Best of Sydney 2015: Best New Bar

Sydney's only spritz den to the city's first distillery in 160 years, all killing it despite lockouts.
Concrete Playground
Published on December 23, 2015
  • Bar

    Archie Rose Distillery

    85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery

    If you're looking to lift your spirits, this gin distillery is the place to be.

  • Bar

    This Must Be the Place - CLOSED

    239 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

    Head to this Oxford Street cocktail oasis for great spritz and natural wine.

  • Bar

    Tokyo Bird

    Shop 2, 226-228 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills

    Tokyo Bird is ruling the roost with a focus on hot-right-now Japanese whisky and yakitori sticks.

  • Bar

    The Gretz - CLOSED

    125 Enmore Rd, Enmore

    Cheesy baked clams, homemade salmon jerky and cigarette-inspired cocktails from the team behind Hartsyard.

  • Bar

    Dead Ringer

    413 Bourke Street, Surry Hills

    The Bulletin Place team reinvent Bacardi Breezers, Redskins and so many nostalgic favourites.

  • Bar

    The Clare Bar

    1 Kensington Street, Chippendale

    Three high-end restaurants, 62 guest rooms and its very own custom-designed scent.

  • Event

    Cambridge Christmas Markets

    Sat, 16 Nov - Sat, 21 Dec 2024

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    Get your wishlists ready, Santa's coming to town thanks to markets all over Sydney.

  • News

    This Never Happened's Phone- and Camera-Free Dance Parties Are Returning to Australia in 2025

    After a successful debut Down Under in 2023, the Lane 8's record label's shindigs are returning to Melbourne and Sydney.

  • News

    The First Action-Packed Teaser Trailer for 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning' Is Here

    After being delayed from 2024, Tom Cruise's latest stint in Ethan Hunt's shoes will hit cinemas Down Under in May 2025.

  • News

    Rockpool Has Unveiled a New-Look Bar with an Affordable Late-Night Menu Starring Fancy Toasties and Empanadas

    Move over Maccas: this new after-dark dining option is raising the bar with elevated burgers, hot chips with brisket gravy and more.

  • News

    Sixteen of the Best Private Accommodations You Can Book in Regional Victoria

    Escape the city and head to the wilderness for a holiday in these private getaways scattered around regional Victoria.

  • Guide

    Many of the Best Seats at Sydney Festival 2025's Headline Shows Are on Sale for Just $49 — Here's Why

    As NSW's flagship arts fest prepares to celebrate its 49th birthday, affordability has been very much front of mind for Festival Director Olivia Ansell.

  • Event

    Multiple Bad Things

    Wed, 8 Jan - Sun, 12 Jan 2025

    Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Sydney

    This dynamic work of groundbreaking theatre explores the intersection between the physical and intellectual via a show that raises more questions than it answers.

  • Event

    Converted!

    Fri, 3 Jan - Sat, 25 Jan 2025

    Pier 2/3, 13 Hickson Road Walsh Bay NSW 2000, Walsh Bay

    Expect big feels and even bigger tunes at this soul-hugging musical about teen angst, self-discovery and the battle to live truthfully.

  • Event

    Antigone in the Amazon

    Sat, 4 Jan - Wed, 8 Jan 2025

    Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay

    An ancient story gets an urgent and innovative update in this fascinating production by one of contemporary theatre's most dynamic mavericks.

  • Event

    Siegfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera

    Wed, 8 Jan 2025 - Mon, 25 Nov 2024

    Wharf 1, Wharf Theatre, Sydney

    This comedic musical biopic about the infamous magical duo with a dangerous penchant for big cats is ready to cast a spell on Sydney Festival.

  • News

    Yayoi Kusama's Five-Metre-Tall (and Dot-Covered) 'Dancing Pumpkin' Sculpture Is Now on Display in Australia

    The yellow-and-black artwork has been unveiled at Melbourne's NGV International ahead of the gallery's summer 'Yayoi Kusama' exhibition.

  • Guide

    The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Week

    Sip $5 martinis at a Potts Point fine diner, explore a huge collection of masterworks by one of art's greatest surrealists and tuck into an 11-course Christmas-themed degustation.

  • Event

    Heaps Gay 11th Birthday Party

    Sat, 23 Nov, 2024

    White Bay Power Station, Rozelle

    Since its birth in 2013, Heaps Gay has created inclusive, safe, gloriously queer spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, the party is getting dialled up to 11.

