Pirates of Australia: prepare to panic and startle the parrot perched on your rough, sea dog shoulder. The Pirate Bay, the worst enabler of petty criminality in Australia (probably), will be blocked in the next 15 days. According to ABC News, in a case before the Federal Court of Australia, Foxtel and Village Roadshow have asked for five major torrent sites, including The Pirate Bay, to be blocked by major internet service providers. Other sites include Torrentz, TorrentHound, IsoHunt and SolarMovie. It'll be up to the ISPs to decide how to do the blocking. In what is presumably favourable news for piraters, the ISPs haven't been granted a rolling injunction, which means new sites can't be added to the block list as they spring up. This means mirroring can (and most probably will) spring up, making the whole legal exercise a little redundant. One commenter on the ABC post offered their experience of similar legal orders in the UK. What the lack of rolling injunction means is that if a site like TorrentHound (which doesn't actually exist anymore), closes down and restarts under a different name, they will have to go back to court to shut it down. It's been noted (again and again, mind you) that VPNs are an easy and cheap way around the blocks, but Graham Burke — co-chief executive of Village Roadshow, who, as well as being one of the copyright-holding applicants, have also proposed a plan to fine illegal downloaders — told the ABC he doesn't think they are a significant issue. "The experience overseas is not many people use VPNs because they cost money as well," he told ABC News. Sure thing. While the outcome of this court case doesn't worry most people — and there's nothing in the act that mentions any fines or penalties for people who try to access the blocked sites — the precedent has been set, so it'll be easier in future to litigate. In a live Facebook video chat, ABC journalists Will Ockenden and Jake Sturmer note that piracy rates have dropped since sites like Presto, Netflix and Stan have become widely available in Australia, so it's possible a solution is out there. What did they expect, though? Australia was colonised by a steady stream of low-key crims from the start. If they could have downloaded bread in the 1700s, you know the convicts would have been racing home every Monday to download the latest tastiest loaf from HBO. Via ABC News.
Have you got a spare $1200 burning in your pocket each month? For a lot of us, the answer is a big fat "no". But there's an increasing number of very wealthy folks out there who are looking to spend big bucks on private members' wellness clubs in Melbourne — like the hugely popular SAINT and Saint Haven clubs, which are expanding across the city at a rapid pace. The Ritz Carlton, located at the west end of the CBD, is the latest spot to capitalise on this lavish trend, launching long-term memberships to its existing spa and fitness facilities. Located up on the 64th floor — boasting incredible views across the city and bay — you'll find a 20-metre heated infinity pool, fully decked-out gym, hydrotherapy spa, hammam-style steam room and traditional sauna. Usually, you'd need to book a room at the hotel to enjoy all these spaces, but now you can purchase memberships that give you year-round access. The Access Member Tier costs $1,167 per month (with a minimum 12-month term) and a one-off $500 sign-up fee. Yeah, this ain't cheap, but if you can afford it, you'll be getting access to one of Melbourne's greatest wellness spots all year long. Membership also gets you a locker with a towel, slippers and robe, plus invitations to members-only events. Your mates can also join you at the Ritz's wellness club by paying $90 for daily guest passes. For a short time, the crew is also offering a Founding Member Tier, which gets you all of the above perks, as well as six bespoke 60-minute spa treatments, and preferential pricing on retail products, spa services and dining at The Ritz-Carlton. This will set you back a mean $1500 a month (also with a minimum 12-month term) as well as a one-off $500 joining fee. Spa Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne Says Kati O'Nagy shared, "The Ritz-Carlton Spa is an oasis where wellness and luxury converge, and the Wellness Membership provides exclusive daily access, for the first time, to our iconic infinity pool overlooking the city, rejuvenating vitality pool, state-of-the-art gym, invigorating steam room and traditional sauna. "It also unlocks wonderful privileges such as bonus spa treatments, valet parking and preferential pricing on retail products and spa services. We can't wait to welcome members to our sanctuary in the sky." If you can't afford this luxe membership, think about convincing your rich mate to get one — then you just have to get a guest pass whenever you want to join them. You'll find The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Level 64, 650 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, open every day from 6am–11pm. For more details, you can visit the hotel's website or email the team directly.
The Wheelhouse Studio in South Melbourne offers a light and airy space where students of all levels can learn to master the art of pottery. There are several types of classes here, including ones that focus on the wheel and handcrafting, taking place over four or eight weeks. The potter's wheel is what most people think of when they think of pottery (thanks, Patrick Swayze), and it is by far the most popular place to start. Guided by the supportive staff, students will learn the art of throwing and other skills as they attempt to create their first masterpiece. Hand building, on the other hand, involves techniques such as slab-building, coiling and the pinch pot, which are used to create truly unique pieces. This is a much more chilled approach to pottery, as the constant speed and movement of the wheel don't apply. Instead, you can just kick back, relax and mould away. The terms run for either four or eight weeks, and they are designed to encourage a personal style in each potter. The course covers everything from design, making, trimming, construction and decoration. At the end of the term, you'll have stacks of pieces you can take home and show off on your mantlepiece. And if you're afraid of commitment, try The Wheelhouse Studio's term taster, a two-hour masterclass, before you sign up for something longer.
When you've been sipping on blue milk, how ready will you be to battle the Galactic Empire? Will tucking into green burgers and dessert space stations get you fuelled to rebel against oppression? There's only one way to find out the answers to these questions: by visiting the brand-new Star Wars Galactic Cafe, an Australian-first eatery that's now open at Melbourne Museum. After the Victorian venue became the top spot right now, in this very galaxy, to see Star Wars come to life via Lego courtesy of the world-premiering Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition — and the only place to check out life-sized recreations of the space saga's locations, characters, duels and moments as made out of eight-million-plus plastic bricks, in fact — the same site has welcomed another Aussie debut. As first announced back in May, never before has an official Star Wars cafe popped up Down Under. This one is only here for a limited season. Yes, blue milk is definitely on offer, because it wouldn't be a Star Wars-themed spot for a snack and a sip without it. You can enjoy it chilled or as part of a slushie. And the source of that all-important hue? Butterfly pea flower powder. The cafe's full food and drink range features other dishes and selections inspired by the franchise — and while there's no green milk or fish eggs, green-hued burgs and a Death Star by chocolate sweet treat are ready to tempt your tastebuds. Fittingly, the bites and drinks have names like Canto Bight Burger, Naboo Garden Vermicelli, Outer Rim Chicken Katsu and Tatooine Sunset. Also on offer: a Chewie gingerbread cookie that adorably resembles its namesake. A range of kids meal packs are available, too, with monikers such as Endo Explorer (featuring chicken nuggets) and Padawan Power (with a hummus and salad sandwich). Open since Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Star Wars Galactic Cafe is the result of Australian-first collaboration between Museums Victoria, Disney and Lucasfilm. The decor matches the menu, with the pop-up delivering an immersive eating and drinking experience beyond what you're consuming by taking you to a Corellian Star Cruiser to get feasting. If this sounds like the kind of spot that'll be popular, that's because it already is — so bookings are encouraged, with walk-in availability limited. As for the Aussie-exclusive exhibition that goes with it and opened back in May, it's the largest collection of life-sized Lego Star Wars models ever assembled and the biggest touring Lego showcase ever. The Millennium Falcon, Emperor Palpatine's throne flanked by two Royal Guards, a stormtrooper helmet, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader facing off, and the Mandalorian and Moff Gideon: they're all featured in Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition, which hails from Ryan McNaught aka Brickman. Find the Star Wars Galactic Cafe at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, operating from 10.30am–3.30pm daily for a limited season. Head to the museum's website for bookings and more details. Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition runs until Monday, January 26, 2026 at Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Head to the exhibition's website for tickets and more details. Images: Carmen Zammit, courtesy of Museums Victoria.
Yarra Valley wine country is set to score a bold new addition in June 2025, when Levantine Hill Estate opens its ambitious onsite hotel designed by acclaimed architecture firm — and Mona designers — FK (formerly Fender Katsalidis). Once completed, the award-winning winery's boutique accommodation Levantine Hill Hotel will be home to 33 luxury suites overlooking the rolling vineyards Conceptualised to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, the new hotel will be set across two levels, decked out in natural materials and raw finishes to complement the property's existing spaces. That includes the cellar door, fine-dining restaurant and winemaking facilities, which are also the work of FK founder Karl Fender. Suites are set to feature their own living rooms, studies and private balconies, plus eight of them will feature expansive circular baths. Expect lots of polished concrete, rich leather and untreated silvertop ash used throughout. Catering to the wedding crowd, there'll also be a sumptuous bridal suite — named the Optume Suite — complete with its own cellar, bar, open fireplace and dressing room. And if you fancy arriving in style, the hotel will be located just a quick stroll from the estate's helicopter landing area. Guests will also have access to the indoor gym, an outdoor exercise area and a 1.5km walking sculpture track, which winds through the sculpture-filled gardens brimming with over 30 pieces of internationally created sculptures. Complimentary continental breakfast and a fully-stocked mini-bar are also included in every Levantine Hill Hotel stay. But this luxe accommodation isn't the only grand thing in the works for Levantine Hill, with plans for an additional 47-room hotel still in the works. That project will also be brought to life by architects FK, and we will be sure to share further details once they roll in. Levantine Hill Estate's new hotel is set to open in June 2025, at 882 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream. For more information, you can check out the winery's website. Images: FK Architects.
If you've ever watched a David Attenborough documentary about the planet and wished it was sillier and stupider, to the point of being entertainingly ridiculous and ridiculously entertaining alike, then Netflix comes bearing wonderful news. Actually, the BBC got there first, airing history-of-the-world mockumentary Cunk on Earth back in September 2022. Glorious things come to waiting viewers Down Under now, however — and this gleefully, delightfully absurd take on human civilisation from its earliest days till now, spanning cave paintings, Roman empires, Star Wars' empire, 1989 Belgian techno anthem 'Pump Up the Jam' and more, is one of the best shows to join Netflix in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 so far. This sometimes Technotronic-soundtracked five-part series' beat? Surveying how humanity came to its present state, stretching back through species' origins and evolution, and pondering everything from whether the Egyptian pyramids were built from the top down to the Cold War bringing about the "Soviet onion". The audience's guide across this condensed and comic history is the tweed-wearing Philomena Cunk, who has the steady voice of seasoned doco presenter down pat, plus the solemn gaze, but is firmly a fictional — and satirical — character. Comedian Diane Morgan first started playing the misinformed interviewer in 2013, in Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe, with Black Mirror creator Brooker behind Cunk on Earth as well. Over the past decade, Cunk has brought her odd questions to 2016's one-off Cunk on Shakespeare and Cunk on Christmas, and 2018's also five-instalment Cunk on Britain. Then, in Brooker's Death to 2020 and Death to 2021, two annual looks back at life during the pandemic, Morgan played Cunk-like everywoman Gemma Nerrick — aka the spoof specials' average person among its comic experts. That's Cunk's remit as well. She poses enquiries and makes observations that academics on various branches of history, plus archaeologists, biologists, engineers and others, wouldn't expect to be asked by their peers or serious interviewers. In fact, they wouldn't anticipate being asked Cunk's questions by anyone, really, except perhaps very young children. "If you want to talk about Russian Soviet vegetables, we can," is one response that Cunk's incorrect queries garner, this one after accusations of mansplaining when she's told she likely means the Soviet Union. When she isn't uttering outlandish questions, she's often simply demanding OTT statements that'll help the show go viral, such as an exchange with another boffin where she requests a pithy soundbite stating that Jesus Christ was "the first celebrity victim of cancel culture". Or, in classic history doco style, Cunk is walking and talking, her eyes trained on the camera and scenic and/or important locales stretching out behind her — and, elsewhere, narrating while remaining unseen over the same type of images. Much of Cunk on Earth's hilarity comes from its take on the past, and on humanity, as well as the series' love of the ludicrous — as delivered with Cunk's dry, droll and unflappable demeanour (unless she's learning that Laika, the first dog in space, didn't make it home). She posits with the straightest of faces that the human brain is made of pipes, and that Beethoven's 'Symphony No 5' has lyrics that just repeat the word "dumb" over and over. She has thoughts on the worst Romans, in ancient times and now; connects hieroglyphics to emojis and likens mummification to Gwyneth Paltrow's spa treatments; and asks "was early man made out of the same sort of meat as us?" while then wondering if human flesh ever had a pork- or beef-like moniker. Morgan's performance is a marvel, and a perceptive portrait of couldn't-care-less arrogance, ignorance and certainty that plays as an easy-but-still-smart caricature of a growing attitude prevalent online today. With one character, she's as much of a canny and cutting comedic force as Sacha Baron Cohen has proven with Ali G, Borat, Bruno and the various figures in 2018 mockumentary series Who Is America?. Cunk, in all of her on-screen appearances, adopts the same basic format as Baron Cohen's alter egos — proposing the absurd to both parody and interrogate. Her throwaway comment about the pyramids being designed the way they are to "stop homeless people from sleeping on them" says plenty about society's treatment of folks doing it tough, and she skewers the overuse and misattribution of quotes by stating that Aristotle said "dance like no one is watching". As brilliant as Morgan's deadpan turn is, and as committed as the Inside No 9, Motherland and Mandy actor is, Cunk on Earth is equally reliant upon its interviewees. They each take their task seriously — the real-life experts aren't here to court laughs — but they're also willing to use Cunk's silly queries and comments as a jumping-off point. The question about the brain's pipes inspires a considered and accessible explanation of two different schools of philosophical thought, for instance. Often, Cunk's naive musings spark tidbits and corrections that do exactly what an Attenborough-style show like this sincerely and earnestly would: inform. Of course, for every enlightening answer offered — whether recounting something that's common knowledge anyway or diving deeper — Cunk on Earth has Cunk being Cunk. She asks about ancient Greeks before declaring she couldn't give a shit, segues off on tangents about her ex-boyfriend Paul to counter her panel of experts, and pronounces words incorrectly to humorous effect (even if nothing beats her butchering of Camelot in Cunk on Britain, which begets questions about King Arthur's semen production). A series like this is a masterclass in juggling, with everything from a Black Mirror-leaning skit about Beethoven resurrected inside a smart speaker to a recreation of a Dark Ages fray purely through sound also thrown in. Here, this very series is flat-out masterful — and tremendously funny. Check out the trailer for Cunk on Earth below: Cunk on Earth streams via Netflix. Images: Jonathan Browning.
