Say 'wanna play a board game?' in Australia and most people usually mind-glance over their childhood bookshelf stack of Monopoly, Risk and Pictionary. Maybe there are a few awkward memories or some vague association with being a terrible strategist. Those feelings can be discarded because we're adults now, we can play whatever board games we want, wherever we want and we can drink while we do it. There are few things more enjoyable during an Antarctic vortex than huddling over a crisp pale ale and board game in a warm pub. THE LORD DUDLEY HOTEL This thirty-five-year-old family-run pub looks like it's been transported from an English country street corner. Inside it's similarly unpretentious; there's an old timber bar circled with puffy green stools, a fireplace and a herd of pillowy couches that look like they've been aged to perfectly match the human posterior. Look around the lounge for sets of Scrabble and Connect Four and behind the counter for a Young Henrys natural ale and a wagyu beef pie. 236 Jersey Road, Woollahra, 9327 5399, www.lorddudley.com.au THE LITTLE GUY It's almost as small as the name makes out. Get there early and secure one of the back rooms before it's completely inundated with Glebians. Once your couch and tabletop have been conquered, delve into the bar's extensive and well-researched craft beer list. If you want to go for something local, try Port Mac's Wicked Elf. If you haven't brought your own fancy games, grab Balderdash from the house stack, it's rather silly. 87 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, 8084 0758, www.thelittleguy.com.au BITTER PHEW If your favourite board game is Risk or Monopoly, then Bitter Phew is the pub for you. Not because it stocks Monopoly or Risk, but because every Monday the bar brings an incredible range of amazing board games that people who enjoy Monopoly or Risk have never played. Let's just say if Top Gun was the only movie you'd ever seen, it would be your favourite movie. Along with having an enviable cast of craft beers, you can also supplement your board game enlightenment with Griffin Jerky or a portly masterpiece delivered from Mr Crackles. 1/137 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, www.bitterphew.com AUSTRALIAN YOUTH HOTEL Upstairs is what they call the Nude Room, a historical tip of the hat to the brothel that once operated there. It's a whole lounge of velvet seats all enveloped by a wall-spanning collection of vintage nude art. It's like being in a sexy aquarium; you can enjoy all the captured sexiness without ever having to dive in. Where else would you rather play board games? We recommend bringing two things to the fireside tables: a beer, preferably a White Rabbit dark ale, and some board games — the house lot are missing some vitals. 63 Bay St, Glebe, 9692 0414, www.australianyouthhotel.com.au THE HENSON Marrickville's shrine to gentrification isn't harbouring a good selection of board games; in fact it's hardly harbouring any at all. What it does have is ample space, great pub food and an atmosphere that would welcome both a quiet game of cards and riotous friendship breaking campaign of Cattan. Also, depending how liberally you classify the board half of board games, you can take part in the pub's Tuesday dart competitions. 91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville, 9569 5858, www.thehenson.com.au VENUE 505 Every Monday at 505 has two things: impromptu jazz jams and board games (a combination we'd like to see much more of). The artist-run venue unsurprisingly does both elements well. The jam sessions often include hugely talented interstate and international musicians and the in-house board game selection is large and good quality. If the small venue's range of craft beers hasn't distracted you from crafting a perfect solo strategy, get a boozy affogato to steer it home. 280 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, www.venue505.com DUCK INN PUB AND KITCHEN The Duck Inn is one of the most un-pub feeling pubs we've ever seen. It's somewhere between a well-financed club house and an artful home. That's what makes it such a nice place to balance a Jenga stack (they once ran a month-long Jenga tower comp) or to rearrange a jumble of letters on a Scrabble stand. 74 Rose Street, Chippendale, 9319 4415, www.theduckinnpubandkitchen.com SPAWN POINT SMALL BAR Spawn Point Bar doesn't have many board games (just Cards Against Humanity and Adventure Time-themed Monopoly) but we felt like it needed to be included in this list for the simple reason of its magnificent nerdiness. We mean that in the most sincere and flattering way. We love that you have almost all of the Nintendo gaming systems, we love that you stock Sonic 1 and 2 and we love that we can drink Peronis, James Squires and themed cocktails while we play. Basement, 199 Clarence Street, Sydney, www.spawnpoint.com.au Top image: thebarrowboy - Flickr CC.
Located in the heart of the bustling CBD, Machiavelli Ristorante dates back to 1988, and focuses on brining the finest and freshest ingredients to its menu, while choosing organic whenever possible. Head chef Laurent Cambon has been at the helm since 1994, drawing from his experience working at Paris classics such as L'Arpege and Au Trou Gascon to bring the finest dining experience to Sydney. The interior is a classic Italian eatery, complete with white-washed arches and tiled brick floor. The tables are adorned with classic white tablecloths and the simple wooden furniture helps to draw attention to the main star — the cuisine. Its not hard to picture Don Corleone enjoying a meal here, however with the excellent service and delightful clientele the night is destined to be memorable for only the right reasons. The Machiavelli Ristorante menu here is everything you could expect from a traditional Italian joint that's famed for hosting prime ministers and media moguls. The antipasti menu includes zucchini flowers with ricotta, a caprese salad with vine-ripened tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella and a serving of prosciutto served straight up. For a pasta dish, try the gnocchi gorgonzola or the pappardelle duck ragu in a rich madeira sauce and fresh thyme. They are absolute winners. Mains include the Milanese scaloppine with golden bread crumbs and lemon as well as the deliciously rich and creamy steak diane with butter garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Be sure to pair it all with a glass of red or two and finish off with an adffogato paired with Amaretto or Frangelico. Appears in: The Best Italian Bars in Sydney for 2023
Within the walls of Buon Ricordo, as if in Italy, that constant flow of chatter removes the need for music. The huge painting on the wall also transports you to Europe, with giant unfurling flower petals that resemble radicchio leaves. The sun streaming through the curtains leaves only a silhouetted hint of the plants outside. It's easy to imagine a rolling Tuscan landscape extending beyond them dotted with Cypress pines. It's also where you'll find some of the best Italian food in Sydney — focusing on refining the classic dishes without trying to reinvent the cuisine. The ingredients are allowed to taste as they ought to, not disguised by complex pretentiousness. A thinly sliced Hiramasa kingfish refreshes the palate and is marinated in gin and vermouth with candied orange and Campari crystals. The dishes move from light and refreshing to oozing with oil. However, as it is home grown extra virgin olive oil that's nearly good enough to sip on, the quantity is of no concern. The penne with cuttlefish ink sauce and braised cuttlefish with lemon zest and pecorino is divine and one of the highlights on the menu. Wines are introduced as though new people, their histories and characters explained. As soon as a glass is empty it is whisked away, replaced with a clean, promptly filled new one. The waiters' silently glide through the room with elegance, showing off their old school European style of service. Next is the gnocchi all vaccinara, a fresh made gnocchi served with oxtail ragu and a hint of cinnamon. It is deliciously rich and is equalled only by the panfried swordfish with sautéed cheery tomatoes, olives and capers. Above the kitchen several Buon Ricordo Association plates line the wall. Visitors to the member restaurants of the Italian Association are given ornate ceramic dishes to take home after polishing off their 'plato del giorno'. Underneath the Buon Ricordo plates sits 'Reg', a semi-permanent fixture at his corner table almost every Friday and Saturday. The main of Braciolette Reginaldo is a toast to him. Spinach is rolled within a crumbed veal escalope. Each bite of it releases parmesan and nutmeg. It is paired with a Villa Antinori, from the Sangiovese grape. The wine is so light that is it barely distinguishable as a red until it lingers on the tongue. The meal is finished with tort a diplomatica, a puff pastry layering with rum-soaked sponge, stewed pear and caramel served with a healthy does of vanilla bean ice-cream. It is the perfect finish to cap of a deliciously succulent meal at Buon Ricordo Ristorante. