Renowned chef and restaurateur Matt Moran has announced the launch of his new burger brand, Proper Burgers. Reflecting his cooking philosophy of 'simple food, done properly,' the elevated burgers will make their debut this summer. Matt Moran says, "I have been cooking my whole life, and one thing I have learnt is that simple food, done properly, is hard to beat. That's what Proper Burgers is all about. For me, that means starting with grass-fed beef, seasoned properly and cooked with care. It means soft milk buns, sharp cheese and sauces we make ourselves. It's the kind of burger you remember — simple, satisfying, and bloody delicious. Big flavour. Nothing fancy, just damn good burgers." On the menu, classic burgers, snacks and sides are all designed to reflect Moran's commitment to top-quality produce. The Original Proper Burger features grass-fed beef and a tangy Proper Sauce, whereas the Proper Chook showcases southern crumbed chicken with a cabbage and herb slaw. On the side, you're not limited to ordinary, soggy take-out fries. Instead, go for popcorn prawns, corn ribs with parmesan and chipotle mayo, or crunchy salt and vinegar onion rings. While the first shopfront will open at Optus Stadium, it will form the foundation of a broader national vision. Moran plans to expand the brand to reach audiences who value high-quality food that is not overly complicated for its own sake. Images: SoCo Studios. Proper Burgers will open at Optus Stadium over the summer. If you're looking for a great feed now, check out this iconic Melbourne burger, which was crowned the 14th best burger in the world, or this Sydney number, previously ranked ninth best burger globally.
You can see Oprah, and you can see Oprah, and you can see Oprah: Oprah Winfrey has announced a December 2025 trip Down Under, bringing in-conversation events to five cities across Australia and New Zealand. If you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland, you'll be able to see the famed talk-show host get chatting — in intimate sessions rather than on TV, where The Oprah Winfrey Show ran for 25 years. This is Winfrey's first jaunt this way in a decade — and that tour sold out, so expect this one to be popular as well. Authenticity and resilience will be among the topics of conversation, in what's designed to be a series of inspirational sessions. "One of the things I have always enjoyed is sitting down for real, honest, enlightening conversations, and this experience is all about that," said Winfrey, announcing the tour. "The energy, warmth and spirit I feel in Australia and New Zealand have stayed with me, and returning will be an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and be reinspired — together. I look forward to sharing stories, ideas, and meaningful connection about what's possible in our lives moving forward." Added Paul Dainty of tour promoter DAINTY: "Oprah Winfrey is a cultural icon whose influence spans generations. Her ability to engage, uplift and empower audiences is unparalleled. We're honoured to bring this extraordinary event to Australia and New Zealand — it's not just a conversation, it's a moment that will resonate with people from all walks of life." The media figure, actor, author, producer and philanthropist's visit Down Under will kick off at the ICC Sydney Theatre, then head to Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Spark Arena. Oprah in Conversation Australia and New Zealand 2025 Dates Thursday, December 4 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney Saturday, December 6 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Monday, December 8 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, December 11 — Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne Sunday, December 14 — Spark Arena, Auckland Oprah Winfrey in Conversation is touring Australia and New Zealand in December 2025, with ticket presales from 10am on Wednesday, August 6 in New Zealand and from 10am on Friday, August 8 in Australia — and general ticket sales from Friday, August 8 in NZ and Tuesday, August 12 in Australia. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Disney/Eric McCandless.
When the National Gallery of Victoria dedicates its blockbuster summer or winter exhibitions to big fashion names, one word usually applies no matter which designer is in the spotlight: stunning. It was true back in 2022 when the Melbourne venue turned its focus to Alexander McQueen, for instance, and also in 2021 when it did the same with Gabrielle Chanel. Expect the same across the summer of 2025–26 — it's Vivienne Westwood's time to shine, plus Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons' moment as well. Displaying at NGV International across Sunday, December 7, 2025–Sunday, April 19, 2026, Westwood | Kawakubo is both an Australian and a world first, pairing pieces by both the British talent and the Japanese designer in one massive showcase. No matter which of the duo's works you're looking at, you'll be revelling in rule-breaking, status quo-subverting threads. Some helped define the fashion of the punk movement in the 70s. Others have earned the world's attention at the Met Gala. In-between, items donned by supermodels, seen in films and from collections worn by plenty of well-known names feature. [caption id="attachment_1011671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhianna wearing Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) at The Met Gala, 2017. Photo © Francois Durand via Getty Images.[/caption] In total, more than 140 designs are gracing the NGV. To assemble such a wide range, the gallery has sourced pieces from New York's Metropolitan Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Palais Galliera and the Vivienne Westwood archive, plus its own collection. Over 40 works are new gifts to the gallery from Comme des Garçons especially for Westwood | Kawakubo, as chosen by Kawakubo. Among the full lineup of items: punk ensembles made famous by The Sex Pistols and Siousie Sioux, the wedding gown that Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) wore in Sex and the City: The Movie and the tartan dress that Kate Moss stepped into in Westwood's Anglomania collection in the mid 90s — and also a version of Rihanna's petal-heavy 2017 Met Gala outfit, plus pieces from collections that Lady Gaga and Tracee Ellis Ross (Black Mirror) have sported. Westwood | Kawakubo spans from taffeta to tweed, vinyl and leather to silk, and corsetry to ruffles and knitwear, then — and much beyond. The exhibition is designed to step through Westwood and Kawakubo's careers across five thematic strands, including the former's punk-era work and the influence of the movement on the latter, their shared needs to rebel against the norm, how the two women have looked either forward or back in their pieces, eschewing objectification and using fashion to make a statement. [caption id="attachment_1011673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer) Look 49, from the Anglomania collection, autumn–winter 1993–94. Le Cercle Républicain, Paris, March 1993. Photo © firstVIEW. Model: Kate Moss.[/caption] Top image: excerpt of Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer) Look 49, from the Anglomania collection, autumn–winter 1993–94. Le Cercle Républicain, Paris, March 1993. Photo © firstVIEW. Model: Kate Moss.
The Camelia Grove Hotel, formerly known as 'The Cammy' to the Alexandria locals who frequented its once-unremarkable front bar, has taken on a whole new personality after undergoing major renovations and a change of ownership in 2020. What was once, arguably, the least appealing and least patronised of establishments in Alexandria's pub scene is now a bright, highly appealing suburban pub with a deliberately family-friendly feel and notable Italian-inspired kitchen and trattoria. In addition to the welcoming dining room that opens up into a light and leafy courtyard, the most transformational change at the Camelia Grove is in the kitchen. Headed up by Head Chef Giuseppe Fuzio, the kitchen is delivering several cuts above what you'd expect from the average pub menu. Chef Giuseppe's approach combines premium Australian ingredients with inspiration and flavours from his Puglian heritage for a terrific lineup of elevated pub classics (yes, you can still get your schnitty), but the real star of the show is his carb-forward Italian fare. House-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and one of Sydney's best focaccias. "Being from Bari in Puglia, I like to bring tradition into the menu but also feature less common recipes from the regions. For Camelia Grove, the experience is just like walking into a warm dining room or friend's sunny courtyard," Fuzio shared with Concrete Playground. "My vision was to create a menu that helped this with great produce, traditional-style Italian recipes and heart." Highlights include the hand rolled gnocchi with wild mushrooms, the Kinkawooka mussels "impepata di cozze" with garlic and chilli served with a grilled sourdough off the secondi section of the menu ("a dish that reminds me of home in Puglia," says Fuzio), and a winning kingfish crudo that comes dressed with Italian colatura di alici (anchovy brine), served on buttermilk with pickled pomegranate, dill and lemon zest. It's not just about the food, though. The Cammy's still got ample room for just downing schooners while you watch a game with a crew. On the whole, this pub promises a lovely vibe, strong local patronage and warm community atmosphere. And like all good neighbourhood pubs it's open every day of the week.
In many female-led industries, the word empowerment gets thrown around as a synonym for all manner of things — confidence, success, and supposed investment in the futures of women. It appears in campaign copy, in limited-edition packaging and in International Women's Day collateral, til it's an abstract, pulpy mess that ends up meaning very little at all. But for Lisa Keenan, empowerment is not a slogan. It is a structural question: "In the gender equality space, it is all about power — or the absence of it," she says. "So who has it, and who needs it?" Keenan is MECCA's first (and maybe only) Chief Purpose Officer. She sits on the leadership team, shaping decisions about how one of Australia's most influential retail brands integrates gender equality into its core business model. But long before her foray into beauty, Keenan's life and career were shaped by the concept of power. She was born in Zimbabwe and spent part of her childhood in South Africa during a period of enormous political transition. Growing up in the shadow of entrenched inequality — and later, in the uneasy shift toward post-apartheid reform — meant power was never abstract. It quite literally shaped who moved freely, who spoke loudly, and who was silenced. [caption id="attachment_1080748" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MECCA's Chief Purpose Officer, Lisa Keenan[/caption] "You live in the world that is constructed for you, and often you don't see what you don't see," she reflects. As a child, the structures around her were ambient rather than explicit. It was only later, with distance, that she began to understand how deeply those environments had impacted her. Even without naming it, she was observing how authority is distributed and how systems resist or respond to change. While she initially trained as an accountant, it quickly became clear that numbers were not what interested her most — it was influence. After moving to London, Keenan began working in corporate communications before founding her own consultancy. Corporate affairs gave her something accounting did not: access. It offered a window into boardrooms and decision-making rooms, into how companies rationalised strategy and how reputational risk could force operational change. When asked how she ended up in corporate affairs, Keenan admits she was drawn to complexity. "I've worked in tobacco, I've worked in gambling, I've worked in booze — I've done it all," she says. When questioned about her penchant for 'sin stock' (as she puts it), Keenan explains that systems rarely change from the outside. "The people who have that strong bent to do better in society often start with places that feel broken," she says. "You have to be in it. And sometimes that can be uncomfortable." Inside, she focused on integrity, helping organisations "say what they mean and do what they say," and influencing decisions before they required damage control. It was less about spin and more about substance; change, in her view, is achieved through participation. [caption id="attachment_1080750" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MECCA Founder Lisa Horgan (left), Remedii Founder Angie Poller (middle), Lisa Keenan (right)[/caption] Keenan had been working with Australian beauty retailer, MECCA, for a number of years as a consultant when the opportunity to join the business in a more permanent capacity presented itself. As the company was approaching its 25-year milestone, Keenan and founder Jo Horgan began reflecting on the next chapter. The philanthropic arm — named M-POWER (get it) — then focused primarily on girls' secondary education and had already supported 10,000 young women through school. It was meaningful work, but Keenan saw an opportunity to go further — something bolder and more embedded in MECCA's DNA. What followed was the evolution of M-POWER into a fully integrated, long-term commitment to gender equality; the growth of M-POWER as a philanthropic endeavour to match the kind of ambition that Jo had when building the original MECCA brand. In 2026, almost every MECCA team member knows about M-POWER, and nearly half of all (five million) customers are aware of the brand's purpose. Around a third of Australian beauty shoppers now see MECCA as a force driving positive social change — not just simply selling products to women, but actively advocating for them. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MECCA M-POWER (@meccampower) M-POWER, according to MECCA.com, "...curates and empowers a collective of social change makers working towards a world in which gender doesn't limit anyone's rights, freedoms or opportunities." The projects undertaken span health, education and arts and culture — areas that are aligned to the business, but also intentionally systemic. The organisation works with more than 20 not-for-profits and is one of the few corporate funders providing unrestricted, long-term funding. "We back leaders," Keenan says. "We get behind them in terms of skill building and capability building because we want them to have impact long after we're not funding them anymore." One partnership particularly close to her is with The Man Cave, which works with boys to redefine masculinity through respect and emotional literacy. In a country grappling with gendered violence, the approach is preventative rather than reactive. "We're thinking about Australia's domestic and family violence crisis differently," she says. "How do we bring men into this conversation constructively and in a non-judgemental way?" In its 11-year history, The Man Cave has reached 100,000 boys. Of those who attend, 91 percent say they want to be men who treat others with care and respect, and 84 percent report feeling empowered to build healthy relationships."When you think about the knock-on effects of investing in young men early in life — and what that could mean for my daughter, who's 17 — I feel really proud of that," she says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by National Gallery of Victoria (@ngvmelbourne) If empowerment is about power imbalance, then redistribution begins with culture. The arts, too, form part of that long game. Through its partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria, MECCA funds the Women in Design Commission, now in its fifth year. The globally unique commission supports mid-career female artists, architects and designers to create major works for the NGV's permanent collection. The 2026 commission is 'Bamboo Theatre' by Chinese architect Xu Tiantian, an architectural-scale installation that draws on the landscape, material knowledge and building traditions of Songyang County. "[The Women in Design Commission] has given each of those women this massive step up in their careers," Keenan says. "It's usually the biggest work they will ever do."Beyond visibility, it addresses a legacy imbalance in permanent collections worldwide, where women remain underrepresented. Three of the four commissioned designers have explicitly centred women's experiences in their installations, embedding gender equality within cultural storytelling itself. "That's legacy building," Keenan says. "Once the new [The Fox NGV Contemporary] opens, those works will live there permanently. Last year, MECCA also launched the MECCA Archive — an evolving digital record of women's stories told through the lens of beauty. In a world of fleeting feeds, it seeks to preserve what is often lost. "Women's voices represent less than one percent of recorded history," Keenan says. "So how do we change that?" The Archive invites authors, brand partners, team members and customers to contribute to a living record. It has already revealed gaps in representation, particularly for First Nations and migrant women. "It's about piecing together what the history of women might look like if told through this lens," she explains. "And that's going to be an ongoing project." When asked what empowerment truly means — stripped of buzzwords — Keenan is deliberate. "I'm going to say something a bit controversial," she laughs. "When we were articulating our purpose at MECCA, we chose the word 'embolden' for the business as a whole. Empowerment in the gender equality space is about power imbalances; it's about who has it and who doesn't." From her perspective, empowerment is not a thing you do, so much as a foundation that you build from. "It's about agency," she says. "It's about the ability to make choices about your body, about your life partner, about your career that are yours to make and are not imposed upon you." Emboldening follows empowerment. Confidence follows agency — "If you are empowered, you are able to be emboldened." If she could change one thing tomorrow in Australian culture to improve systemic gender inequality? "It would be to do more to encourage boys and men to embody values of respect," she says. "How do you turn the trajectory away from power being imposed to power being shared?" For Keenan, this ethos goes beyond the boardroom and starts with her most personal project of all, raising her 14-year-old son. "He gets so bored of me talking about this stuff," she says. "It's one of the most important roles I will ever play," she says. "Raising a great boy, a great man." In an industry often accused of selling confidence as a product, Keenan's work reframes beauty as a platform. Five million customers, six and a half thousand team members, 95 percent of whom are women — scale, when harnessed thoughtfully, becomes influence. "It's about building a movement," she says. The M-POWER movement (and, consequently, the MECCA movement) is one built on infrastructure, commitment and the clear-eyed interrogation of power itself — who holds it, who lacks it and how we can rebalance the scales. Find out more about MECCA's M-POWER initiative and read about the MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission 2026. Images: Supplied
William 'Billy' Blue was one of early Sydney's great characters. A ferryman, smuggler and raconteur, his rakish charm earned him the nickname The Old Commodore, with a legacy that lives on in the Lower North Shore. Now, nearly 170 years after his son opened the original Old Commodore Inn in honour of his old man, the storied North Sydney pub has been reborn for a new generation. Set on the threshold between the bustle of North Sydney's commercial centre and the leafy calm of McMahons Point, The Old Commodore is now pouring again under the stewardship of Glenn Piper's Epochal Hotels group (Harbord Hotel, The Scarborough Hotel, Merweather's Beach Hotel). The pub's smart new look celebrates contrasts — timber, steel and brick accents are softened with refined touches of travertine, brass and linen — while paying homage to its namesake via maritime stipes, pressed metal ceilings and handpainted signage, as well as walls adorned with portraits, artefacts and historic curiosities that tell the story of the Old Commodore himself. Music sits at the heart of the new Commodore, with a weekly lineup of local artists, small ensembles, DJs and the odd surprise act from further afield. You'll be able to catch a gig from the front bar's main stage or the verdant, sun-drenched terrace, with the occasional acoustic or songwriter's session soundtracking the main dining room. And come nightfall, the moody, cellar-style sports bar transforms from an elevated game-day destination into an after-dark music den. On the menu, expect no-nonsense classics: chicken parmi, fish and chips, woodfired pizzas and a standout shepherd's pie with braised lamb, lardons and red wine jus. There's seafood aplenty, too, from bug sliders to crab croquettes, as well as playful bar snacks like plantain crisps and lamb ribs. To drink, signature cocktails like the Commodore Spritz (bay leaf vodka, peach, passionfruit, apple and prosecco) sit alongside Aussie wines, craft beers and considered non-alc options — all served with a side of North Shore charm.
Spanish cuisine is best served small and frenetic, so Letra House is maybe one of Sydney's truest odes to Spain's many underground tapas bars. Open late and secreted away underneath Palazzo Salatto on Kent Street, the menu and space are inspired by the Love Tilly Group team's travels around Spain, and the authenticity shows. The plates are small, the drinks list is ever in motion — and it's absolutely worth a visit. There's one menu item in particular that's legendary for Letra's patrons — the traditional Spanish tortilla with prawn, tomato and fermented garlic. Otherwise, there's plenty worth salivating over elsewhere on the menu. Duck liver parfait with pickled rhubarb and brandy snap, chorizo with beans and fig, and savoury doughnuts with anchovies and manchego custard, to name a few. As mentioned, the wine list flows like a heavy pour. While there are more than a few Spanish labels, you can also take your olfactory senses to the vineyards of Greece, Italy, Japan, France, Austria, Georgia, Portugal and all over Australia. Not a wine drinker? Fear not, a short cocktail list is available, with classics on request.