There are plenty of ways to pretend that it's the 80s, you live in Hawkins, Indiana and vanquishing a demogorgon is your life's mission. Listening solely to eerie synth tunes, devouring pop culture from the era, playing Dungeons & Dragons — they all fit, and so does binging Stranger Things, of course. But for one morning only, if you happen to be in the vicinity of Bondi Beach, you can go a step further. Always wanted to have an encounter with the Upside Down (well, since 2016, when the hit Netflix series first appeared)? Until 12pm today, Friday, May 27 — aka right now — you can. An IRL Upside Down rift (not to be confused with a Fast and Furious drift) has taken over the famed stretch of sand in front of the skate park, but only for a few hours. Of course, when we say real, we all know that it's a Netflix promotional stunt and not really an opening to a terrifying, monster-filled alternate dimension — but hey, if you've been counting down the years between Stranger Things' third and fourth seasons, you'll be happy to go along with it. Glowing red in its centre — naturally — and filled with branch-like vines that stick out from that luminous void, this rift isn't small. It measures 20 metres by 16 metres in size, in fact. So, again, if you're in the area, you really can't miss it. And if you're a Sydneysider who now wants to take a detour to work, or a mid-morning trip, that's understandable. If you follow the Netflix Australia and New Zealand Twitter account, you might've already made the journey — yesterday, on Thursday, May 26, it teased that something spooky was coming between 7am–12pm today, complete with coordinates (written upside down, of course). That means you may have already seen the scientists patrolling the area in hazmat suits, too, and lifeguards setting up a perimeter. The reason for the Upside Down arriving Down Under: the return of Stranger Things after a three-year gap, with the first seven episodes in the show's fourth and penultimate season hitting Netflix today, at 5pm AEST, as well. Bondi is one of 15 sites in 14 countries getting a taste of the Upside Down — alongside the Empire State Building in New York City, Duomo Square in Milan, Malecon Barranquilla in Colombia, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, Menara Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Al-'Ula National Monument in Saudi Arabia, Cologne Media Park in Germany, XBox Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles, Wawel Castle in Krakow, Medborgarplatsen in Stockholm, the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao; and the Telefónica building and Plaza del Callao in Madrid. London and Tokyo are also on the list. It's been a big few years for pop culture-themed pop-ups in Australia, with the Upside Down following in Borat, Nicole Kidman, Homer Simpson and the creepy Red Light, Green Light doll from Squid Game 's footsteps in Sydney. Homer Simpson's huge head made its way to Queensland, too, while Melbourne scored an Everything Everywhere All At Once-style multidimensional laundromat and a massive Timothée Chalamet mural to promote Dune. Find the Stranger Things Upside Down rift at Bondi Beach until 12pm on Friday, May 27. You can also watch the first seven episodes of Stranger Things season four via Netflix from 5pm AEST on Friday, May 27 — and read our full review. Images: courtesy of Netflix and Aquabumps.
From the outside, 400 Gradi looks like nothing special. Just another pizza restaurant down the Brunswick-end of Lygon Street churning out Italian food? Best keep that opinion to yourself, otherwise you'll be missing out on some of the city's — and in fact, the world's — best pizza. Soft lighting and dark features make 400 Gradi (Italian for '400 degrees', the ideal temperature at which pizza should be cooked) the kind of spot that calls you for dinner on a rainy night. You know the kind we mean, too: the type you hanker for in the middle of a dreary Melbourne winter, whilst the rest of your friends are off holidaying in the sunny Mediterranean. After owner Johnny Di Francesco's recent win at the World Pizza Championships though, where 400 Gradi's margherita ($20.50) was awarded first prize, you can forget about your friends — you've got the gold standard right on your doorstep. 400 Gradi's quality is due to the fact that it is one of only four Melbourne pizzerias to be a member of the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association. Strict guidelines on ingredients — including the use of '00' flour — means that this pizzeria's game is absolute A-grade. Light, yeasty and lightly charcoaled in taste, each base is cooked to perfection within 90 seconds, making for a menu that is faultless, whatever your inclination. Aside from the margherita, which is the pizzeria's most popular item, the Caserta, featuring san marzano tomato, buffalo mozzarella, rocket and prosciutto di parma ($24.5), is also a close favourite. We dare say you are doing yourself an injustice should you visit 400 Gradi and not sample the pizza. However, for those so inclined, a number of seconds are equally as impressive, including the pappardelle with pancetta, peas, fresh herbs, chilli and parmesan ($23). Of course, Italians are experts at primi. We recommend the arancini ($13) and olive ascolane ($12): green olives filled with veal, crumbed and shallow fried. A terrific combination. 400 Gradi proves that a thoughtful approach to food brings the best results. Nothing less than delicious.
Anyone who has tasted The Gidley's extraordinary burger will know it's something special. Now, thanks to the annual rankings compiled by the respected World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants judges, we know just how special it is. Ranked ninth on The World's Top Ten Burgers list, the upmarket CBD steakhouse was the only Australian restaurant to earn a nod this year, making its burger the best in the nation. The two carefully hand-crafted beef patties are sourced from hospitality group Liquid & Larder's in-house butchery, located at The Gidley's sister venue Alfie's in the CBD. Once cooked medium rare, they're topped with mature cheddar and a few judiciously placed slivers of dill pickle, all contained within a soft milk bun. [caption id="attachment_751377" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] While customers have the option of adding an egg or rashers of bacon to their sandwich, there are no additional condiments included on The Gidley's burger, and trust us, that's a good thing. When the meat is as tender and moist as this, the rich, beefy juices are more than sufficient to self-sauce every succulent mouthful, right down to the last bite. In other great news for Sydneysiders, The Gidley's award-worthy burger is now also available at Surry Hills whisky bar The Rover. The monster burger at Shoreditch barbecue joint Salt Shed in London took out the top spot on this year's rankings., leading an impressive showing for the British capital, including Bleecker in Bloomberg Arcade in third place, Black Bear Market in Exmouth Market in fifth position, and Burger & Beyond, also in Shoreditch, in seventh. Burgers from New York, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Miami and Valencia made up the rest of the top ten list. For the full list of the World's Best Burgers, head to the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants website. Images: Dominic Loneragan
The CBD has welcomed the ultimate winter hideaway, with late-night cocktail den Trinket now open on Flinders Lane. An oversized jewellery box of grown-up delights, it's a glamorous two-level space, full of art deco styling and old-world charm. Through the hidden entrance, you'll discover a fireplace and lounge primed for cocktail sessions, while another secret basement bar awaits downstairs. In keeping with the vibe, both the food menu and cocktail lineup have a dark edge. The bar has reimagined classic creations such as the sherry cobbler — made here with pineapple, almond syrup, absinthe spray and a smoked rosemary garnish — and a piña colada daiquiri, featuring pineapple-infused white rum, lime, pineapple and coconut syrup. In the kitchen, Head Chef Telina Menzies is delivering a menu of bites designed to be enjoyed with a cocktail in hand. Find gems like the charred black pudding with goat's cheese, Turkish figs and a lemon zest flatbread; three cheese cigars matched with honey pearls and a smoked ash aioli; and an Aperol spritz-cured kingfish topped with pomegranate. Food is on offer until the bar closes, seven days a week, with DJs and live acts setting the tone every Friday and Saturday night.
First, the sad news: as HBO fans in Australia and New Zealand already know, viewers Down Under can't watch HBO Max, the prestige US cable network's standalone streaming platform. Now, the great news: AMC, one of the other ace American stations behind plenty of top-notch TV shows in recent years — Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and The Walking Dead included — is now available via its own service in our neck of the woods. In Australia, this development might spark a bout of déjà vu, because AMC+ — as AMC's streamer offshoot is called — originally launched here a year back. But it made its debut in 2021 as a streaming bundle, rather than its own service. Instead of initially existing as a separate platform, it was an add-on that you had to access via the Apple TV channels on the Apple TV app and, also through Prime Video channels if you were a Prime member. Now, however, AMC+ is its own platform — with its own app and all — and is also available in New Zealand. And while you might be thinking about the fact that this is yet another subscription to sign up for, it also includes access to horror platform Shudder and the British TV-focused Acorn TV at no extra cost. Top-notch new television shows, horror flicks aplenty and indulging your British obsession? Yes, you can now find them all in the one place. That said, a heap of AMC's best-known past shows actually sit on other platforms due to past rights deals before it made its first foray Down Under. Still, AMC+ will be the future home of The Walking Dead universe in both Australia and Aotearoa, including the upcoming The Walking Dead: Dead City and fellow future spinoffs. Right now, viewers can also catch the new TV version of Interview with the Vampire, which starts a new Anne Rice franchise, with Mayfair Witches set to follow next year. AMC+ also currently includes animated series Pantheon, the clearly crime-focused True Crime Story: It Couldn't Happen Here, and the latest series of doco satire Documentary Now! among its recent releases. Or, there's also a back catalogue that also includes Mad Men, Portlandia, Halt and Catch Fire, TURN: Washington's Spies, Hell on Wheels, Riviera and Aussie outback-set vampire series Firebite. Thanks to IFC Films, the service includes independent movies and documentaries, too. To access AMC+, you'll want to head to the platform's Australian and New Zealand websites, or you can sign up via Apple, Android and Amazon Fire devices in Australia — and Apple and Android devices in NZ. AMC+ costs $8.99 per month in Oz and $9.99 per month in Aotearoa, and new subscriptions come with a seven-day free trial first. For more information about AMC+, or to sign up, head to the platform's Australian and New Zealand websites.
A lot of Melbourne's new bars and restaurant makeovers are leaning into Euro-centric flavours, designs and vibes. It's somewhat of a safe bet in Melbourne — a city with deep European roots and a great love for Italian, French and Greek food. But despite the crowded market, Melburnians are regularly filling up each of these new spots. We're into it. Because, after all, who doesn't love easy-drinking European wines paired with pasta, steak and charcuterie boards? It's an easy win. And Wally's in Albert Park is yet another to latch onto the trend, opened in 2024. Owner Baxter Pickard (surprisingly, not named Wally) brings his long history of drinking and selling wine to the site, curating an impressive list of European vinos. He's made sure to cover a lot of price points at Wally's, ranging from affordable bottles starting at $50 to vintage and hard-to-find drops that'll cost you around $200 a pop. Those who opt for the more spenny varieties will be getting wines that Pickard and his team have won at auction. These will change depending on what's available at the time, so be sure to ask the crew to talk you through these extra-special options. But few wine bars in Melbourne can get by with only having great drinks on offer. We are sip-and-snack people now, needing fabulous bites to accompany our drinking sessions. That's why Pickard has brought on Damon McIver (ex-Waxflower and Vex Dining) to run the kitchen pass. He's dreamt up an oft-changing menu of European-inspired dishes that are made to be paired with the evolving wine menu. A few small plates will make an appearance — think cured bonito, barbecued leeks, fresh oysters with house-made hot sauce and skewers — as well as larger plates that'll include pasta and steaks. It's all quite classic and simple food, made to complement rather than outshine the wine. The Melbourne-based studio a.mi has also kept things fairly traditional, using plenty of natural finishes and mirrored ceilings to create a French-leaning bistro vibe. Punters can either sit within the light-filled wine bar or perch out on the street — where pets are more than welcome to join. It seems like a welcome addition to Albert Park — great for local wine lovers who want to have a casual drink with mates or go all out and explore some really special vinos. Images: Pete Dillon
Billie Eilish doesn't ask "what were the Academy Awards made for?" in her Oscar-nominated tune from Barbie. If she did, however, Hollywood saluting the films of the past year is one answer. For everyone watching at home, here's another: watching the biggest annual stint of cinema-industry recognition there is, and also getting into the celebratory spirit at home. So, you've seen this year's nominated movies. Whether you're hoping that Oppenheimer, Barbie, Poor Things, Past Lives or something else gets a shiny statuette for their efforts, you've pondered who might win — and who should. The next step when the 96th Oscars take place on Monday, March 11, Down Under time, is to feel the Kenergy over cocktails (or whatever other beverage takes your fancy). Don't just nurse your glass and imbibe randomly, though. To truly get you into the Oscars spirit, our 2024 drinking game outlines when to take a small sip, a big gulp, a couple of mouthfuls or however much of a swig that you feel like. Some of our cues to join in are relevant every year. Some are specific to 2024's gongs. So, ensure you've got the requisite supplies, pay attention to everything happening during the ceremony and say cheers to Hollywood's night of nights — and drink responsibly, of course. A Small Sip: Drink Like You've Found Bliss in Your Daily Routine A winner gets played off. The term "Barbenheimer" is uttered. Barbenheimer gets credited with saving cinema. Someone pretends to be a Barbie. Margot Robbie wears pink. Martin Scorsese receives a standing ovation. Steven Spielberg receives a standing ovation. Lengthy movies are mentioned — whether celebrated, complained about or parodied. Taylor Swift appears or gets a shoutout — or one of her songs is busted out. Jimmy Kimmel feuds with Matt Damon. The strikes are referenced. Artificial intelligence comes up. The words "movie magic" or "magic of the movies" get a mention. Someone uses their speech — or presenting gig — to angle for their next job. Matthew McConaughey says "alright, alright, alright". Sam Rockwell dances. [caption id="attachment_945212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley French/Netflix ©2023[/caption] A Big Gulp: Drink Like You're Working Up the Courage to Make History "Destroyer of worlds" gets uttered. Someone comments that they forgot that Cillian Murphy is Irish. Kate McKinnon appears as Weird Barbie. Someone involved in Barbie other than Margot Robbie wears pink. You hear an Australian or New Zealand accent. Meryl Streep wins without being nominated. Someone makes up a new category. A joke bombs and AI gets the blame. Someone says that this is going better than the Golden Globes. 'P.I.M.P.' is played — any version. Leonardo DiCaprio's love life is mentioned. The rest of the Kens appear onstage with Ryan Gosling during the 'I'm Just Ken' performance. Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlize Theron co-present an award. A winner forgets to thank their spouse, but remembers at the last minute. Someone mentions the Dune cups. [caption id="attachment_945213" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason McDonald/Netflix © 2023.[/caption] A Few Mouthfuls: Drink Like You're Trying to Balance Your Personal and Professional Passions Someone ponders whether they — or Sandra Hüller — killed their partner. Wes Anderson won't accept the award for Best Live-Action Short because the stage setup isn't symmetrical. Bradley Cooper conducts the orchestra. Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix attend as Harley Quinn and the Joker. Emma Stone brings her The Curse co-star Nathan Fielder as her date. A toilet is cleaned during the ceremony. Nicolas Cage tries to swap faces with someone. Godzilla appears. Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are all seen together. Someone has a Dune cup. Anyone eats flamin' hot Cheetos. Nicole Kidman forgets how to clap again. Someone reads out the wrong winner. [caption id="attachment_945214" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seacia Pavao / © 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC[/caption] As Much as You Like: Drink Like You've Been Left Behind at Christmas Getting left behind at Christmas is worked into a skit. Justine Triet becomes just the fourth woman to win the Best Director category. During Lily Gladstone's Best Actress speech, if she wins. Past Lives wins an award. An Australian wins an award. Someone exclaims "I must go punch that baby!". Messi from Anatomy of a Fall makes an appearance. America Ferrera recreates her Barbie speech. Robert Downey Jr says that he's returning as Iron Man. Greta Gerwig announces that she's making a toy franchise that started with Barbie. The 2024 Oscars will be announced on Monday, March 11, Australian and New Zealand time. For further details, head to the awards' website. Wondering where to watch this year's Oscar contenders? We've put together a rundown for both Australia and New Zealand. Wondering who'll win? Check out our predictions.