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Working from home has its undeniable perks. Your day begins in your own space, minus long crowded commutes, cramped office cubicles and strained water-cooler conversation. And if you feel like wearing pyjamas the whole damn day, there's no-one to judge. But this no-rules workplace can quickly become all too comfortable. Pot plants and pets can only go so far to providing stimulating companionship. Plus freedom and procrastination virtually go hand-in-hand. That's where the 'coffice' comes in. Work-friendly coffee shops give artists, writers and freelancers a change of pace from their solitary spaces. These ten are our favourite places to head when that mid-morning creativity slump kicks in. All are mostly quiet, relaxed enough to accommodate long sittings and have free Wi-Fi thrown in. 107 PROJECTS CAFE, REDFERN Nestled in the artist-run 107 Projects, the 107 Cafe feels more like a good mate's laidback living room that just happens to have a coffee machine tucked in the corner. Frequented by resident artists and locals looking for an excuse to get out of the house, the space features roomy, sun-drenched tables; indoor and outdoor seating; and the kind of shambolic interior design to get those creative juices flowing. BERKELOUW BOOKS' 1812 CAFE, PADDINGTON Surround yourself with stacks of intellectual inspiration at this cosy cafe bookstore space. With plenty of bar and table seating around, you'll be ticking boxes and meeting deadlines in no time. This place is a coffice classic; you'll notice your fellow patrons either tapping away at laptops or talking through low-key meetings. And if energy levels drop and hunger strikes, fear not. Their menu of homemade baked goods and healthy lunch dishes will keep you fuelled and firing all day long. COPO CAFE AND DINER, DRUMMOYNE Serving up South American-inspired eats just minutes from The Bay Run of Iron Cove, Copo Cafe and Diner is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon working away in the sun. Head to the terrace for a view of the surrounds, or tuck yourself away inside the cafe's laidback lower level. With lush greenery at every turn and spacious seating (so you'll never feel in the way), this is just the place for those needing a change of scenery to get their to-do list done. THE HILL EATERY, BONDI The Hill Eatery gives Bondi-goers the perfect blend of relaxed cafe dining and stunning beachside views. Their wholesome menu of locally sourced ingredients, with everything from egg and bacon rolls and hearty beef burgers to gourmet salads (plus an assortment of freshly baked treats), will keep you truly well fed. Nab a spot on their uber-comfy cushioned benches, or grab a table under their iconic curved window. If you can avoid daydreaming about the water, it's a killer spot to spend a chilled working afternoon. FLEETWOOD MACCHIATO, ERSKINEVILLE Tucked away in the leafy streets of the inner-west, Fleetwood Macchiato answers all your coffice needs. Brimming with tasty snacks and a team ready to deliver every coffee call, it's the perfect weekday space for creative folk and freelancers to set up camp. Their small tables make solo visits perfectly acceptable, but be warned, this isn’t a place to head during the busy weekend rush. Get the timing right, and you'll be greeted with a cosy little gem serving some pretty incredible seasonal dishes. Image by Sacha Fernandez. CLEVELAND'S, REDFERN Decked out with some of the cutest interiors around, Cleveland's is a barber meets coffee shop with a difference. Pumping out brews courtesy of beans sourced from The Little Marionette and whipping up feeds featuring locally sourced produce courtesy of Brickfields, Farmer Jo and Sticky Chai, it's no wonder this place is a well-loved Redfern favourite. A little exposed brick and quaint wooden seating produce the perfect aesthetic to get you working (or at least, make for some great 'gram backdrops). PARLOUR LANE ROASTERS, CBD For those stuck for a spot to work among the crowded inner-city streets, Parlour Lane is the perfect solution. Sure, it may be situated on one of the busiest Sydney CBD streets around, but somehow this nook-style cafe is always an oasis of calm. The dim lighting mightn't suit those with drowsiness-inducing work to do and the mobile reception is apparently patchy (a pro or a con, depending on your procrastination tendencies), but otherwise this art deco spot is a good one. And since Parlour Lane is also a bar, you'll be perfectly places to kick off post-work drinks come 5pm. AMPERSAND CAFE AND BOOKSTORE, PADDINGTON Laneway seating and books sprawled out in abundance. No folks, you don't have to travel to Melbourne for this. Paddington's beloved Ampersand Cafe is a tranquil oasis surrounded by some of the sweetest boutiques, galleries and bookstores around. Sequester yourself away in one of the nooks or tables dotted across four rickety levels, and when all that thinking leaves you peckish, tuck into a freshly made sandwich or gluten-free brownie. THREE WILLIAMS, REDFERN An easy stroll along to the quieter end of Elizabeth Street gets you to this warehouse-style coffice. Though the sound can bounce around a lot in the cavernous space, the ample table space, clean lines and a menu of hearty cafe eats will put you back in the work/study zone. There's also an all-day breakfast menu, for those late risers hanging for a bacon-and-egg fix to ensure an afternoon of productivity. MCA CAFE, THE ROCKS Hello, Sydney! Working or studying up on MCA's Sculpture Terrace is one surefire way to get into an inspiring headspace. Head to the roof for uninterrupted views of all the iconic Harbour sights. Plus, a bit of sun never hurt anyone's energy levels. They don't disappoint with the menu, either, whether a light lunch of salad or a hefty po'boy is your style. And when you begin to run out of steam, you're only a mere flight of stairs up from some of Australia's best contemporary art. Let your mind wander over it and who knows what it'll come up with?
Come summertime, we coffee lovers still need our daily cup o' joe. Yet the thought of your ritualistic long black or soy latte at 11am can sometimes be too hot to handle on a steamy summer's day. And dunking bucketloads of ice in it isn't going to do the trick, oh no. Times have changed and the coffee world is — as we know — getting fancier and fancier. Move beyond the outdated whipped cream and syrupy concoctions, and follow our lead to a cool caffeinated brew. THE CLASSIC ICED COFFEE Okay, disregard what we just said about the antiquity of this classic beverage, we still love it. The traditional components of this drink are an espresso shot, milk and a scoop of ice cream to sweeten it up. Some places may embellish it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa on top, though why take the focus off what lies beneath? If you've got a real sweet tooth, ask for some sugar syrup in it or turn it into an iced mocha: lashings of chocolate syrup swirled down the sides of the glass. Alternatively, if you're not a fan of the sweet, ask for an iced latte: literally a shot of espresso with cold milk and ice. Many places offer this classic concoction, but our favourite is The Wedge in Glebe ($5.50): you can always rely on these guys for a decent brew, cold or hot. Three Williams also offer a memorable one — espresso with or without sweet milk, plus coffee ice cubes to keep the flavour balance right while you're slow slipping. For a kickass Vietnamese iced coffee? Head for Great Aunty Three or Cafe 86. For a tasty Thai version head to Boon Cafe for the iced coffee with caramelised milk. THE AFFOGATO Literally translated from the Italian word for 'drowned', an affogato is cold ice-cream 'drowned' in hot, strong, espresso coffee. It's most commonly served after dinner as a post-meal treat; however, cafes are bucking this trend and it's on the menu all day long. And who are we kidding? Of course, we won't say no to ice cream after brunch. Heck, is 6.30am too early? Not if you head to Single Origin. These folks have teamed up with Cow & the Moon gelataria in Enmore for an affogato project that could see a hazelnut gelato drowned in their house blend Sugar Plum espresso ($6.50). For something more insane, The Lab in the CBD do theirs with soft serve, or for one of the very best affogatos in Sydney do a double coffee combo at Ciccione and Sons. And if that's not a great start to the day, head to Gowings Bar & Grill later on in the evening for the ultimate buzz of choice. Their dark chocolate affogato is extravagantly wicked: espresso, jersey milk gelato, chocolate pearls, organic prunes, a shot of Patron XO tequila, then delicately garnished with a grated mocha log. It's a melting, creamy, caffeine-rich dessert worth every $16 of its boozy wonderment. [caption id="attachment_558149" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Paramount Coffee Project.