With summer finally approaching, it's time to do some serious defrosting. Although you may not exactly jet off overseas to warm up on some European beach, you can spend a few days soaking up the balmy temperatures and idyllic coastline of Queensland's aptly named Sunshine Coast. Just two and a half hours north of Brisbane, the world-famous destination of Noosa and its surrounds are brimming with gorgeous beach houses and coastal retreats for those seeking sun and surf. Beach sessions, rainforest treks and breezy holiday vibes await. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up a list of the most beautiful coastal stays you can book in Noosa right now. Pick a favourite, pack those bathers and get ready to launch into summer with a blissful beach adventure. Recommended reads: The Best Dog-Friendly Stays in Queensland The Best Hotels in Brisbane The Best Glamping Sites in Queensland The Best Island Stays in Queensland Newly Furnished Apartment, Noosa Heads This breezy light-filled apartment sits just minutes from the heart of Noosa, and features a chic white colour palette and downstairs pool. From $300 a night, sleeps six. Kamala Villa, Noosa Heads Rocking a fresh, playful aesthetic and featuring a spacious entertainer's deck, this modern villa is an ideal setting for your next beachside escape. From $450 a night, sleeps six. Lush Noosa Heads Retreat, Noosa Heads Just a quick stroll off the beach, this luxury resort apartment makes for a chic couples' hideaway. Enjoy sundowners on the patio, overlooking lush rainforest. From $500 a night, sleeps two. Chic Coastal Escape, Noosa Heads A retro-inspired beach escape with loads of natural light and a sun-drenched patio for lounging — all just minutes from Hastings Street. From $250 a night, sleeps four. Fairshore Apartment 38, Noosa Heads Want to stay smack bang on Noosa beach? This freshly renovated apartment boasts close-up ocean views and an incredible beachfront pool. From $668 a night, sleeps two. Spectacular Penthouse, Noosa Heads You'll love this luxury holiday villa's sunny pool and deck area; however, nothing beats the rooftop terrace featuring panoramic ocean views. From $904 a night, sleeps six. Noosa Escape, Noosa Heads Soak up sparkling ocean views from this light-filled Noosa Heads apartment, while enjoying a primo balcony and an enviable location just a short walk from the beach. From $693 a night, sleeps four. Little Cove Family Beach House, Noosa Heads Spacious and stylish, this pet-friendly holiday home backs right onto a lush national park — and it's just a quick hop from Little Cove Beach. From $950 a night, sleeps eight. The Beach House, Noosa Heads Featuring a gorgeous pool, private tennis court and crisp coastal aesthetic, this leafy beach retreat was simply made for vacationing. From $1178 a night, sleeps eight. Little Cove Magic, Noosa Heads This light-flooded holiday apartment overlooks the ocean, while being handily located close to all the action — so you can split your days between beach, balcony and pool. From $788 a night, sleeps four. Acacia Villa, Noosa Heads Located just beyond the buzz of Hastings Street, this breezy townhouse makes for a supreme coastal retreat. Expect chic styling and tranquil leafy surrounds. From $580 a night, sleeps six. Poinciana House, Noosa Heads Between the beautifully appointed interiors, covetable location, and sun-drenched pool and deck, this blissful beach retreat is bound to impress. From $1093 a night, sleeps ten. Images: Courtesy of Airbnb FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
Sweethearts Rooftop Barbeque is the Cross' open-air diamond in the rough. For those seeking out a venue sans long lines, burly bouncers and more hipsters than you can poke a stick at, Sweethearts might just be the ticket. In the thick of Sydney's late-night partygoers' district on Darlinghurst Road, this place is drenched in "see where the night takes us" possibilities by redefining the way we engage 'entertainment' quarters. Atop Keystone's Sugarmill and Kit and Kaboodle sits this rooftop venue, lest we explain we've got the three-in-one deal going on here. Pub, nightclub and rooftop bar. After you've caught your breath after a heavy going four or five flights of stairs, kick back at one of Sweethearts' long bench tables, in amongst a mountain of trees, beneath some kitsch but redeeming pastel-coloured fairy lights. Reward yourself with a glass of King Valley Prosecco ($10). And don't be alarmed to see the charismatic barman pulling it as he would a coldie; the wines are on tap here. If you're after something that packs a bit more punch, opt for a wine spritzer like the East Coast Cooler ($10), a citric-fueled combo of sauvignon blanc, passionfruit syrup, sugar, lemon, soda, and orange bitters or a Mango Tree pitcher ($28) with mango liqueur, pineapple, rum, dry ginger and lemon. And who's knocking about the pans out back? That's a certain Robert Taylor (ex Manly Pavilion) whose menu focuses on fresh, grilled produce designed to share. Apparently it's all about skewers here with a range of meat, fish and vegetable on sticks ready to inhale. We recommend you go for the pork fillet ($14), salmon belly ($16) or chicken thigh ($13) of the skewer variety before indulging a Black Angus sirloin ($23 for 200g) or the soy braised brisket sandwich with pickled beetroot ($20). And get it right when you order, because you're the one accountable. The menus at Sweethearts are of the fill out yourself kind. With atmosphere aplenty and the place already packing out, we suggest you make Sweethearts top of your list. Get in early too, to watch the sun go down with spritzer in hand. See you there.
Pretty much every guide to Port Stephens will make mention of the Tomaree Head Summit Hike. And for good reason. The track is steep and has many steps but is thankfully brief — it should take about 45 minutes to get to the top of the rugged peak positioned 161 metres above the port's entrance to the Tasman Sea. When you arrive, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the town and along the coastline from the two viewing platforms. From the south platform you can spy Fingal Island and the lighthouse, while from the north platform you'll be able to see Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree and Broughton Island. There's a picnic table up there, too, if you'd like to take a break before you head back down. If you want to keep walking, peel away to the Fort Tomaree track to check out the historic gun emplacements from World War II. Images: Destination NSW
Dukes Coffee Roasters has been one of Melbourne's best coffee roasters since 2008, and we're lucky enough to have our own outpost down at Barangaroo. The blond timber and smooth curves here mimic those of Dukes' Melbourne store, though this space is bigger, lighter, and brighter than its southern sibling. Brewing from 7.30am every weekday, the cafe brews Dukes' full range of coffee black, with milk or as a filter. Alongside that, it has a tidy selection of sandwiches, pastries and sweet treats. Better yet, the team is committed to supporting both the planet and every one of the communities involved in the coffee's production. Each bag of coffee beans has been ethically traded and can be traced right back to the farm from which it came. Dukes is not the Barangaroo precinct's first Melbourne blow-in, joining fellow southerners Belles Hot Chicken and Shortstop Donuts.
As part of one of the only remaining independent cinema chains, Dendy Newtown offers a unique, somewhat nostalgic, cinema experience. The blockbusters are here if that's what you're after, but the bigger drawcard is the selection of first-run independent films and art titles. Through the Dendy Arts program, productions from MET Opera, National Theatre and National Ballet, among others, are screened. It also holds events throughout the year: advance screenings of new releases, retro screenings of old faves, and film genre festivals. Located in the heart of Newtown makes a visit to Dendy is a great way to either start or end a day of adventures. While everybody's favourite "cheap Tuesday" offer may have disappeared from most cinemas, it is still going strong here and it's not the only offer kicking around. There's two-for-one on Sunday night, plus members and students both get cheaper tickets. If the classic dinner-and-a-movie date is on the agenda, a handful of surrounding food joints also offer ticket combos to complete the formula.
Scroll any FYP in the year 2025 and you'll see run clubs and coffee raves galore. As Gen Z emerges from the pandemic armed with their hobbies and strict morning wellness routines, it's easy to lament the "death" of nightlife. @bree.active Sober rave 🤌🏽 #runclub #melbourne #lskd #coffeerave #caferave #soberrave #coffeeparty #coffee #run ♬ No Broke Boys - Disco Lines & Tinashe As someone who ran their first half-marathon post-Melbourne lockdowns, I get it. When the world feels increasingly out of control, choosing to spend time on healthy habits and getting out in the daylight feels like an antidote. It's not just Gen Z who are getting involved with these clubs; brands are also joining the trend. The cult Surry Hills cafe, A.P. Bakery, hosts a run club on select Sundays, and Onair in Cremorne serves both iced coffees and DJ sets every weekend. [caption id="attachment_996531" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Onair[/caption] The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, shows that, despite Gen Z choosing cold brews over cocktails, the night-time economy is still strong — and young people in fact are leading the charge. According to the report, 32 percent of Australians consider night-time socialising either "extremely" or "very" important. Younger generations in particular value it for new experiences and social connections. Here's the cold, hard proof that it's not the last call for nightlife in Australia. Where are People Getting Out the Most? The Visa Australia Night-time Economy Index 2025, a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, and venues open after dark, crowned Melbourne as the number one night-time hotspot in the country. Between its laneway bars, world-class restaurants, and sports and entertainment events, Melburnians are getting out of the house after dark the most frequently. [caption id="attachment_922915" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Her Bar, Melbourne[/caption] New South Wales, however, is rapidly catching up. Sydney's CBD outperformed Melbourne in terms of spending at night, but Melbourne took the top spot due to its night-time workers and merchants. Essentially, Melburnians are working late, with more inner-city haunts open longer than their Sydney counterparts. Sydney and its surrounding metro areas accounted for 12 of the top 20 night-time precincts in the country, proving that the after-dark economy may slowly but surely be recovering from the lockout laws. [caption id="attachment_1018911" align="alignleft" width="1920"] SXSW Sydney[/caption] According to the index, Canberra is the highest-ranked place outside the Sydney and Melbourne metro areas for evening spending. This is thanks to strong spending by tourists, people tapping their Visas after dark, and the fast growth in the number of restaurants open in the evening. A large percentage of Canberra's population is also young people and uni students aged 20-29, proving that Gen Z are helping to boost the economy with their socialising. That said, it wasn't just capital cities leading the charge. The regional university town of Newcastle, nearby Lake Macquarie, and the party town of the Gold Coast also made the top 20 list. Due to shift workers in industries like logistics and mining, rural areas, including Tasmania's South East, the Queensland Outback, the Northern Territory Outback and Warrnambool, had some of the highest night-time spending per active card. Why Are People Heading Out? We know, thanks to Visa's data, that Australians are still spending money after dark, but what are they doing? According to the Visa Vibe Economy report, dining out is the most popular night-time activity for a huge 76 percent of Australians. Over half of the people surveyed are also looking for night markets and festivals. [caption id="attachment_1014951" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Bessie's Restaurant[/caption] Despite what your FYP is telling you, the kids are alright. Gen Z is the most active demographic after dark, with 73 percent going out once or more per week (an average of 9.4 nights per month). Half of the surveyed generation also believes that nights offer more new experiences than the daytime, and 45 percent of Gen Z shared that going out after dark made them feel more connected to others than during the day. The Sober Curious Trend The data says that, despite our reputation as early risers and run club fanatics, Australians still try to find balance and head out after dark for a restaurant or festival experience. One thing our FYPs have right, though? We actually are drinking less. Only nine percent of Australians surveyed believe that alcohol availability when heading out for the night is extremely important. [caption id="attachment_1010146" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Katje-Ford[/caption] With Gen Z's "sober curious" attitude to alcohol, it seems that going out for a meal with friends is higher on the list for young Australians than hitting the clubs all night. Given Gen Z came of age during Sydney's lockout laws and the COVID pandemic, it's no surprise that the healthy habits of run clubs and pre-work coffee rave meet-ups are popular at the moment. The data has found, however, that Gen Z aren't resigned to their couches every Saturday night. Turns out, it's all about finding the balance. Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: Form Cafe Brisbane
Every year, no matter which movies earn Oscars — regardless of what and who is nominated, the titles and talents that miss out, the fun of the ceremony and the scandals that pop up beforehand — the best way to celebrate a great 12 months in cinema is also the easiest. Films are made to be watched, be they blockbuster musicals, deeply personal documentaries, gorgeous animation, sci-fi spectacles, top-notch dramas or anything and everything in-between. If you hadn't seen 2025's newly anointed Academy Award-winners in advance, now's the time to change that. Almost every feature that picked up a gong on Monday, March 3, Down Under time is available to watch this second. Put Flow on your list for later, when it releases mid-March — but check out these other ten winners now. Need the full list of 2025's Oscar recipients? The nominees? Our pre-ceremony predictions regarding what would and should win? A rundown of where the rest of 2025's contenders are screening in Australia? Consider that pre-movie reading, then get comfy at your favourite picture palace or on your couch. Anora Along with playfulness, empathy, and an eagerness to look beyond the usual characters and pockets of America that tend to grace narrative cinema, tenderness is one Sean Baker's special skills, as splashed across the New Jersey-born talent's filmography for more than two decades now. It's in Tangerine, The Florida Project and Red Rocket, for instance, all three of which are stunning feats. It also couldn't be more evident in his Cannes Palme d'Or-recipient and now five-time Oscar-winner Anora. The writer/director's work has always been as clear-eyed as movies get, unflinchingly seeing the struggles that his protagonists go through, though — but their troubles are never the be-all and end-all for anyone in front of his lens. No one should be defined by their circumstances, their misfortunes, their unlucky lots in life, their woes, their mistakes, their missed chances, or how their existence does or doesn't measure up to anyone else's, and no one is in Baker's features. He pens, helms and edits with a wholehearted commitment to seeing people who they are. The fact that he undertakes all three roles on his films, each of which earned him an Academy Award here, means that the credit is almost all his, too; it isn't just the use of his beloved Aguafina Script Pro font that signifies a Baker flick. Spotting Cinderella elements and riffs on Pretty Woman isn't hard in Anora, as the picture's eponymous Brooklyn erotic dancer (Mikey Madison, Lady in the Lake) meets, dances for, hangs out with and is soon wed to Vanya, the son (Mark Eydelshteyn, Zhar-ptitsa) of a wealthy Russian oligarch (Aleksey Serebryakov, Lotereya). But just as Ani is always her own person, the magnificent Anora is always a Baker film. Fairytale experiences in life don't always come with a happy ending. Failures aren't always the worst options. Following your heart or whims is rarely either solely sublime or awful. Baker knows this, and so does this feature. Assured yet vulnerable, playing a woman capable of holding her own against mobsters — and standing up to almost anything else that comes her way — but not immune to sadness and disappointment, Madison is hypnotic as Ani. Eydelshteyn, Compartment No 6's Yura Borisov as one of the henchmen tasked with babysitting Vanya: they're mesmerising as well. The spirt of Anora — the vivid and audacious way that it bounds from start to finish, the grit and heart that it sports — is equally as pitch-perfect. Oscars: Won: Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing Other nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Yura Borisov) Where to watch: In Australian cinemas, and via Apple TV and Prime Video. A Real Pain He didn't feature on-screen in his first film as a writer/director, but 2022's When You Finish Saving the World couldn't have sprung from anyone but Jesse Eisenberg. Neither could've 2024's A Real Pain. In the latter, the Fleishman Is in Trouble actor plays the anxious part, and literally. He's David Kaplan, with his character a bundle of nerves about and during his trip to Poland with his cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin, Succession) — a pilgrimage that they're making in honour of their grandmother, who survived the Second World War, started a new life for their family in the US in the process and has recently passed away. David is highly strung anyway, though. One source of his woes: the ease with which Benji seems to move through his days, whether he's making new friends in their tour group within seconds of being introduced or securing a stash of weed for the journey. With A Real Pain as with When You Finish Saving the World, Eisenberg is shrewdly and committedly examining an inescapable question: what is real pain, and who feels it? Are David's always-evident neuroses more worthy of worry than the despondency that Benji shuttles behind his carefree facade, and is it okay for either to feel the way they do, with their comfortable lives otherwise, in the shadow of such horrors such as the Holocaust? As a filmmaker, Eisenberg keeps interrogating what he knows: A Real Pain's main train of thought, which was When You Finish Saving the World's as well, is one that he ponders himself. Although he's not penning and helming strictly autobiographical movies, his latest does crib some details from reality, swapping out an IRL aunt for a fictional grandmother, as well as a trip that Eisenberg took with his wife for a cousins' act of tribute. It's no wonder, then, that he keeps crafting deeply felt features that resound with raw emotion, and that leave viewers feeling like they could walk right into them. With A Real Pain, he also turns in a stellar performance of his own and directs another from Culkin, who steps into Benji's shoes like he wears them himself everyday (and takes on a part that his director originally had earmarked for himself). Thrumming at the heart of the dramedy, and in its two main players, is a notion that demands facing head-on, too: that experiencing our own pain, whether big or small, world-shattering or seemingly trivial, or personal or existential, is never a minor matter. Oscars: Won: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Kieran Culkin) Other nominations: Best Original Screenplay Where to watch: in Australian cinemas, and via Disney+, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review and our interview with Jesse Eisenberg. The Brutalist Since switching from acting to writing and directing — in his on-screen days, Thirteen, Mysterious Skin, Funny Games, Martha Marcy May Marlene, Melancholia, Force Majeure, Clouds of Sils Maria, Eden and While We're Young were among his credits, spanning works by quite the array of excellent fellow filmmakers — Brady Corbet hasn't lacked in ambition for a second. Still, as excellent as both Childhood of a Leader and Vox Lux are, and they are, his third feature towers above them. With Adrien Brody (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty) as Hungarian Jewish architect László Toth, The Brutalist is as epic as a three-and-a-half-hour drama about trying to escape life's horrors, including those of the Holocaust, by chasing the American dream can be. The buildings designed by its protagonist aren't the only things that are monumental here, career-best turns by Guy Pearce (Inside) and Felicity Jones (Dead Shot) among them. The Brutalist is a vision, too, with Corbet's ambition apparent in ever millimetre of every frame. (Shooting in VistaVision, a format used for Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest and Vertigo, but last deployed in the US for an entire movie with 1961's One-Eyed Jacks: yes, that's bold as well). Crossing the world is meant to bring the Toth family a new beginning. Waiting for his wife Erzsébet (Jones) to follow, and their young niece (Raffey Cassidy, a Vox Lux alum) with her, László arrives in New York and then Philadelphia solo, however — and etching out a fresh start with help from his cousin Attila (Alessandro Nivola, The Room Next Door) doesn't pan out the way he hopes. Neither does scoring a job revamping the personal library of the wealthy Harrison Lee Van Buren (Pearce), even when it seems to, then doesn't, then sparks the opportunity of László's dreams. Given everything that its protagonist needs to wade through, as does Corbet thematically, it's no wonder that The Brutalist clocks in at three-and-a-half hours with its intermission. Not a moment is wasted, that mid-movie pause included. As it muses on what it means to leave a legacy, this is a film to sit with. It's filled with performances that demand the same. Brody, Pearce, Jones: what a haunting trio. Oscars: Won: Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Other nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Brady Corbet), Best Supporting Actor (Guy Pearce), Best Supporting Actress (Felicity Jones), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design Where to watch: In Australian cinemas. Read our interview with Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, Felicity Jones and Brady Corbet. Conclave Who knew that papal succession would become a film and TV trend? Fights for supremacy have driven three of the biggest television shows of the past 15 years, of course — Game of Thrones, Succession and Shogun — so repeatedly bringing the battle for the head Catholic Church job to the screen shouldn't come as a surprise. The Young Pope, The New Pope, The Two Popes, Conclave: they've all headed to the Vatican. The latter is quite the entertaining thriller, too. The idea behind this page-to-screen delight, as based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris: cardinals, they're just like everyone else seeking power, aka bickering, gossiping, scheming, feuding and trying to find their way to the top by any means possible. Here, when the pope passes, Canadian cardinal Joseph Tremblay (John Lithgow, The Old Man), American cardinal Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci, Citadel), Nigerian cardinal Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati, A Gentleman in Moscow) and Mexican cardinal Vincent Benitez (feature first-timer Carlos Diehz) are among the contenders vying to step into their religion's ultimate