  • News

    Fifteen of the Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains

    From a mountaintop villa to a secluded country cottage, these are the best Airbnb stays you'll find in the Blue Mountains.

  • Feature

    Singapore is Made for More

    World-class eats, diverse cultural experiences and lush greenery come together in the Lion City.

  • News

    Five Unexpected Ways to Experience Nature in Singapore

    Take your pick from breathtaking wetlands with eagles, otters and crocodiles, a tour of a working farm, or a sustainable retreat in the middle of a renowned attraction.

  • News

    Diving Beneath Bondi Icebergs' Much-Photographed Surface in a Documentary Celebrating Community: Ian Darling Talks 'The Pool'

    In this meditative film, there's far more to the iconic Sydney spot than being one of the Harbour City's most-famous locations — and the most-snapped pool in the world.

  • News

    The Most Idyllic Island Accommodations You Can Book in Queensland

    Treat yourself to a tropical Hamilton Island getaway, spend a few days lounging in the Whitsundays or make the most of Straddie when staying at these stunning accommodations.

  • News

    Always Live Has Added Air Playing 'Moon Safari' in Full to Its Already Jam-Packed 2024 Lineup

    The French duo's celebration of their iconic 25-year-old album joins a program that already features Jack White, The Offspring, St Vincent and heaps more.

  • News

    When Australia's Past Haunts Its Present On- and Off-Screen: Shari Sebbens, Meyne Wyatt and Jon Bell Chat 'The Moogai'

    Building upon the award-winning short film of the same name, this powerful First Nations horror film digs into Stolen Generations trauma.

  • News

    The 20 Best Things to Do in Sydney (That You've Probably Never Heard of)

    Think you know Sydney? Think again — these surprising and under-the-radar activities let you experience the Harbour City from every angle.

  • News

    Fair Day, Pool Parties, Honey Dijon, Romy, Trixie Mattel: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 Has Them All

    More than 80 LGBTQIA+ events will take over the Harbour City — including the return of WorldPride 2023's 'Blak & Deadly' First Nations gala concert.

  • News

    'Stranger Things' Season Five Will Hit Netflix in 2025 to Take You Back to the Upside Down One Last Time

    The streaming platform has also revealed the new season's eight episode titles — and that it's set in 1987.

  • Guide

    The Best Things to Do in Sydney This Weekend

    Have a fancy day out at Australia's largest urban polo tournament, visit Sydney's newest harbourside swimming spot or catch the final weekend of a massive wine festival in Rose Bay.

  • Event

    Moonlight Cinema Sydney

    Fri, 22 Nov 2024 - Sun, 30 Mar 2025

    Centennial Park, Centennial Park

    Catch 'The Fall Guy', 'Gladiator II', 'The Substance' and a heap of Christmas movies under the stars in Centennial Park.

  • News

    Moonlight Cinema's 2024–25 Dates Are Here — and So Is the Outdoor Picture Palace's First Program

    Alongside Christmas movies, the openair cinema is screening everything from 'The Fall Guy' and 'Twisters' to 'Gladiator II'.

  • News

    Maybe Group Has Unveiled a New Dream-Inspired Cocktail Menu at Dean & Nancy on 22 — Including the Bar's First Interactive Drink

    Step into a dream and explore alternate realities with the latest clutch of creative mingles from Sydney's masters of creative cocktails.

  • Event

    Polo in the City

    Sat, 9 Nov, 2024

    Centennial Park, Centennial Park

    This horseback sport with a storied history is entering the 21st century, bringing spectators closer to the action than ever before.

  • News

    Sydney Opera House Is Giving 'In the Mood for Love' the Concert Treatment with a 39-Piece Orchestra

    In the event's Australian premiere, Wong Kar-Wai's classic has a new date with the big screen, with Guy Noble conducting.

  • Event

    'In the Mood for Love' in Concert

    Sat, 22 Mar, 2025

    Sydney Opera House, Sydney

    Sydney Opera House is giving Wong Kar-Wai's swoonworthy masterpiece the concert treatment with a 39-piece orchestra.

  • News

    Gifting Made Simple: Ten Easy Presents You Can Buy Before the Christmas Rush

    Amazon is here to help you avoid the chaos of last-minute shopping this silly season. 

  • News

    DIY Season: Ten Products That Can Help You Complete Any Summer Project in Record Time

    Just some cool stuff for those who are officially in our DIY era.