For more than two decades, every Australian kid was familiar with Aerobics Oz Style. It's the show that kept TV-loving children from their early-morning cartoon fix — airing each day before Cheez TV and its predecessors started. Back then, between 1982–2005, the sight of leotards, tights and leg warmers probably brought a frown to your face. Now, while we're all trying to keep active in isolation, it's reason to smile. Bust out your best retro workout outfit and get ready to stretch, bend, step and tone — because Network Ten has just dropped a heap of old-school episodes on its free streaming platform. Over at 10Play, 15 90s-era instalments of Aerobics Oz Style are now available to watch (complete with 90s-era soundtracks). The bulk were first aired in February 1995; however you can also get sweaty to episodes from April and October 1996, December 1997 and February 1998 as well. Most of the available episodes were filmed in a studio, so prepare not only for some thoroughly 90s activewear fashions, but also for pastel-heavy set design from the period. If you're eager to get a glimpse of Sydney from more than 20 years ago, though, three of the episodes were shot at various outdoor locations around town — so you can get fit and check out the scenery. Need an amusing reminder of what you're in for? In 1998, TISM satirised the show in the music video for their single 'Whatareya?', which you can watch below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiHdpAVIHgo To sweat your way through 15 retro episodes of Aerobics Oz Style, head to 10Play.
Although it's enormous, Hobba is still an inconspicuous looking café. That's because the owners have left the shell of the building untouched, so it still looks the same as it did in its days as a tyre factory. Upon entry, diners are faced with another surprise: a giant mural of a howling wolf. Random. Here's some context: hobba is the Latin word for word for wolf, which has shaped the café's identity as a grizzly, rough café south of the river. High ceilings sealed with tin, exposed brick walls, and wooden booths come together to give it that toughness the owners intended. But it's food? Well, it's quite the opposite — it's as refined as cafe fare gets. Of course, Hobba has your usual avocado smash and hotcakes (you've got to keep Melburnians happy), and there's a brisket baguette that's so packed with flavour it almost knocks you out. But the cafe goes further by offering more unique options such as the kimchi baked beans with twice cooked pork belly and wonton skins. That's alongside a smoked fish pie for lunch and a heirloom salad with baby beetroot and sorrel for breakfast. Not that the mealtime labels matter, anyway — the breakfast menu is available until 3.30pm. To drink there's an abundance of options. Coffee by Five Senses, teas, smoothies, juices, milkshakes — you name it. One of which is called the Healthy Hawksburnian (which may or may not be taking the mickey out of healthy Hawskburn Mums), and is a combo of cucumber, apple, beetroot, carrot and ginger. There are 100 different places to sit, catered to whatever mood you're in. Diners have the choice of sitting in a booth, against the wall, or on large, communal tables. Wherever you sit, just make sure you're well-behaved on your visit — Hobba is right next door to Prahran police station, which you'll notice as all the big guys trickle in for their coffee hit or lunch break. On the upside, you'll feel incredibly safe. It's kid-friendly, well equipped for groups of mates and is also a perfect spot for a coffee date. It's no-fuss and laidback, without a pompous piece of furniture — or a tyre, for that matter — in sight.
Stray Neighbour melds bar, restaurant and gastropub seamlessly — a feat that should not be taken for granted. Where a lounge area with pool table could have brought the warm industrial vibe of the dining area down towards 'grunge', it doesn't. Where a vast timber-clad bar area and casual booth-style seating with bare wooden tables could have made you doubt the focus on and delicacy of the food, it doesn't. A wonderfully chameleonic beast, it's a destination for bar hoppers, foodies and all sorts of happy locals in between. The menu proper heroes seasonality and simplicity, with eats for snacking sessions right through to those long, friendly feasts. Fly by for crisp barbecue chicken ribs ($12.90) and truffled cheese arancini ($12), or settle in with the likes of a herb-crumbed chicken schnitzel ($24.90) and one of the top-notch steak dishes. A share-style 'feed me' menu clocks in at an easy $55, or $60 with dessert. Meanwhile, a new weekend breakfast offering holds its own against the neighbourhood's ever-buzzing cafe set — head in early to kick-start your morning (or battle your hangover) with the likes of honeyed ricotta doughnuts ($16), an oozy croque madame ($16), or guindilla-laced scrambled eggs($18.50). Matched with coffee by Supreme, it's a sure-fire weekend winner. Images: Brook James
In The Guest Edit we hand the reins over to some of the most interesting, tasteful and (or) entertaining people in Australia and New Zealand. For this instalment, we've enlisted the elegant taste of Aotearoa-based fashion designer Juliette Hogan amid the launch of her super soft — and super kind to the planet — JHL loungewear range. Hogan has handpicked her five favourite sustainable brands that show caring for the planet does not mean compromising on style or quality. After all, who knows style better than one of the country's most celebrated designers? JULIETTE HOGAN: Sustainability is no longer a 'nice-to-have' when making purchasing decisions — it is an absolute essential. As a whole, the fashion industry has a long way to come, but it's encouraging to see change. I'm excited by the continued evolution to a more transparent sharing of knowledge within our industry — both from our suppliers and to our consumers. At JHL, we believe we owe it to our customers to be constantly improving and evolving in the sustainability space in order to create genuine, honest and enduring connections with them. At the end of the day, the power is in the consumer's hands. When you make a more sustainable choice, you are sending a message about what is valuable to you. Every decision adds up, and collectively that begins to have real impact. SANS CEUTICALS Founded by Kiwi Lucy Vincent and made with the intention of taking chemicals and preservatives out of our most soothing daily rituals, Sans Ceuticals is one of my favourite skincare companies. I particularly love the Activator 7 Body, Hair and Face Oil. Find it now: On Sans Ceuticals' website or at Mecca, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. AMISFIELD WINE I really enjoy Amisfield wine and love everything they do, including the restaurant and cellar door. I was pleased to see that they recently received recognition of Riedel Organic Winery of the year in 2020. My favourites would have to be the Pinot Noir and the Pinot Noir Rose. Find it now: At Amisfield Winery in Queenstown or on the Amisfield website, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. JH LOUNGE For obvious reasons, JHL is of course on my go-to list of sustainable labels. There was a gap in my wardrobe, so we looked to fill it with JHL, which are considered basics designed to elevate the everyday. Everything in the collection is developed from sustainable and responsible materials, which we love and are really proud of. Find it now: The JHL website or through The Iconic, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ. GOODFOR I love GoodFor's refinery. I've recently started making homemade crackers for cheeseboards and get all of the ingredients here, as I know they're the best out there. Find it now: The GoodFor website with shipping available around NZ only. HABITUAL GOODS This brand was founded in Christchurch and has been built from the ground up, by the best local crafts people, from the best possible materials. The brassware range is incredible. Find it now: The Habitual Goods website, with shipping available around both Australia and NZ.
Brunswick adds another to a string of recently opened, intriguing new spots. Beautiful Jim Key, situated in Jewell Station Village, calls itself a neighbourhood cafe and luncheonette inspired by the "fantastic and the curious." The new cafe is from Priyam Chovhan and partner Josh Murphy, an experienced restaurateur who has left his mark across many of Melbourne's sought-after spots, including Builders Arms, Cumulus Inc and Harley and Rose. In building Beautiful Jim Key, they sought to create a space where thoughtful hospitality and everyday pleasures were the focus. Chovhan says, "We're excited to become part of the rhythm of Brunswick." The venue's namesake is, surprisingly, an early 20th century performing horse, famous for his intelligence and tricks. The story goes that his owner noted how observant and clever his horse was, and so he began to teach him letters and numbers. They went on to tour America together, even appearing as one of the most popular attractions at the 1904 World Fair and performing for the president. Most importantly, the horse was only ever treated with care and kindness. Murphy and Chovhan intend to reflect this spirit of playfulness, curiosity and quiet wonder in their venue. To ease in, they are starting with breakfast and lunch, with an aim of introducing a limited dinner service in the future. The menu plays into the venue's ethos of whimsy and joy. For brekkie, there's french toast with Montenegro, blood orange and crème fraiche, congee with shiitake and egg or scallops, and curried soft-boiled eggs with golden mango chutney. There's also a broccoli toasted sandwich with pecorino, chilli and anchovies, or a traditional big breakfast with sausage, bacon, beans, tomato and eggs. Come lunch, the menu shifts to considered large and small plates, primed for a cocktail or glass of wine. Start with Appellation oysters with cultured butter and hot sauce, black pepper salami with guindillas and baguette and njuda gougeres with thyme honey. Order a glass of Gamay to accompany your spiced roast duck Maryland with baby turnips and plum, don't miss the lamb schnitzel with green sauce and fennel salad, and finish with a hazelnut and chocolate éclair. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Halloween has been and gone for 2024, but Australia isn't done with peering at pumpkins yet. One of the most stunning sights to see in the country right now, and on an ongoing basis, is a giant gourd that stands five metres tall. The fact that it's yellow and black, and also covered in polka dots, explains why this is such a spectacular piece of art: it's one of Yayoi Kusama's famous pumpkin sculptures. Back in April, Melbourne's NGV International promised that the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025 would be filled with spots and gourds when it announced Yayoi Kusama, its big summer blockbuster exhibition. Featuring 180-plus works from the Japanese artist, the retrospective opens on Sunday, December 15, displaying until Monday, April 21. Ahead of that launch, however, Dancing Pumpkin has already arrived — and been unveiled for gallery visitors to enjoy. Open to the public since Saturday, November 8, 2024 in NGV International's Federation Court, the 2020 piece is making its Australian debut. Until now, only two editions of it had been seen anywhere on the planet, initially in 2021 at the New York Botanical Garden and then in 2022–3 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar. Yayoi Kusama itself is also a first, as a world-premiere that Aussie art lovers can only check out in the Victorian capital. Gourds and dots are among Kusama's trademarks, with Dancing Pumpkin combining the two in one of her biggest pumpkin sculptures of her career. Its towering height and legs in various poses — hence the name — means that visitors literally look up at the artwork. You can also wander beneath it. While checking out not just Dancing Pumpkin but the Yayoi Kusama exhibition overall is a summer must, the former is sticking around, with the piece acquired by the NGV. "We're delighted to unveil Yayoi Kusama's breathtaking Dancing Pumpkin sculpture ahead of our major exhibition surveying the artist's groundbreaking career. The newly acquired work, supported through the generosity of the Loti & Victor Smorgon Fund, will leave a defining impact on the NGV Collection and will be available for all Victorians to enjoy for many years to come," said NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM. When we say that this Kusama showcase, is big, we mean it. While the Japanese artist's work is no stranger to Aussie shores — and was the focus of a comprehensive showcase at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art back in 2017–18 — NGV International's ode to the iconic talent is the largest that the country has ever seen. Among its highlights is another of Kusama's usual fascinations: kaleidoscopic reflections. Visitors will also be able to scope out the world-premiere showing of a brand-new infinity mirror. The NGV has curated Yayoi Kusama with input from Kusama, with the end result stepping through the 95-year-old artist's eight decades of making art via a thematic chronology. Some pieces hail from her childhood. Some are recent. Her output in her hometown of Matsumoto from the late 30s–50s; the results of relocating to America in 1957; archival materials covering her performances and activities in her studios, especially with a political charge, in the 60s and 70s: they'll all appear. Half of the exhibition is devoted to the past four decades — so, pumpkins galore; giant paintings; and an impressive and expansive range of room installations, complete with her very first infinity room from 1965, plus creative interpretations since from the 80s onwards. Again, this is a hefty exhibition. It's one of the most-comprehensive Kusama retrospectives ever staged globally (and the closest that you'll get to experiencing her Tokyo museum without leaving Australia). Basically, wherever you look across NGV International's ground level, Kusama works will be waiting, spanning paintings, installations, sketches, drawings, collages and sculptures, as well as videos and clothing. For the first time in the country, 2019's THE HOPE OF THE POLKA DOTS BURIED IN INFINITY WILL ETERNALLY COVER THE UNIVERSE will unleash its six-metre-high tentacles — as also speckled with yellow-and-black polka dots. One section of the gallery will replicate Kusama's New York studio. Over 20 experimental fashion designs by the artist will also demand attention. Infinity Net paintings from the 50s and 60s, Accumulation sculptures and textiles from the 60s and 70s, and a Kusama for Kids offshoot with all-ages interactivity (fingers crossed for an obliteration room) are also on their way. Almost six decades since first debuting at 1966's Venice Biennale — unofficially — Narcissus Garden will be a part of Yayoi Kusama, too, in a new version made of 1400 30-centimetre-diameter stainless silver balls. Now that's how you open an exhibition, as this will. NGV's Waterwall is also scoring a Kusama artwork specific to the space, while the Great Hall will be filled with the giant balloons of Dots Obsession floating overhead. [caption id="attachment_950480" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yayoi Kusama, 2022 © YAYOI KUSAMA[/caption] Dancing Pumpkin is on display at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne until Monday, April 21, 2025. Yayoi Kusama runs from Sunday, December 15, 2024–Monday, April 21, 2025. Head to the NGV website for more details and tickets. Images: Yayoi Kusama's Dancing Pumpkin 2020 now on display for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA. Photo: Sean Fennessy.