position — all with differing views on social issues, ranging from liberal to conservative leanings. Voting for a new pope is a ceremony that lends itself to theatricality on-screen, which Conclave eagerly captures. The manoeuvring guiding the College of Cardinals' various rounds of choices is the movie's focus; trying to win support is an election campaign, and a heated one. At the heart of the drama is Britain's cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes, The Return), Dean of the College, and also responsible for ascertaining the complete circumstances surrounding the last pope's death. Aided by a stellar cast that's answering viewers' prayers (also outstanding: Spaceman's Isabella Rossellini as Head Caterer Sister Agnes), filmmaker Edward Berger swaps World War I's horrors in fellow Oscar-winner All Quiet on the Western Front for a pulpy and twisty but smart affair. He hasn't completely switched thematically, though: how tradition and modernity butt against each other also remains in the director's view amid Conclave's many secrets and scandals. Oscars: Won: Best Adapted Screenplay Other nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Ralph Fiennes), Best Supporting Actress (Isabella Rossellini), Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Production Design Where to watch: In Australian cinemas, and via Apple TV and Prime Video. Dune: Part Two Revenge is a dish best served sandy in Dune: Part Two. On the desert planet of Arrakis, where golden hills as far as the eye can see are shaped from the most-coveted and -psychedelic substance in author Frank Herbert's estimation, there's no other way. Vengeance is just one course on Paul Atreides' (Timothée Chalamet, Wonka) menu, however. Pop culture's supreme spice boy, heir to the stewardship of his adopted realm, has a prophecy to fulfil whether he likes it or not; propaganda to navigate, especially about him being the messiah; and an Indigenous population, the Fremen, to prove himself to. So mines Denis Villeneuve's soaring sequel to 2021's Dune, which continues exploring the costs and consequences of relentless quests for power — plus the justifications, compromises, tragedies and narratives that are inescapable in such pursuits. The filmmaker crafts his fourth contemplative and breathtaking sci-fi movie in a row, then, after Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 as well. The vast arid expanse that constantly pervades the frames in Dune: Part Two isn't solely a stunning sight. It looks spectacular, as the entire feature does, with Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser (The Creator) back after winning an Oscar for the first Dune; but as Paul, his widowed mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson, Silo), and Fremen Stilgar (Javier Bardem, The Little Mermaid) and Chani (Zendaya, Euphoria) traverse it, it helps carve in some of this page-to-screen saga's fundamental ideas. So does the stark monochrome when the film jumps to Giedi Prime, home world to House Harkonnen, House Atreides' enemy, plus Arrakis' ruler both before and after Paul's dad Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) got the gig in Villeneuve's initial Dune. People here are dwarfed not only by their mammoth surroundings, but by the bigger, broader, non-stop push for supremacy. While there's no shortage of detail in both Part One and Part Two — emotional, thematic and visual alike — there's also no avoiding that battling against being mere pawns in an intergalactic game of chess is another of its characters' complicated fights. Oscars: Won: Best Sound, Best Visual Effects Other nominations: Best Picture, Best, Cinematography, Best Production Design, Where to watch: Via Netflix, Binge, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review and our interview with Greig Fraser. Emilia Pérez As it follows its namesake character's (Karla Sofía Gascón, Harina) identity-swapping journey from cartel leader to trying to live her authentic life, Emilia Pérez isn't just a musical and a crime drama rolled into one. It's also happily and devotedly a melodrama — and French filmmaker Jacques Audiard (Paris, 13th District) goes bold in leaning in, and in embracing the juxtapositions of the movie's three main genres as they jostle against each other. That audacity; that willingness to be both spectacular and messy again and again; the feature's three key performances, including from Zoe Saldaña (Special Ops: Lioness) and Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building): they all assist in making this vivid viewing. Also pivotal: the clear cues that A Prophet and Rust and Bone writer and helmer Audiard has taken from the work of Spanish great Pedro Almodóvar. The Room Next Door, the latter's latest, was completely overlooked by this year's Oscars, but it's easy to connect the dots between Almodóvar's immense filmography over four decades now and the look, feel and themes of Emilia Pérez. In Mexico City, defence attorney Rita Mora Castro (Saldaña) begins the film languishing in her job and its grey areas. She wins a high-profile case, but knows that she shouldn't have. Then comes a proposition delivered via an unexpected phone call, plus a secret meeting that she's whisked off to blindfolded: a job to assist a drug kingpin with transitioning from Juan 'Manitas' Del Monte to Emilia Pérez. Making that mission happen isn't simple. Everyone connected to Manitas' old life, wife (Gomez), children and colleagues alike: none of them can know. As it unfurls its story largely through exuberantly staged songs, the film is still really just kicking off when it then hops forward in time, diving into what comes next when Emilia is living her new life and Rita has been well-compensated for her efforts — and, in the process, exploring the consequences of getting what you want, or seeming to. The entire female cast won Cannes Best Actress prize but, after years spent on-screen tinted green (in the Guardians of the Galaxy films) and blue (in the Avatar flicks) in big-budget fare, this is Saldaña's moment to shine. Oscars: Won: Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaña), Best Original Song — 'El Mal' by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard Other nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Jacques Audiard), Best Actress (Karla Sofía Gascón), Best International Feature Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Original Song — 'Mi Camino' by Camille and Clément Ducol Where to watch: In Australian cinemas. I'm Still Here It came as no surprise when Fernanda Torres (Fim) won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Eunice Paiva in Walter Salles' (On the Road) deeply moving political and personal drama. Her understated yet also expressive performance as the real-life wife of Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello, Bury Your Dead), who was taken away by Brazil's military dictatorship in 1971 and never seen again, is that powerful. I'm Still Here poignantly charts the task of endeavouring to endure under such heartbreaking circumstances — under oppressive rule, when your existence crumbles, when your family is fraying courtesy of the trauma and when fighting back is the only choice, too. The film sees the early happy times for the Paivas, even as uncertainty lingers. It watches their lives by the beach, where Eunice, Rubens and their five children fill busy days. It then looks on as the military raids their home, as more than one Paiva is imprisoned and interrogated, and as the husband and father who was previously a congressman doesn't return. Also, it stares solidly as the quest for answers and justice never fades among Rubens' loved ones. Conveying the pain, the fortitude, the grief and the despair of someone in Eunice's situation might seem easy, not that relaying those emotions ever is; who wouldn't feel that way in these circumstances, or understand how someone would? It isn't a straightforward ask, though, giving a part the complexity that every role should demand when much about a character's inner life appears obvious — because the job is to dig far deeper than that, and to unpack what that natural reaction means for this person and this person only. Torres perfects the task. As a director, working with a screenplay that Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega (also collaborators on Mariner of the Mountains) based on Eunice and Rubens' son Marcelo's memoir, Salles is in superb form as well. Teaming up with the filmmaker keeps turning out exceptionally for Torres and her IRL family, with her mother Fernanda Montenegro also Oscar-nominated for Salles' Central Station back in 1999, long before featuring here as the elder Eunice. Oscars: Won: Best International Feature Film Other nominations: Picture, Best Actress (Fernanda Torres) Where to watch: In Australian cinemas. No Other Land In No Other Land, Basel Adra films what he knows but wishes that he doesn't — and what he knows that the world needs to see. Co-directing with Israeli investigative journalist Yuval Abraham, plus farmer and photographer Hamdan Ballal and cinematographer Rachel Szor, the Palestinian activist chronicles the takeover of the West Bank region of Masafer Yatta, purportedly for an Israeli military base. As a result of the latter, families with generations and centuries of ties to the land are forced to dwell in caves, battle soldiers and fight to survive. Their possessions, their homes, their lives: none seem to mean anything to those displacing the area's villagers. The suffering, the deaths, the grief, the children growing up knowing nothing but a literally underground existence: that doesn't resonate with the occupation, either, or with the trigger-happy soldiers patrolling in its name. Also falling on deaf ears: the please that gives this documentary its title, from a woman understandably asking where else these communities are meant to go. The apathy and worse that's directed towards Adra's family and other Palestinians in No Other Land, as captured in footage spanning from 2019–2023, could never be shared by this film's audience. As is plain to see by everyone watching, making this doco is an act of bravery of the highest order. It's also a downright daring feat — not only to record its contents in the most difficult of circumstances, at a potentially fatal cost, but with two Palestinians and two Israelis coming together to make the movie happen. Viewing No Other Land, and bearing witness as Adra demands, couldn't be more essential. It's as distressing as cinema gets, too, especially as the campaign of destruction against Masafer Yatta's residents just keeps repeating within its frames. While the urgency of Adra, Abraham, Ballal and Szor's film is inherent, thrumming from start to finish, so too is the thought and care that's gone into its construction. As with 2024 Oscar-winner 20 Days in Mariupol , this is truly unforgettable cinema. Oscars: Won: Best Documentary Feature Other nominations: NA Where to watch: Via DocPlay. ano The Substance If you suddenly looked like society's ideal, how would it change your life? The Substance asks this. In a completely different way, so does fellow Golden Globe-winner A Different Man (see: below), too — but when Revenge's Coralie Fargeat is leading the charge on her long-awaited sophomore feature and earning Cannes' Best Screenplay Award for her troubles, the result is a new body-horror masterpiece. Pump it up: the sci-fi concept; the stunning command of sound, vision and tone; the savagery and smarts; the gonzo willingness to keep pushing and parodying; the gore (and there's gore); and the career-reviving performance from Demi Moore (Landman). The Substance's star has popped up in Feud, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Please Baby Please and Brave New World in recent years, but her work as Elisabeth Sparkle not only defines this period of her life as an actor; even with an on-screen resume dating back to 1981, and with the 80s- and 90s-era likes of St Elmo's Fire, Ghost, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal and Disclosure to her name, she'll always be known for this from this point onwards, regardless of whether awards keep rolling in. Turning 50 isn't cause for celebration for Elisabeth. She's already seen film roles pass her by over the years; on her birthday, she's now pushed out of her long-running gig hosting an aerobics show. Enter a solution, as well as another 'what if?' question: if you could reclaim your youth by injecting yourself with a mysterious liquid, would you? Here, The Substance's protagonist takes the curious serum. Enter Sue (Margaret Qualley, Drive-Away Dolls), who helps Elisabeth wind back time — and soon wants Elisabeth's time as her own. Just like someone seeking the glory days that she thinks are behind her via any means possible, Fargeat isn't being subtle with The Substance, not for a second. She goes big and brutal instead, and audacious and morbid as well, and this is the unforgettable picture it is because of it. No one holds back — not Elisabeth, not Sue, not Moore, not the also-fantastic Qualley, not Dennis Quaid (Lawman: Bass Reeves) eating shrimp, not Fargeat, and definitely not cinematographer Benjamin Kracun (Promising Young Woman) or composer Raffertie (99). Oscars: Won: Best Makeup and Hairstyling Other nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Coralie Fargeat), Best Actress (Demi Moore), Best Original Screenplay, Where to watch: Via Stan, Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review. Wicked The colour scheme was always a given. "Pink goes good with green," Galinda (Ariana Grande, Don't Look Up) tells Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, Luther: The Fallen Sun). "It goes well with green," the grammar-correcting reply bounces back. The songs, beloved echoing from the stage since 2003, were never in doubt, either, as both centrepieces and a soundtrack. As a theatre-kid obsession for decades, it was also long likely that the big-screen adaptation of Wicked — a movie based on an immensely popular and successful musical springing from a book that offered a prequel to a film that walked the celluloid road 85 years ago, itself jumping from the page to the screen — would have big theatre-kid energy as it attempted to ensure that its magic enchants across mediums. Enough such buzz and verve to fill every theatre on Broadway radiates from Grande alone in the two-part franchise's first instalment, beaming from someone who, as a kid, won an auction to meet the OG Wicked good witch Kristin Chenoweth (Our Little Secret) backstage. For audiences watching on, that enthusiasm is impossible not to feel. No one would ever want a muted Wicked, where the hues, in yellow bricks and emerald cities and more (rainbows of tulips and sprawling university campuses, too) weren't trying to compete with Technicolor — and where the tunes, with Chenoweth and Idina Menzel's (You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah) voices previously behind them in such full force, weren't belted to the rafters. Jon M Chu has a knack as a filmmaker of stage hits reaching cinemas: matching the vibe of the show that he's taking on expertly. It was true of his version of In the Heights, which is no small matter given that it's a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical. It now proves the case in its own different way with Wicked. Achieving such a feat isn't always a given; sometimes, even when it does happen, and blatantly, any stage spark can be lost in translation (see: Cats). Again, movie viewers can feel that synergy with Wicked's first part, and also feel how much it means to everyone involved. Oscars: Won: Best Costume Design, Best Production Design Other nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo), Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande), Best Film Editing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects Where to watch: In Australian cinemas, and via Apple TV and Prime Video. Read our full review and our interview with Nathan Crowley. Looking for more Oscar-nominees to watch? You can also check out our full rundown of where almost all of this year's contenders are screening or streaming in Australia.
Sydneysiders who call the lower north shore home are a pretty lucky bunch. Encompassing many of the city's most desirable suburbs (Lavender Bay, Kirribilli, Mosman, Balmoral), this area truly has it all: sweeping harbour views, beautiful beaches and a vibrant dining scene are just a few highlights. Considering a move across the (Harbour or Spit) bridge? In partnership with luxury Australian property development company Aqualand and its new Blue at Lavender Bay project, we've rounded up the ten best restaurants in the area to give you the final push you may need. With some of Sydney's most iconic fine dining establishments and innovative newcomers in the area, you'll always have an option for date night, weekend brunch or those evenings when you just can't be bothered to cook. CHIOSCO BY ORMEGGIO, MOSMAN Compared to two-hatted sister restaurant Ormeggio, Chiosco (kiosk in Italian) is a decidedly more casual affair set in a nautical open-air space featuring stunning water views. Think Italian street food served with a 'barefoot and BYO' ethos — this is definitely a place where you can show up salt-sprayed and wind-tousled for an excellent feed. Helmed by executive chef Alessandro Pavoni, Chiosco offers Italian classics like fried calamari, tuna tartare and creamy burrata. If you'd rather eat picnic-style, grab a panini to go, and whatever you do — dining in or out — don't miss the hot Nutella-filled bombolone ($10). AQUA DINING, MILSONS POINT Perched atop the North Sydney Olympic Pool, this quintessential Sydney restaurant boasts sweeping views across the harbour from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Don't get too distracted though — the food here deserves your full attention. The contemporary Italian menu changes with the seasons, featuring many delights like puttanesca risotto and mouthwatering eggplant topped with smoked cheddar. We should also mention that this is not the place to skimp on drinks. Their impressive wine list all but requires that you order at least a bottle (or two). ANNATA, CROWS NEST This delightful first venture by former Eau de Vie bartender Christian Blair ticks all the right boxes. Unsurprisingly, Annata boasts an excellent drinks selection, with a lengthy wine list and inventive cocktails, and the food menu is as equally impressive. With chef Jimmy Richardson in charge, the restaurant's compact, seasonal menu is designed for sharing. Start with the delectable Coffin Bay oysters topped with pickled black fungus, and don't miss the tender duck breast atop a treviso, fennel milk, plum and topaque puree. With dim lighting, exposed brick walls and tasteful metal accents, this is the perfect place to bring a date. BISTRO MONCUR, MOSMAN Fans of Guillaume Brahimi's Woollahra institution Bistro Moncur, rejoice. The iconic French restaurant now has a second location in Mosman's recently refurbished The Buena. Located in the venue's downstairs area, the space is chic yet casual, with cushioned bench seats, wooden tables and huge windows that flood the bistro with natural light. The menu is much the same as the Woollahra original, so you can expect to find all your favourites, including that oh-so-addictive French onion soufflé gratin, potato and ricotta gnocchi with sage butter and mouthwatering de-boned lamb rack. Pair your meal with a drop from their award-winning wine list, and settle in for a very indulgent evening. ARISTOTLE'S, NEUTRAL BAY This elegant new restaurant brings a taste of Greece to Neutral Bay. As expected from a restaurant named after shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, the venue boasts a glamorous, nautical interior — all white-washed walls, lofty ceilings, shiny mirrors and gold accents. Of course the food is utterly exceptional, so make like the Greeks, and share everything. You can build your own dining experience à la carte — we recommend the seared scallops and chargrilled octopus — or opt for the Aristotle's Table set menu ($60). Don't forget to save room for dessert, especially for Aristotle's Cigar, a crisp filo shell wrapped around creamy pistachio custard. SAILS ON LAVENDER BAY, MCMAHONS POINT This beautiful harbour-side restaurant has been on the scene for over four decades, so it's clearly doing something right. You'll enjoy gorgeous views wherever you sit, since the narrow dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows mean it's nearly impossible to get a bad seat. The modern Aussie menu emphasises local produce, and seafood takes centre stage with standouts like the pink snapper and mahi mahi. With an award-winning wine list and small selection of signature cocktails, the drinks don't disappoint either. Make your booking for sunset and take it all in — fresh views, fresh food and fresh drinks all in one. BATHERS PAVILION, BALMORAL A true Sydney classic, Bathers' Pavilion is one of the best places on the lower north shore to spend a weekend morning. Part cafe, part restaurant and set overlooking Balmoral Beach, Bathers' serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu to satisfy every craving. Casual Saturday brunch at the cafe guarantees a stellar weekend, and if you're in a fancy mood, the French-inspired restaurant's elegant lunch and dinner will take your weekend to the next level. Owner and executive chef Serge Dansereau serves a seasonal menu, with favourites such as seared scallops and pan-fried barramundi making an appearance, complemented by an extensive wine list. HUNTER GATHERER, NORTH SYDNEY Hunter Gatherer — the latest venue from the team behind Bondi's The Corner House and Panama House — is a lively eatery and bar perched above North Sydney's Greenwood Plaza. The menu is excellent, and the fit-out is stunning — with high ceilings, Scandi furniture, huge windows and naked lightbulbs. Divided into 'Hunted' (mains) and 'Gathered' (sides), the menu is a celebration of all things fresh, sustainable and local. From the 'Hunted', we're especially loving the hearty farmers market steak platter and juicy chicken coated in lemon, verjus and confit garlic. From the 'Gathered', we're crunching into the complex salads like the Pitt Town beetroot, orange and endive salad with walnut vinaigrette. Hunt, gather and complete your meal with something some from the drinks list — it features craft beers, organic wines and creative cocktails. ITALIAN STREET KITCHEN, NEUTRAL BAY For a taste of Italy in the backstreets of Neutral Bay, get yourself over to Italian Street Kitchen. Steered by Mauro Marcucci of Baccomatto Osteria, the buzzy eatery offers Italian street eats at very reasonable prices. Featuring a series of interactive food stalls, you're invited to gorge yourself on all the pizza, pasta, antipasto and roasted meats you can manage. Don't go entirely overboard on the savoury options though, because the desserts — especially the tiramisu and mini Nutella calzoncini — are not to be missed. Bring your heartiest appetite to this one. THE BUENA, MOSMAN The Buena has been epically revamped and it's now far from your average local. With a new interior befitting its Mosman location, it's just the right amount of fancy. Home to Bistro Moncur, Buena Bar and Vista Bar, The Buena spoils you with choice. In the mood for a gastropub experience? Head upstairs to the sun-filled Vista Bar, perfect for a cruisy weekend afternoon. Craving those good ol' pub vibes? Slip into a leather booth downstairs in Buena Bar to catch some live sport and soak in the old world charm. Pub classics like burgers and steaks share menu space with more upscale delights like ceviche and crab linguine. You can also get your hands on some tasty woodfired pizzas. There are excellent craft beers on-tap, but if you're in the mood for a cheeky cocktail, you won't be disappointed. Surround yourself with everything the lower north shore has to offer at Aqualand's Blue at Lavender Bay development. The best restaurants, cafes, bars and activities are all on your doorstep.