  • News

    This Year's Eat Drink Design Awards Has Revealed the Nation's Most Beautiful Places to Dine, Sip and Stay

    The winning designs showcase a range of interiors from the rustic and culturally rich to the modern and minimalist.

  • News

    Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture at These Eight Festivals

    Discover the wonderful and ancient traditions that make Japan so special.

  • News

    Westeros Is Heading to the Big Screen: It Looks Like a 'Game of Thrones' Movie Is Coming

    A film inspired by George RR Martin's page-to-screen fantasy franchise is apparently in very early development.

  • Event

    Ministry of Sound: Testament

    Fri, 4 Apr - Sat, 5 Apr 2025

    White Bay Power Station, Rozelle

    Ministry of Sound's massive 90s and 00s parties are returning to Sydney with Roger Sanchez, Felix Da Housecat, Utah Saints and more.

  • News

    Get Ready to Party Like It's the 90s and 00s: Ministry of Sound's Huge Throwback Parties Are Coming Back in 2025

    Roger Sanchez, Felix Da Housecat, Graeme Park, Krafty Kuts, Plump DJs, Smokin Jo and Utah Saints are just some of the names on the lineup.

  • News

    Sydney's Westpac Openair Cinema Has Locked in Its 2025 Summer Dates and First Three Films

    This harbourside spot to see a movie with a view will be screening 'Gladiator II', 'Wicked' and 'Anora', with the rest of the program still to come.

  • Event

    Paddo Night Out

    Thu, 21 Nov, 2024

    Paddington, Paddington

    This community-focused event will save your wallet with a bunch of generous deals, specials and free events while supporting local hospitality businesses at the same time.

  • Restaurant

    Alegre Bar and Dining

    21 Lime Street, Sydney

    Discover the tastes of Tulum by Darling Harbour at this stylish Mexican diner from a seasoned team of Latin-American chefs.

  • News

    Mustering Up 'Succession' Meets 'Yellowstone' in the Outback: Michael Dorman, Philippa Northeast and Sam Corlett Talk 'Territory'

    Netflix's new Australian hit follows multigenerational clashes over controlling the world's largest cattle station in the Top End.

  • News

    Stepping Into Lorne Michaels' Shoes After Playing Steven Spielberg: Gabriel LaBelle Chats 'Saturday Night'

    Two of Gabriel LaBelle's first major movie roles have seen him bring entertainment icons to the screen — and help establish his acting career in a dream fashion.

  • News

    Dark Mofo Is Back: After Taking a Break in 2024, Tasmania's Winter Arts Festival Has Locked in Its Full Return for 2025

    While the Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim still took place this year, next year they'll be joined by a complete festival lineup.

  • Event

    Light Up the Cross

    Fri, 1 Nov - Sat, 30 Nov 2024

    Various Sydney venues, Sydney

    Throughout November, Kings Cross is bringing back its glory days with a series of special deals, late-night events and novelty cocktails.

  • News

    We Like to Party: Vengaboys Are Headlining a New 90s-Loving Tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2025

    Heading Down Under in January, the '90's Mania' shows also feature DJ SASH!, Alex Party and Livin’ Joy.

  • Guide

    The Best Mexican Restaurants in Sydney

    Head to Sydney's top Mexican restaurants for seriously good tacos and tamales, rare mezcals and many, many margaritas.

  • News

    If You Didn't Think 'Squid Game' Could Get Any More Brutal, Season Two's Latest Teaser Trailer Has News for You

    Netflix's killer game doesn't stop in this sneak peek at the hit thriller's second season, despite Seong Gi-hun's warnings to new players.

  • Guide

    The Best Things to Do in Sydney This November

    Here's your guide to filling this month in Sydney with all the best food, drink, films, live music, pop-ups and activations this wonderful city has to offer.

  • Event

    Lane Cove Food and Wine by the River

    Sun, 3 Nov, 2024

    Burns Bay Reserve, Riverview

    Taste the very best the Mudgee wine region has to offer at this annual festival of gourmet treats and top drops.

  • Restaurant

    Ela Ela

    81 Sussex St, Sydney

    Chef Peter Consistis' latest venture reimagines Greek cuisine with a modern twist at the former pub turned five-venue hospitality hub, The Bristol.

  • News

    Score a Private Masterclass and a $600 Tab at Toko

    Sharpen your sushi skills at a private masterclass with a head chef.