The idea that you can't have too much of a good thing has been part of The Office franchise ever since an American version of the UK-originated hit was initially locked in. As well 188 episodes of the US take on the workplace comedy, more iterations have followed around the world, including in Australia. An American spinoff called The Paper led by Domhnall Gleeson (Echo Valley) also arrives in September 2025. Here's another way that "the more, the merrier" applies to The Office: via the Superfan episodes. Extended scenes, bloopers, deleted moments: they're all included, alongside other bonus content — and for the first time, these lengthier instalments are available Down Under. [caption id="attachment_1018235" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Haston/NBC[/caption] As at Thursday, August 21, 2025, Binge has dropped the Superfan episodes across seasons 1–8 of the US The Office, spanning 170 episodes — and an extra 28 hours, 55 minutes and 20 seconds material. This is the first time ever that they've not only been made available in Australia, but outside of the US. Get ready to see the beloved sitcom in an entirely new way, then, no matter how many times you've watched and rewatched it before. For everyone who has ever had a cringeworthy boss, annoying co-worker or soul-crushing office job, this comedy franchise has understood for more than two decades now. It was back in 2001 that the original UK version of The Office arrived, introducing the world to the literally paper-pushing David Brent. And, in 2005, an American series featuring the also-awkward Michael Scott hit the small screen as well. The US iteration of The Office proved one of the rare instances where a TV remake is better than the original. It was also immensely easy to just keep rewatching, as fans have known since the 2005–13 show finished its run. Of course, that's what you get when you round up Steve Carell (Mountainhead), John Krasinski (Fountain of Youth), Jenna Fischer (Mean Girls), Rainn Wilson (Home Delivery), Mindy Kaling (Velma), Ed Helms (Family Switch), Ellie Kemper (Happiness for Beginners), Craig Robinson (Hot Frosty) and more in the same show, and let all of them break out their comedic best. As for The Paper, it streams from Thursday, September 4, 2025, also on Binge, and is set at a midwestern newspaper publisher. As its predecessor was, it's a mockumentary series. The setup: the same documentary crew that turned their cameras towards Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch have found a new workplace to explore. Their time pointing their lens the Toledo Truth Teller's way coincides with Ned Sampson (Gleeson) joining the publication as editor-in-chief, with the paper's newest employee underwhelmed with the status quo and brimming with ideas about how to change things. Check out a trailer for The Office season one's Superfan episodes below: The Office Superfan episodes are available to stream in Australia from Thursday, August 21, 2025 via Binge.
We know it's nothing revelatory, but we've spent far more time staring at our own four walls these past 18 months. Our homes have become our havens (and our hells), meaning it's high time to spruce up our pads. And one surefire way to give your living room a lift or brighten up your bedroom — even if you rent — is with some brand-new homewares. But this is your sanctuary, so any old couch won't do. Instead, pick up some wares that'll spark serious joy, and save yourself from the less-than-joyful activity of assembling flat-pack furniture while you're at it. In partnership with Great Southern Bank, we're helping you skip the flat-pack struggle — and still stick to your savings goals. In fact, with Great Southern Bank, you can actually top up your savings account with The Boost, which lets you add small amounts (between $0.01 and $5) to your savings as you spend on stunning new wares. So, if you're after colourful handmade ceramics, plush sofas, linen sheets and quirky chairs, check out these eight stores with homewares that won't break the bank. CASTLERY If you'd describe your taste in homewares as 'modern minimalist' then check out Castlery. There's something decidedly homey and comfortable about its affordable furniture range, though it still has a sleek edge. This 100-percent online store also makes it dead easy to browse from the comfort of your couch. Want a new dining room set? Take your pick of retro-style sideboards, mango wood tables and sleek dining benches. Or, maybe it's time to finally get rid of your nan's hand-me-down sofa and replace it with a luxe sectional. Whatever you're looking for, Castlery probably has it — and at a competitive price — so jump online stat. Be sure to sign up to its mailing list for a cheeky $50 off your first order, too. BED THREADS The clue is in the name here, so if you're looking to level up your bedding, look no further. Bed Threads is your go-to for linens and will set you up with the snoozing ensemble of your dreams. You can mix and match its 100-percent flax linen sheets, with more than 20 colours to pick from. Plus, you can currently score 20 percent off its 'build your own bundle' sets. The great news, though, is that Bed Threads services other rooms, offering a great selection of bath and table accessories to bring some pep into every space, including waffle towels, vibrantly hued table linens and quirky serveware. It's got a concise-but-killer collection of cookbooks, too. [caption id="attachment_798511" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] OPUS DESIGN Fun and functional, Opus Design's homewares range from subtle and understated to ostentatious and fun. Whether you're after a new set of knives or big-ticket items like coffee tables and chairs, everything here looks and feels high-end — but without the hefty price tag. A great shout if you're looking to pick up a few pieces to breathe new life into your living room, it also offers free delivery across Australia on orders over $100. Result. THIRD DRAWER DOWN Melbourne-based shop Third Drawer Down is a top homewares contender (which thankfully has a comprehensive online store, too). Stocking bold (and sometimes tongue-in-cheek) designs from an impressive list of local and international artists, Third Drawer Down celebrates individualism and playfulness with its carefully curated selection of wares. Everything here is as much a work of art as it is a functional piece of furniture, so expect a heap of bright colours, out-there drawings, crude knick-knacks and pop-culture influences. This is a great store if you're after a fun statement piece (or a few) without wanting to fork out a fortune. GOODSPACE Goodspace is a humble Instagram page dedicated to redeveloping and repurposing preloved furniture. Not only will you score something unique for your pad, but you'll also be doing the earth a solid with these sustainable pieces. The social media store sells all manner of small and large storage units, tables, chairs, sofas and lamps, to name but a few. The price on these beauties varies greatly, so be sure to check its swag regularly. It also recently launched its own line of bright-hued checkerboard rugs that'll add a splash of colour and help spiff up any room. MUD Founded in 1994, Mud has been going strong for 27 years with its minimalist ceramic designs. Perhaps best known for its handmade porcelain range brought to life by designer Shelley Simpson, Mud is all about clean, colourful pieces that are as much about the artistic process as they are functionality. So, if you're in the market for a statement salad bowl, a new mug or some unique hanging lights, check out its online store. SUNDAY SOCIETY This Brisbane-based store delivers across Australia, which is the first bit of great news you need to hear. The second? Sunday Society embraces individualism and creativity while remaining approachable in aesthetic and, perhaps more importantly, price. It has a diverse range of lounge and bedroom furniture as well as a timeless selection of outdoor wares. Style and sophistication go hand in hand every step of the way here, so no matter what you're looking for, you're bound to find something that suits your taste. LOUNGE LOVERS Whether it's the comfortable, stylish sofas or rustic, asymmetrical tables stocked at Lounge Lovers, you may find yourself being surprised at the price tag on these slick pieces. Lounge Lovers keeps things simple by offering concise variations on a number of easily workable themes. Classic and contemporary designs are brought to life via chic colour palettes that range from neutral to jewel tones, allowing you to add your personal flair to any of these accessible pieces. Great Southern Bank is empowering Aussies to get clever with their banking. Whether you want to stick to your savings goals with The Boost or hide your house deposit fund from yourself with The Vault, Great Southern Bank helps you get there. For more information on savings tools and home loan options, head to the Great Southern Bank website. Top image: Opus, Cassandra Hannagan
Naturally occurring and mineral-rich hot spring water is the seller at Deep Blue Hotel and Hot Springs, located just three hours from Melbourne in Warrnambool. An iconic spot for rest and relaxation, the site boasts 15 therapeutic geothermal pools rich with sulphurous mineral waters, overnight accommodation, an indoor bathhouse, day spa and an onsite food and beverage eatery dubbed the Nourish Dome championing seasonal produce. Guests will find a range of bathing across the dreamy openair hot springs sanctuary, including sensorial caves, waterfalls, hydrotherapy pool and a cold plunge pool. Bathers can choose from a range of special access choices including an all-inclusive overnight retreat package, early morning session, or twilight sessions. The geothermal water at the Deep Blue Warrnambool is gathered from a depth of 850 meters below the ground, with a unique mineral composition to support a range of physical and emotional health benefits. The heat is naturally occurring and is the result of the earth's core temperature and arrives at the surface with temperatures ranging from 36-42 degrees.
News just in that Melbourne will add to its already impressive array of high-quality cocktail bars, as Hunter St. Hospitality announces plans for its latest venture opening this April. Bar Ferdinand, boasting just 21 seats, is set to bring a distinctive mood to Melbourne, inspired by the romance of a botanic garden. Bar Ferdinand is set to shake up the cocktail bar scene with a cocktail menu structured as a walk through a fictional garden. Housed on the top level of an 1885 heritage-listed building, the new whimsical bar will open above Hunter St. Hospitality's steak and frites restaurant, 7 Alfred. The botanical-inspired cocktail menu has been developed by Hunter St. Hospitality Beverage Director Ali Toghani, in collaboration with Bar Manager Greg Thompson (whose resume includes stints at Apollo Inn, Gimlet and Dinner by Heston). Each drink on the menu is aligned with a different collection: Rose, Fern, Camelia, Eucalypt, Arid, and Herb & Medicinal, to name just a few. While the specific drinks will rotate, the collections will remain as a constant through-line, allowing for an evolving menu that maintains its identity. "The gardens give us a framework that we can keep returning to, even as the drinks change. A Rose Garden cocktail in a few months' time will be very different to what it is now, and that's true of the whole menu. What shifts is how each one is expressed at that moment, depending on the produce, the season and where we want to take it. Sometimes that means thinking less literally. With Fern Garden, for example, you can't really work from fern as a flavour, so it becomes about capturing the feeling of walking through a fernery: the drop in temperature, the earthiness, the smell of rain. That challenge is what keeps the menu alive," says Thompson. The name and general concept draw on the building's history, which dates back to the German Social Club established in 1885. The site was frequented by one of the leading botanists of the time, none other than Ferdinand von Mueller. Above the bar, an imposing installation of dried Queen Anne's Lace sits as a sculptural centrepiece, while wooden herringbone floors, studded leather couches, marble tables and brass finishes create an atmosphere that transports you elsewhere. Two house signature cocktails will sit outside the garden format, the House Martini with gin, vodka, Cocchi Americano and freeze-infused apple mint, and the House Japanese Slipper with house melon liqueur, yuzu liquor and citrus cordial. Cocktails are the obvious star of the show, with bottled beer, a compact wine list, and a concise menu of drink-friendly snacks and small plates completing the offering. Imagined as polished picnic-hamper delights, expect the likes of anchovies with lemon, a pork and pistachio terrine, a German pretzel with salted butter, and chocolate bark with wattleseed. Images: Kristoffer Paulsen. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Don't have the time (or money) to hit the French Alps this year? Ne t'inquiète pas, because Fed Square is transforming into a French alpine village with the all-new Fondue Chalet takeover. Held for six weeks from Thursday, May 15 to Sunday, June 22, this immersive and oh-so-cosy experience is your chance to feast on traditionally prepared cheese fondue and mulled wine in a private chalet, but from the heart of Melbourne. Brought to town by BBR Group Australia — the same team behind 2023's hugely popular Raclette Igloo Experience — this city-bound après-ski encounter will see 18 private wooden chalets, accommodating six to eight guests, dotted throughout Fed Square. Each chalet boasts its own fire pit, which you and your pals can sit around and prepare your own fondue knowing there'll be plenty to go around — the team has imported two tonnes of from France for the experience. You'll be tucking into a rich blend of alpine cheese from a recipe crafted in collaboration with French cheesemongers, including comté, beaufort, emmental and vacherin. They'll be melted down in a bubbling combination of white wine, kirsch and spices and served alongside a generous charcuterie board. Be sure to save room for dessert — you'll be treated to chocolate fondue, created from top-quality Belgian chocolate and served with seasonal fruits and other sweet treats. "Fondue Chalet is all about bringing people together," says Vincent Hernandez, founder and managing director of BBR Group Australia. "It's an authentic French winter tradition to share a fondue with your loved ones after a day in the mountains. After seeing how much Melbourne fell in love with our Raclette Igloo Experience, we decided to take it a step further by importing chalets and alpine cheeses from France to recreate this unique melted cheese experience from the Alps, right here in Fed Square." Meanwhile, Fondue Chalet couldn't replicate a true après-ski experience without the presence of a fully stocked bar. Exclusive to fondue ticket holders, the Ski Bar will be shaking up French winter cocktails and pouring fine French wines and other hot drinks, ideal for keeping warm on a chilly night. If you really want to lean into the French way, order a digestif to help settle your fondue feast. Designed for maximum winter warmth, you might think the only thing missing from this alpine-inspired adventure is falling snow — but they've got that covered, too. Tickets are available for $99pp, or $109pp for the cheese and chocolate experience. Fondue Chalet is taking place from Thursday, May 15 to Sunday, June 22 at Federation Square. Head to the event website for more information.
We're not 100 percent sure if The Boatbuilders Yard space is considered a beer garden, but it sure is pretty. Located right on the harbour at South Wharf, this waterside bar is the place to go if you like your food and drinks served with a view. Designed by Six Degrees architects — the same people behind Auction Rooms and De Clieu — the venue operates with a functional simplicity that's refreshing to stumble upon on a summer's day. And, owned by the same people behind Riverland, the venue has some decent bar know-how. Aside from the extensive wine list, punters can look forward to pitchers of summer cocktails including a Spiced Rum Cooler, Aperol Spritz and the classic Pimms No. 1. Food is also on the menu these days. Expect a solid brunch menu and a selection of seafood-focused lunch and dinner options that include Al Pastor tacos ($18), a soft shell crab burger ($34) and sticky lamb ribs ($22). With great food like this, The Boatbuilders Yard is the perfect place to go when you're in search of a long lunch or dinner in summer — soak up the sun and city views on one of the large wooden tables. Head to The Boatbuilders Yard website to book your sun-soaked table for brunch, lunch or dinner.