La Coppola is the type of neighbourhood pizzeria that instantly makes you feel like a local — and has you leaving wishing you were one. Walk into the hole-in-the-wall eatery along Redfern Street, and the first thing you'll notice is impeccably moustachioed owner Stefano Scopelliti slinging pizzas into the woodfired oven. The second thing you'll spot is some seriously good-looking pizzas, with the joint's slices combining imported Italian ingredients with fresh produce from down the street. Churning out Sicilian-style pizzas that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and definitely not soggy, the popular spot is home to a range of family-inspired creations. Favourites include the 'ciccio' (named after his son Francesco), as well Stefano's personal pick, the 'contesse' with fior di latte, mushroom, roasted capsicum, artichoke and salami. "It's food that's been passed down for generations and has always been in the family — it's giving a little bit of Sicily to Redfern," he explains. Stefano's sixth restaurant in Sydney, and operating for seven years in Redfern, La Coppola also offers a healthy rotation of specials on any given night. Grab a seat at the cosy communal table and, if you're lucky, you might find yourself switching slices and sharing booze (which can be bought in house or BYO for a small fee) with strangers-turned-friends. Not only has item on the menu been influenced by Stefano's Italian roots, but with daughter Cassie joining the operation, his passion for food has clearly been passed down to the next generation. Cassie used to return from her travels with a new flat cap, or coppola, for her father, which is where the restaurant gets its name from. Food-wise, you'll see her imprint in some of her favourite recipes.
You could sit about, piling on jumpers, moaning and crying into your hot chocolate. Or you could calmly and quietly pack your bubble bath and your pyjamas, and drive to an irresistibly cosy winter cabin to soak in a spa and drink your favourite craft brew by an open fireplace. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But just in case you're thinking of taking our advice, here are five getaways that stand out against the competition. We've got a wilderness treehouse with floor-to-ceiling windows, an artist studio, a 19th-century settlers cottage, a hideout on pristine private river frontage and a Mongolian yurt. Is that the sound of you collecting your things? WOLLEMI WILDERNESS TREEHOUSE, NEAR BILPIN, BLUE MOUNTAINS It might be winter, but that doesn't mean you have to shut yourself off from the outside world. The Wollemi Wilderness Treehouse for grown-ups is built high up in the canopy, in a secret spot, overlooking a tract of remote rainforest and the spectacular sandstone cliffs of Bowen's Gorge. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround you — literally — with panoramic views. To keep you toasty, there's a fireplace and a spa. In-cabin massages, reflexology, salt scrubs and mud wraps can be organised upon request. If you're more troglodyte than tree-dweller, the folks behind the treehouse also have an Enchanted Cave, as well as a Love Tee Pee, Dream Cabin, Love Cabin and more. THE YURT AT CEDAR COTTAGES, KANGAROO VALLEY Mongolians know a thing or two about surviving harsh weather. Hence, the ingenious invention of the yurt. But the good news is you don't have to travel to the back of Ulan Bator to test out their brilliance. The Cedars, a 1,200-acre private wildlife sanctuary in Kangaroo Valley has one onsite, complete with wooden panelling, woodfire pot belly stove, rural views and a super-private location. Three other cottages are also on the property: The Dairy, Misty Glen and the solar-powered Sunnybank. BILLABONG MOON CABINS, POKOLBIN, HUNTER VALLEY Set on 25 acres, Billabong Moon Cabins bring unique Australian character and a splash of creativity to your hibernation season. Each comes with its own spa and wood fire. Get cosy in the bohemian Artist Studio, with its enormous, four-poster teak bed and hand-carved timber furniture. An easel and drawing supplies are provided, so you can spend all weekend working on your masterpiece. Or, if you want to get out and about, there are wines to be tasted. Other options include the two-bedroom, two-bathroom Billabong Cottage, overlooking its own private lake; Casuarina Cottage, featuring an al fresco hot tub for winter star-gazing; Sunset Ridge Cottage, where even the toilet affords rural views; and Treetops Cottage, 10 metres above the ground. SETTLERS HUT, BERRIMA, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Spend winter the old-fashioned way at the Settlers Hut, Berrima. This bona fide 1840s colonial cottage was built in Wheeo (20 kilometres southwest of Crookwell), where it housed an Irish pioneer by the name of Michael Frost, his wife and ten children, but was dismantled and moved to Berrima in the 1990s. The interior has kept a genuine 19th-century feel, with its rough-hewn walls, spacious Victorian four-poster bed, open fireplace and beautiful claw bath. Spend your time kicking back by the fire in easy chairs, with a decent craft beer in hand (James Squire Jack of Spades Porter, anyone?). Or venture down to the banks of the Wingecarribee River, just a few metres away, for a spot of platypus-watching. MOONBAH HUT, NEAR JINDABYNE, SNOWY MOUNTAINS This requires some extra driving, but the rewards are stunning. Moonbah Hut is located on private frontage on the Moonbah River, the Snowy Mountains' cleanest, most unspoilt home for trout. Give your fishing muscle a flex from your front doorstep, while keeping an eye out for wildlife, from wombats to deer to brumbies. Or bunker down inside, with a huge, stone open fireplace for company. Previous guests have taken the experience next level and invited personal chefs along for an evening. Master chef Miguel Maestre is among those to have done the honours.
It's clear from the 'Keep Sydney Open' sign posted in the doorway — Jangling Jack's couldn't care less about lockout laws. This New Orleans-inspired "dream bar" from owners Orlan Erin Raleigh and Jon Ruttan (founder and former owner of Mojo Record Bar) has actualised into Sydney's own dream venue, boasting a relaxed vibe, a cocktail for every palate and a solid late-night menu that seamlessly serves snacks, share plates and even a full-on steak dinner ($28). It's dimly lit and moody in all the right ways, while appealing to crowds from suburban dads (self-proclaimed, by the way) to Kings Cross regulars. The narrow space stretches back along the gorgeous bar, lit with speakeasy-style lamp shades and surrounded by 1930s blues posters. Patrons have the option to sit at high tables, lounge in the back booths or take advantage of the best spot in the house and dine at the bar. In all aspects, this place is cool without being pretentious. It's really no surprise from this ace team; Raleigh and Ruttan have got bar manager Adam Cork (ex-The Hazy Rose) working alongside ex-Fat Rupert's chef David Ferreira, who serves food until 1am. He's a regular legend in our books for just that reason. Speaking of, the fried chicken is every bit as good as it's cracked up to be ($18) — succulent, boneless meat with the perfect crunchy skin, then smothered in honey butter and balanced with a creamy citrus coleslaw. It's some of the best fried chicken in Sydney. Order it with the burrata ($18), which is fresh as and served on a bed of seasonal summer produce — including slices of grapefruit and orange — which helps cool you off on those particularly humid Sydney nights. For mains share the mussels ($25), which come perfectly steamed in a white wine, garlic and onion broth, along with a side of charred bread for dipping, of course. The only draw back to Jangling Jack's is the lack of craft beer, but the cocktails more than make up for this. Even the classic margarita — which so many bars in Sydney do horribly wrong — is a bang-on; it's perfectly sour and salty with the requisite tequila backbone. The Moscow Mule packs a fresh ginger punch, while London Calling is equally tart and citrusy ($18 each). All of the above are super refreshing, which is greater proof of how in-tune the bar staff are — they continuously made cocktails flawlessly suited our palate and body temperature. If the cocktail menu overwhelms you, your best bet is to ask the bartenders, who seem to always have a few off-menu options to flaunt — like Final Ward, a twist on the classic gin drink The Last Word, which uses whiskey and chartreuse bitters to make an even better version of the drink. Anyway, we've raved enough. You get it. Just go here — we're sure you won't regret it. Images: Diana Scalfati
The Kensington Street precinct, with the refurbished Old Clare Hotel as its anchor, is home to a variety of hospitality operators and cuisines. From the casual Asian 'eat street' Spice Alley to the suave Automata and the ever-evolving dining spaces upstairs, diners have no shortage of options in this area. So where to choose? Well, if you're a reasonably well-heeled middle-aged couple, have been tasked with taking out the in-laws, or are just in search of some nice hand-made pasta, you might head to Olio. It's a generous space, located on the top of The Old Rum Store, it has really lovely heritage bones, big arched windows and bare brick walls. Nicely spaced tables and double linens give it a step up from street-level, although the interiors have been jazzed up with some blue and green touches and wrap-around lighting on the bar which both seem at odds with the rustic vibe of the building itself. From the large open kitchen, Sicilian-born chef Lino Sauro is still serving food from his motherland with some contemporary flourishes. Antipasti includes a big-eye tuna loin carpaccio with "Salamoreci sauce", tomato and garlic shoots, and a smoked burrata with compressed blood plum, roasted almonds and mint oil. The traditional Italian zuppa — in this case, a rich Gattopardo seafood stew — is, without fail, one of the most delicious seafood things in a bowl we've ever eaten. It's Olio's signature dish, and with good reason. The rich broth holding a variety of seafood like clams, prawns and mussels that are each perfectly cooked is everything you want from a dish like this — it feels like it's come straight from Nonna's kitchen. Finish with the tiramisu — it's proper Italian-style with soaked sponge and not too much cream, although the crunchy cocoa topping will delight some and divide purists. Overall, Olio is a great reflection of Sauro's heritage and his eye for presentation and less traditional flavour combinations. Images: Lauren Commens. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
It's been over two decades since the Paradiso brothers opened up Fratelli Paradiso — the award-winning Italian restaurant and Potts Point institution. The Fratelli family has grown substantially since then, even taking up residence in Tokyo. Still, the family always manages to make you feel like you've stumbled upon a local secret when you come to this Challis Avenue for lunch or dinner. With relaxed yet flawless service and a small, fool-proof menu, Fratelli Paradiso remains at the top of its game, serving up whipped roe and bottarga pretzels as well as timeless crowd-pleasers like its lasagnetta — the all-time best takeaway meal if there ever was one. Highlights from the antipasti menu include the cured sardines with Dutch creams, mandarin and black olives or the fried calamari with paradiso sauce. For a main, try Fratelli Paradiso's tagliatelle with hand cut egg pasta and beef ragu, or the 250gm roasted sirloin with pepper sauce and friend onions. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Sydney's new cinema with an old-world air, The Golden Age Cinema and Bar is located inside the heritage-listed Paramount Pictures Building on Commonwealth Street in Surry Hills. It has a revamped screening room and atmospheric small bar that takes advantage of the original art deco fittings from 1940. If some of the best films of the last few years have taught us anything, it's that audiences miss the good ol' days of cinema. Whether it's the splendour and decadence of an opening night in The Artist or Hugo's love song to the early years of film, the movies themselves seem to be filled with a deep longing for an era when films didn't live and die by their opening weekend and the 'megaplex' did not yet exist. The Golden Age Cinema and Bar, from the Brothers Barton and Right Angle Studio, recaptures some of that old-world movie magic, that picture-palace romanticism, right here in Sydney. It features a bar, a fascinating film program and an atmosphere more hearty than Hoytsy. The 60 person-capacity bar is accessible whether you're seeing a film or not, and serves wines, beers, cocktails and food (including film-inspired specials) from interesting producers. It's also the place to get your cinema snacks before heading into a session. Golden Age Cinema and Bar runs Tuesday to Sunday, while the space is available for private hire on Mondays. Images: Cassandra Hannagan Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
In a year that saw Sydney's cultural ecosystem and the legislative shackling of certain elements of it become a more polarising subject than ever before, the city's most innovative, forward-thinking residents have made outstanding lemonade. Our bars are more groundbreaking and imaginative, our events more unique and immersive, and our restaurants more inventive and experimental. With new openings abounding, Sydney is more vibrant, playful and fun than it ever has been. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, we are very pleased to announce the winners of Concrete Playground's Best of 2016 Awards. Sydney's newest restaurants have defied traditional fine dining, adding in-house cinemas, recreating provincial French manors, and redefining nose-to-tail. Cafes continue to cultivate compelling coffee breaks, building neighbourhood haunts from pop-up to permanency, championing local producers and turning old bowling clubs into urban farms. Our bars that have been reclaiming the night in the face of prevailing lockout laws, one glass of frosé at a time; from WWII-inspired salons to Sydney's first dedicated vermouth bar. Our new (or renewed) pubs that have the biggest hurdle to face — history. Pub renovations in 2016 remained strong, moving into more contemporary, fine dining-focused territory with some of the city's best design teams at hand. Sydney's event producers that have found new ways to celebrate Sydney life, reinvigorating dwindling or hidden spaces, and taking us on wild adventures in our own home. And those aiming to truly transform the city permanently have made headlines with long-awaited new cultural and food precincts, transforming Sydney neighbourhoods with gargantuan, smart and beneficial developments. This year, we have awarded both a reader voted People's Choice and Overall award in each of the following six categories: Best New Bar Best New Restaurant Best New Cafe Best New Pub Best New Event Best New Precinct These 36 outstanding Sydney (or Sydney-based) ventures have been handpicked by Concrete Playground for their combination of originality, innovation, creativity, approachability and sustainability. We straight-up love them. And the winners are... BEST NEW RESTAURANT OVERALL AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: HUBERT They did it again. The winning streak continued with Restaurant Hubert, the first full-service restaurant from the Swillhouse Group, known for their elaborately themed drinking dens, The Baxter Inn, Frankie's and Shady Pines Saloon. From the moment you open the door, Hubert will hurtle you headfirst into a C.S. Lewis-style adventure, taking you from dreary Bligh Street to the resplendent old-world opulence of post-war Paris. It's like an adult's version of Narnia, only this time there's steak and wine. BEST NEW BAR OVERALL AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: BIG POPPA'S Who knew that the three key ingredients to a good night out were hip hop, cheese and wine? Lewis Jaffrey and Jared Merlino, the two masterminds behind Big Poppa's, definitely did. Unlike most excellent ideas conceived over a few too many, these two hospitality vets (Jaffrey is ex-operations manager at The Baxter Inn, Frankie's and Shady Pines while Merlino is behind The Lobo Plantation and Kittyhawk) put their money where their cheese hole — uh, mouth — is. Cue Big Poppa's, an ode to Biggie Smalls in the old Hello Sailor digs on Oxford Street. BEST NEW CAFE OVERALL: HENRY LEE'S Ever since we first visited the Eveleigh Creative Precinct, a newly developed arts and culture precinct in Redfern, to check out the Cake Wines Cellar Door, we knew the space was in for something special. And Henry Lee's is the latest delicious tenant to open its doors in the creative hub. Preceded by the recent launch of the cellar door and design spaces by Frost Collective and Massive Interactive, this new concept cafe is in great company — and it's bringing even more local talent into the mix. The kitchen is all about seasonal produce, sustainable living and supporting the area's ever-expanding creative populous, whether it be in the food and drink industry, or arts and culture. Keeping it local may be the trend of the moment (and one that's supported by CP), but Henry Lee's is certainly putting their own distinct spin on the concept — one we haven't seen in many other cafes.This well-crafted menu is no surprise from founders Kath and Aaron Devaney, who have owned and operated two well-regarded cafes on the Central Coast (Black Treacle Cafe & Bakery and Long Jetty's Green Tangerine) and are sincerely passionate about the artisanal vibe. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: RISING SUN WORKSHOP Tinker on your motorbike and slurp your way through bowls of ramen on the same premises at Rising Sun Workshop's permanent Newtown digs. For the uninitiated, Rising Sun is a social enterprise that serves two purposes. On one hand, it provides its motor-revving members with a communal space for repairing and polishing up their bikes. On the other, it's a café, serving coffee, cookies and seriously killer ramen. The independent organisation was started by three friends, Adrian, Heleana and Dan, who love riding bikes, working on bikes and chatting about bikes while drinking coffee. They decided that Sydney needed an open, friendly, affordable space where this could happen more often. So, in 2013 they crowdfunding a cool $40,000 and launched a pop-up the next year. Now, it's permanent, You'll find Rising Sun's new workshop at 1C Whateley Street. It used to house a century-old hardware store, and the menu has scored a serious upgrade. You can now get nosh at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you'll find some Southern influences mixing with Japanese tradition. BEST NEW PUB OVERALL: THE DOLPHIN HOTEL The new Dolphin Hotel has made a splash in the Sydney food scene for its ultra-chic interiors, high-flying Italian cuisine and charming salumeria and wine bar. As you can probably tell already, this ain't no ordinary boozer. At the helm of The Dolphin is foodie heavyweight and fashion designer Maurice Terzini (Icebergs, Da Orazio). From Icebergs he's managed to pluck chefs Monty Koludrovic and Dan Medcalf and drinks specialist Lenny Opai, who are working alongside Sam Cheetham (ex-Victoria Room and Becasse) and the 2015 Sommelier of the Year, James Hird. Don't count on a return of $10 nacho night. The biggest talking point is the interiors which have been designed by George Livissianis, who is known for his work on The Apollo, Cho Cho San and Billy Kwong, among others. Like one big interactive art installation, the public bar has been clad in swathes of fabric, while the dining room is graffitied in eye-popping monochrome motifs. The stark white interiors that dominate throughout will have you weeping for the cleaners on a Monday morning. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: THE GREEN LION Vegans must have a tough time in pubs, with meat and cheese usually front and centre of most menus. The Green Lion — the new eatery above The Red Lion Hotel in Rozelle — however, is catering exclusively for vegans and recreating pub classics like burgers, hot dogs and nachos with meat- and dairy-free alternatives. If you're not vegan or a regular to the category, it can be hard to judge how good vegan pub food is. Visually though, the resemblance is uncanny. Here, soy-based products are turned into beef patties, mince, battered fish, pepperoni and even melting cheese — the success of which is variable. For instance, a Green Mack Burger with a beefless patty, 'cheese', pickles, and special Mack sauce ($18) definitely resembles a cheeseburger; the mind boggles at what has to be done to soy products to make them look, and taste (sort of) like meat. If you're vegan, the experience of being in pub — and being able to order anything off the menu and drink anything behind the bar — is a fantastically rare experience. It's worth a visit for the vegan and the non-vegan, the curious and the ardent alike. BEST NEW EVENT OVERALL: MORE HUMAN THAN HUMAN: BLADE RUNNER Sydney took a trip to Los Angeles in the year 2019, where acid rain falls on crowded streets lit up by neon lights. As part of Art & About Sydney, Golden Age Cinema hosted a special experiential screening of Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece Blade Runner, complete with music, art, food and a futuristic night market in an inner city carpark. Taking place on February 20, More Human Than Human: Blade Runner transformed the Goulburn Street car park into a dystopian installation space. Local artists and performers presented works inspired by Scott's groundbreaking Philip K. Dick adaptation, immersing visitors in the sights, sounds and themes of the film while pondering its ultimate question: what does it mean to be human? The evening concluded with a rooftop screening of the movie itself, and even though a light rain fell, the clear plastic ponchos were well on theme. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: PICNIC CINEMA Ever been at an outdoor cinema, and wished you could just jump into bed? Well, of course you have — bed is the one thing we can rely on to always be there for us, and we all wish it could follow us around for intermittent lie-downs. That's presumably why the geniuses at Sydney's new PicNic Cinema decided to implement beds into their outdoor setup. Well, that, and they were probably aware of the struggles of keeping your head propped up on a packet of chips while lying on a picnic rug trying to drink wine. PicNic Cinema took over Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square for 16 nights in April. Instead of just the usual picnic rug and bean bag sitcho, the cinema brought in enough inflatable double mattresses for 100 people to literally lie back and relax on. Guests even got a blankie in case it got chilly. Plus, they're back next year as Mov'In Bed Cinema. BEST NEW PRECINCT OVERALL AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: TRAMSHEDS The massive revamp of the heritage-listed Rozelle Tram Depot now features a European-inspired market hall lined with bespoke retailers, from butchers and bakers to fried chicken and fresh pasta makers. Basically, it's enough to make your eyes weep with sweet, sweet happiness tears (and maybe some of anxious indecision). Each of the retailers — which include some of Sydney's biggest food names, as well as some newbies — have created a stunning space to serve their nosh, with most offering takeaway as well as produce to take home and cook. There's a supermarket, a nail salon and a gym, but the food is where it's at. It's open seven days a week for brekkie, lunch and dinner, so there's ample opportunity for gorging.
