to be very different to what we have at the moment,” he said.

Upstairs at Fred’s current restaurant. Picture: Facebook

“We’re trying to have some elements of Camden.

“If you’ve seen the Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney we’d like to do something like that.

“We have to have the acoustic screens so I’ve spoken to the people who did Illuminarte about mapping the back area.”

Mr Wisbey said his plans for the extension would create a different style for a restaurant in Camden.

“It’s not trying to be like Barenz Sundays, we have very different ideas in mind,” he said.

He believes new ideas across the Camden restaurant and business scene were needed to ward off competition from flourishing businesses in neighbouring suburbs.

“Narellan Town Centre has opened 1000 new restaurant seats since September last year, they have a lot of good businesses that do a great job but that does take seats away from Camden,” he said.

“They will come back to Camden as we are a unique historical town but if we don’t have a point of difference then people will go to a shopping centre to eat.

“There is more scope for arts and for antiques in Camden, more of a mix.”

Mr Wisbey said he expects to open the extension later this year.