A new flagship for the award-winning Aurora Spa Group, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse is set within the Continental Sorrento. This cutting-edge, 500-square-metre bathhouse is a luxe indoor wellness precinct boasting numerous mineral pools and one of the largest saunas in the southern hemisphere. Inside, award-winning design studio Woods Bagot (W Melbourne, Barlow) has created a stylish coastal-inspired sanctuary filled with neutral tones, sandy terrazzo tile and oak panelling, aligning to their design notes in the adjacent hotel. Offering a modern take on traditional bathing practices, Aurora is kitted out with a suite of state-of-the-art facilities and experiences for you to explore. Along with that Nordic-style sauna, you'll find features like an icy plunge pool, an aromatherapy steam room, the 36-degree sky-lit Daydream Pool, a reflexology pool and a suite dedicated to halotherapy — a treatment that involves breathing in salty air. You can take a beat to revel in your newly rejuvenated state in the Centella Thermal Lounges, beneath a striking hand-sculpted copper art installation. And for a bracing, Finnish-style experience, hit the custom-designed Glacial Mist Room — a chamber that's dialled into between 6 and 10 degrees, and recreates the elements of wind, rain, mist and ice. Meanwhile, the adjoining spa is offering treatments ranging from holistic facial therapies and massages, to algae body wraps and botanically-charged scrubs. And of course, you can mix and match spa offerings and bathing rituals to really maximise your bliss. Images: Nikole-Ramsay
On a sunny Chapel Street corner, Abacus has managed to nail that all-day eatery vibe that often proves so elusive; its lofty, leafy space is bright and charming by the light of day, and manages to be cosy enough to make the dinnertime crowd feel right at home. What's on offer is a farm-to-fork experience that's steeped in seasonality, locality and isn't afraid to test out a little technique. The kitchen mills its own flour and even keeps its own bees. By day, that all translates to a menu of bright and innovative brunch fare that pushes the envelope way beyond the usual smashed avo and corn fritters, there are blue swimmer crab crumpets, or you could dabble in a ballarat breakfast with thick-cut bacon, Irish style sausage, pigs head and snout terrine paired with a native bush tomato relish and poached egg. There's Ona coffee — done well, mind you — though you won't need much more encouragement than those sparkling surrounds to steer towards one of the breakfast cocktails. By night, a lineup of contemporary Australian mains and elegant share plates play rather nicely with couple of wines or cocktails, from a smart, largely local drinks list. Somewhere in the middle? Nab yourself a knock-off and some real estate by the sliding floor-to-ceiling windows, and you've got a front-row seat to some of the best people-watching South Yarra has to offer. Updated May, 2023. Appears in: The 13 Best Cafes in Melbourne for 2023 Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Melbourne for 2023
The Carlton Wine Room had quite the shake-up when it reopened in 2018 — even if it did keep the same name — with new owners, a new look and a revamped offering. Wine is certainly still the star of the show here, but the food is anything but a mere second thought. The menu is designed to complement the 100-strong, ever-changing wine list and leans into European bistro territory. Small bite-sized snacks and a wide variety of cheese boards kick things off, but unlike most Melbourne wine bars, the larger plates are here in spades. It can be tough to work through all the dining options, hence why we opt for the $95 set menu every time we visit. Like with the wines, we let the team tell us what we should be eating.
Opening a wine bar seems to be the hippest of moves these days, though as you've probably noticed from the likes of Gertrude Street's Marion and Bar Clarine, the game has definitely changed. "Stiff and stuffy" has been turfed in favour of a far friendlier model — and as drinkers become more adventurous, those wine lists get way more interesting. Embla is an example of this breed of Melbourne wine bar, and it's a prime one at that. Brought to you by those clever folks behind The Town Mouse (that sadly closed back in 2018), the Russell Street space is instantly inviting, with a chic, yet warm, European charm. The cosy confines mark it as perfect date night material, while stools lining the bar and open kitchen lend themselves perfectly to some sophisticated solo dining. A considered pouring list plays to both the curious and the more conservative. Here, you'll feel just as comfortable sipping a chardonnay from Mornington as you will avoiding a hangover with a low-intervention number, like the 2011 Pheasant's Tears Rkatsiteli from Georgia. Technique-driven, but not pretentiously so, the food at Emlba is as great as you'd expect from the Town Mouse team; the menu proves a winning blend of comforting flavours and cheffy flair. Sophisticated snackers are in excellent hands with the likes of snapper carpaccio and smoked duck liver parfait. Hungrier punters can aim straight for the spatchcock poussin with lemon leaf and capers or the lamb leg with romano beans, tomatoes and almonds. However you choose to tackle the menu, be sure to leave room for desserts — those New Year's resolutions will fly right out the window with one bite of the barley koii creme caramel with stout and burnt pepper. Embla's vibe is polished, yet friendly, and the staff know their stuff. Minor glitches on a busy Thursday night are easily forgiven, smoothed over with deft professionalism and a rather charming French accent. Everything here's designed to make you feel right at home, but far from bored. And what better place to raise a glass to Melbourne's wine bar renaissance? Images: Thomas E. Graham Appears in: The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne for 2023
When entering Reine & La Rue, it's hard not to be enamoured by the interiors, which won the top gong at Australia's Interior Design Awards in 2024. The 150-seat restaurant boasts tall granite columns, lofty ceilings, ornate neo-gothic details and a showstopping stained glass window right behind one of the bars. It's an absolute beaut. Whether you're first walking in or just nipping off to the loo, you'll be looking up and around the space, simply gawking at it all — making the waiters constantly remind you not to fall down the many small steps scattered about the space. Contemporary French fare is the name of the game here, and it can be sampled in a myriad of luxurious ways. First, you can drop by for a next-level sip-and-snack session, pairing a bunch of small bites with champagne and cocktails. This is the way to go for those wanting to dine here without totally blowing the budget. Alternatively, you can head in and order the enormous seafood platter for two people ($240), and take your time feasting on this all night. Of course, a glass of champagne wouldn't go amiss here, nor would some totally unnecessary but altogether lavish caviar service (go all in with the N25 Kaluga for $450). The extensive menu features a diverse selection of French dishes. Start with snacks such as the bluefin tuna with spring radish and orange, or the spanner crab crumpet with roasted macadamia and elderflower. For mains, consider the Loddon Estate duck, which comes with sugar loaf cabbage with blackberries. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes with bone marrow and jus gras for a really decadent feed. Steaks are, of course, a highlight here as well — especially as the chefs love to take full advantage of the kitchen's woodfired hearth. No less than five top-grade steaks are featured here, easily paired with house-made sauces and a selection of sides. As this is a true French fine-dining gem, dessert is far from overlooked at Reine. Keep it simple with a solid cheese selection, or soft serve Jersey milk ice cream, or try a seasonal special as a pistachio, apricot and bay-leaf petit-choux. For drinks, you can get on the cocktail train, sample spirits and play around with the non-alcoholic options, but you'd be a fool to ignore your sommelier. These guys are pros and clearly love what they're doing. If you have the budget, let them go rogue and pair each course with some next-level drops — you won't be disappointed. Now, the former bar and courtyard space has been transformed into La Rue Terrasse, a French-inspired outdoor drinking and dining destination for the summer months. Tuck into a more concise menu from 5pm, including a wagyu cheeseburger, King Prawn rolls and oysters with seaweed mignonette. From 4 to 6pm, the upgraded space will play host to La Rue Hour with $15 cocktails. Images: Supplied.
After creating an instant hit with inner-north food truck park Welcome to Thornbury, the 100 Burgers Group backed it up for round two. The team continued its northside foray back in 2021 with a venture in collaboration with famed Sydney-based brewery 4 Pines. Together, the duo opened a 450-person food precinct, brewery and beer garden in Brunswick. Located on Sydney Road, Welcome to Brunswick is a little smaller than its Northcote sibling indoors, but outside it boasts a much roomier, park-like outdoor zone, decked out with loads of lush greenery, paintings by local artists and a solid spread of both sunny and shaded areas. And yes, it's all as dog-friendly as it sounds. The food offering comes courtesy of a rotating food truck lineup, with up to four vendors on-site each night. Expect regular appearances from favourites like Mr Burger, The Bao Project, Woking Amazing, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks and Nem n Nem, all backed by dishes from The Hall next door — that you can also order from. Meanwhile, the beer lineup features entirely 4 Pines beers, brewed in the on-site brewery. Signatures like the summer ale, pale ale, pacific ale and kolsch star alongside the brewery's seasonal Keller Door releases, that might include the likes of a Margarita Gose and the El Dorado IPA. An environmentally sensitive design by Breathe Architects is heavy on the recycled and reclaimed materials, including kegs that've been up-cycled into stools. Welcome to Brunswick's commitment to sustainability also includes composting 100 percent of its organic waste (including all of its bowls and plates) and using solar panels, with a long-term aim of producing all of its energy on-site.
Just four kilometres long and three kilometres wide, Hayman Island might be small, but it be fierce. In one day, you can snorkel with swirling schools of tropical fish, play Robinson Crusoe on very own private beach and trek through lush rainforest to Baraka-worthy sunsets. When you're ready to leave shore, there are uninhabited islands to explore, outer reef coral kingdoms to dive among and luxury yachts to climb aboard. Want to enjoy all this without spending a cent? Mastercard is giving away an all-expenses-paid Hayman Island adventure worth $6000 to one lucky, lucky Nemo. Jump over here to go in the running. This highly opulent prize includes flights, accommodation in a luxe suite in Hayman Island's only resort and a VIP dining experience with Neil Perry. In the meantime, start planning your itinerary with these ten tips. SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Hayman Island's busiest aquatic community is on its north-western side, at Blue Pearl Bay. Prepare to meet local resident Priscilla, an enormous Māori wrasse, among rainbow-coloured parrot fish and striped angel fish. For an off-shore escapade, catch a private boat to pocket-sized Langford Island, where you'll come across magical underwater gardens. Afterwards, you can kick back on the long, sandy spit, picnicking, swimming and lazing about. Another option is the outer reef — at the legendary giant Stepping Stones, which drop away to 40 metres. You'll be gliding among magnificent rays and scary-looking-yet-utterly-harmless reef sharks. TAKE A HIKE To get your bearings, start with a short climb to Cook Lookout, Hayman Island's highest point. At 250 metres above sea level, it gives you a bird's perspective on surrounding reef formations and the rugged shores of neighbouring Hook Island. Come late afternoon, set off for Whitsunday Lookout, from where you can see the sun setting over the Whitsunday Passage, or to Dolphin Point, Hayman Island's northernmost tip. Alternatively, for a d0-nothing day on perfect white sand, take a stroll to Blue Pearl Bay. Don't forget your swimmers and snorkelling gear. STAY IN AN ULTRA-LUXE SUITE Hayman Island is privately owned and there's but one accommodation option, appropriately named One&Only Hayman Island Resort. Fortunately for you, it's a bloody masterpiece. An array of room types are available and they're all ultra-luxe. We're talking Royal Family-level linen draped across four-poster beds, massive ensuites with separate showers and baths, dressing rooms fit for Marilyn Monroe and private balconies overlooking the resort's tropical gardens or the ocean — depending on where you are. Facilities include two pools, seven bars and restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre, for those who, inexplicably, can be bothered moving. GET PADDLING To see Hayman Island from the water, at human-powered speed, jump in a kayak or man a paddleboard. If you're a newbie — or not very brave — there's no need to travel far for beautiful views and, thanks to the island's crystalline waters, flashes of aquatic life. Meanwhile, Bear Grylls types can venture further afield, perhaps even attempting a circumnavigation. Along the way, be sure to stop by Coconut Beach, where you can regain your energy by sinking into a sun lounge, and Blue Pearl Bay. SWIM IN A 'LAGOON' SEVEN TIMES THE SIZE OF AN OLYMPIC POOL The likelihood of bumping into another guest in the One&Only Hayman Island Resort's behemoth of a pool is next to nix. It's seven times the size of your average Olympic Pool. So, whether you're lapping, synchronised swimming or simply bobbing about in between cocktails, no one's going to get in your way. There are day beds aplenty and four private cabanas. Super-keen swimmers can book a suite in the Hayman Pool wing, where the rooms open directly onto the water. Should you find yourself working up an appetite, swing by the nearby On The Rocks Restaurant and Bar. EAT DINNER WITH NEIL PERRY Even a multi-hat winning chef's gotta go troppo every now and again. So, why not join him for the ride? In July, Neil Perry AM (of Rockpool and $10 burger fame) will be cooking up a feast on Hayman Island and then hosting you while you munch your way through it. He hasn't given away any of the culinary details yet, but we imagine there'll be no shortage of seafood inspiration, as well a handpicked selection of fancy wines to match. The only catch is, the only way you can experience this hedonistic evening is by entering the comp mentioned above or by laying your card down — it's one of Mastercard's Priceless Dinners and spots are strictly limited. GET A MASSAGE FLOATING IN THE SEA No tropical holiday is complete without a massage. And, on Hayman Island, you can take yours next level by ordering it outdoors. For water babies, there's the 90-minute 'Ocean Dreaming' experience, which involves pretty much what you see in the pic above: lying on a bed, floating on still water and surrounded by clear sky. If you're more Jungle Book, book into a 'Rainforest Massage'. You'll be ushered into a private, canopy-sheltered cabana and given a massage according to your specific bodily needs. Yogis might also be interested in the 'Sun Salutation', inspired by Oriental techniques and involving acupuncture, stretching and rocking motions. LEARN TO SCUBA Yet to scuba? There's no more classic place to learn than the Great Barrier Reef. Except, of course, that it might make dives closer to home seem somewhat anti-climactic. On Hayman Island, you'll kick off with a basic coaching session, before starting your underwater explorations in the safe, shallow waters of Blue Pearl Bay. Next up is a guided tour of nearby The Maze, so named because wandering through it feels a bit like twisting and turning through a coral labyrinth. You'll then be taken to The Fish Bowl, which is absolutely teeming with diverse fish species. RIDE A SEAPLANE Many a traveller has seen the Great Barrier Reef through a snorkelling mask or from the deck of a boat, but, there's no more startling way to get your head around its extraordinary proportions than from the window of sea plane. So, if you can scrape some dosh together, make it happen. You'll soar high above the Great Barrier's 350,000 square kilometres (which is divided into 2800 separate reefs altogether) swoop down for a closer look, and even take a break for a spot of snorkelling in Hardy Lagoon. CLIMB ABOARD A LUXURY YACHT Go James Bond-style and travel to and from Hayman Island via luxury yacht. Or, while you're there, charter one and design your own Great Barrier Reef cruise. You can loll about on the deck doing not much, cruise on the bow pretending to be Kate Winslet or watch the crew in action. Needless to say, fine dining and premium beverages will be at your disposal. You're the boss, after all. Want to enjoy all this without spending a cent? Mastercard is giving away an all-expenses-paid Hayman Island adventure worth $6000 to one lucky, lucky Nemo. Jump over here to go in the running. Images: One&Only Hayman Island/Mastercard.