You've got two days off and the weather is set to be stunning — clearly, the travel gods are calling you away for an epic day trip from Sydney. And when your starting location is Sydney, you've got a wealth of places to visit within a few hours' drive. Whether you fancy lounging the afternoon away at a pool, working up an appetite on a countryside cycle trail or seeking out the freshest seafood on the coast, there are plenty of spots calling out. It's time to load up the car, book a GoGet or hop on the train and escape the big city. Read on to find ten of the best outposts that deliver everything you want from a day trip out of Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Out-of-Town Ocean Pools Near Sydney The Best Glamping Spots in NSW The Best Places to Stay on the Central Coast A Weekender's Guide to Jervis Bay [caption id="attachment_695928" align="alignnone" width="1920"] ANZAC Memorial Walk, Destination NSW[/caption] FOR ART AND SURFING: NEWCASTLE Downtown Newcastle is brimming with culture and it's only a stone's throw from the sea. The CBD has independent retailers, small bars and restaurants that rival the likes of most Australian capital cities. If you arrive early, settle among the bright tiles, artworks and plants of Ground Up Espresso in Carrington, a waterfront suburb on Newcastle Harbour's north shore — or save yourself for a five-course meal at hatted restaurant Subo. Booze your afternoon away at Newie's local brewery, The Foghorn, or soak up some sun at one of the beachside pubs, like Mereweather Surfhouse. Or if you want to experience spectacular locally sourced produce with an unbeatable view over Newcastle, try the Roundhouse. Wherever you end up during your day trip, the waterfront is never more than a nip away, with the tranquil stillness of Newcastle Harbour on one side and surf beaches on the other. Go for a dip at the famed Newcastle Ocean Baths and, if you're able to hang around until sunset, finish your day with a stroll along the spectacular ANZAC Memorial Walk. Newcastle is two hours drive or three hours by train north of Sydney. [caption id="attachment_677929" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] FOR SEAFOOD AND SWIMS: WOY WOY When you want to get out of Sydney for a coastal day trip — but don't want to drive too far — the Central Coast is your best bet. And, just 75 minutes in a car or the train will get you to the quaint seaside town of Woy Woy. Here, you can have a seaside feast at Woy Woy Fisherman's Wharf then head over to Frankie's Rooftop for a spritz. Or, if you're more into pasta than seafood, you can head to Young Barons for lunch — it's an absolute win. If you've got a car, make a detour to the nearby Bouddi Coastal Trail — the eight-kilometre hike winds past plenty of lookouts and beaches. Pack your snorkelling gear, too — we recommend heading to the sheltered Lobster Beach, keeping an eye out for dolphins. Woy Woy is a 75-minute drive or 80-minute train ride from Sydney. [caption id="attachment_692016" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bannisters Port Stephens[/caption] FOR POOLSIDE RELAXING: PORT STEPHENS Port Stephens lucked out when Bannisters arrived back in 2018, bringing a luxurious hotel and, most importantly, a Rick Stein restaurant. And what better way to shake off the big smoke than by sitting in a breezy space, overlooking still water, and working your way through Coffs Harbour prawns, or Singapore chilli blue swimmer crab? Beyond that, Port Stephens offers plenty of outdoor escapades, from its 26 beaches to camel riding and sandboarding down the Southern Hemisphere's biggest sand dunes. We also highly recommend a stay at the Hampton-style boutique hotel, Anchorage Port Stephens, where waterfront decadence is the name of the game. Port Stephens is a three-hour drive north of Sydney. [caption id="attachment_774139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Yurasek/DPIE[/caption] FOR BOATING AND BUSHWALKING: BEROWRA The stunning hamlet of Berowra is literally encircled by natural beauty — it's within Berowra Valley National Park, with Cowan Creek and Berowra Creek running either side of the suburb. If you're driving, get your bearings with a stop at Barnetts Lookout. After a wander around Berowra Village, head to Berowra Waters for ferry rides, a spot of kayaking, nature walks and some lazy riverside reading. If you're looking to add a dose of luxury to your stay, make a booking for a hatted feast at Berowra Waters Inn. Berowra is a 45-minute drive or an hour-long train journey from Sydney CBD. [caption id="attachment_697582" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Boathouse Hotel Patonga[/caption] FOR HIKES AND BRUNCH: PEARL BEACH AND PATONGA Unlike so many coastal areas, Pearl Beach is fiercely protected from development. Just 500 or so residents live here and, because the village is National Trust-listed, further construction is banned. It truly is a world of its own, perched on a picturesque beach and surrounded by bushland. You can spend your days dissolving into sand and sea, or, if you want a work out, take on the Pearl Beach to Patonga walk. At the other end, you'll find the Boathouse Hotel, where you can tuck into seafood plates, crumbed dory burgers and buckets of prawns (and even stay the night if you don't feel like driving home after all that). Meanwhile, back in Pearl Beach, there's hatted restaurant Pearls on the Beach and, for more casual fare, the Pearl Beach Cafe and General Store. Pearl Beach is a 90-minute drive north of Sydney. [caption id="attachment_743309" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liam Forster[/caption] FOR CASCADES AND BLOSSOMS: LEURA AND KATOOMBA If Katoomba is the busiest village in the Blue Mountains, Leura is the prettiest — making the neighbouring towns the perfect places to visit on a day trip out of Sydney. For great coffee, head to Frankly My Dear on Katoomba's main drag. A little later on, you can treat yourself at 8 Things — a small restaurant with a capacity of just 10 people and just eight dishes on the menu, each one representing a different country. You've got to see the sights, too — the fairy-like Leura Cascades are lovely for cooling off on a warm day, and be sure to take a final peek of the Three Sisters at sunset. Leura is a 90-minute drive or two-hour train ride from Sydney. [caption id="attachment_770408" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] FOR A COOL COUNTRY CHANGE: BOWRAL When you fancy a cooler climate, jump on the highway to Bowral. Found in the Southern Highlands — 600 metres above sea level — this pretty country town is usually a few degrees cooler than Sydney. Over the past few years, several new eateries have opened up, including The Mill Cafe, set inside an 1885 building shared with start-ups and small businesses; and Harry's on Green Lane, a welcoming bar, where you can sit in a citrus grove, while sipping on local cool-climate wines and sharing fancy plates. Another culinary highlight of the town is idyllic cafe The Press Shop, which is located right next to the mega antique store Dirty Janes. This expansive warehouse is an emporium of vintage fashion, homewares and collectables. You'll discover something new-to-you on every visit. Bowral is a 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney. FOR LOOKOUTS AND CYCLING: WOLLONGONG If diverse, sandy adventures are crucial to your day-tripping joy, Wollongong's your destination. No fewer than 17 beaches line the coast. To get some invigorating perspective, visit one or all of the six local lookouts. If you're keen to work up a sweat, the waterfront Thirroul to Port Kembla cycle path will keep you busy (and you can have a swim at the end), or take on the Mount Kembla hike. When you're ready to eat and drink, head to the North Wollongong Hotel's leafy beer garden or Five Barrel Brewing for a cold one, Babyface Kitchen for a fancy feed and finish your night at one of the city's many live music venues like La La La's. Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is a great place to stay, too. Wollongong is a 90-minute drive or a two-hour train ride directly south of Sydney. [caption id="attachment_749647" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] FOR BLOWHOLES AND ROCK POOLS: KIAMA When the southeast wind is blowing strong, Kiama's blowhole is at its most powerful. The wind sends waves into the rock aperture, compressing air and sending a spectacular spout into the air. Few people know there's a second, albeit smaller, blowhole found a few minutes drive south, in Tingira Crescent, aptly named Little Blowhole. Swimmers and surfers, you have your decision-making cut out for you, from one of Kiama's ocean pools or pick a spot along the long, wild stretch of Bombo Beach. Kiama's main street is laden with cafes, ice creameries and restaurants and, if you have enough time, side trips to the satellite villages of Gerringong (to the south) and Jamberoo (inland) are worthwhile. Kiama is clearly one of our favourite day trip destinations out of Sydney, but we recommend you stay longer — if you can get the time off. Kiama is a two-hour drive or a nearly three hour train ride from Sydney. [caption id="attachment_772899" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tinkler Wines by Destination NSW[/caption] FOR WINE AND RIVERSIDE PICNICS: POKOLBIN For a day trip that involves wine tasting, rolling paddocks and maybe some cycling, make tracks to Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. The locality is dotted with cellar doors, vineyards and restaurants. If you're keen to get on two wheels as soon as possible, hire an e-bike from Sutton Estate and conquer the Hunter Valley Cycleway, which tours a dozen wineries and a microbrewery. Alternatively, just settle in for a long lunch at the wine lover's playground, Brokenwood Wines, or linger over a salumi and cheese platter in a converted church at Usher Tinkler Wines. Pokolbin is a two-hour drive northwest of Sydney. Next time you're looking to head out of Sydney, head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world. Top image: Patonga Boathouse.
Oysters are the post-noon equivalent of ordering avocado on toast — your tastebuds will thank you but, most of the time, your wallet will not. Thankfully, Sydney has plenty of deals on the pearly treasures floating around so, if you do some clever planning, you can eat them every day of the week without blowing your budget. MONDAY SYDNEY FISH MARKET, PYRMONT What's the deal? Cheap oysters straight from the source. This is the freshest place in Sydney to eat oysters — and it's a must visit if you're an oyster fiend. Prices fluctuate depending on the day and the catch, of course, but you should be able to nab some for less than $2 a pop. For example, at the time of writing, a dozen medium Sydney rock oysters were going for $15.90 at Claudio's, and $18.90 at De Costi (which works out to be $1.35 and $1.60 each, respectively). Be fancy and get oysters on your lunch break. TUESDAY RILEY ST GARAGE, WOOLLOOMOOLOO What's the deal? $2 oysters between 5pm and 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday. If you're up for a night of indulgence, $2 oysters at Wolloomooloo's Riley Street Garage is the best place to start. Perch at the giant brass island bar between 5pm and 6pm and witness the oysters being freshly shucked while you peruse the expansive share-style menu. Choose between the restaurant's signature smoky soy truffle dressing or au natural. Or do a mix — they're only $2, after all (which is half-price). GRAIN AT THE FOUR SEASONS, CBD What's the deal? $1.50 oysters between 5pm and 9pm. We don't know what your Tuesday evening are usually like, but slurping oysters and sipping champagne in a five-star hotel sounds like a pretty good one. Even better, at Grain Bar at the Four Seasons between 5pm and 9pm, the oysters are $1.50 and a glass of Louis Roederer is $15, so you can live the luxe life for less. WEDNESDAY [caption id="attachment_737543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Paper Mill[/caption] THE PAPER MILL FOOD, LIVERPOOL What's the deal? $1 oysters between 5pm and 7pm. If you haven't checked out western Sydney's new dining precinct, this is a pretty good reason to do so mid-week. The Paper Mill — which has taken over a heritage building on the banks of the Georges River — does one-buck oysters from 5–7pm which happily coincides with its happy hour, so you can get beer, wine and spirits for just $7. Afterwards, you can have dinner at one of the precinct's eateries, like Neapolitan-style pizza place Georgies and Charcoal Joe's Lebanese-style chicken. Or skip streat to the sweet stuff at the dessert bar. THE MORRISON BAR AND OYSTER ROOM, CBD What's the deal? $1.50 oysters between 6pm and 7pm. Beat the hump-day slump with some post-work treats at Sydney's premier oyster bar, The Morrison. Head there at 5pm for $6 happy hour drinks (until 7pm) and prepare for the $1.50 oysters to kick in between 6pm and 7pm. MANLY WINE, MANLY What's the deal? $1 oysters from 5pm. Don't miss the opportunity to down cheap oysters by the beach at Manly Wine on Wednesdays. From 5pm, you can pull up a seat on the footpath, watch the waves roll into Manly Beach and even get $7 drinks up until 7pm. THURSDAY [caption id="attachment_746009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Tilbury's oysters[/caption] THE ROOSEVELT, POTTS POINT What's the deal? $1 oysters all night. Seeing as The Roosevelt has big mid-century New York vibes, it seems only fitting that it has a mid-week oyster offer. Each Thursday you can snag freshly shucked oysters for $1 all night long alongside a sweet 20 percent off champagne and Laphroaig whisky. Plus, if you get there before 6.30pm, martinis, negronis, daiquiris and some snacks are just ten bucks. FRIDAY THE BUCKET LIST, BONDI What's the deal? $2 oysters all day. What says 'Aussie summer' more than picnic tables, unbeatable beach views and buckets of Coronas? The Bucket List has long been a venue of choice for an afternoon sesh in the sun — and with $2 Sydney rock oysters on offer all day, there is really no other place you should be on a fine Friday afternoon (certainly not work). Plus, spritzes are just $10 and a DJ livens the place up from 4pm. SATURDAY [caption id="attachment_639725" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Black Bottle by Nikki Malvar[/caption] BLACK BOTTLE, DARLINGHURST What's the deal? $1.50 from 5–7pm Wednesday to Saturday. There are a few ways in which this unassuming local wine bar is European-inspired: the drinks list is curated, the food is displayed in a glass cabinet and served quick and share-style and, regardless of the day, there is a tasty bargain to be caught. From 5–7pm every day (except Sunday) Black Bottle serves up oysters for $1.50 each which you can enjoy over $15 carafes of fiano. MAYBE SAMMY, CBD What's the deal? $2 oysters all night. As if the fact that Maybe Sammy was just named one of the best bars in the world wasn't enough reason to give the bar a visit on a Saturday night, its $2 oyster special will be. Plus, it does $5.50 mini martinis from 4.30–5.30pm. SUNDAY [caption id="attachment_700457" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Charleston[/caption] THE CHARLESTON, GLEBE What's the deal? $1 oysters between 12pm and 4pm. On Sundays you're invited to a long lunch at The Charleston — and to take full advantage of its oyster deal. From midday, the Glebe cottage restaurant lets you order one-buck Sydney rock oysters with the purchase of any drink. It runs until 4pm but, beware, they may sell out before then. Best do an early lunch.
Plenty of music polls have claimed to name the best songs ever made and, whatever they've chosen, they've sparked a heap of debate in the process. It's a tough, tricky and supremely subjective task, of course. But if 'Lick My Love Pump', 'Sex Farm' and 'Hell Hole' isn't on these lists, can you really trust them? If you're a This Is Spinal Tap fan, then no. Come 2024, those tunes just might have some more company — because the team behind the iconic 1984 music mockumentary is getting the band back together. Get ready to spend more time with David St Hubbins (Michael McKean, Better Call Saul), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer, The Simpsons), and Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest, Mascots), aka the loudest, most explosive band in the world — at least according to their original movie outing. If you're new to all things Spinal Tap, the fictional English heavy metal band first debuted on American TV in 1979; however, it was This Is Spinal Tap that made them legends. With this trio, there is indeed a fine line between stupid and clever — and turning it up to 11 is a must. They've reformed IRL a number of times, too, and released albums. As reported by Variety and Deadline, filmmaker Rob Reiner (The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men) is returning to direct this four-decades-later on-screen followup, which'll release in 2024 to mark the OG flick's 40th anniversary. He'll also resume his role on-camera in Spinal Tap II as well, playing fictional filmmaker Marty DiBergi. The plot will follow the band as they reunite yet again to do one last in-film concert. They contractually owe it to their manager, who has passed away but his widow is insistent. This Is Spinal Tap isn't just an 80s comedy gem that everyone needs to see at least once, and actually several times more than that. Every music documentary since for the past four decades has followed in its footsteps, straightforward and satirical alike. Also, Spinal Tap's name has become shorthand for OTT bands who take themselves too seriously. Like all sequels made oh-so-many years later, Spinal Tap II is the kind of film that you'll believe is actually, genuinely, really happening when you're sitting in a cinema watching it, though, and coming up with your own two-word review. Still, best mark March 19, 2024 in your diaries now. And, in the interim, you can check out the trailer for the OG This Is Spinal Tap below: Spinal Tap II is set to release on March 19, 2024. We'll update you with further details when they're announced. Via Variety/Deadline.
Hinchcliff House, the four-storey mega-venue in the heart of Sydney's Circular Quay has become somewhat of its own self-contained drinking and dining destination — now home to Grana, Apollonia (which is on our list of the best bars in Sydney), Bar Mammoni and Lana. The latter is a vibrant Italian restaurant with Asian influences set upstairs within the converted Hinchcliff Wool Stores building. It throws luxury loft vibes with exposed wooden beams and original brickwork throughout. Natural decorative elements are also used for added drama — the striking pink marble bar takes pride of place in the dining room, while large-scale dried flower installations are scattered throughout the space. This provides a fairly cosy background for the casual fine dining experience that Lana has created — which is all about the sharing, set menu format focusing on seafood. You can take it easy, opting for the high-end express lunch that consists of three snacks, a salad and main and Lana's freshly baked house-made focaccia served with a side of black garlic butter — a fab option for a luxe work lunch. But the larger set menus are where Lana really shows off. The classic sharing menu comes with a lineup of snacks, a choice of two different mains and a dessert. And then there's the group menu that consists of 11 dishes for which you're in for a proper feast of small bites and larger offerings: Scallops with grapes and capers, saffron, pork and smoked ragu pasta and whole Murray cod coated in a thick ginger sauce. It's thoroughly modern Italian cooking with a focus on the finest Australian produce. Refreshingly, dietary requirements are fully catered for with any of these menus. The chefs get incredibly creative for the vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free patrons. Ornate dishes are thrown together and presented with just as much love as the usual set menu options — as long as you give them at least 24-hours notice. This customer-first versatility truly helps Lana standout amongst the crowd of Sydney dining venues. That's especially true for the extensive wine list that's almost entirely made up of Australian and Italian drops. There are a number of by-the-glass options alongside a daily 'cracking' — the sommelier will open a few vinos that are usually only available by the bottle, letting diners sample something extra special. Each team at Lana clearly takes great pride in their own craft — be it food, drink or service — making for a highly creative, well-polished yet unpretentious dining experience in the heart of Sydney.