[/caption] THE COLD DRIP Ever seen a scientific-looking apparatus sitting on the back bar counter at a cafe and wondered whether your barista is doubling up as a chemist between lattes? Well, not quite. However, the 'ice-drip brewer' — as it is better known as — is another way for a barista to flaunt the theatrics of coffee brewing. The device infuses coffee in cold water for a period of 6-12 hours, and at glacial pace, it drips down to the bottom vessel. This method of removing heat from the process means the natural state of the coffee is preserved, hence locking in flavour. The result is a naturally sweeter taste due to its lower acidity — and a different caffeine hit. In fact, a different taste altogether. Unless you're hiding one of these contraptions in your cupboard at home, our favourite places for a cold drip dose are Something for Jess in Chippendale, Paramount Coffee Project, Campos Alexandria, Artificer, Mecca, Sample Coffee, Reuben Hills (with their house blend), Brewtown Newtown (also house blend) and Fine Food Store Coffee Bar on Oxford Street has a whole selection to choose from. Luxe Bakery in Newtown were doing a cold brew using coconut water last year, super refreshing. And Brewristas in Glebe have a bunch of cold coffee options (all served up in recycled beer bottles). THE COFFEE FRAPPE (STAY WITH US) By definition, a frappe is a Greek foam-covered iced coffee drink made from instant coffee. These days, there seem to be many variations, mostly sans coffee (for example, with fruit). We like the original version best, however: espresso with ice, milk and a touch of sugar syrup — all blended into a smooth oblivion. Our favourite is at Four Ate Five. This $6 treat will knock your socks off. A thick-walled glass holds the icy drink and will take some time to get through — but hey, if it's hot outside and you're inside sipping away with a chiller to cool the core, why rush? For something more devilish, visit Reuben Hills. The espresso & white chocolate thickshake (it's thick) is an $8.50 beverage that is chilled to kill. THE POUROVER ON ICE This Japanese method is perhaps more approachable, should you endeavour to make this at home. It's brewed like any other pour-over, only half of the hot water is replaced with ice cubes, which the coffee drips directly onto. The melting cubes not only dilute the concentrate but lock in the delicate flavours and ultimately cool the coffee enough for instant drinking. The pay-off is a fragrant, refreshing drink with subtle, floral flavours. Or, if you head to Paramount Coffee Project and have the Konga brew pour-over on ice ($5), it's like "being hit on the head with a fruit basket". THE BREW ON TAP As if we didn't need an excuse to come here anyway; Coffee Alchemy never lets us down with their fantastic brews. The Sparkler is no exception: a cold drip coffee with carbonated water injected. Oh, and did we mention the brew is actually on tap? That's right, it's not beer being poured out of the nozzle: it's Alchemy's cold, fizzy, caffeinated beverage. Mecca Alexandria do an awesome nitro cold brew poured from the tap, and Reuben Hills have just started doing their own carbonated coffee. For draught coffee on tap, head to Pablo and Rusty's or Bennet St Dairy for their supply of Harbourside. [caption id="attachment_545497" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Minor Figures.[/caption] THE ON-THE-GO KIND We like Salvage Specialty Coffee's idea of bottling up their cold brew ($5). Similarly to the cold-drip idea, the grounds are steeped in cold water for 6-8 hours, and then bottled into small brown bottles, ready to sip on as you board the train. Alternatively, if you notice people leaning on a posing bar, chortling as they knock one back, they've taken note of the cheeky serving suggestions on the back label. There's also Melbourne company Minor Figures, whose cold brew poppers are available around the country, and also Melbourne-founded cold brew bottlers First Press Coffee. [caption id="attachment_555485" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Image: Assembly.[/caption] THE SPIKED VERSIONS Lest we forget the incredible espresso martini: the ultimate finale to our cold coffee adventures. One theory about its origin suggests it was created by a cocktail guru for a lady who requested a drink that would 'wake me up, then (insert-blasphemous-word here) me up'. And indeed it has all the requested ingredients for such a demand: vodka, Kahlua, a double shot of espresso, sugar syrup and a garnishing of coffee beans — it's a stimulating beverage to say the least. Moreover, this form of catalyst requires a suitable bartender who not only knows how to shake (or stir?) the martini, but also is an expert in the bean. The best place to find such a great combo is at Top Hat in Clovelly, and now that they're trading later on some nights, let them impress you with one of their espresso martinis ($18) or cold-drip Negroni ($17). Barrio Cellar, Red Lily, The Botanist, Peg Leg and Assembly's new restaurant in the CBD all do a mean spiked coffee cocktail. Images: Dollar Photo Club unless specified.
Dining institution Mejico has been serving Sydney-siders some of the finest Mexican cuisine and tequila for over a decade now — and has been slinging some of the greatest tacos from its Melbourne restaurant since 2020. The Mejico space in Sydney remains much the same after so many years — lofty industrial ceiling, exposed brick walls and distressed concrete beams brightened by vivacious colours and bold geometric patterns. A sizeable bar that greets you upon entry is indicative of imminent revelry, and impressively offers one of the largest tequila selections in the city. The venue is buzzing with tables of young people in the mood for a fiesta of flavours and flowing tequila. The tequila at Mejico is all 100 per cent agave, with none of the nasty additives that give you a headache. We recommend treating the experience like you would a single malt whisky, where you sip, roll the tipple over the tongue and savour its unique flavour. For connoisseurs, a nip of the elite varieties, such as the Gran Centenario Gran Reserve, could set you back over $100. Choosing from over 250 tequila options is a daunting task. That's why Mejico introduced an ingenious invention: the Tequila Wheel. This nifty wooden contraption provides a tailored tequila recommendation as you turn the wheel to your preference for price, intensity and flavour. Let the fates decide what you'll be sipping on when visiting this haunt. But if shooting tequilas isn't your jam, there are a heap of variations on the classic margarita — with the team slinging $10 margaritas every Monday — as well as plenty of beers and wines. Food-wise, the signature guacamole adds some theatre to your meal, as the ingredients are smashed together tableside in a molcajete (Mexican pestle and mortar), with long, golden plantain chips as the perfect vehicle for dipping. Additional starters come in the form of corn ribs slathered in a chipotle lime glaze and dusted with pecorino cheese popcorn, as well as spicy jalapeño poppers. Regarding tacos, you can expect wagyu-, jackfruit-, tempura lobster- and salmon-filled delights alongside weekly specials. Larger dishes made to share include the lamb rump topped with gremolata salsa and yellow mole; barramundi with vera cruz salsa and capers; and succulent wagyu rump steak served with a guajillo puree and asparagus. The fresh, seasonal produce and modern yet authentic dishes at Mejico will challenge your expectations of Mexican food. And who knows, after experiencing tequila like a connoisseur, you might reconsider its wicked reputation.
The latest installation of Saké Restaurant & Bar opened back in 2018 as part of the revamped Manly Wharf precinct. The rooftop digs boast the sixth iteration of the award-winning Sake brand, and the third in Sydney, to continue its signature offering of sleek and contemporary Japanese fare — but this time with a distinctly Manly vibe. The 300-seat space is designed by the highly lauded studio Luchetti Krelle (Manly Greenhouse, Terminus Hotel and Acme, to name a few) and really reflects its beachside location. Think floor-to-ceiling windows and bi-fold doors that open onto an al fresco dining terrace, and to the panoramic ocean views of Manly Cove beyond. The bright dining room includes a variety of seating with a 40-seat sushi counter, a 60-seat bar and several private dining spaces. An open kitchen centres around the robata grill, which turns out an izakaya-style menu that's available at the bar all day. Venue specific dishes include lobster tempura with jalapeños and wagyu strip loin with chat potatoes and yakiniku sauce. On the regular menu at Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly, signature Sake dishes like the hiramasa kingfish and popcorn shrimp sit alongside Manly-exclusive items like tempura miso-glazed eggplant. The expansive drinks list has a focus on Japanese sakes, with the 30-label menu served by the glass, carafe, bottle or flight. There's also a 150-strong wine list and over 30 gin distilleries represented, too. If you're coming to Sake Restaurant and Bar Manly with a group then look to book one of the elegant private dining rooms, with seatings of six to twenty available across three rooms. Images: Tom Ferguson (venue) and Anna Kucera (food and drinks).
Bars where you can do more than just sit around and drink are really having a moment in Brisbane, and specifically in Fortitude Valley. In no small part, it's thanks to the ever-expanding empire of Funlab. The company is in charge of the ever-popular Strike, Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel. But despite all of these different venues being so successful, B. Lucky & Sons remains incredibly popular. It's a kidult-friendly bar-meets-arcade with some actually good pawn-shop prizes, instead of the usual plastic crap you get. Think vintage Chanel bags, classic cameras and rare vinyls, plus Playstation 4s. Yup, they've gone real old school-meets-new school with this one. The bar is open in the Valley's TCB Building — and it's hidden behind the facade of an old pawn shop, so expect something a little bit different. Like its Melbourne counterpart, the venue is also decked out with eclectic furnishings, from old-world casino chandeliers to neon-lit red octagonal booths. This East-meets-West fit-out extends to the food, where pizzas are topped with the likes of crispy wonton wrappers and bonito flakes or sausage, gravy and potato crisps. For drinks, B. Lucky & Sons' bar slings canned cocktails, alcoholic bubble teas and other creative concoctions — like the Passion Crackle (vodka, passion fruit and peach teas with apple flavoured pearls and jellies). The bar's games are clear throwbacks for the millennial generation — featuring everything from Mario Kart and Daytona to NBA Hoops. And although the venue is open to littluns during the day, it's strictly adults-only at night, so you don't have to worry about being laughed at by a ten-year-old when you fall off Rainbow Road for the 14th time.