The family who used to own Thai Culinary and Raan Kan Eang on Elizabeth Street (both sadly closed during Covid) have returned with a new venture in Melbourne's CBD — Kan Eang. Set within a narrow space on Flinders Lane, the two-storey Thai restaurant is a sleeker, more refined version of the older haunts. This is partly because siblings May and Nat Pongvattanaporn, the original owners' children, have taken over the reins to give the venue a contemporary refresh. Thai food fans needn't fret though, the Pongvattanaporn siblings have stuck true to what made their family's previous restaurants so popular — serving up generous amounts of great Thai eats at really decent prices. Many of the most popular dishes from the previous venues remain — and the parents still pass through to make sure they don't mess around with family recipes. One of the most anticipated returns would have to be the huge pile of fried chicken ribs coated in a secret recipe of spices and marinades. Dip the moreish deep fried birds in and out of all the sauces that accompany it — including those that come with other dishes — for the ultimate fried chicken experience. If you're a condiment king, these house-made sauces and dips will certainly satisfy. That's especially true for the roasted pork belly served with five different Thai sauces — covering a few sweet, sour and savoury combos. Have these by themselves or do what we did — order some fluffy bao buns and create your own bao sandwiches with all the different sides and dips. Seafood is also prominent throughout the Kan Eang menu. The large papaya salad comes topped with a whole crispy soft-shell crab, the red curry has a large salmon fillet right at the centre of the bowl and the pad thai has a few grilled king prawns on the side. Some of the dishes even get a sprinkling of caviar — because why not? But the most striking seafood dish is the Lucky Fish. This is a signature of Kan Eang's and was served at one of its previous venues. An entire barramundi is filleted and deep fried. All of it is then coated in a secret house-made seasoning, dry chillies and tamarind sauce. Visually, it's a marvel. And it also tastes pretty damn good. Desserts feature pandan cake, smashed grilled bananas and caramelised pumpkin with coconut gelato — the perfect blend of sweet and savoury. And to make Kan Eang ripe for city folks, a decent selection of wines, beers and spirits are available alongside an extensive Thai-inspired cocktail list. Our favourite? The Bloody Thai which is a slightly sweeter twist on your classic bloody mary. It has also been totally decked out with savoury treats. The cocktail is full of skewers holding fish cakes, chicken ribs and spring rolls. It's over the top and entirely unnecessary, but we are all for it. Bartenders don't always need to take themselves so seriously. The Pongvattanaporn family has taken some of the best bits from each of their previous restaurants and added plenty of contemporary twists to create Kan Eang. And Melbourne's CBD is all the better for it. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Melbourne for 2023
Camping is a wonderful idea — reconnecting with nature, surrounding yourself with peace and quiet, and breathing in fresh, non-city air. It's the perfect escape from urban life. But, the logistics of camping take a lot of work. Packing all that stuff, then unpacking all that stuff. Erecting the tent and praying that the thin synthetic material is enough to protect you from an impending storm or the swarming mosquitoes out to get your blood. Thankfully, glamping, the luxurious older sister of that activity, provides a classy alternative to simply roughing it outdoors. Combining nature's beauty with the mod cons and comfort of a hotel means you can have your wilderness experience... and that goose-feather down quilt, too. Check out the best places to go glamping in Victoria (just a short drive from Melbourne) for when you want to reconnect with nature but still be properly comfortable. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in Australia The Best Hotels in Melbourne The Best Spas in Melbourne The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Australia The Best Natural Hot Springs in Victoria [caption id="attachment_647578" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Balgownie Estate, Bendigo Spend your next weekender sipping top-notch wines on an outdoor lounge on your own private deck and soaking up sunset-flooded rural views — all smack-bang in the middle of lush vineyards at Balgownie Estate. The winery's large collection of tents are kitted out with rugs, lighting, furnishings, air-con, tea and coffee, and bar fridges. There are three tent types on offer at this Victorian glamping site — choose between the Bell Tent, the Bell Tent Twin and the Safari Tent — the latter of which is probably bigger than your CBD apartment, boasting a four-poster queen-sized bed, ensuite and kitchenette. Happy Glamper, Mornington Peninsula This is a really unique glamping experience: you pick your own campsite along Victoria's Mornington Peninsula and the Happy Glamper team will set everything up for you right there. Arriving before you, they'll install one of their large canvas tents — which comes with a bed, lounge chairs, board games, magazines and a spread of other things. And when you're done, they'll pack it all down and clean up — lush. The mobile glamping company even helps with big gatherings — if you make a big, multi-tent booking, the team's willing to go far beyond their usual patch in the Mornington Peninsula. Either head to a beachside campground or a block of private land, and your bespoke experience will appear. The fine print? You'll need to book your campsite separately — either find your own or opt for one of the recommended sites. The Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal The Peninsula Hot Springs' latest addition is a series of luxury glamping tents, allowing visitors to spend the night onsite, mere steps from the geothermal baths, saunas, pools and other wellness offerings. The Victoria glamping retreat is a classy affair, with the tents nestled amongst the natural environment, boasting thermally-heated concrete floors, custom-made furniture and beds decked out in plush linens. Guests are treated to private ensuites and walk-in robes, complimentary breakfast, and access to the precinct's many wellness experiences. All that's left to decide is how much pampering can you fit into a weekend. Slumber Safari, Werribee Open Range Zoo Does a rhino get bed hair? Are giraffes grumpy in the morning? What does a lion eat for breakfast? Spend a night in your safari-styled tent at the Werribee Open Range Zoo and find out all of these niggling questions that no amount of Googling can ever answer. The zoo's overnight Slumber Safari experience will have you hanging with the wildlife, enjoying all the creature comforts of a luxury lodge complete with comfy bed and private bathroom. Also included are delicious snacks, dinner, a safari tour, animal encounters aplenty, some complimentary bubbly and two full days of zoo access. Plus, a hot brekkie the next morning on your own private deck. [caption id="attachment_792422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannyn Higgins Photography[/caption] Cosy Tents, Daylesford Goose down quilt? Check. Bose speakers? Check. Barbecue, esky and communal fire pit for adventurous campfire cooking? Check. Stunning views across Hepburn Shire? Check, check, check. The Cosy Tents glamping retreat is the perfect weekend getaway to explore the smorgasbord of gourmet food, wineries and award-winning restaurants in the region. Oh, and it's located heavenly close to Daylesford, aka one of the spa capitals of Australia. At this glamping sites near Melbourne, choose from a wide range of bell tents in various sizes, all set with ample distance between them, but close enough to create a little glamping community, too. There's also a swag of different add-ons and packages you can choose from to amp up your getaway, including Netflix movies and loaded brekkie boxes. Pebble Point, Great Ocean Road The Twelve Apostles is a must-see when touring The Great Ocean Road. But few people know about the hidden glamping site located behind these cliff tops and rock formations. There are six safari tents at Pebble Point, which may not look out over the ocean but offer do offer countryside views that are nothing to gawk at. Besides, they're super close to the beaches situated at the end of the Great Ocean Walk. Rooms come with king beds, ensuite bathrooms and access to the communal kitchen area and barbecue site. But keep in mind: the tents aren't heated. It can get fairly cold on the Victorian coast in winter, so be sure to bring your thermals and woolly jumpers. The beauty of these comfortable-yet-simple glamping tents is that you won't be breaking the bank, while still getting all the best bits of sleeping amongst Australia's unique wildlife and natural scenery. When it comes to the best glamping in Victoria, Pebble Point is right up there. [caption id="attachment_734997" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] The Inverloch Glamping Co, Inverloch Book into one of The Inverloch Glamping Co's luxury bell tents and you can spend the night sleeping under the stars, just a quick hop from the beach. The company's eco-resort and glamping site features both cosy beach cabins and a range of luxury bell tents, as well as a communal camp kitchen overlooking the ocean. The tents make for a stylish, comfy beach escape, boasting queen-sized beds, heating/cooling systems, USB ports and speakers. There's some primo stargazing to be done out here, and the region is brimming with hiking trails, cycling tracks and scores of other nature opportunities. BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, Castlemaine Castlemaine is only getting better with age, as day-trippers increasingly venture out to the Goldfields region — halfway between Bendigo and Daylesford — throughout the year. And the Gardens Holiday Park has been a popular place to stay for many years — whether it's people parking up their caravans at powered sites, setting up tents in the campground or booking out a small studio. These can be great for those on a budget, but if you want to stay in the area with a little more luxury, you can also book one of the crew's glamping accommodations. Here, you'll find a six-person safari tent, three neighbouring two-person bell tents, plus a two-person glamtainer which is basically a converted shipping container. All of these sites give you privacy as well as access to all the barbecues, pizza oven and coworking space. You can find Abbott's Bakery products at all major supermarkets — and discover more tasty sandwich recipes via its website. Top Images: Peninsula Hot Springs
Come July, some of us will be feeling that Melbourne winter chill slightly more than others, as acclaimed New York artist Spencer Tunick returns to Australia to stage the next of his famed mass nude photographs. It's been 17 years since Melbourne's first taste of the polarising artist's work, when 4500 naked volunteers posed for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. Tunick then photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras. Since then, he's photographed the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK. Now the artist is set to return to our shores, and his sights are set on Melbourne's iconic Chapel Street. Tunick will assemble another contingent of naked (and pretty brave) folk this July, for a work titled Return of the Nude, as part of the precinct's winter arts festival Provocaré. "Chapel Street reminds me of the East Village in New York, Sunset Strip in LA, and San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury, but all combined into one juggernaut," said Tunick. "I think people from Melbourne are a little braver because of their willingness to pose no matter the weather. I get a sense of resilience and risk taking." Anyone over the age of 18 can get their kit off and get involved — Tunick hopes to have a diverse mix of bodies in the shoot, which will be held across two days in four locations around the iconic Chapel Street precinct. Participants each get a print of the photograph, and, we're sure, a big boost of body confidence. Hopefully not a cold, though — if you participate, you'll only need to be sans-clothes for short periods of time. Provocaré will take place across the Chapel Street precinct from July 5–15, with Return of the Nude being shot over two days between July 7 and 10. You can register to take part here.
Stalactites is a late-night Melbourne institution that's been owned and operated by the same Greek family since 1978. It is, by legend, the occasional sight of a physical brawl over tables (chairs were thrown in 2014 during an altercation). This, we think, must mean that people over there are serious about their food and where they sit at Stalactites — indeed, 2am gyros is something to be serious about. And while we almost always go for the lamb gyros when visiting, this Melbourne Greek restaurant has stacks more to offer diners in the CBD. For one, there's an extensive menu of dips and breads, meat platters, seafood and specials like moussaka and cabbage rolls to tuck into. Be sure to also order some saganaki while you're at it — you don't need to be drunk to enjoy this huge fried wedge of cheese. And while Stalactites might have a reputation for late-night eats, that's not the only reason why diners head here. The generous portions, kid-friendly meals and proximity to the theatre district also make it a fine spot to drop by for a pre-theatre meal. And come game day, you'll likely see the place flooded with footy fans before and after the match. To top that off, Stalactites also recently introduced an extensive range of gluten-free options — and new cooking and serving processes — that have been certified by Coeliac Australia. That means that everything from the pita bread and souvas to the chips and grilled meats can be done gluten-free. Whatever reason you're heading to Stalactites, everyone in your party is going to find something they'll love on the menu.
In a food-obsessed city like ours where there's a quality feed to be discovered around just about every corner, why put a limit on your eating abilities? Melbourne's got a plethora of excellent all-you-can-eat options to rival even your fondest childhood memories from the Pizza Hut buffet and Sizzler salad bar (RIP). Break out the stretchy pants in preparation for some proper feasting with these great all-you-can-eat offers. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT YUM CHA AT DAVID'S Delivering that authentic yum cha experience within smartly revamped designer digs, iconic David's Prahran offers the kind of all-you-can-eat experience even your mum would approve of. What's more, at $38 per person on Saturdays (and $40 per person on Sundays), your bank account will be pretty chuffed as well. Choose the 11.30am or 1.30pm sitting, and settle in against crisp, white interiors for an upscale take on unlimited yum cha. How many of those plump dumplings can your stomach handle? How much? $38-40 per person. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT TEMAKI AT TOKOSAN The closure of Toko in Prahan has seen Tokosan take its place, with a focus on cocktails, karaoke and a casual Japanese snack menu. On Tuesdays they're honing in on temaki — which, for the uninitiated, is basically a cone-shaped hand roll — with endless supplies for just $20. There will options for vegetarians too. If you haven't tried temaki before, Tokosan's outdoor lounge courtyard is a pretty good place to make your debut. How much? $20 per person. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT MEAT AT POLEPOLE Carnivores in search of some serious midweek indulgence will find a whole lot to love about African-inspired Polepole, especially during Tuesday night's weekly all-you-can-meat extravaganza. From 5pm, punters can rock their taste buds and stuff their bellies with a smorgasbord of slow-cooked, African-style meat dishes and sides for the budget-friendly price of $39 per person. We're talking an endless array of melt-in-your-mouth ribs, vibrant salads and addictive harissa grilled corn cobs. Get in before 7pm to save even more coin with a few cheeky happy hour drinks. How much? $39 per person. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SUSHI AT OKAMI JAPANESE One of the greatest things about Japanese food is that it rarely leaves you feeling horrendously full, even after scoffing an insane amount of it. Which means that an unlimited feasting situation at somewhere like Okami packs a serious punch in the value department. This spot has seven outposts across Melbourne (including Brunswick, Caulfield, Footscray and Camberwell), each one offering an all-you-can-eat menu for about $30, if you've got at least two diners. Go to town on sushi and sashimi, tempura and teriyaki, knowing you'll probably even have belly room left over for some green tea ice cream for dessert. How much? $30 per person. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT WINGS AT SAN ANTONE BY BLUDSO'S BBQ Mondays at San Antone can get pretty darn messy. But when you're elbow-deep in fried chicken, it's pretty likely you won't mind that much. The Crown restaurant is renowned for its American-style smoked meats and to kickstart each week, it offers two hours of endless chicken wings for just $25 per person. These finger lickin' goodies are smoked for two hours and then served by the bucket, teamed with your choice of sauce and a pile of golden fries. Settle in and keep that chook coming until those Monday blues are a distant memory. How much? $25 per person. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BRAZILIAN MEATS AT B'CHURRASCO If you're good mates with meat, the ultimate feasting situation awaits at this buzzing CBD spot. Modelled on Brazil's rodízios, or all-you-can-eat, BBQ restaurants, B'Churrasco is famed for its unlimited meat feasts, where a parade of marinated morsels are served on skewers and carved right there at your table. Get acquainted with one of the city's best examples of Brazilian dining, across a seasonal pick of 12 quality, roasted meat cuts, and a whole bunch of authentic sides. Visit on a Wednesday or Thursday, and you can load up on the likes of beef ribs, chicken wings, and house made chorizo, along with a bellyful of accompaniments, for $45 per head. On other nights the spread will cost you $56 each. How much? $45–56 per person. CROSSWAYS VEGETARIAN, CBD For all-you-can-eat, minus the meat and any kind of pretension or style, it's hard to beat this longstanding Hare Krishna haunt. Perched above Swanston Street, Crossways plates up a different plant-based feed each day of the week, and you can eat your fill of the tasty, wholesome fare for just $7.95 (or $5.95 if you're a concession card holder). Feast up big on the likes of South Indian coconut curry, satay veggies, and lentil pasta, and even sate your sweet tooth with a house-made dessert — you'll still roll out with change from a tenner. How much? $5.95–7.95 per person.