Score a cheeky night out in the Sydney CBD with your mate or partner and enjoy top spots in the city centre on a Friday or Saturday night with this competition. There's still some life to Sydney's nightlife. Down the alleyways off York, Kent and Clarence Streets, between Wynyard and Town Hall train stations, there are hidden bars and secret eateries that make up YCK Laneways. This network of independent bars and restaurants caters to all sorts and offers a delightfully diverse night out in the city centre. [caption id="attachment_952870" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kuro Dining, credit Matthew Wong[/caption] The prize includes a one-night stay on a Friday or Saturday night for two people at Little National Hotel Sydney in the luxe 'big room'. So you can snuggle up to your beau in style or go top to toe (or implement a pillow wall) with your mate. Dinner for two will be served at Kuro Dining with after-dinner cocktails at The Barber Shop. The next morning, you and your plus one will make your way to Cash Only Diner for a late brekkie at its newly launched brunch sitting. [caption id="attachment_960054" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Barber Shop, Credit Cassandra Hannigan[/caption] To win, you simply have to fill out the form below and tell us in 25 words or less what your perfect night in Sydney city includes. Are you a country music lover who makes their way to Jolene's on the regular? Or maybe you love creative cocktails with a touch of theatricality as they serve at PS40. Let us know, and you could be in the running to win the ultimate staycation in Sydney. With dinner, drinks, a hotel stay, and breakfast included, this could be a stellar romantic staycation or an epic overnight city stay with your mate. [competition]970592[/competition]
Napoli Food and Wines is a mega warehouse for all things Italian and it has been serving the Marrickville community for nearly 30 years. The wholesaler is owned by Raffaele Angrisano, who is considered a neighbourhood local legend. The expansive warehouse contains imported goods directly from the motherland (as well as carrying local produce, such as Australian cheese). You can get it all here, from Italian salumi and burrata, bocconcini and fresh mozzarella to imported coffee and olive oil. There's even an entire pizza making section and plenty of pasta, too. In addition to the food, Napoli also carries Italian wines and craft beers, and the deli is currently offering home delivery to boot. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Of Sydney's rapidly developing inner city suburbs, Redfern is one that's changed the most in recent years. The area's main drag, Redfern Street, is almost unrecognisable to what it was five years ago. But, while lots of small bars and fancy cafes have moved in, the history of Redfern hasn't been lost, and neither has the community feel. Redfern locals are understandably passionate about their home and are big believers in buying local. So we've teamed up with American Express to show you where they shop small — whether it's for late-night obscure groceries, homewares or a good bottle of plonk. Shop small at these venues with your Amex Card.
There is only one way to enter the Darlinghurst dive bar, Shady Pines, through a shady-looking warehouse door down a Darlinghurst alley — super chill. As you descend the stairs adjust your eyes to the dark underground haze, stamping one boot on the peanut shells left dishevelled on the ground, and moving the other to the timeless twang of Johnny Cash, you then eye the bartender who is sporting a ten-gallon hat and a grand 'ol 'tashe and order some of the best whiskey in Sydney. Of course, there are other ways to enjoy this Nashville-inspired saloon and by that I mean there are other drinks worth tasting. Try from a range of boutique beers including Coopers Malt and Newcastle Brown then move up to a whiskey sour, or an old-fashioned. In between sips (or chugs) feast on the beer snacks and get comfortable in your bar stool as you let the learned bartenders regale you with stories of the perfect whiskey. If you are willing to try, prices go up to $25 a shot, but it's worth it. If you're more drawn towards a bargain, you're in luck — Shady Pines has a killer daily happy hour. Between 4–6pm, the bar mixes $10 margaritas and negronis and pours $5 wines and beers. The bar's don't-give-a-damn attitude coupled with its staff's expert liquor knowledge makes this a themed bar you will want to keep coming back to. Plus, there's country and Western music on Sundays. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
The Lord Dudley Hotel is a slice of Old Blighty, a mock Tudor-like building situated on Jersey Road — on the corner of a dead end street that leads to the Paddo Bowling Club and the rainforest bowels that rim Trumper Park. Locally known as The Dudders, it is certainly a village drinking hole, located away from the high street bustle of Queen Street and the crisp shirt air of the Woollahra Hotel. And that's not to say you won't find plenty of loafers lined up at the bar of the Dudley, but the point is, it's relaxed. It's the home of the quiet pint. The catch-up. Where conversation is key. Inside The Lord Dudley, a rabbit warren of adjoining rooms awaits. The maroon carpeted floors sink in all the right places, historied hollows ploughed by a steady stream of drinkers. A circular bar connects the main bar to two smaller service areas, including a separate nook for darts. At the rear a lamp-lit, timber-paneled lounge is furnished with booth-style tables, each with seating for four. Australian Modern or English Gastro, the bar fare is somewhere in between. A wide range of light snacks are available together with a choice between a handful of mains. The menu changes regularly although one is mostly guaranteed a sirloin, a salmon or a pie. It's quality food without the fuss and perfect for a hearty Sunday night meal. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
Sometimes in The Whitsundays, sometimes outside the Sydney Opera House, sometimes in the rooftop carpark of a Melbourne Woolworths, thousands of people have disrobed for Spencer Tunick. The New York-based artist stages naked installations in public places that also become nude photography works. He's filled Bondi beach, Federation Square, Munich's Bavarian State Opera, a patch of the Nevada desert and many more places with folks sans clothes, too — and, in both 2023 and 2024, he's turned his attention to Brisbane as well. Tunick first hit the Sunshine State last November for a piece called TIDE by the Brisbane River, which formed part of 2023's queer arts and culture-focused Melt Festival. On a spring Saturday, more than 100 participants shed their attire for the camera by the water. Before that installation even took place, it was revealed that he'd back in 2024 for an installation now called RISING TIDE. It too is part of the same fest, and it also involves another Brisbane landmark: the Story Bridge. [caption id="attachment_973212" align="alignnone" width="1920"] TIDE, Spencer Tunick[/caption] On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the famous river crossing will welcome thousands of naked volunteers. Accordingly, it isn't just traffic that will bring the structure to a standstill this spring. For the shoot, the stretch across the water is closing to cars. If you're keen to get your kit off for the camera — and be part of history — there's no limit to the number of people who can take part. RISING TIDE is just one way to engage with Tunick's art in Brisbane this year, however. The other: the just-announced TIDE Exhibition, featuring images from his debut in the River City. It'll display at Brisbane Powerhouse from Saturday, September 28–Sunday, November 10, also falling into Melt, featuring projected video from the installation. [caption id="attachment_970675" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brisbane, Spencer Tunick[/caption] The TIDE Exhibition marks a few firsts for Tunick as he celebrates 30 years of making his style of art, over which period he's staged more than 100 installations. This is his first-ever Australian exhibition, and it's the first time that his work will be on display for the public. The single-channel video at the heart of the TIDE Exhibition not only includes imagery from the shoot by the Brisbane River, but also stories from participants. "Creating TIDE was a very special experience, and I hope the exhibition will speak to diverse groups of people. It is a privilege to be making art that centres around the LGBTQIA+ community with all its beauty and vibrance," advised Tunick. When RISING TIDE was announced, the artist said that "the series will hopefully speak to diverse groups of people, and everyone navigating their way through the difficult challenges of our current world". "This challenging work on the Story Bridge marks the second in my two-part series in Brisbane scheduled one year apart, in 2023 then 2024. It is the first time I have ever worked on installations with the same institution for an extended two-year project. This will allow me to deeply explore the city, its light, environment and its people." [caption id="attachment_973211" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney, Spencer Tunick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_973210" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Barcelona, Spencer Tunick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gateshead, Newcastle, England by Spencer Tunick.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_874950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dublin, Spencer Tunick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_926442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jay Cull[/caption] Spencer Tunick's TIDE exhibition displays from Saturday, September 28–Sunday, November 10 at Brisbane Powerhouse, 119 Lamington Street, New Farm. Spencer Tunick's 2024 Story Bridge installation RISING TIDE takes place on Sunday, October 27, 2024 during Melt Festival. Head to the festival website to register to take part. Top image: Spencer Tunick.
Think of a New York-set or -shot movie or TV show, and odds are that it probably featured the Waldorf Astoria. Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums filmed there, for one. Sex and the City did as well. Booking in a luxe stay within its stately confines might be high on your travel bucket list as a result — but come 2025, you'll be able to enjoy the Waldorf Astoria experience right here in Australia. Adding to its 30-plus sites around the world — including in Las Vegas, Cancun, Beijing, Berlin, Bangkok and the Maldives, to name a selection of spots — the hotel brand is setting up shop in Sydney in just a few years. Set to tower over Circular Quay, it'll be the Hilton-owned chain's first-ever Aussie location. It'll also join the lineup of six Waldorf Astoria properties in the Asia-Pacific region. [caption id="attachment_849250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel[/caption] So, whether you're Sydneysider now dreaming of an indulgent staycation or you hail from elsewhere but you're always looking for an excuse to visit the New South Wales capital, you'll have a new place to spend a lavish night (or several). And, given the location — at One Circular Quay, 1 Alfred Street — you'll be able to lap up impressive vistas over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while you're there. Now under construction, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will feature 220 rooms — 179 guest rooms and 41 suites — across its 28-floor expanse. Also a huge highlight: two new restaurants, the Waldorf Astoria Spa on level one, and the central gathering space that the brand has dubbed 'Peacock Alley' at its sites around the globe, which'll come complete with the Waldorf Astoria clock. Plus, to truly take advantage of the views, the hotel will also include a rooftop bar — and yes, peering out over the harbour here will be a given. Design-wise, Tokyo-based firm Kengo Kuma & Associates is doing the honours alongside the Sydney-based Crone Architects; expect a luxurious look that'll "artfully blend contemporary living with cutting-edge design," according to the statement announcing the hotel. "As the first Waldorf Astoria property to debut in Australia, Waldorf Astoria Sydney signals Hilton's commitment to expanding our luxury portfolio to the world's most sought-after destinations," said Hilton Chief Brand Officer Matt Schuyler. "Our highly personalised, elegant service and iconic environments are at the heart of every hotel, and we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests in Sydney." Waldorf Astoria Sydney is one of 20 new hotels that the chain is set to open around the globe — so if you get accustomed to the brand's deluxe stays once it opens its doors locally, you'll have plenty of additional sites worldwide to add to your must-visit list. The Waldorf Astoria is due to open at One Circular Quay, 1 Alfred Street, Sydney, sometime in 2025 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Top image: Waldorf Astoria Beijing.
When Andres Walters (The Lobo Plantation, Kittyhawk), partner Gabrielle Walters (Black by Ezard) and mate Daniel Noble (Ramblin' Rascal Tavern, Mojo Record Bar) decided to open a new bar, finding the perfect location turned out to be much easier said than done. But when eye-watering rents fortuitously forced the trio to start looking up, they stumbled upon an unassuming space within a run-down office building — and Old Mate's Place was born. A little tough to find, but well worth the effort, the two-level set-up makes for a charming hideaway, pulling inspiration from the diminutive drinking dens you'll find hidden throughout office blocks in Japan. Inside, the trio has paid homage to the Clarence Street building's "beautiful guts" and its heritage-listed facade. The bar's lower floor calls to mind an old library, complete with stately bookshelves, dapper furnishings and family heirlooms throughout. Foliage creeps in and around the bar like it's been there forever. And now, after opening in September 2018, the bar's secluded — and equally as green — rooftop space is ripe for sinking beers and carefully created cocktails. If you can get there early, nab a spot at the bar or one of the few low tables before the crowds come marching in. While their previous bars might have built reputations on showcasing specific spirits, Old Mate's Place sees Walters and Noble widen the focus, embracing the creative space that comes with celebrating all booze in equal measure. Expect a cocktail list that's broad and oft-changing, spreading plenty of love across a 300-strong back bar selection. To match, the kitchen's currently pumping out four variations of a Philly cheesesteak and a few meats and cheeses. Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney
After seven long years (plus a few additional nail-biting weeks of last-minute delays), the much-anticipated City and Southwest extension of the Sydney Metro has finally opened to the public. The new driverless train system is a cutting-edge wonder, connecting Sydenham with Chatswood in just 22 minutes. At peak hours, trains arrive at each station on this 15.5-kilometre stretch every four minutes. But beyond its game-changing speed, the new Metro line is remarkable for the sheer creativity on display at each station. Every stop has a unique design inspired by its location, both honouring the area's past and heralding a brighter future in a more connected city. Since every station has its own singular identity, we visited all eight and ranked them on the calibre of their design, the convenience offered by their amenities and the ways in which they are revitalising their respective corners of Sydney. Some wow with architectural feats, others deliver exciting culinary adventures and a few are redefining the neighbourhoods they now serve. Here's our definitive ranking of the City and Southwest Line Metro stations. Recommended reads: The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Ocean Pools in Sydney The Best Walks in and Around Sydney The Best Bike Rides in Sydney 8: SYDENHAM The southern end of the line is one of two overground stations on this portion of the Metro (the other being the already-operational Chatswood, north of the harbour). As such, no new station was constructed for Sydenham. Instead, major upgrades were made to the existing infrastructure, adding two new platforms and a new overpass to allow passengers to alight to other overground services. Unlike other stops on the line, the lack of major architectural works has robbed Sydenham of the creative flexes seen at its sister stations. The only hospitality offering to speak of is a single kiosk selling sandwiches, coffee and sweet treats by the main entrance, as well as a handful of vending machines — fine for a local in need of a quick caffeine fix or sugar hit on the morning commute, but certainly not worthy of a journey from elsewhere in the city. 7: CROWS NEST Of the newly constructed stations, Crows Nest has one of the least ambitious designs with a subtly industrial vibe featuring exposed brickwork and rusted perforated panelling. Both the station's exits feature eye-catching artworks by ceramicist Esther Stewart, inspired by the historic facades of heritage-listed buildings in the area, interpreted as vibrant tile collages. While there are currently a handful of local cafes in the vicinity of the station, a major development around the Metro station, Hume Place, is nearing the end of construction and is due to open at the end of spring, 2024. This will include a retail and hospitality precinct as well as affordable housing, so expect to hear about some exciting Crows Nest openings in the coming months. 6: GADIGAL The first thing that strikes you as you disembark at Gadigal is the organic quality of the architecture. The pale stone walls ripple like water, while exposed wooden seating runs the full length of the platform like a freshly felled tree, floating in this vertical lake. Fluidity is carried through in even subtler details, like the gently scooping brass inlays in the cream terrazzo tiles that help guide passengers as they board, and the subtle arch of the earthy bronze ceilings that run the length of the rabbit warren-esque tunnels between platforms. As you ascend the escalators, a vast mosaic artwork — The Underneath, by Callum Morton — dominates the view. Unlike the placid monochrome of the rest of the station, this shock of cartoonish colour offers a visual jolt, preparing travellers for the breakneck pace of the CBD that awaits them. While there is no hospitality offering at this station, its handy location on the edge of Hyde Park and its accomplished design make it a gem in its own right. [caption id="attachment_970829" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maxim Boon[/caption] 5: CENTRAL Plenty of changes have already been made to Australia's busiest train terminal in recent memory, most notably the opening of the vast, 140-metre-long North-South Concourse beneath the existing overland platforms and the impressive new entrance offering easier access to the station from the L3 light rail platforms last May. The new Metro platforms, located beneath the North-South Concourse, have the same sculpted sandstone chevron motif that can be found throughout the newer areas of Central, seamlessly blending these additions to the existing infrastructure. The great depth of the Metro line at this point in the city makes for a dramatic descent on the escalators, which plunge a vertigo-inducing 25-metres. Three new hospitality areas, accessible from the North-South Concourse, are yet to be opened, but travellers can already take advantage of the dining options on the Grand Concourse and along Eddy Avenue. 4: WATERLOO Art plays a pivotal role in the Waterloo terminal's success, making it unquestionably one of the most beautiful stations not just on the new Metro line but anywhere in Australia. A triptych of works created by Nicole Monks, championing the local Wallangang culture — past, present and future — connects the main station concourse to its pavilion-like entrance. The most striking work is a towering portrait of a young Aboriginal dancer painted with traditional ochre, captured in perforated aluminium. A sculptural work titled Community Footprints runs up the wall next to the escalators, featuring hundreds of gold and silver foot prints marking out a dance of graceful, flowing forms. By the main entrance, a lenticular sculpture titled Handwriting by Elders, offers the words "Gadigal" and "Nura", meaning country. In addition to these moving pieces, there are also exhibits of post-colonial artefacts found during the site's excavation, revealing yet another layer of historical depth to this small inner-city suburb. The dining riches of South Everleigh and Surry Hills are just a short distance from Waterloo Station, but a soon-to-be-completed dining and retail precinct just behind the station will put this area on the map as a new culinary powerhouse in the city's Inner South. [caption id="attachment_970486" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maxim Boon[/caption] 3: MARTIN PLACE To wander the so-called Metro "superhub" of Martin Place is to experience something of what it must have been like for ancient travellers to first behold the Great Pyramids of Giza. Ok, that's perhaps overselling it, but this cavernous complex beneath the centre of the city is truly an engineering feat of epic proportions. Buried 25 meters beneath the CBD's streets, the awe-worthy multi-level atrium features 3000 square meters of retail and hospitality space. None of this flush of new venues has opened yet, but once they do, expect to see this station rising to the top of these rankings. In the meantime, passengers can enjoy some of the Metro's most impressive public artworks, including Muru Giligu — a series of dreamy light and music installations brightening one of the station's exitways. 2: BARANGAROO Many of the new stations on the City and Southwest Line are establishing precincts, but few will be able to compete with the sheer natural splendour of the tranquil waterfront gardens at Barangaroo. The station itself is no slouch either. The walls are clad with the same roughly hewn sandstone that makes up the majority of the coastal outcrops around Sydney harbour, adorned with bronze sculptures of leafy wreaths, underlining the connection to the natural world. Outside, not only do the new green spaces finally connect the hospitality hotspots around Crown Towers and Cockle Bay with Barangaroo Reserve, but travellers can also discover a monument to a unique piece of Sydney history — the well-preserved 200-year-old remains of a vessel that was unearthed in November 2018 during the station's construction. It's believed to be the oldest colonial-era Australian-built craft to ever be fully excavated, recorded and raised. [caption id="attachment_970482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] 1: VICTORIA CROSS While this station may not have the immediate visual impact of some of its sister stations, its slick, futuristic design still packs a wallop. Victoria Cross is the first station on the line to have a fully functioning hospitality precinct up and running, offering an exciting glimpse of what Sydneysiders can look forward to as more of these dining destinations come online. From casual bites at Marrickville Porkroll to sit-down feeds at Mary's Burgers, there's plenty to satisfy travellers without ever leaving the station's footprint. Plus, with superb venues like the new Walker Street Precinct, RAFI and Bar Lettera just a stone's throw away, Victoria Cross is further cementing North Sydney as one of the most ascendant culinary hotspots in Sydney right now.