In the proper vein of Diagon Alley, Mjølner is the kind of place you would never stumble upon. The discrete entrance, set on a quiet stretch of Cleveland Street, is easy to miss, but later you'll wonder how you could possibly have missed it. Like a mirage, the oversized old-world wooden door suddenly appears and opens down into a deep labyrinth of underground, cave-like rooms. The Speakeasy Group — which operates Eau De Vie and The Roosevelt as well as Boilermaker House in Melbourne — is no stranger to fancy digs. Named for Thor's hammer, the self-described 'Viking luxe' space is part-drinking den, part-fine dining restaurant. It may sound gimmicky, but it works — rather than going too hard on the schtick, Mjølner uses the Viking theme as tasteful inspiration. This is consistent throughout the whole venue; the animal-clad waitstaff and impressive fit-out contrast well with the R&B soundtrack and a modern Nordic menu. While the cocktail offering is a main draw and worth a visit in itself, we recommend grabbing a table in the dining area as the bar (which doesn't offer table service) can get quite overwhelmed. The leather-bound cocktail menu is extensive and a little overwhelming, but, to help, the concoctions are ordered from lightest to booziest. The Smooth Valley Sour ($20) is a good starter and comes garnished with honeycomb, but is more sweet than sour. If you're into boozier cocktails, the Highlander Hammer ($22) is their version of an old-fashioned with the addition of turmeric and honey-laced oloroso, and the Kon Tiki ($19) is a super smoky mezcal concoction — both of which are some of the best cocktails we've had. But drinking is by no means the only reason to visit, with the open kitchen turning out a seriously impressive food menu. As expected, the menu is focused around meat, with bone marrow ($20) and spiced pig's head terrine ($18) making appearances. Both of these are expertly executed, with the bone marrow melting in your mouth and the terrine surprisingly light. The short rib ($35) is also served on a massive bone, but you don't need the custom-made knife you chose from a leather-bound selection presented to you at the start of the meal for this one as the meat falls right off the bone. The sides are classic and hearty, including the particularly tasty garlic and maple-topped roasted celeriac ($15) and seared eggplant ($12). Skip dessert for their espresso martini — the Flight of the Valkyrie ($20) — which combines cold-drip coffee and a fig apertif in a perfect bittersweet balance that is all topped with burnt mead foam. It's fine dining in a pretty chill setting, which is hard to achieve and particularly well done at Mjølner. Be prepared to drop some cash — but for a special occasion (or even just on pay day) this place is fully worth it. Images: Steven Woodburn.
Watching the sun go down over Manly Beach is pretty special. They make postcards about that kind of stuff. And while it's certainly a lovely thing to do when you find yourself in the Northern Beaches, we recommend you stray away from the beachfront and make your way to Pittwater Road for a sundown of a different kind — a sushi sunset. At Sunset Sabi, food is done in a Japanese izakaya style, but it sure ain't traditional. Ingredients like chilli crunch, roasted peppers, whipped tofu and garlic all make their way into sushi rolls and other bite-sized morsels. It's more of an LA take on Japanese food, if anything — not that that's a bad thing. It just means you get those bold, unabashed flavour clashes alongside fancy cocktails, high bar seating and a wall display of illuminated Japanese advertisements. Instead of being garish, these kitschy cultural tokens give the bar a good glow. The signage is interestingly (if not coincidentally) a little reminiscent of Melbourne's Supernormal. Try fried potato with whipped karasumi and salmon roe for something unlike anything you've had before, or look towards the traditional dishes like gyoza and edamame. The raw stuff keeps it interesting — think Sydney rock oysters with a cucumber shallot vinaigrette, a sashimi plate with 12 pieces of mixed sashimi and a nigiri plate with salmon aburi, tuna negi and kingfish salsa criolla. Sunset Sabi knows exactly what it's doing when it comes to serving up top-notch Japanese eats — there's absolutely no doubt about that.
Bill Granger flung open the doors to his eponymous Darlinghurst restaurant as a bright-eyed (and bright-toothed) 24-year-old in 1993. Two years later, he opened Bills Surry Hills; now, 20-plus years on, his name is synonymous with Sydney's breakfast scene. The cafes are institutions. Not in the same way that fellow Darlinghurst local Bill & Toni's is an institution — but go-to's for Sydneysiders wanting creamy scrambled eggs and ricotta pancakes. But the Surry Hills location was an institution that was losing its sparkle and — as the area's brunch scene boomed — the interest of locals. Cooked breakfasts and average coffee were no longer drawcards for brunchers who were looking for a single-origin Ethiopian pour-over, perhaps, and food with a bit of character. The space also no longer shined. [caption id="attachment_688619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart[/caption] So Bills relocated — just three feet away. In a stroke of luck, the team scored the former Marque space next door, which meant the restaurant missed out on only four days of service. And the new design was impressive. Despite being designed by Meacham Nockles, the same architect firm that has done all of Granger's other establishments, it got a completely different look — and even a bit of character. The space is part art deco and part Tuscan, with brown leather banquettes, marble-topped tables, terrazzo tiles and Italian glass wall lights. There are vibrant green details, too — turquoise wicker-backed chairs and lots of foliage — and Australian artworks gracing the walls. Being Australian is the restaurant chain's tagline, after all — it's now serving up 'Aussie breakfasts' in Tokyo, Honolulu, Seoul and London. While what exactly Australian cuisine has been a somewhat contentious topic for years now, Bills definitely captures what it's like to dine in this country: it has those "sunny, easy-going and generous" vibes (their words, not ours) and dishes up pavlova and British-style cooked breakfasts, or, as Granger calls it, the Full Aussie. [caption id="attachment_682634" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] While it doesn't feature so much as a token finger lime, the new menu is more interesting than its predecessor. It embraces some of the diverse cultures that make up Australia with chilli miso salmon with hot and sour eggplant, crab and lemon linguine, and grass-fed beef burgers often featuring. But that's not really why you go to Bills — you go for the ricotta hotcakes. The impressively creamy scrambled eggs. The corn fritters. And if that's what you're after, you won't be disappointed — they're still the best dishes on the menu. Top images: Kimberley Low. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Nothing says 'baller' quite like free-flowing bubbles, fluffy eggs topped with caviar and a cart of cocktails — particularly when it's all before midday. Thanks to Sydney's obsession with bottomless brunches and lunches, us mere mortals can live like Queen B and Jay Z, even if it's just for a couple of hours. Whether you're planning your weekend around it or treating yourself, here's the lowdown on Sydney's best bottomless brunches. Just remember to behave, or you won't make it to midday. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Breakfast Spots in Sydney's CBD The Best Bars in Sydney DEAD RINGER, SURRY HILLS Dead Ringer lets you go all-in with one and half hours of wine (bubbles, white, rose and red) for $45 per person. Intent on offering brunch with a difference, Dead Ringer has declared its menu free of Sydney's beloved eggs and smashed avo. Instead, it's focused heavily on lunch-style fare. The set brunch menu ($45) starts with cured salmon and a pulled pork tostada, then moves on to baked ricotta tarts and slow-roasted chicken with a creamy polenta as your main. If you'd rather pick your poison than go all out with mimosas or prosecco, you can also order the Dead Ringer bloody mary ($18), an espresso martini ($20) or breakfast juice with a touch of campari ($11) à la carte. What's the deal? $45 for food plus $45 per head for 1.5 hours of white, rose, red and sparkling wine. When? Saturday and Sunday, 11am–3pm. BARTOLO, SURRY HILLS Surry Hills' all-day Italian diner Bartolo is the latest to throw its prosecco on ice and launch a new bottomless brunch special. It's available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12–5pm — and it includes everything from fluffy homemade focaccia to pasta and bottomless seasonal mimosas. For $85 per person, you'll get a full Italian feast. Start with a spritz on arrival and the likes of marinated Sicilian olives, gnocco fritto with anchovy butter and kingfish crostino— followed by the main course of ox heart tomato, malfadine with zucchini and chilli parmigiano reggiano, and a chive and garlic butter coated flathead. The menu may be slightly different depending on the day, but it'll be in a similar vein — cheesy, carby and perfectly paired with a mimosa or a glass of wine. It's easily one of the best bottomless brunches in Sydney. What's the deal? $85 for a spritz on arrival, food and 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas and wine. When? Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from midday. [caption id="attachment_671514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leticia Almeida[/caption] THE WINERY, SURRY HILLS If you're going to go anywhere for a bottomless brunch, The Winery in Surry Hills is a safe bet. Choose from peach, raspberry or lychee bottomless bellinis and the rest is done for you. Starting with olives, pita and chickpea dip to nibble on, the three-course menu ($79) has some standouts, including slow-braised beef cheek ragu, spiced chicken salad and a triple chocolate brownie. With limited capacity, the Crown Street venue fills up fast, so bookings are recommended — particularly on weekends. What's the deal? $85 for food and two hours of bellinis. When? Saturday at 11.30am, 2pm and 4.30pm, and Sundays at 11.30am and 2pm. THE ROYAL HOTEL, PADDINGTON The Royal Paddington has kept it classic when it comes to its brunch, pairing three courses of delicious breakfast fare with two hours of bottomless cocktails ($85), including mimosas, sparkling wine, bloody marys and 4 Pines pale ale. Covering off all your staples, you'll start with a peach, berry and mint salad, followed by the Summer Nourish Board, containing roasted sweet potato, grilled broccolini, zaatar crusted avocado, poached eggs and house-made falafels. Then, you'll end with a piece of rocky road slice. Bottomless watermelon seltzers ($10) can be added, as well as an extra hour of drinks ($30) if you're looking for a big weekend with one of the best bottomless brunches in Sydney. Showcasing sweeping city views from rooftop, the bottomless brunch is reminiscent of an inner city garden party, just a few floors up. What's the deal? $85 for three courses and two hours of bottomless cocktails. When? Saturday and Sunday, 11am–1pm. NOUR, SURRY HILLS The Crown Street palace of pastels and plants has a Sunday brunch offering with one of the best (and smokiest) bloody marys in the city, boundary-pushing Middle Eastern fare — and bottomless cocktails, of course. Two bottomless set menus are available (for $129 and $159), with optional bottomless premium cocktails add-ons available for both. Enjoy 90 minutes of endless rosé or beer while you feast on either the seven- or eight-course menu — including the likes of oysters, scallops, grilled octopus, beef short rib, roasted cauliflower and eggplant and a dessert ending for good measure. At this Sydney bottomless brunch destination, you get bottomless booze as well as a proper feast. What's the deal? $129 or $159 90 minutes of bottomless rosé or beer with either a seven- or eight-course set menu. When? Sunday, 10am–2.30pm. SONORA, POTTS POINT Potts Point newcomer Sonora, from the owners of Bondi's Mexican mainstays Taqiza and Carbon, has upped its weekend game and is serving up unlimited tacos and margaritas every Saturday and Sunday from 12–5pm. You can feast on endless plates of house-made tortillas topped with slow-cooked lamb, steak and avocado mousse, yucatan marinated chicken or roasted cauliflower. On top of the many many tacos, 90 minutes of bottomless booze is included as well. The endless drinks come in the form of classic margaritas, rosé and Tecate beer. And all of this will set you back just $89. It's a clear front-runner for the best bottomless brunch in Sydney. What's the deal? $89 for 90 minutes of bottomless tacos, margaritas, rosé and beer. When? Saturday and Sunday, 12–5pm. [caption id="attachment_741934" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] BABYLON, CBD Every Saturday and Sunday, head to this inner-city hideaway for unlimited mimosas and a selection of meze — all for just $68 per person. The rooftop Middle Eastern eatery is cooking up treats like woodfire shish tawook, kaddinbudu, tabbouleh and hummus. While the food is not bottomless, the drinks sure are — you'll be treated to 90 minutes of mimosas, poured to your heart's content. The deal is available from 11am–12:30pm every weekend — with no end in sight — and bookings can be made via the website. What's the deal? $68 for 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas and a selection of meze. When? Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am–12pm. Top image: Dead Ringer.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, you can't go on a holiday (locally or overseas). But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. Winter is (almost) here. You could sit about, piling on jumpers, moaning and crying into your hot chocolate. Or you could calmly pack your bubble bath and your pyjamas, then drive to an irresistibly cosy winter cabin to soak in a spa bath and drink your favourite bottle of wine by an open fireplace. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But just in case you're opting for the latter, here are seven getaways that will have you daydreaming about frosty mornings and reading books by the fire. We've got an an off-grid log cabin, a dog-friendly tiny house and a farmstay with donkeys for petting — all of which offer a soaking tub and/or a fireplace. Is that the sound of you collecting your things? Go on. [caption id="attachment_717175" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kirk Richards[/caption] HEE HAW HUT, GOULBURN VALLEY, VICTORIA Located in remote farmland just two hours northeast of Melbourne, Hee Haw Hut is a rustic one bedroom cabin built from upcycled materials. Its homey interior features a wood-burning fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Outside, there's a deck and double hammock overlooking the barbecue and outdoor fire pit area. If the winter weather gets especially blustery while you're here, there are plenty of board games, books and videos to keep you occupied while you keep warm by the blazing fire. Plus, you have the added (and rare) benefit of snuggling up with the many donkeys that are raised on the adjacent Hee Haw Farm. How much? From $180 a night. [caption id="attachment_717178" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alexandra Adoncello[/caption] KOOKAWOOD FARM, BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW This 200-acre property in Rydal offers breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains. Kookawood Farm is a stone farmhouse that took ten years to build, and its interiors house antiques from years gone by. The space boasts both a large open fireplace inside and a fire pit outside, so you'll never feel the winter chill here. If the temperature isn't too low, you can even enjoy a hot bath in the outdoor bathtub, which offers views aplenty. Plus, the indoor bathroom features underfloor heating and yet another claw-foot tub for soaking in. And, as it's a two bedroom cabin, this getaway is suitable for groups, too. It's on the expensive end, but, if you've got it, so worth the extra cash. How much? From $390 a night. FOREST VIEW BUSH CABINS, CRADLE MOUNTAIN, TASMANIA Highlanders Cottages offers self-contained cabins right smack in the middle of Cradle Mountain National Park — which is, coincidentally, where one of the ten Australian mountains you should climb at least once in you life is located. Each Forest View cabin has been hand-built using local Tasmania timber. It offers two bedrooms, den lounges and a log fireplace, plus a private deck and a fully stocked kitchen. The bathroom features both a soaking tub and a shower, too. It's an ideal spot to unwind after your gruelling 13-kilometre hike up to the pristine views at Cradle Mountain Lake. How much? From $215 a night. MOONBAH HUT, SNOWY MOUNTAINS, NSW This requires some extra driving, but the stunning rewards are well worth it. 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, open stone fireplace for company. Previous guests have taken the experience next level and even invited personal chefs along for an evening. How much? From $245 a night. [caption id="attachment_717182" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cameron Watts[/caption] THE SIMPLE LIFE CABIN, MOUNT TOOLEBEWONG, VICTORIA This off-grid log cabin is as rustic as it gets — and it's a great budget option, too. At The Simple Life Cabin, there's no television or wifi to speak of. Instead, expect an old-school record player and vinyl collection, a wood-fire heater to keep you warm and a cast iron bath to while your afternoons away in. The cabin was created as a ceramicist's studio and remnants of this past life can be seen in the kitchen tableware and the polished concrete workbench that's been converted into a dining table. Set within four-aces of forest, the cabin is completely secluded and lets you forget all the woes of that cold, wintery city life — for a few days, anyway. How much? From $130 a night. THE BOWER, SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND, QUEENSLAND It might not get that cold in Queensland, but this little wood-panelled cabin in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will have you hoping for chilly days and nights. That's because The Bower — located near the little township of Maleny, about an hour north of Brisbane — has lots of wintry amenities that you'll most definitely want to make the most of. Like the antique claw food bath, the fireplace and the fairy light-lit deck that's prime for stargazing with a glass of wine and a blanket. It's secluded and surrounded by trees — in other words, it's the perfect Queensland winter escape. How much? From $120 per night. CABN, KANGAROO VALLEY, NSW Sydney locals have their own off-grid retreat to look forward to, and it's luxurious as. Despite some of the connotations the term 'off-grid' may have, Cabn is a far cry from roughing it. This solar-powered tiny house sits on 140-acres of bushland, on the site of a former dairy farm in the Cambewarra Range, just a 15-minute drive from Kangaroo Valley and about three hours south of Sydney. The secluded location is perched high above the valley and overlooks a sea of endless clouds on the right day. The cleverly designed timber fit-out includes a loft with king bed, a fully stocked kitchen and indoor gas heater. A big wintertime draw is the glass-walled, 'outdoor' soaking tub, which is set in the bush adjacent to the house and offers a rare occasion to (sort of) bathe in the great outdoors — with all of the warmth of bathing inside. Outdoor amenities include a gas barbecue and picnic area, as well as an adjacent fire pit. And it's dog-friendly to boot. How much? From $289 a night.