If you've ever wondered what would happen if two ex-Attica young guns teamed up with the guys behind Rockwell and Sons to open their own wine bar, well, you need not ponder any longer. That's exactly the situation at Johnston Street's Bar Liberty — and it's been working a treat since launching in 2016. The boys took over a lo-fi corner joint, tidied up the exterior just a little and worked their magic inside. The space is contemporary, but unaffectedly so; they've kept the glitz to a minimum, the banquette seating sans cushions, and the floors concrete. Sure, it's not the cosiest spot in Fitzroy, but the food and booze offering shines. This is a destination for flavour lovers who aren't afraid to try a few new things. Sure, you could stick with your favourite rosé and some charcuterie and leave (very) happy, but creativity reigns supreme on both the menu and drinks list, so it's well worth digging in a little deeper. Sommelier Banjo Harris Plane will wheel around his old-school globe bar trolley to tempt you with the evening's pouring wines. You might end up sipping a fortified wine made in collaboration with Beechworth's Pennyweight Winery or even something featuring the house-made vermouth. After that, you'll probably find yourself sharing a bottle from the hefty range of Chenin Blanc, or maybe one of the well-represented skin contact whites. Seasoned beer fans will appreciate the brew selection, which is heavy on the local craft beers — like the great plum ale by Wildflower Brewing St — and full of share-friendly bottles upwards of 750mL. A few classic cocktails are also on offer —from martinis and negronis to spritzes and a retro Japanese slipper. Drinks offerings are altogether vast, but very clean. You won't be getting anything too sweet or heavy on this list. Meanwhile, the food menu is geared towards clever grazing, with shareable small and medium dishes the stars of the show. The menu changes all the time, but expect delicately plated dishes like the grilled lamb tongue skewer served drenched in a sweet and sour apple and garum (fishy sauce) glaze and the cured venison with beets and bone marrow. More stodgy dishes also stream across the pass — think cheese and potato pierogis and the bread and miso noodles covered in a thick pecorino sauce. These will soak up all the booze your sure to down during your Bar Liberty session. Image: Brook James. Appears in: The Best Bars in Melbourne The Best Wine Bars in Melbourne
The Rockpool brand is about as strong a brand you can find in Australian dining, with the flagship Sydney venue — that's regularly voted in the top ten steakhouses in the world — opening back in 2009. Inspired by the great steakhouses of North America, Rockpool prides itself on sourcing its beef from the top providers in Australia — and when teamed up with its exceptional wine list, it's easy to see why its reputation is bulletproof. While its big brother in Sydney hogs the limelight, the Melbourne restaurant by no means lives in its shadow, with a style and reputation all its own. Located within the Crown Casino complex, the venue itself is elegant and stylish, with wooden finishes throughout and wood-panelled walls that seem to add flavour to the beef. The chefs also perform in an open kitchen, adding an element of theatricality. The Melbourne Rockpool menu begins with snacks and cold starters such as a caviar bar complete potato crisps and condiments, as well as a yellowfin tartare with black sesame and Davidson plum. Hot starters include whole grilled king prawns, woodfired wagyu chorizo and grilled octopus with chimichurri. Mains have something for everyone, with the menu featuring easily accessible favourites such as grilled lamb rump, Tasmanian rock lobster and a wild green spanakopita. The woodfire grill is where Rockpool made its name though, and features cuts from Australian producers such as Blackmore, Cape Grim and Robbins Island — you can rest assured you're getting the finest cuts on the market. The Blackmore dry aged scotch 9+ is aged for 30 days and is just about the perfect cut of meat, while the Coppertree Farms rib eye on the bone is aged for 32 days and is incredibly succulent. Pair your beef with condiments including mustards and a jalapeño hot sauce, as well as sides including padron peppers, roasted brussels sprouts and sautéed potatoes with garlic, rosemary and wagyu fat. Equally as impressive as the woodfire grill, is the wine list — that one of their professional sommeliers will guide you through. There's everything, from a light Huon Valley pinot noir by the glass to a $57,000 bottle of Chateau Haut-Brion from 1982. While Rockpool in Melbourne is certainly fancy, and you'll want to dress sharp for it, it's not too exclusive for the average Joe. Circle the next special date on the calendar and make a booking. Just be sure to bring your appetite.
Melburnians love a good plate of sashimi as much as the next guy. We also seem to have a serious obsession with anything within the realm of Asian cuisine. And if it throws the word fusion in there? We're sold. (Don't even talk to us about street food. It's all too much at one time.) So, in a nod to all the fine Japanese establishments around town — some putting a modern spin on things, some not — here are our top picks when you've got a hankering for sashimi, sake, korokke or katsu. In no particular order, of course. MINAMISHIMA, RICHMOND When Minamishima opened last year, it didn't take long for people to notice. After 15 years at the CBD's Kenzan, sushi master Koichi Minamishima decided to go out on his own and almost immediately he started making waves in the world of sushi. Let's be clear — this is not a cheap night out. The two dining options (they differ if you sit at the bar or in the dining room) cost $150 each with matching sake or wine another $70. But it is sushi as you rarely experience it outside Japan. At Minamishima, standards are high and perfection is desired — and it is one of Melbourne's best showcases of Japanese cuisine. HIHOU, CBD A combination of top-notch cocktails and Japanese-inspired bites is okay in our books any day. To top that off, Hihou have a secret doorbell — ring it, and someone will covertly let you in. James Bond, eat your heart out. Speaking of eating, Hihou serves up bites like the brik pastry cigars filled with a spicy tuna tartare, and its signature Japanese hot dog served in a sweet bun with pickled onion and wasabi mayo. Helps the sake go down just that little bit quicker. KISUME, CBD The simplest way to describe Kisumé, the luxe Japanese restaurant from lauded restaurateur Chris Lucas, may be this: three storeys of considered grandeur. Its design is impressive — a Chablis bar, a Kisumé Winewall, avant-garde art — and considered attention to detail travels throughout the three levels, from the menu down to the nifty coin-sized refreshment towels that entertainingly expand when you open them. In the kitchen, there's acclaimed Korean-born chef K. S. Moon. His raw fish dishes are all elegant and mostly restrained, allowing the quality of the (well-sourced) produce to speak for itself. But some border on over-the-top, with gold leaves and teaspoons of caviar. The raw dishes' vivid flavours would imaginably hit a fair few diners with the realisation of "wow, this is what tuna really tastes like". In the cooked section, knockout items include the pork kimchi gyoza, satisfyingly packed with flavour and crunch, and the hapuka with spicy miso, which is substantial in size and spice. The cucumber tataki with cucumber vinaigrette is a lovely palette cleanser, perfect before delving into dishes such as the Berkshire baby back pork ribs with maple soy glaze. HINOKI JAPANESE PANTRY, FITZROY Okay, we admit this one is more like a sushi bar crossed with a Japanese supermarket than it is a restaurant, but trust us, you'll want to know about Hinoki. If you're looking to make something yourself, the shelves are your friend. Find anything from korokke to katsu, gyoza to green tea Kit Kats, and a mammoth amount of bottled sauces and everything you need to make ramen. Oh, and sake and shochu. But the sushi counter is probably what you're most interested in. A range of 89 options will be available. There are more traditional varieties like your sashimi and nigiri platters, and then more unique creations like the salmon aioli with squid and egg salad. KUMO IZAKAYA, BRUNSWICK Good eating, good drinking, and good vibes. This is what happens at Kumo. The space is stunning — once an old bank, it now has lots of stone, wood, concrete, steel and glass, with influence drawn from Japanese art. The menu here is a big one. Start with vegetable crisps with nori salt, move to seared scallop with spring onion and sesame and pork gyoza. Larger dishes see pork belly skewers with chilli mayo, tokoyaki (a savoury pancake wrapped around octopus) and beer-battered yakitori chicken. When it comes to the drinks list, go for a sake flight and learn a thing or two from the masters. TOKYO TINA, WINDSOR Japanese nosh isn't meant to be too serious, and sometimes it's good to stray a little from the traditional and have a little fun. The food at Tokyo Tina (sister to Hanoi Hannah and Saigon Sally) is not what you'll find on your garden-variety Japanese restaurant. The team tasted their way around the streets of Japan to make sure they were bringing Windsor something unique, but relevant to what's happening over there at the moment. Port Lincoln kingfish is served with wasabi and apple, and placed in a bite sized charcoal cone offering beautiful crunch ($6), while the open Californian roll with WA spanner crab ($8) highlights the natural sweetness of crab meat without going overboard. For larger dishes you can opt for the grill with a whole chicken served with gocujang and coleslaw, or go for some of their tasty ramen. This place is popular, so if you're planning to visit on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait. SAKE RESTAURANT & BAR, SOUTH BANK This is one of Melbourne's more flashy Japanese restaurants. We weren't first to get this one — Sydney and Brisbane came first, but we're okay with that. There is a lot going on here, but it is a beautiful space. Sitting on the Yarra, you'll most likely get a killer view, and the space itself, while huge, has been made to have all the right nooks and private areas, as well as a large dining space and outside tables for the warmer months. A few of the must-orders include the sustainable Patagonian toothfish marinated in miso and served on lettuce cups, the popcorn shrimp served with a creamy and spicy sauce, and the wagyu teriyaki. The sushi should also be on your order list as well. Go with many, order all the things. They've also just opened up a second venue on Flinders Lane, so you'll have to give that one a go too. OCHA, HAWTHORN If you're looking for some sushi atop a white tablecloth, then Ocha is your best bet. Located in the heart of Hawthorn, Ocha is refined, elegant and unforgettable. It's a long-time hatted restaurant — and for good reason. Traditional techniques are combined with sublime imaginative touches to make for a truly memorable meal. Don't be surprised if your sushi arrives at your table like it's been turned inside out or upside down. This playfulness extends to crowd favourites including the beef tataki and vegetable tempura, with the gyoza finishing off a list of delectably light dishes. It's a little pricey, but they do a great set lunch for just $25. IZAKAYA DEN, CBD A basement on Russell Street seems like the perfect place to nibble on Japanese tapas-style dishes, right? Well, why the hell not? The long bar and small tables lining the walls make it feel like a cocktail bar-cum-Japanese restaurant — but hey, we're not complaining about that. Some of the Den favourites include the den chicken, sweet corn kakiage, tuna tataki and the grilled pork belly. Or, for the cooler months, go for the udon and a glass of sake. Cheers, friends. CIBI, COLLINGWOOD We just want to pick this place up and squeeze it. Or move in. One or the other. A cafe and homewares store in one, Cibi is a lesson in good living. With a philosophy of "head, heart, hands", the space sets out to spark creativity and thought, offer beautiful things you'll want to reach out and touch and feed you soul-warming food that is straight from the heart of owners Meg and Zenta Tanaka. In a vast but welcoming warehouse space on Keele Street, an experience that is rich in culture and calm vibes awaits. This is never truer than on a weekend morning, when a traditional Japanese breakfast delights the brunch crowds. Grilled salmon, tamago egg (traditional Japanese folded omelette), rice and potato salad with a bowl of miso will set you up for whatever the day may throw at you. And, afterwards, you can peruse Cibi's beautifully curated collection of Japanese homewares. Top image: Toko by Julian Kingma.
If you haven't heard of Chin Chin, from Lucas Restaurants, then you might have been living under a rock. Its success has created the phrase 'the Chris Lucas effect', and it has people lining up out the doors each day for hours on end. Does it live up to the hype? When it comes down to it, it actually does. The jazzed-up Thai cuisine, pumping atmosphere and killer decor give these guys the name they deserve. Be warned, you have to be ready to wait. Luckily, Go Go Bar downstairs acts as a holding room, providing liquids to tide you over. Once you finally get the call to shift upstairs, the choices get difficult. The menu is extensive, and choosing only a handful of dishes is hard. The staff are great at suggesting the right way to order and are on hand to highlight their favourite dishes, but, at the end of the day, it's all pretty spot on. Start with the Chin Chin pork 'roll ups' which consists of pancakes stuffed with pulled pork, slaw and plum sauce — it's a fun, savoury twist on the beloved childhood snack. From there, grab something from the 'stir fry', 'barbecue' and 'greens' section — maybe the soft shell crab fried rice, twice-cooked beef short rib (that's been on the menu for yonks) and wok-fried brussels sprouts covered in a chilli dressing and peanuts — and one of the curries. The hot green curry of pork, apple eggplant and Thai basil or the milder massaman with kipfler potatoes are popular choices. But saying all of this, just about everything on this menu is banging. And that's what makes all the banquet options so popular. For $88 per person, everyone will go home very happy. But you can indulge a bit more with the larger set menus that go for $110 and $130 per person. In these, you'll get some of the more premium dishes (think plenty more meat and seafood). A beautiful wine list, a stunning bar and knowledgeable staff make sure the experience is a good one. Go, wait in the line — it's all an experience in itself. At the end of the day, the worst that will happen is you'll find yourself in Chin Chin's Go Go Bar.