With two stores right in the heart of the city, Sydney Party Warehouse is there to look after the CBD's costume hunters — there's one at 147a King Street and another on the corner of Kent and Liverpool Streets. There's also a megastore in Mascot if that's a little more convenient for you. As well as stocking hundreds of ready-to-go costumes that won't break the bank, the warehouse has all the fancy dress accessories you need to put together your own costume. Pick up a crown and some elaborate jewellery, a wig and stick-on moustache, headpieces, ears, tails, wings, tutus, tattoos and more.
In 1999, two new releases posed the same question: what would happen if a member of the mafia went to see a psychiatrist about his many woes? The first, The Sopranos, changed TV forever. Indeed, it's the show that many people instantly think of whenever they see HBO's famed logo sequence on the small screen. And it also ensured the comedy movie with the same premise, aka Analyse This, would always be seen as the lesser of the two projects. Focusing on New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), and spanning both his professional and personal lives, The Sopranos is the gangster series that all subsequent gangster series want to be — and the weighty, nuanced, compelling and thoughtful drama that paved the way for everything from Six Feet Under and The Shield to Mad Men. The now-late Gandolfini is an absolute powerhouse in the lead role, imbuing Tony with both volatility and vulnerability, as he's paired perfectly with Edie Falco as his wife Carmela
At some point, we all have to realise that we just can't watch every TV show ever made. It's a sad revelation, and it mightn't feel the case after a few years spent at home more often than anyone would've liked, but it's the practical reality. So many streaming platforms to choose from, so many new series hitting each and every one of them all the time — throw in all the regular old television channels, too, and that's every TV fan's current, ongoing, never-ending dilemma. We all have gaps in our viewing as a result. And while it seems like every television program that's ever hit airwaves or the internet is always available all of the time, even the list of shows that you can watch in Australia has gaps, because we don't necessarily get access to everything the moment it lands overseas. With all of that in mind, it's been impossible to watch everything new that's hit the small screen Down Under over the past year — but summer is a great time for catching up. Here are 12 standout series that mightn't have made their way to your streaming queues yet, but you should make a date with as soon as you can. And if you've seen them already, summer is also the perfect time for a rewatch. THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS Here's a great way to know whether a new TV comedy is worth watching: check whether Mindy Kaling is involved. After stealing every scene she could in The Office, then turning The Mindy Project into a smart, funny and adorable rom-com sitcom made with oh-so-much love for the genre, she just keeps adding new shows to her resume as a co-creator, writer and producer. The Sex Lives of College Girls is the latest, and quickly thrives thanks to the kind of savvy, authentic, honest and highly amusing writing that's always been a hallmark of Kaling's work. If you didn't know she was behind it going in, you'd easily guess. It also sports an immensely descriptive title, following four college freshmen — strangers to each other, but now roommates — as they navigate the move from high school to the fictional Essex College in Vermont. Because three movies currently in cinemas starring a member of Chalamet family just isn't enough (aka Dune, The French Dispatch and Don't Look Up), The Sex Lives of College Girls features his Timothée's sister Pauline (The King of Staten Island). She plays Kimberly Finkle, who heads to Essex as valedictorian of her small-town school, is more excited about the classes than the parties, but still wants to have the full college experience. And, she's thrilled to find herself rooming with aspiring comedy writer Bela Malhotra (Amrit Kaur, The D Cut), star soccer player Whitney Chase (first-timer Alyah Chanelle Scott) and the wealthy Leighton Murray (theatre star Reneé Rapp) — even if the latter in particular doesn't initially return the enthusiasm. The quartet's exploits from there navigate all the usual kinds of relatable college antics, but do so with a warm-hearted vibe, a great cast, insightful humour, and a shrewd focus on friendships and figuring out who you want to be. The first season of The Sex Lives of College Girls is available to stream via Binge. THE PURSUIT OF LOVE Bolters and stickers. They're the two labels given to women in The Pursuit of Love, a lavish, effervescent and also impeccably shrewd new three-part miniseries adaptation of Nancy Milford's 1945 novel of the same name. Befitting its source material's timing, the storyline leads into the Second World War, all as chalk-and-cheese cousins Linda Radlett (Lily James, The Dig) and Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham, Little Joe) grow from teens into women — and the former, the impulsive and passionate daughter of a Lord (Dominic West, Stateless) who doesn't believe in educating girls and hates foreigners, chases romance at all costs. Fanny narrates the story, detailing Linda's ups and downs alongside her own. Her own mother (Emily Mortimer, Relic) is purely known as "the Bolter", having left Fanny with her sister (Annabel Mullion, Patrick Melrose) as she too sought love again and again. It's a label that Linda despises when it's applied to her, though. Whether having her eyes opened to the world by her bohemian neighbour (Andrew Scott, His Dark Materials), falling for the first arrogant boy (Freddie Fox, Fanny Lye Deliver'd) she spends any real time with, or later crossing paths with a motivated Communist (James Frecheville, The Dry) and a French duke (Assaad Bouab, Call My Agent!), she does keep leaping forward, however. In contrast, Fanny literally bumps into Oxford academic (Shazad Latif, Profile) and settles into domestic bliss, all while worrying about her cousin. Mortimer also makes her directorial debut with this swiftly engaging look at well-to-do lives, and unpacking of the way women are perceived — and it's the latter, the vivid staging and cinematography, and the vibrant performances that make this a must-see. The Pursuit of Love is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. CALLS Everyone has heard about the response that The War of the Worlds reportedly sparked back in 1938. That's when Orson Welles adapted HG Wells' novel into a radio play, and the result was so convincing that it reportedly incited panic among listeners. Watching Calls, it's easy to understand how. 'Watching' isn't exactly the right term for this mystery series, though. Like all those folks glued to their radios 83 years ago, Calls' audience is forced to listen intently. Indeed, in terms of visuals, the series only provides two types: words transcribing the conversations heard, and abstract visuals that move and shift with each sentence uttered and every suspenseful pause left lingering. Accordingly, focusing on the snippets of phone chats that tell the program's stories is what Calls is all about. Remaking the French show of the same name, and directed by Evil Dead and Don't Breathe's Fede Álvarez, something much more than a small-screen version of a story-fuelled podcast eventuates. A starry cast voices the chats — including everyone from Parks and Recreation duo Aubrey Plaza and Ben Schwartz to Wonder Woman 1984's Pedro Pascal and Zola's Riley Keough — but it's the tension and power of their words that leaves an impression. Each of the nine episodes tells a short story that eventually builds an overall picture, and getting caught up in them all is far easier than the underlying concept might initially make you think. Calls is available to stream via Apple TV+. THIS WAY UP In Britain, This Way Up didn't drop both of its seasons in the same year; however, that's how it panned out for Australian viewers. And, that's a great thing — not only because this smartly written, astute, insightful and delightfully acerbic series about London-based Irish siblings Áine (Aisling Bea, Living With Yourself) and Shona (Sharon Horgan, Catastrophe) keeps viewers hooked episode after episode, but because binging your way through it immerses you wholeheartedly in their chaotic lives and headspace. As the first season establishes, English teacher Áine is riding the ups and downs of a mental health journey that saw her spend some time receiving in-patient treatment, and has left Shona, the high-powered overachiever of the pair, perennially worried. Even as COVID-19 approaches and begins to affect their lives in the second season, that dynamic is still in place. But Áine is now embarking upon a relationship with Richard (Tobias Menzies, The Crown), the father of a French boy (Dorian Grover, The White Princess) she tutors, all while trying to hide it from her bosses and said kid. Shona is the least-fussed bride-to-be there is as she prepares to get married to her long-term boyfriend and ex-colleague Vish (Aasif Mandvi, Evil), and also navigates more than a little awkwardness with her friend and new business partner Charlotte (Indira Varma, Official Secrets). The heart of this series is the push and pull between this sisters, and how they try to weather everything that life throws their way — and it remains firmly intact across its full run so far. The first and second seasons of This Way Up are available to stream via Stan. THE NORTH WATER When ex-army surgeon Patrick Sumner (Jack O'Connell, Seberg) secures a gig on a whaling expedition to the Arctic working as the ship's doctor, he's clearly running from something. His new colleagues are instantly suspicious of his story, bloodthirsty harpooner Henry Drax (Colin Farrell, Voyagers) among them — although Captain Brownlee (Stephen Graham, Venom: Let There Be Carnage) and whaling company owner Baxter (Tom Courtenay, Summerland) are mostly just happy for his cheap services. That's the setup for The North Water, the 19th-century-set, five-part miniseries that takes to the seas, to the cold and to a brutal world, and proves grimly mesmerising with its Moby Dick-meets-Heart of Darkness vibes. Charting a survivalist tale not just of the physical kind amid all that unforgiving ice (and on those treacherous waters), but also of the emotional and mental variety as well, this is one of the most relentlessly intense shows to hit screens in 2021 — and it's also gripping from start to finish. The first episode sets the scene in a slow-burn fashion, culminating in sights so searing they're impossible to forget — and the story, as well as the vast chasm between Sumner and Drax, only grows from there. Writer/director Andrew Haigh adapts Ian McGuire's novel of the same name, but this series has the Weekend, 45 Years and Lean on Pete filmmaker's stamp all over it. He finds as much empathy here as he has throughout his stellar big-screen projects, and once again demonstrates his extraordinary eye for detail, exceptional sense of place and winning way with actors. With the latter, having O'Connell and Farrell lead the charge obviously helps. They're not only reliably phenomenal; they each put in some of their best-ever work, and their performances seethe with complexity. So does the entire miniseries, which is never willing to pose easy answers or provide straightforward interpretations when ruminating over the minutiae is much more riveting, fascinating and realistic. The North Water is available to stream via Binge. PHYSICAL On a typical early-80s day, San Diego housewife Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne, Irresistible) will make breakfast for her professor husband Danny (Rory Scovel, I Feel Pretty), take their daughter to school, then run errands. She'll also buy three fast food meals, book into a motel, eat them all naked, then purge. Physical can be bleak — about the pain festering inside its bitterly unhappy protagonist, her constantly fraying mental health, the smile she's forced to plaster across her face as she soldiers on, and her excoriating options of herself — but it also finds a rich vein of dark comedy in Sheila's efforts to change her life through aerobics. Add the series to the list of 80s-set shows about women getting sick of being cast aside, breaking free of their societally enforced roles and jumping into something active. GLOW did it. On Becoming a God in Central Florida did, too. And now those two excellent series have a kindred spirit in this sharp, compelling and often brutally candid show. Byrne is a force to be reckoned with here, in one of her best performances in some time (and a reminder that in everything from Heartbreak High to Damages and Mrs America, she's always done well on TV). Also entrancing, engaging and difficult to forget: Physical's desperate-but-determined tone, and the way it seethes with tension beneath the spandex, sequins and sunny beach shots. The first season of Physical is available to stream via Apple TV+. MADE FOR LOVE When author Alissa Nutting penned Made for Love, no one needed to think too hard about her source of inspiration. Now bringing its tale to the small screen courtesy of the series of the same name, her story ponders one of the possible next steps in our technology-saturated lives. Hazel Green-Gogol (Cristin Milioti, Palm Springs) seems to live a lavishly and happily with her tech billionaire husband Byron (Billy Magnussen, No Time to Die). They haven't left his company's desert campus in the entire ten years they've been married, in fact. The site is designed to cater for their every desire and whim, so they shouldn't need to go anywhere else — or that's how Byron views things, at least. Then his next big idea looks set to become a reality, and Hazel decides that she can't keep up the charade. She certainly doesn't want to be implanted with a chip that'll allow Byron to see through her eyes, access her feelings and always know where she is, and she's willing to take drastic actions to escape his hold over her life. Bringing the plot to the screen herself, Nutting favours a darkly comedic and sharply satirical vibe as she follows Hazel's quest for freedom, with Made for Love filled with blisteringly accurate insights into the tech-dependence that's become a regular part of 21st century existence. That said, the series wouldn't be the gem it is without Milioti, as well as Ray Romano (The Irishman) in a scene-stealing supporting part as Hazel's father. The first season of Made for Love is available to stream via Stan. THE VIRTUES Director and screenwriter Shane Meadows has a fantastic track record, spanning everything from Dead Man's Shoes to This Is England — as well as the multiple TV shows inspired by the latter. Fellow screenwriter Jack Thorne is no stranger to working with Meadows, also thanks to the This Is England franchise; however his individual resume includes Dirt Music, Radioactive, The Secret Garden, Enola Holmes, The Eddy and His Dark Materials over just the past couple of years. So, the pair's involvement in The Virtues immediately marks it as a miniseries to watch. So does its star Stephen Graham, yet another veteran of This Is England. Here, all three combine for a four-part drama that's bleak, raw, frank and devastating — and, once you've started watching, it's also impossible to tear your eyes away from until the credits roll on the final episode. After it finishes, it's downright impossible to forget, in fact, a claim that can't be made of most television shows. Graham plays Joseph, a labourer who's barely getting by. When his ex-partner and his young son move to Australia, he hits the bottle, has a big night, and wakes up certain that he has to head back to Ireland and confront his troubled past. So starts an emotional journey that's never easy — not for a single second — but is also never anything less than astounding. The Virtues is available to stream via Stan. INVINCIBLE If you've ever shopped for a specific item on Amazon and found multiple similar versions of the same thing, then you already know what it can be like to dive into Amazon Prime Video's streaming catalogue. Many of its new additions instantly bring other shows in its catalogue to mind by sharing and mimicking elements, and Invincible follows that trend. At first, it'll have you thinking about The Boys. Next, you'll start recalling Undone. Those two series mightn't seem like a natural fit, but the combination of superheroes and existential malaise works well here. Animated like the latter, but willing to get bleak and dark with caped crusaders as the former does repeatedly, Invincible focuses on Mark Grayson (voiced by newly minted Oscar nominee Steven Yeun, Minari). The 17-year-old son of the well-known Omni-Man (J Simmons, Palm Springs), he's been waiting for his own powers to kick in — and, when they do, he's forced to grapple with exactly what that means. Among the star-studded cast, Sandra Oh (The Chair), Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Mahershala Ali (Green Book) all lend their vocal tones. Off-screen, The Walking Dead co-creator Robert Kirkman is responsible for not only doing the same with the Invincible comic book, but with the series. What lingers most here is the mood, though, with the show at its best when it's getting contemplative and introspective with its teen protagonist. The first season of Invincible is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. LOS ESPOOKYS It has taken almost two years for the delight that is Los Espookys to reach Australian screens — and it'll take you less than three hours to binge its six-episode first season. This HBO comedy is both worth the wait and worth devouring as quickly as possible, though. The setup: horror aficionado Renaldo (Bernardo Velasco, Museo) wants to turn his obsession into his profession, so he starts staging eerie scenarios for paying customers, enlisting his best friend Andrés (Julio Torres, Shrill), pal Úrsula (Cassandra Ciangherotti, Ready to Mingle) and the latter's sister Tati (Ana Fabrega, At Home with Amy Sedaris) to help. Torres and Fabrega co-created the show with Portlandia and Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen, who also pops up as Renaldo's parking valet uncle. This mostly Spanish-language series only uses its biggest name sparingly, however, because its key cast members own every moment. Following the titular group's exploits as they attempt to ply their trade, and to weave it into their otherwise chaotic lives, Los Espookys always manages to be both sidesplittingly hilarious and so meticulous in its horror references that it's almost uncanny. There's nothing on-screen quite like it and, thankfully, it has already been renewed for a second season. The first season of Los Espookys is available to stream via Binge. MR MAYOR Here are five of the most glorious words you're ever likely to read: Ted Danson plays the mayor. The sitcom stalwart (see also: Cheers, Becker, Bored to Death and Curb Your Enthusiasm) has hopped from The Good Place into Mr Mayor, actually, and into the latest TV comedy created and/or produced by Tina Fey. Fans of the latter's other shows — 30 Rock, obviously, and also Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Great News and Girls5Eva — will know the sense of humour her series tend to work with, and it's a fabulous match for Danson. So too is Mr Mayor's setup, which sees a wealthy, clueless but amiable businessman decide he can improve a post-COVID-19 Los Angeles, and get elected. Firmly a workplace comedy, the series chronicles the ups and downs in the mayor's office as Danson's Neil Bremer tries to do a job he clearly isn't qualified for. Naturally, with the arrogance of a rich, white and otherwise successful man of a certain age, he believes otherwise. Mr Mayor is firmly an ensemble comedy as well, however, and both Holly Hunter (Succession) and Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live) are comedic gems as Bremer's over-enthusiastic deputy mayor and bumbling communications director, respectively. The series is a tad less successful when it endeavours to be a family comedy, too, bringing the mayor's teenage daughter Orly (Kyla Kenedy, Speechless) into the mix. But when its gags land — and whenever Danson and Hunter share the screen, which is often — it's smart, hilarious and all-too-easy to binge. The first season of Mr Mayor is available to stream via 9Now. SPREADSHEET When Katherine Parkinson starred in The IT Crowd 15 years ago, she played a woman trying to exude a cool, calm and collected air, but constantly finding her life — and her new job in IT — hindering that aim. In Spreadsheet, her new sitcom role, Parkinson's latest character isn't attempting the same feat. Instead, freshly divorced Melbourne-based lawyer and mother-of-two Lauren has has accepted that her existence is now messy; however, having a spreadsheet to keep track of her revamped love life is meant to help. Embracing being single, and all the opportunities for casual hookups that apps now bring, she isn't looking for a relationship. She even has her colleague Alex (Rowan Witt, Adore) helping to maintain her fast-growing database of sexual options. But this clearly wouldn't be a comedy if her new status quo turned out smoothly and stress-free. As this new Australian sitcom knows and keenly relies upon, there's a breeziness to Parkinson's comic performances that hits both humorous and relatable notes. Indeed, the British actor is the key reason that Spreadsheet's eight-episode first season is so incredibly easy to binge. Whether Lauren is being introduced in the throes of pleasure in the car park outside the Palais Theatre, is getting intimate in a snake dungeon or sports an eye patch after a run-in with a cuckoo clock, Parkinson is a comedic whirlwind. In a series that approaches its 'sex in the suburbs' setup with smarts and insights, too, she's also surrounded by an impressive local cast that includes Witt, Stephen Curry (June Again), Katrina Milosevic (Wentworth) and Zahra Newman (Long Story Short). The first season of Spreadsheet is available to stream via Paramount+.