The Dolphin Hotel made a big splash in the Sydney food scene when it reopened in 2016. Its ultra-chic interiors, high-flying Italian cuisine and charming salumeria and wine bar were envied by other local joints. As you can probably tell already, this ain't no ordinary boozer. The biggest talking point is the interiors which have been designed by George Livissianis, who is known for his work on The Apollo and Cho Cho San. 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. The dining room menu serves up small antipasti plates, braises, grilled seafood and Northern Italian-style pastas. Try the grilled octopus salsa verde, whipped ricotta dip, king prawn linguini and the mighty cotoletta served with anchovies and a fried egg. Wash this all down with some Italian-inspired cocktails — think Sicilian margaritas, espresso martinis and a few sours — or one of the many Aussie and Italian wines. Aside from the dining room, The Dolphin boasts a number of different drinking and dining spaces, including a public bar, wine room, mezzanine and open-air terrace (with fireplace), as well as intimate rooms and nooks for small groups to gather. Get lost in this fabulous Sydney pub, drinking and eating your way through each of the uniquely designed spaces. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
For audiences, Carême is a series to savour: a mix of culinary spiciness, historical intrigue and espionage antics, all whipped together with plenty of sauces in the kitchen and ample sauciness in its characters' private lives. For star Benjamin Voisin (The Quiet Son), the new Paris-set French Apple TV+ series, which debuted on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, is a project that sees him step into a real-life chef's shoes, required dedicated training at a famous school of cuisine, but also gave him the freedom to channel rock stars and invent the show's version of Antonin Carême with few limits. The result for viewers is delicious to watch — and, for its star as well, it's delectable to dive into. Carême's namesake has a claim to fame that the series unsurprisingly plays up. In Napoleonic times, long before Julia Child, Nigella Lawson, Anthony Bourdain, Marco Pierre White and many, many others earned the moniker, he was world's first celebrity chef. The book Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Carême, the First Celebrity Chef is the show's basis — and that tome's author Ian Kelly, who is also an actor (see: The King's Man, The Children Act, Downton Abbey), co-created the streaming drama. Helping behind the camera to bring it to the screen: filmmaker Martin Bourboulon (The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers: Milady), one of the series' three directors alongside Laïla Marrakchi (The Eddy) and Matias Boucard (the cinematographer on Bourboulon's Eiffel, and also here). The 19th century has just arrived and Carême isn't even in his twenties when the show begins, with its protagonist learning his craft and initially discovering his aptitude for baking — and much beyond — in the kitchen of his adoptive father. He's already showing his ambition for far more, too. Then comes a horrific personal turn of events that sees Antonin's status quo crumble. Also arriving: a wholly unexpected invitation to cook for Napoleon (Frank Molinaro, Class Act). But being the personal chef to such a figure sparks another gig, after clergyman-turned-politician Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (Jérémie Renier, The Astronaut) gets Carême spying on the Bonapartes. Liaisons with Joséphine (Maud Wyler, En haute mer), wowing diners with vol-au-vents, undercover quests and basically the period's version of MasterChef are all soon headed his way, amid a romance with Henriette (Lyna Khoudri, The Empire), the lady-in-waiting to Talleyrand's mistress Catherine (Sigrid Bouaziz, Irma Vep) — plus a complicated relationship with fellow kitchen whiz Agathe (Alice Da Luz, And the Party Goes On), and also unwanted interest from police chief Fouché (Micha Lescot, Je le jure). A decade into his career, Voisin adds Carême to a resume that's hopped between the stage and screen — and, with the latter, between both its big and small guises — but now gains what'll always be one of his standout performances. That's no simple feat, given that he was nominated for Most Promising Actor at the 2021 César Awards for his exceptional effort in Summer of 85, won the same category at that year's Lumiere Awards, then collected the César in 2022 for Lost Illusions. Jumping into the past keeps proving a recurring theme for Voisin, and often to the century when Carême was cooking up a storm; not only is that true of Lost Illusions, but also with The Happy Prince beforehand and The Mad Women's Ball afterwards. [caption id="attachment_1001934" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Apple TV[/caption] Those rockers that helped Voisin find his take on Carême? "Mick Jagger and Lenny Kravitz," he tells Concrete Playground. What did Voisin learn from the experience of making the series? That answer spans both what the charismatic actor discovered about his chosen field and what he put into his character. "I learned that it's very pleasant," he explains of leading a TV series. "I'd done theatre, stage theatre, and you're there for an hour and a half in front of the audience. But I also did a few movies — there you are there for two hours, a movie is two hours. But here, there is so much time to distill the emotion. On a movie, sometimes I'm asked to go quick into an emotion and out of it again, to be able to face the audience again. Onstage, you only have an hour and a half to tell a story. You don't know that much. In film, you have more time. In series, you have even more time. That, I found great," he advises. "And on Carême's character, I thought it was exciting to be able to offer this — on the one hand, there's this arrogance, but also later on as the series evolves, there's a whole episode about vulnerability and depression and doubt, and then the initial arrogance changes because of that episode." We also chatted with Carême's lead about why portraying the show's eponymous figure appealed to him, the process of learning more about Antonin, whether playing someone thrust to fame at a young age was something that he could connect with, the culinary preparation involved, his run of period-set roles and more. On What Appealed to Voisin About Portraying Antonin Carême "What I liked was the way in which this character, who has trouble with his emotions and he could be something of an introvert, he shows up with self-confidence that's almost arrogance — and you see over the eight episodes how that turns into what chefs should have, that is self-confidence, but also being able to listen to his team. That came out clearly. But I thought his combined love for politics and food, you could see how slowly but surely this young man was going to grow up into an adult. That's what I liked about Carême's character." On Learning More About Carême, and His Role Both as a Chef and in Politics "Well, you know Napoleon, of course — and Talleyrand, two famous characters. I mean, Talleyrand was Napoleon's Foreign Minister and he was Careme's boss, as it were. But that made it even more exciting, because it means I don't need to have a head-on responsibility. You know the character Napoleon. You know how he walks, his gait. As with Careme, you know nothing, so I had a free hand. I read some quotes. I didn't need to read much too about him — a few quotes here and there, to build the character. When he says that things should be as beautiful as they taste, for me, that's plenty to get into the character. But then regarding the body language, the hairstyle, it was great to be able to just make it up and create. We went for the costumes into Mick Jagger or Lenny Kravitz — and nothing to do [with Carême], it makes no sense, but that was my pure imagination. But I thought it was great in this series to have that free hand — I mean, on the one hand, you respect the period, but then you have the freedom to reinvent it." On Whether Voisin Could Connect with Playing Someone Thrust to Fame and Recognition at a Young Age "That's the whole thing, isn't it? This is Napoleon's chef, isn't it — and so, of the greatest public figure? So I do my little series, my little story. It's a huge difference. The one thing I wasn't so keen about — the fame, it was more ambition. There you have this young man who accepts — or young woman — who accepts him or herself as they are, but then there could be criticism and everything, but the main thing is to go to the end of your journey. That's what I could identify with. At the end of the day, you don't want to regret anything, and that reflects my own career in film. People say 'why go theatre?' when I was a kid, and I just believed in it and I went head on, and that enabled me to work without the safety net. And that's the connection, maybe, with the character." On the Preparation Required to Make the Culinary Side of the Role Appear Real On-Screen "You need to work on that, of course. We worked with the actual chef, Christoph, who also teaches in a famous school of cuisine. The school is called Ferrandi, the Ferrandi School of Cuisine. I was able to work with him for two months running, and joined his team and his mates. And he asked me to work not just on basic requirements for the part itself, but many other things in cooking and cuisines, so that my gestures should be really independent. When I go for poultry or whip cream or whatnot, I should know exactly how to go about it. And then my first connection with the part is also costumes. I wanted to have Carême's costumes one month ahead of shooting, so I could identify with that and use it as an apron or something more elegant. I had to be familiar with that. I could see shoes as being very tight, to create some pressure — and you need to go quick, so when you have your feet hurting, it creates even more pressure. That's the sort of thing." On Balancing Carême's Confidence, Impulsiveness, Passion and Seductiveness with His Vulnerability and Yearning, All as He Matures Across the Season "For every character, when you grow up into adulthood and you become a full-fledged person — I mean, Carême, he mourns his parents, so that's pretty evident, but when you leave home, you have to face that. So there is this journey. I don't know if I have a balancing act. Everybody has to find a balancing act. Any human being has got to go through that." [caption id="attachment_1001935" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Apple TV[/caption] On Voisin's Run of Period-Set Roles, Not Only with Carême But Also Lost Illusions, The Mad Women's Ball and The Happy Prince "Something happens to me. You think that actors pick their parts, but it's directors that make choices, and then within the directors' choices I make my choice. I probably have a face for a period movie. I don't know. Maybe I don't fit in in modern times. But it's true, the best parts I was ever offered were in period movies — which I love, because the reason we do this is to wear a suit, a costume, the period costume and stuff, and that makes it more pleasant for an actor. And I love for the audience watching to be suddenly immersed in a period and go back 200, 300, even a thousand years back — I find it exciting as a viewer, but as an actor it's even more exciting." Carême streams via Apple TV+.