Boilermaker House, a CBD bar dedicated to pairing and celebraiting craft beer and whisky, has recently announced that it will officially close forever on Monday, December 30. The news comes as the building's landlord has opted to redevelop the site and not renew the Speakeasy Group's lease. The laidback city spot is a unique Melbourne den built around the boilermaker — for the uninitiated, a boilermaker is an American beer cocktail consisting of a shot of whisky and a beer chaser. Ever since it opened in 2015, Boilermaker House has been a go-to spot for city workers, whisky lovers and beer fans alike. Its charcuterie and cheese boards were also no joke — great additions to a long whisky and beer session. But now, it's time to pack up the 700-plus whisky bottles and say goodbye to Boilermaker House. Owner and Operator Greg Sanderson shared, "We're incredibly proud of what we've built over these years. "Parting ways with a place that has meant so much to us — and to so many others — is incredibly difficult. We're deeply grateful to our amazing team, whose passion and dedication have been the heart of Boilermaker House. "And to our guests, especially those who've been with us since the beginning — we can't thank you enough." Punters have until the end of December to drop by for one last boilermaker in the CBD haunt or to simply down a few drams and say farewell.
Zekkai is Queen Street's newest penthouse restaurant, cocktail bar and club with sweeping views across Melbourne's skyline. In the kitchen, an ex-Nobu chef is bringing luxe Japanese dining to new heights. The new venue, which takes over the site where Blue Diamond speakeasy, a members-only jazz club, once stood, is from Lam Kai Fung (former Executive Chef of Nobu) and the promotional team behind some of Melbourne's most-loved clubs such as Bond, Trak and Ms Collins. While the rooftop venue has been given a contemporary makeover, it still pays homage to its former personality with the original grand piano remaining a centrepiece in the room — albeit now alongside a DJ booth. "Melbourne has some incredible rooftop bars, but we wanted to create something that feels truly international," says Venue Manager Warrence Moorghen, "A place you could find in New York, Tokyo or Dubai, yet still distinctly Melbourne in character." Lam Kai's menu leans luxe with dishes such as wagyu with truffle paste and mango dragon rolls. "Zekkai's menu is inspired by my journey through some of the world's top kitchens, blending Japanese precision with Melbourne's diverse palate," says Lam Kai, "Every dish is about balance, beauty, flavour and a touch of surprise." If you're looking to splash some cash, the Millionaire Margarita comes in at a whopping $115, which sees Herradura Selección Tequila finished with gold leaf and caviar. On the other extreme, happy hour offers affordable specials such as $1 gyoza, between 5 and 8 pm. The team's sky-high ambition is to create a venue where you can expect everything from elevated Japanese dining to lively sunset cocktails on the cigar terrace and a late-night party under the stars. Moorghen says, "Zekkai is about more than just dining or nightlife, it's about creating a complete experience. From our panoramic views to our curated DJ sets and premium cocktails, we've designed a venue where every visit feels unforgettable." Images: Supplied.
Restaurant space on Greville Street doesn't come along very often so when Good Company director Nick Young noticed the old Ladro TAP was for sale, he jumped at the chance. Rossi was the result. It's a big-hearted Italian-French diner powered by woodfired pizzas and plenty of Aperol Spritz. There are some big names in the kitchen, too. French-born head chef Thibault Boggio runs the show with a Michelin star under his belt, and Gaetano Cioffi draws on his Amalfi Coast heritage to work the pizza oven, churning out Napoletana classics like lobster spaghettini and diavola. No big surprises on the menu, but the food is executed well. "We want to create a hot new vibe, a happening place where people come for delicious food, a great time, and kick on for a drink. Our aim is to make Rossi the pulse of Greville Street," Nick Young said. Ladro's industrial vibe has survived the transition, but Young and the team added a virtual forest, including trees in the dining room, a courtyard bar, and a cascading green wall. Throw in some red neon, and you have Gertrude Street in a nutshell: cool, modern, cashed-up, and out for a good time. The restaurant hosts regular events and specials too, with Tuscan roasts and live music every Sunday lunch, $35 gnocchi and vino nights every Wednesday and aperitivo hour from Monday to Friday between 4 and 6pm. Check the website for the latest events. Image: Supplied
Maybe your day hasn't truly started until you've had your caffeine fix. Perhaps you like the ritual of the coffee shop experience. Or, you might just love pairing your cuppa with a cafe spread. Whichever applies, you'll have your favourite spots for a coffee — and you'll know that not all venues slinging it are created equal. According to the first-ever Top 100 Coffee Shops list, the very best place for a cuppa on the planet is Down Under. Toby's Estate Sydney flagship cafe and roastery in Chippendale in has been named the best in the world in the inaugural ranking, which made its picks based on the quality of coffee, barista experience and customer service, as well as each venue's approach to innovation, ambience and atmosphere, plus its sustainability practices, food and pastry quality, and consistency. Combined, Australia and New Zealand account for a tenth of the list, with eight other Aussie spots joining Toby's Estate, alongside one from Aotearoa. Two of those other Australian coffee shops also made the top ten: Proud Mary in Melbourne at fourth and Coffee Anthology in Brisbane at eighth. From around the globe, they were joined by Onyx Coffee Lab in the USA at second, Gota Coffee Experts in Australia in third and Tim Wendelboe in Norway at fifth — then Singapore's Apartment Coffee taking sixth place, Kawa in France at seventh, Malaysia's Story of Ono in ninth and Colombia's Tropicalia Coffee at tenth. Back to Down Under coffee havens, Veneziano Coffee Roasters in Melbourne came in at 19th, fellow Melburnian Calēre Coffee ranked 28th, Adelaide's Exchange Coffee placed 37th and Fonzie Abbott in Brisbane took 70th spot. Next came Melbourne's Vacation Coffee at 71 and Seven Seeds, also in Melbourne, at 87. Flying the flag for NZ, Rocket Coffee in Hamilton notched up 62nd place. [caption id="attachment_733568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Proud Mary[/caption] So, in plenty of cities across Australia and Aotearoa, you've got no excuse to drink a subpar coffee. While Toby's Estate's Sydney flagship earned the list's love, it also has locations in Brisbane and Melbourne locally. "At Toby's Estate, coffee is at the heart of everything we do, and I think that's reflected in our customer's experience. Our whole team puts in an immense amount of effort to make the best coffee possible, so we're absolutely delighted to be awarded this incredible recognition," said the brand's General Manager Jody Leslie about the win. [caption id="attachment_992420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toby's Estate[/caption] [caption id="attachment_935274" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fonzie Abbott[/caption] [caption id="attachment_631878" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vacation Coffee[/caption] [caption id="attachment_918220" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Seven Seeds[/caption] [caption id="attachment_992421" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Toby's Estate[/caption] For more details about the Top 100 Coffee Shops list, head to the ranking's website.
Hidden underground bars, award-winning restaurants, dozens of standout laneway cafes and record stores — Adelaide has more than just delicious wine (although it has a lot of that, too). There are so many places to explore and experiences to be had in this history-rich city, you may struggle to fit it all into one weekend — as they say: so little time, so much to eat. But, we're here to help. We've created this comprehensive guide to the SA capital so you can spend more time drinking cocktails, and less time wandering backstreets. Adelaide is also so much more than just the CBD, too, so if you have the time, immerse yourself in the Fleurieu Peninsula, Clare Valley and the Limestone Coast. There's plenty of wine to be tasted and glamping to be done. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are some restrictions on where you can go on a holiday. But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_679115" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Africola by Andre Castellucci[/caption] EAT Once you've jumped off the plane, your first stop should be Exchange Specialty Coffee. Serving up some of the best coffee in the country, the acclaimed cafe is tucked away behind Rundle Street. Stop here for a brew — a Melbourne-roasted Brazilian with cherry notes, perhaps — and the cafe's take on a reuben sandwich, and you'll be fuelled and ready to tackle the rest of the city. Well, fuelled and prepared to eat more. While you're on the east side of town — for out-of-towners, that's down near Rundle Street and the aptly named East Terrace — stop by the French-inflected all-day eatery Hey Jupiter for escargots and baked camembert, or to the vibrant Kutchi Deli Parwana, which is located literally next door on Ebenezer Place. The latter serves up Afghani-style street food, such as toasties made with flatbread and stuffed with hummus and lamb kofta, and its signature eggplant curry. If the light begins to fade and you still find yourself east, head to Adelaide's two most-lauded restaurants: Africola and Orana. Africola, helmed by Duncan Welgemoed, is serving up North African dishes out of its woodfired oven, including peri peri chicken with chakalaka relish, pork neck and fried cauliflower. And, whatever you do, don't forget to order a round of the tea sandwiches made with hot chicken dripping. A stone's throw away is Restaurant Orana run by acclaimed chef-owner Jock Zonfrillo (yes, the one from MasterChef). Orana has a degustation-only menu, spattered with native ingredients, alongside an impeccable wine list and service — and it's well worth the cash. On the opposite side of the city, near West Terrace, restaurants are a touch more casual, more snack-driven, and where you want to head before or after drinks. Behind a neon-lit entrance on Leigh Street, you'll find mod-Asian fare cooked over fire at Shōbōsho — and its spin-off, the eight-seater yakitori bar Dr Shō. Hop one street over to Peel Street and enjoy Southeast Asian street food and natural wine at Gondola Gondola, woodfired burgers, steaks and ribs at the upstairs Bread and Bone and refined yet simple fare made from quality local ingredients at Peel St. Around the corner, Sunny's Pizza — run by a group of hospitality long-timers — does what it says on the packet: pizza. It serves them topped with traditional and untraditional ingredients — San Marzano tomatoes, pork fennel sausage, lamb and tahini — and alongside creative cocktails. It also has a disco ball, so you can stay and dance till the wee hours. [caption id="attachment_679116" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pink Moon Saloon[/caption] DRINK Adelaide's west end doesn't just have fancy food, either, the number of bars hidden down laneways, in basements and up hard-to-find staircases rivals even Melbourne's busiest inner city streets. We suggest you start at Pink Moon Saloon, a narrow A-frame bar, which has picked up a neat collection of gongs for its drinks and design. It even has a kitchen in the back, if you want to linger over brisket or grilled haloumi. Underground — and through a hidden door — is art deco bar Maybe Mae. Located in a passage between Peel and Leigh Streets, the bar is lined with green leather banquettes and serves up seasonal cocktails alongside the tastiest complimentary bar snack in the city: curry powder-fried Nutri Grain and peanuts (trust us, it tastes better than it sounds). West end stalwarts Udaberri and Clever Little Tailor mix fun and refined cocktails with finesse, and nearby Leigh Street Wine Room is a chic new wine bar pumping out minimal intervention drops and next-level snacks. Also worth visiting on the western side is sailor-themed Hains & Co, which is lined with plenty of boating paraphernalia — and lots of rum — and Sparkke at the Whitmore, a female-run pub and brewery with a rooftop bar. [caption id="attachment_679112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NOLA[/caption] Wander back east and Adelaide's seemingly never-ending collection of quality small bars continues. Overlooking Ebenezer Place is the multi-level Mr Goodbar. Its cocktails are strong and its vibe is inspired by the Deep South. On the opposite side of Rundle Street (well, underneath it) you'll encounter Hellbound. Fortunately, when you walk down its steps you won't enter purgatory — you'll encounter plenty of great wine curated by industry expert Mark Reginato. When you're ready to resurface, make a beeline for NOLA, a New Orleans-inspired jazz, whiskey and craft beer bar, speckled with banquettes, touches of turquoise and neon. A few metres away is Mother Vine, serving up an impressive selection of local and international wines, tapas and cheeses. It's also opposite Adelaide CBD's best bottle shop (more on that below). [caption id="attachment_679111" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 2KW by Jonathan Van de Knapp[/caption] DO 2KW is a must-visit for all Adelaide first- (second- or third-) timers. Located on the eighth storey of a historic building, it has some of the best views across the city. Its drinks and food menu are also hard to pass up — and give you more time to soak up the view. Plan in a trip to the CBD's best bottle shop, too. If we're to get technical, East End Cellars has a rep as one of the country's best bottle shops — with an impressive range of local, hard-to-find wines, spirits and craft brews. It often hosts free tastings, too, so keep on eye on the website while you're there. [caption id="attachment_679110" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Smelly Cheese Shop[/caption] The historic Adelaide Central Markets, established in 1869, is a rite of passage for all visitors to Adelaide. Filled with hawking greengrocers, fishmongers and bratwurst-vendors, the markets are often packed — especially on weekends. Make your way through the crowd to much-loved The Smelly Cheese Shop (yes, they'll let you taste some) and Le Souk for fresh dates and racks upon racks of spices. If you need a break from eating and drinking, luckily Adelaide has another lesser-known gift hidden up its sleeve — its impressive collection of record stores. Rerun Record & Photography, hidden inside Adelaide's Market Bazaar, stocks a massive collection of retro records, alongside historic Adelaide photos and vintage cameras. Also, Streetlight Adelaide, Wolfies Records and Porthole Records are worth checking out. [caption id="attachment_679109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Majestic Minima Hotel[/caption] SLEEP When you've finished eating, drinking and packing your bags full of vinyls, you'll want to rest your weary head — and prepare to do it all again tomorrow. If you've got the cash, splash out on the most elegant option, The Mayfair Hotel. The heritage-listed building is home to 170 luxe suites, a gym and its own rooftop bar. Slightly more affordable, but equally central, is the Majestic Rooftop Hotel and the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury — both located in walking distance of all the aforementioned hot spots. If you're willing to travel a touch out of the city, you can snag an eclectic art-filled room at North Adelaide's Majestic Minima Hotel for around $100 a night. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Pink Moon Saloon.