As a kid, your checklist for treehouse essentials would have likely included a tin can telephone and a retractable ladder to keep out those awful adults. And while you may have thought that as you matured your treehouse ambitions would diminish, the opposite is true. While once you would have been content with a setup that rivalled that of Bart Simpson or the Stand by Me crew, as an adult you expect to be perched among the treetops with all the creature comforts of a high-end hotel. Lucky for us, there are adults in Australia who have let their imaginations run wild, and they've put their own dream treehouses up for rent. SECRET TREEHOUSE When your treehouse rivals that dreamt up by Walt Disney, arguably the forefather of imagination, you know you've got a winner. More specifically, winner of Airbnb's best place to stay on the planet in 2016. Perched above the treetops overlooking 600 acres of world heritage Blue Mountains bushland, Love Cabins' Secret Treehouse is one of the only places where nature is better enjoyed from indoors. Floor to ceiling windows allow for uninterrupted views of the rainforest from the comfort of your bed, when curled up in front of the fire or while enjoying a wine on the balcony. Not just there for show, the branches intersecting the room have a real structural role to play, making this the truest incarnation of a treehouse since the handy work of the Swiss Family Robinson themselves. It's seasonally sound too, as one of our go-to cabins for winter. SILKY OAKS LODGE Giving the actual rainforest a run for its money, Silky Oaks Lodge is about as lush as it gets — with a price tag to match. Built on the banks of the Mossman River in the Daintree National Park, the rooms at Silky Oaks are the epitome of jungle luxury. All rooms are surrounded by rainforest, but the cream of the crop are the Billabong Suites which look out across the river. Spoilt for choice, if you stay in the Billabong Suite you can enjoy river views from either a hammock or a day bed. And if peace and tranquility does grow tiresome, you can always move to the marble ensuite to soak in a spa bath or rinse off in the rain shower. With rosewood and silky oak timber featuring predominantly throughout the rooms, the beauty of the Daintree extends from the outside in. CANOPY TREEHOUSES On the banks of the Ithaca River in tropical North Queensland you'll find five treehouses that come close to blending into the rainforest canopy. Surrounded by lush rainforest you'll feel completely secluded. That is, until the therapist arrives to give you a private in-house bamboo massage, foot therapy or facial. And if there's such a thing as your average treehouse, this is larger than most, boasting two bedrooms, a full kitchen, spa bath, balcony, barbecue and hammock. This is the kind of place you would visit with friends only to sit in silence staring out over the treetops. GIRAFFE TREEHOUSES While not the true definition of a treehouse, the fact that you're high up enough for a giraffe to tuck their head over your balcony for a feed makes this worthy of a mention. And when Humbekhali, the resident giraffe at Jamala Wildlife Lodge has had his fill, you can kick back on the balcony and watch him galavant around his enclosure, wine in hand. If hand-feeding a giraffe wasn't special enough, the generally African-inspired accommodation will have you feeling like you're on a high-end safari. The kind where you have a bathtub, TV and a king-size four-poster bed. And here's a sentence you've likely never heard before, "Please join us in the cave for some pre-dinner drinks with our exotic residents". DAINTREE JUNGLE HOUSE Deep inside the world's oldest rainforest you'll find the Daintree Jungle House. Built three metres up in the rainforest canopy, you stay here because you have a sense of adventure and want to feel like you're cut off from the rest of the world — even though in reality there's a boat that leaves twice daily for a snorkel tour of the Great Barrier Reef at the end of the street. Facilities are basic so you'll be using a compost toilet and a hot outdoor shower, but it's not the creature comforts you came for. The two-storey open design houses a bed, hammocks, a breakfast bar and basic kitchen facilities, but on the other side of those walls is an acre of rainforest to explore. There's a freshwater creek right next to the Jungle House that you can swim in and an abundance of wildlife to keep you company. This is a taste of true(ish) jungle life. NOTABLE AIRBNB OPTIONS This one in Main Arm, NSW. This one in Musk, Victoria.
Randwick has a new kid on the block. Taking its name from the opening lines of Hunter S. Thompson's cult classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Bat Country adds a touch of cool to The Spot's bustling hub of tapas and Thai restaurants. Opposite the beloved, golden-age Ritz Cinema, this sharp new drinking hole brands itself as a local's bar, aiming to create an atmosphere that bridges the gap between restaurant and watering hole. Or, as owner Collin Perillo puts it, "the kind of place where Raoul Duke would go to write copy." The decor of the raw brick interior reeks of Beat Generation swagger. Wander through and you'll find a cluster of cosy booths and a sweet little nook by the kitchen that feels just like hanging out in your grandma's living room. There's also a spread of '60s Americana paraphernalia and some kickass antler chandeliers. The overall effect is a stylishly outdated but authentic atmosphere. It's also refreshing not to be overpowered by the music. Looping through the likes of Johnny Cash and the Rolling Stones (testament to a committed theme), this small bar has achieved the perfect balance of tunes and chatter. Bat Country offers a tight cocktail list of innovative concoctions, served by very competent bartenders in Hawaiian shirts (if you're lucky). From the happy-go-lucky Junkie George Fizz (Wild Turkey Bourbon, honey, orange and mint, $16) to the slightly formidable-sounding God's Own Prototype (Havana 7 year rum, Chartreuse, Maraschino, lemon, Angostura, $16), there's a bright array of sweet and sour that will tickle your tastebuds well into the night. Also, The Best Drink in the World (Flor de Cana Extra Dry Rum, lime, sugar, $18) is bound to strike your attention. Whether it is or not is disputable, though it's darn refreshing. Onto beer. There's a steady flow of Young Henrys on tap, a handful of craft brews from Western Australia, and a hearty Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA ($11), which is probably kingpin of the beer list. Bat Country also caters a luscious range of tasty share plates, such as the Bloody Chunk'a Rump ($15), served strictly medium rare. Or, if you're hankering for a seafood fix, Kitchen Chef Tim's Salt and Pepper Squid with wasabi mayo and dressed greens ($16.50) is sure to sort you out. This nifty addition offers a friendly and relaxed vibe. It's a much-needed diversification of The Spot's dining scene, and it's already a buzzing success. Swing by around 8pm on a Friday or Saturday, and you'll struggle to get a seat. It is a touch pricey, which may not fly with the student demographic, but you get what you pay for. On the whole, Bat Country is bound to make you feel like a local. Here's hoping it's the leader in a burgeoning Randwick bar scene.
If you're scouting for a tranquil spot to enjoy a relaxing coffee, Jezve Coffee in Lyne Park is the perfect escape. Embracing Rose Bay's vibrant waterside culture, the cafe showcases exquisite harbour views, surrounded by the serenity of Lyne Park and the bay. [caption id="attachment_779895" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yaya Stempler[/caption] Having opened in 2016, the cafe is the place to come for an authentic Turkish coffee experience — a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. Grab your coffee or a fresh juice to go and take a walk along the water, or settle in at one of the outdoor tables for a lazy breakfast. Here, typical cafe favourites are given a Turkish twist, so you can enjoy smashed avo topped with sumac, dukkah and pomegranate dressing or poached eggs with garlic yoghurt, baby spinach, sujuk and chilli butter. Images: Yaya Stempler
Australia's human history makes for a dense history book, filled with highs and lows from tens of thousands of years of culture, war and identity recorded in words and stories alike. But what about the history before then? The millions of years that only survive by etchings and impressions in the rock? Australia's prehistoric past is filled with creatures you wouldn't believe, and they're the stars of the show in the first-ever Queensland Dinosaur Week. Queensland is home to many of Australia's paleontology sites, and a lot of what we know about the giants of the ancient land, seas and skies of our country comes from the dirt and stones of the north. So, to expand on the already-existing National Dinosaur Day, Dinosaur Experiences Australia is inviting Aussies to explore that history in full over the course of a week, Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10. Throughout the week, events will be hosted at museums, science centres and dig sites across the state, welcoming experts from the Australian paleontology community to share their knowledge of Australia's ancient history and its ongoing impact on us today. Choose from events like Dinosaurs After Dark at QLD Museum Kurilpa and seeing Australia's most important fossil finds in person — you can also venture into the outback and see the biggest bones in Australian history or become a volunteer fossil preparator to handle and prepare fossils (under supervision, of course). If you prefer a more choose-your-own-adventure-style itinerary, you can browse a number of pre-prepared road trip itineraries to visit Queensland's biggest and best fossil sites and most famous discoveries — such as the big seven. These fossils chart Queensland's history from the ancient Eromanga sea to coastal floodplains and ice-age riverlands that giant mammals and birds called home before humans hunted them to extinction. The legendary finds, scattered everywhere from Mt Isa to Eromanga, are among the largest and most fearsome animals ever to exist in the world, let alone Australia. They include Banjo, the most complete Australovenator (a vicious carnivore) to ever be discovered, Cooper the Australotitan, one of the biggest animals of all time, Krono, the killer king of Australia's Cretaceous-era seas, and the so-called demon ducks, giant flightless birds that lived just before the ice age. Whether you're planning on attending one of the many events or designing your own prehistoric adventure, Karen Hanna Miller, Executive Officer of Dinosaur Experiences Australia, says you'll see that "Queensland's fossil story is not complete. Every season, new finds reshape our understanding of ancient ecosystems and evolutionary changes. Visitors are not just observing history, they are stepping into a landscape where science is still unfolding." And as Dr Scott Hocknull, Principal Research Fellow in Applied Palaeontology & Palaeotourism at CQUniversity puts it, "When most Australians think of dinosaurs, they picture Hollywood blockbusters or far-flung fossil fields overseas. But if you want to stand where giants actually walked — or swam — you don't need a passport." Queensland Dinosaur Week runs from Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10. For more information, visit the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: supplied
It's taken a little longer than expected, but René Redzepi's world-renowned Noma finally has a return date and is about to start taking bookings. After shutting the doors of its two-Michelin star Copenhagen restaurant early this year, the acclaimed chef was due to reopen it next month in new digs, until construction hit a wall — literally, an ancient stone wall found buried below the building site. Now with things back on track — and fresh from auctioning off their old furniture and fixtures — lunch and dinner reservations to Noma 2.0 will open from 4pm November 16. That's at 2am next Friday, November 17 if you're on Australian east coast daylight saving time, with bookings taken for visits between February 15 and April 29 next year. This will mark the first of the 40-seater's three annual menus, as the restaurant moves to strengthen its focus on seasonality. These first, cooler winter months will feature a celebration of Scandinavian seafood across each meticulous dish, followed by a vegetable season starring produce from the on-site urban garden, and a game and forest season which runs from early fall through to January 2019. Of course, it doesn't come cheap — the degustation menu clocks in at DKK 2,250 per head (currently about AUD $460) and you'll need to prepay when you book. Noma's highlighted this 12 percent price hike as a way of giving their staff a better quality of life. That said, the restaurant's also reserving 10 percent of its seats each night for students with a valid student ID, who can jump on a waiting list to enjoy the menu for just DKK 1,000 (AUD $205). Noma's booking link is set to go live at 2am next Friday, November 17 AEDT. In the meantime, check out the reservation guidelines here.
The vibrant suburbs of Balmain and Rozelle stand out as some of Sydney's most captivating and dynamic locales, a short ferry ride or light rail jaunt from the Harbour City's CBD. The area boasts an array of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants in quaint Victorian-era buildings. Once humble blue-collar neighbourhoods, the suburbs have transformed into stylish hubs that entice residents, locals and tourists alike. Together with Balmain Rozelle Chamber of Commerce, we've curated this guide so you can make the most out of these suburbs in Sydney's inner west from day to night. Read on to discover some of our go-to spots to visit in Rozelle during the day, then flick the switch above, and we'll dim the lights to show the top spots to check out in Balmain once the sun starts to dip.
A cafe, restaurant and bar, Oceans Narrabeen is a local's favourite located directly across from the beach. Serving Allpress Espresso, you can pick up your morning coffee before hitting the waves. After your swim, grab a wrap loaded with home-made baked beans, avocado, bacon, spinach and a fried egg or refuel with an açai bowl topped with granola, nuts and fresh fruit. For lunch and dinner there's plenty to choose from including fresh seafood, juicy burgers, tacos, salads and sticky ribs, too. If you're feeling thirsty, the cocktails are not to be missed — our picks are the Oceans' signature espresso martini and lychee and mint Bellini. Head to Oceans with friends to catch live music and a few beers. And, be sure to check their socials for seasonal specials, upcoming events and weekly deals. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
If ever there was a time to treat yourself to a vacation, it's now, and you'll still find scores of memorable holiday destinations located in New Zealand. No long-haul flight required. What's more, if you're after a true break from reality, New Zealand is brimming with unique stays that'll transport you blissfully far from your everyday. Indulge in a few nights in a leafy treehouse, a beautifully restored truck perched right on the bay, or even a mountaintop cabin with views for days. Here, we've taken care of the hard bit and pulled together 15 of the most unique stays you can book in New Zealand. Pick your favourite, pack those bags and embark on a holiday that's worth writing home about. Recommended reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in New Zealand The Best Places to Go Glamping in Australia Ten of the Most Luxurious Waterfront Stays You Can Book in Auckland The Most Unique Stays with Breathtaking Views of New Zealand's South Island Glamcamping, Whananaki A secluded waterfront cabin and campsite set among untouched wilderness, with hiking trails, clear blue ocean and private sandy beaches right on its doorstep. From $148 a night, sleeps six. The Grove Farm Stay, Thornton With features like a hot tub and king size bed, this comfy yurt makes for an idyllic farm stay. All just metres from the beach. From $276 a night, sleeps four. Mud Hut at Welcome Rock Trails, Garston Dose up on serenity at this rustic high-country hikers' hut, kitted out with a cosy fireplace, outdoor tub and some of the best views going around. From $125 a night, sleeps four. Fairytale Treehouse, Whangarei Your own magical treehouse escape, complete with cosy interiors, leafy wraparound deck and 28 lush acres to explore at your leisure. From $290 a night, sleeps two. The Amazing House Truck, Wainui Bay This former truck has been transformed into a comfy bayside getaway, complete with a woodfire and outdoor bath. Spend your days swimming, hiking or soaking up those views. From $237 a night, sleeps four. The Mudcastle, Nelson Fancy holidaying like royalty? Try this picturesque castle retreat, complete with fairytale features, a private pool and sweeping countryside views. From $1336 a night, sleeps 16. Alpine Cube, Ben Ohau Check out of reality and into this architecturally designed nature cabin, featuring zero wi-fi, a luxe open air spa and all the tranquility you could dream of. From $498 a night, sleeps two. Blackpool House, Auckland This contemporary couples' retreat boasts a lush, leafy setting, with stunning architecture, a cosy mezzanine library nook and a sun-drenched deck that's primed for relaxing. From $390 a night, sleeps two. Warm Cosy Yurt, Motueka Valley Al fresco drinks among the treetops and stargazing through the rooftop skylight — enjoy it all at this kitted-out yurt overlooking the Motueka River. From $122 a night, sleeps three. Rocky Point Hut, Pepin Island A tranquil hideaway for two with an outdoor tub offering epic panoramas, this clifftop hut is the stuff of holiday dreams. From $219 a night, sleeps two. The Treehouse, Waiheke Island Hidden among the treetops, this contemporary cabin will charm you with its romantic loft bedroom, leafy gardens and blissful outdoor spa. From $292 a night, sleeps four. Woodpecker Bay Bach, Punakaiki Wake to the sound of crashing waves at this quaint beachfront stay. It's rocking a charmingly kitsch style and a bathtub with views to swoon over. From $226 a night, sleeps two. Away Treehouse, Auckland Blissful treehouse vibes abound at this secluded forest retreat. Unplug and recharge, while enjoying the cosy wood fire, outdoor spa and peaceful treetop setting. From $438 a night, sleeps two. Kauri Forest Chalet, Auckland In the heart of the bush, this secluded chalet makes for a tranquil couples' escape. Hiking trails abound and the beach is just a short drive away. From $180 a night, sleeps two. Te Kouma Heights Glamping, Manaia Find luxury off the grid in this tent for two with endless ocean and farmland views. Enjoy fully equipped solar power, a king bed and two claw-foot outdoor tubs facing the glittering Coromandel Harbour. From $332 a night, sleeps two. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: courtesy of Airbnb.
One of Sydney's most storied dining spaces has officially entered the next stage of its life, with 134A Glebe Point Rd — previously home to pioneering farm-to-table eatery Darling Mills, an Indian restaurant and moody cocktail lounge Becketts — now reborn as Darling Glebe. A labour of love for its creators, the subterranean space is now divided into a martini bar just past the entrance, a main dining room, an omakase-style chef's table and two private dining spaces, including one with a purpose-built wine cave that can hold up to 2800 bottles. There's a distinct heritage feel throughout, thanks to convict-cut sandstone blocks that meet vaulted ceilings and brick sourced from the remains of Edmund Blackett's original St John's Church. But that doesn't mean it's dusty and aged — those surfaces combine with a polished floor, velvet-wrapped colonnades, silk Hermès scarves and vintage cut-crystal and hand-etched glass detailing. It's the physical manifestation of the influences for Chef and Restaurateur Jeff Schroeter, a Riverina native whose CV spans The Savoy in London, Manhattan's Royalton Hotel, Sydney institutions Bistro Moncur and Bayswater Brasserie (and a stint as a co-owner for the site's previous life as Beckett's), as well as cooking for high-profile figures including Queen Elizabeth II and Madonna. The menu is rooted in the tradition of classic French brasseries, with signatures including a revived 130-year-old oyster Rockefeller recipe, escargot en cocotte with a puff pastry lid (essentially, a gloriously buttery escargot pie), foie gras with poached strawberries (born from a delicious kitchen accident) and duck à l'orange with zingy Archie Rose Sunrise Lime gin and orange kumquat glaze. Save room for desserts such as Little Marionette coffee crème brûlée and chocolate fondant with burnt honey cream and chocolate shavings. Schroeter has also assembled a top-shelf operations team, with two-time Diageo World Class Australian Bartender of the Year Charlie Ainsbury overseeing the drinks program and Sarah Biswas (Odd Culture Group, Restaurant Hubert, Banksii) stepping in as venue manager. In a nod to the site's origins, Schroeter sources produce from Darling Mills Farm — the still-thriving property owned and run by the Adey family, Darling Mills' founders — and plans to revisit elements from their decades-old recipe book, reinterpreting dishes that once put the venue on the map. "The room has always told me what it wants me to serve," says Schroeter. "I'm just here to listen." Top images: Christopher Pearce.
There's a reason why punters pack the pavement outside Marly Bar — aka The Marlborough Hotel — on a Saturday night. The popular pub has three level, so you can hit the dance floor and see live DJs, catch a local band, or grab a drink and enjoy the bustling atmosphere. Marly Bar is open until 4am from every night except Sunday, making it the perfect spot if your date is heading in the party direction. Need to soak up some of the alcohol? Marly's restaurant, Fat Belly Jack's, serves up juicy burgers until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Want to spice up the evening? Do the hot wing challenge together for just $20. Images: Cassandra Hannagan.