Is bigger better? The good folks at Suntory certainly think so. The distillery behind the wildly popular hard seltzer Minus 196 has once again rolled out the giant vending machine it debuted at last year's SXSW Sydney, just in time for this year's fest. Back in all its 12-metre-tall glory, this immersive vending machine in Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park is serving thirst-crushing goodness in lemon, peach and grape flavours across the three levels of interactive fun, between October 14–20. This eye-popping Suntory playground features multiple levels of immersive art, music, and Suntory Minus 196 beverages. If you roamed this multi-storey wonderland at last year's event, you will be pleased to learn that there are new levels and experiences to explore this time around, so it's definitely worth a second visit. Upon entering the first floor, you will encounter the infinity level, where you will be welcomed by an impressive display of hundreds of Suntory Minus 196 beverages the use optical illusions to conjure a trippy, unending perspective. Ascending to the second level, you'll discover the Tokyo neon nightlife zone, meticulously designed to emulate the vibrant atmosphere of the after-dark hotspots of Shibuya and Shinjuku, so if you can't afford the flight to Japan right now, this might well be the next best thing. As you proceed to the third floor, you will be greeted by a fully equipped rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of SXSW Sydney and the city skyline while you savour your perfectly chilled beverage. Encircling this three-story activation is a lush lemon garden with it own dedicated bar and DJ booth. This area serves as the perfect setting to relax, enjoy a sip of Minus 196, and refuel with snacks by Tokyo Taco, who will be serving up a special menu of Mexican-Japanese fusion eats that pair perfectly with your Double Lemon, Double Grape or Double Peach can. Images: Mark Sherborne
UPDATE: MAY 11, 2020 — Hills Bros is reopening for dine-in service from Friday, May 15. When the talent behind Reuben Hills and Paramount Coffee Project expanded to the CBD, it was great news to those that work around Martin Place. As well as serving up the seasonal house blends that has given Reuben Hills its good rep, it's also slinging an interesting menu to match. Fuel up before work with avo toast with Vegemite 'dust', chicken tacos or the brown rice congee. Plus, the cafe sometimes stocks Short Stop doughnuts. Fitted out with concrete-slab benchtops, striking black marble panelling and wooden stools, Hills Bros carries on the tradition of sleek design found in its Surry Hills siblings inside a Martin Place office building. Doors open from 7am every weekday so you can head down to Hills Bros for a quick brekkie, sit-down brunch, or afternoon snack.
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.
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
2025's Melbourne International Film Festival unveiled its initial titles in early June. A month later, the year's full program arrived with hundreds more movies on its slate, ready to play to the Victorian capital's cinephiles across 18 busy August days. Before July was out — so, well ahead of the Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 fest kicking off — Pasa Faho had already sold out every one of its MIFF sessions, becoming the first film to do so this year. Igbo Australian filmmaker Kalu Oji's debut feature deserves that warm, hearty, enthusiastic embrace; it offers the same to the Adelaide-born writer/director and visual artist's own community, thoughtfully and tenderly so. Pasa Faho shot "over a year and a half ago now, and it feels like it's been quite a long time since we've been in the real thick of the project", Oji tells Concrete Playground; however, Melbourne's response to the world-premiere screenings of the movie, sellouts included, "brings a whole new life to your relationship with the film". He continues: "as soon as it's out in the world and the audience embraces it and becomes part of that process, it's a reinvigoration of all those feelings and all that excitement that was so rich and so present a little while ago". Oji has channelled his own passion into a feature that sprang from him wanting to ask questions — a picture that moulds his queries into a father-son story, an exploration of African Australian life, an unpacking of family structures as well as communities, a musing on what it means to be an Igbo man today, an examination of expectations and clashes around them, an interrogation of straddling two cultures, and more. As it tells of Melbourne shoe salesman Azubuike (Nigerian stand-up comedian Okey Bakassi, Bank Alert) and his 12-year-old son Obinna (Tyson Palmer, Young Rock), Pasa Faho steps into their relationship, and also the existences of those around them, in a heartfelt yet equally clear-eyed manner. The film's title, a play on words stemming from "parts of a whole", is a clue to its emotional journey and tone. Two changes shake up Azubuike's routine: Obinna's move from interstate, which is initially cause for elation more on the former's part than the latter's; and the discovery that the store that Azubuike manages is being sold to developers. Oji's protagonist is caught, then, between trying to provide a solid foundation for his child, including fighting for the job, the paycheque and the proudly hardworking sense of himself that he believes is pivotal to that life, and being able to spend time and be open with Obinna — and between his perspective and ideals, as shaped by his upbringing far from Australia, and the experience of a son whose childhood couldn't be more different. Pasa Faho also spreads its focus to Amaka (first-timer Laureta Idika Uduma), Azubuike's sister and Obinna's aunt, and her tale of sacrifice to do what's expected — and to Yorgos (Kostas Makrygiannakis, The Slap), aka Bogo, the septuagenarian European florist whose own store adjacent to Azubuike's is equally under threat. And, it sees Azubuike's colleague Yrsa (Tardif Hélène, The Industry), a friend impacted by the impending building sale. In its sights as well: Nigerian preacher Edward (fellow newcomer Idika Mba Uduma), too, as he balances his ambitions with his responsibilities as a leader in Melbourne's Igbo community. Oji's filmmaking journey began at the Victorian College of the Arts, with his 2019 graduate film Blackwood making its way to the likes of Palm Springs Shortfest and the BFI London Film Festival, and winning awards at Flickerfest and the Atlanta Film Festival. 2021's The Moon and Me was acquired by San Francisco's Museum of the African Diaspora, while 2023's What's in a Name? picked up another Flickerfest accolade, plus the Craft Award at Sydney Film Festival. Each is "an essential part of series of steps" leading him to Pasa Faho, he explains. "They gave me experience in terms of being on set, and how I like to direct actors and direct, and what I find works when I've got a vision or an idea — and how I get close to that or 'if I do X and I get Y, do I like Y and would I apply that to my practice?'. And there's all those practical tools and practical experiences I think it gave me as a director." "And then mentally and emotionally — I guess energetically — how I like to be on set and the kind of environment I want to make films in, and the kind of space I want to create on the set. It gave me a very firm idea of that that we took into the feature film. And tonally, stylistically, I think if you watch the short films we made from Blackwood, they're all different stories but I think you'll see they're all very, very, very similar-ish tonally. I think that those years of making those shorts helped me find my style, helped me find the things I'm interested in — even though it's ever-changing — and helped me find the tools and the lens that I wanted to approach Pasa Faho through." That Paso Faho is personal, and also intimate — that it brings an insight into the Melbourne's Igbo community, too — was always key. Did that come with a sense of responsibility for Oji? "Many, many hands helped make this film, and many minds went toward what you see on-screen. And I think there is a responsibility for sure, and as a writer, as a director, I lead that in some way and I carry that," he notes. "But working in collaboration, I think, is always the best way to do justice to those ideas." What it means for this Melbourne-set and movie to have world-premiered in Melbourne, the questions that the film arose from, fleshing out the narrative from there, key elements that were always part of the filmmaker's vision for the feature, the consultation and casting processes: we also discussed all of the above and more with Oji. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MIFF (@melbfilmfest) On the Significance of Premiering the Melbourne-Set and -Made Paso Faho in Melbourne "The crew had been working together for quite a long time, and we've built somewhat of a film family over the last nearly a decade now. I think so many of the people that have supported that journey and have made it possible for us to continue that journey are here in this city, and in our families and our communities and all those circles. So I think to be able to launch the film with everyone who's made it possible for us to even be at this point feels like a blessing. It feels really really appropriate." On Pasa Faho Springing From Wanting to Ask Questions "I had started writing the script in 2020, towards the end of 2020. And I've made quite a number of shorts, and been wanting to step into the feature filmmaking space — while being aware and listening to what people were telling me in terms of 'it could take five, ten, 15, 20 years to get a film up'. So when I sat down to start writing, I was looking at 'what are the themes, what is the material that is most present in my mind that I feel like I'm going to be wanting to explore if it takes as long as it takes?'. And so for me, that's the place I started writing from. In terms of the questions and what I was wanting to explore in the film, obviously it's a world that's very, very close to me and characters that are very, very close to me. And I think a lot of the time, I think I've often felt — and this is for Azubuike, Obinna, Amaka, Bogo, for all these people, for all the characters that existed in my mind — I guess it was me wanting to go behind the curtains of these people's minds. I think these are characters, and the problems the characters face in the film are problems, that I've felt like I've seen versions of from the outside. And I think the film was me wanting to understand what's behind all of that, and what does that weight feel like, and what does that joy feel like? It was me wanting to understand these characters." On Fleshing Out the Film's Narrative From Those Initial Queries "I think it started, the way I wrote this film, I wrote a vomit draft and then refined it from there. I think the vomit draft was much more themes and ideas and character-based, and probably less of a plot. I think once I had those pieces, and once I became aware that 'okay, I'm wanting to explore fatherhood; I'm wanting to explore the relationship between a father and a son, and when you have these two people who look at the world through two different lenses; I'm wanting to explore expectation and the pressures, and the familial pressures that a character like Amaka receives whether directly or indirectly; I'm wanting to explore regret and how one comes to terms with decisions that they would have made differently in the past through the character of Bogo'; I'm wanting to explore religion, with the church and the church's relationship with my community, with the Nigerian community, and this relationship between church and land and ownership and all those things — once I had all those ingredients on the page in some way, I think I began to look for a thread and look for a plot that allowed me to speak about them. And, to explore them in the way I want to explore them, while also being very aware — and becoming more aware for our production as well — that I'm wanting to make a piece that is entertaining. And it's got twists and it's got turns, and there's stakes. And for an audience, it's not purely just an observational character piece, but it's a plot that the audience dig their teeth into as well." On Making a Work of Fiction That's Also a Very Personal Film — for Oji and for the Community "It's tricky. I think because you're not writing from a completely blank slate, it takes a very conscious effort to try to shake off any reservations or baggage that comes from these characters being abstractions of things that are really close to you in real life. And I think that work is a lot more active and conscious and tricky than if you're writing characters that are completely distant from you. So I think I probably felt that most in the development phase." On Pasa Faho Being Both Deeply Specific and Also Universally Relatable "In terms of making a film that felt it was very, very specific, while at the same time feeling universal, I think on the surface it's about a father and a son, and a father undergoing this set of trials and this reckoning which pushes him to ask questions about how he relates to his son, and brings them closer or further together — and I think that relationship between parent and child is inherently relatable. Everyone has had or has a parent, and lots of us also have children. So I think that, whether you set this story in the Igbo Nigerian community here in Melbourne, whether you set it in the Polish community in Warsaw, you set it wherever in South Africa, I think there's a relatability that is embedded in the exploration of that relationship." On Whether There Were Specific Elements About Being an Igbo Man in Melbourne Today and Straddling Two Different Cultures That Oji Wanted to Explore and Convey in the Film "Yeah, big, big time. I think a lot it, I wanted to capture this pressure that I feel like is often felt almost universally by people who are in the diaspora, and more specifically people who have been born and raised on the continent and moved abroad, especially moved to 'the west' — but the pressure that comes along with finding yourself in that position. You never exist in isolation. You're never just living for yourself. And that's a beautiful thing. And the fact that community and family and all those values are held so strongly in a culture such as ours, such as Igbo culture, is a beautiful thing. But there's also a lot of pressure that comes along with that, especially financially. And the weight of that pressure, I think, is often not talked about. I think there's an expectation you often just keep your head down and you move forward. I think those sacrifices that people also find themselves in — a character like Amaka, who, in another life, maybe she wanted to be a zookeeper or a painter or a football player or whatever she wanted to do. Someone in her position, you have very limited options in terms of what you're expected to do. And to feel the way that she feels in the film, it's a taboo thing. It's unspoken. So I definitely wanted to explore that. And I also very much wanted to capture the push and pull of being in a country like Australia, with your roots of family in Nigeria, and trying to raise a child in your shadow or in your values — where Nigeria and Australia are very, very different places, and it's hard when you have a child that is raised to look at the world through one certain way, but you've never had that lens or that vision because you were raised to look at a world in a very different kind of way. There can be a lot of tension in that experience, and I want to capture that." On Consulting and Engaging with Melbourne's Igbo Community to Help Shape Pasa Faho "Yeah, yeah, 3000 percent. All throughout the process, it's quite — I've forgotten at what point in development, but quite early on. I live here and these people I've known from before they were involved in the film. But at a certain point in development, we formalised workshops and meetings and sitdowns, and especially getting that perspective — because I don't have Azubuike's perspective, and we're trying to understand him as a character. Meeting with people of that generation of men, with men of that generation with children as well, who've moved here. We wanted to get a richness and authenticity. And also, it's very much I wrote and directed the script and the seed of it came from my heart, for lack of better words, but this character is crafted to be a depiction of that experience in general. And so what came from those meetings, and what came from those sitdowns and workshops, were a lot of the details that make up the film. The tension between Obinna and Oscar, and him taking on a different name, came from an anecdote that someone had told me while just sitting down and chatting. The inner workings of his character and his pride, and I guess where he draws that line, that came from sitting down and speaking to people who have lived more of that experience than I have lived. So yeah, definitely. It was intrinsic. It was essential to making this film." On the Importance of Casting, Especially Finding the Right Azubuike and Obinna "It was massive. It was massive. And I think I'm, as a director and the way I've worked in the past, and the way I worked with this film and the way I want to work in the future even more so, it's so actor-focused. I love, I love — I might say I'm an actor's director. I love getting people involved in the process early. I love bringing a blueprint of a character to an actor and letting them take it with both hands and build them together, and they're bringing their perspective, and their whole set of experience and expertise, to that character — and together we make that person, that character, as rich as possible. So for casting it, because it was language-specific, we started our process quite early for the character of Azubuike and for the character of Amaka. And it was long and it was extensive. And we were aware that this person, especially for Azubuike, he needed to carry the film. The film relied on him and Obinna and their relationship, but especially on Azubuike. So eventually we got to a point of process where we felt it made sense to reach out to Okey, especially as he's got a lot of experience and a lot of charisma as a performer. But it was also this material, I think, was also asking him to step into a space that he frequents less so. And so we thought it was exciting, it was a bit of an exciting opportunity. And then for Tyson, it was less specific — we cast the net more broadly. He didn't need to speak the language. It wasn't language-specific. But as soon as we found Tyson throughout the process, he was great, we knew it from two minutes into the audition." On What Oji Hopes Audiences Will Leave the Cinema Thinking and Feeling About, and Having Discovered From Pasa Faho "I hope they're there for the journey. The film is a domestic film and it's drama, but it's a ride, and we've tried to craft strong characters on-screen who the audience can really settle in next to and beyond that. I hope people laugh. I hope people cry. I hope it offers a broad range of emotions. And I think I also hope it brings up feelings and thoughts for the audience's own relationships with people in their life — whether that's a parent, whether that's a child, whether that's whoever is close to them. I hope that it opens up a door to a certain tenderness that exists and is important in those relationships, but it's not always voiced. I hope that's what it brings." Pasa Faho screens at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival. MIFF 2025 runs from Thursday, August 7–Sunday, August 24 at a variety of venues around Melbourne; from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 17 and Friday, August 22–Sunday, August 24 in regional Victoria; and online nationwide from Friday, August 15–Sunday, August 31. For further details, visit the MIFF website.
There's a good chance you've never experienced hot pot the Shabuway. From its home on Dixon Street, Haymarket, this 120-seat venue offers a bold reimagining of Japanese-style hot pot in an all-you-can-eat, fully self-serve format. Guided by the Wannian Alliance, the same team behind cult-favourite buffet-style restaurants like Butchers Buffet and Gyuniku, Shabuway now occupies the former Arisun space — the hospitality group's legacy venue that stood for 35 years. Here, guests experience a meeting of Japanese, Korean and Chinese influences, where each table centres around a yin-yang pot featuring distinct cooking sections for two broths. Over at the buffet, it's a sprawling affair, adorned with rotating hot and cold dishes, fried goods, house-made soups, and a dessert station with a soft-serve bar and toppings from crushed Oreos to M&M's. There's even a DIY bao bun station, where diners can fill fluffy steamed buns with smoked duck, spicy pork, bulgogi beef brisket and house-made condiments. Led by Executive Head Chef Joanne Lee, the kitchen is constantly restocking sumptuous flavours, from chicken and ginseng soup to an array of sliced meats, including chicken tenderloin, pork belly and decadent wagyu MB9+ signature rolls. The drinks menu is also well-stocked, with sweet soju options, renowned Asian beers and a refined tea selection for when you prefer a hot beverage. Although dining is the main event, Shabuway hasn't overlooked design. Decked out with timber tones and fresh green accents, an inviting atmosphere is supported by indoor and al fresco dining areas that flow naturally back and forth between the self-serve stations. Open daily, all-you-can-eat prices vary across lunch and premium dinner services, with this shabu-shabu spot offering unmatched buffet goodness, perfect for tailoring a precise hot pot session. Images: Johnny Norris
Laneway Festival has revealed its full 2026 lineup, marking a milestone 21st anniversary edition of the beloved summer series. Returning next February, the festival will expand its route across Australia and New Zealand, adding three new venues to the circuit. Fans can expect another year of sold-out crowds after the 2025 festival drew over 200,000 attendees across main dates and a further 40,000 at sideshows. "It's incredible to be celebrating 21 years of Laneway. What began as a little street party in a Melbourne laneway has grown into a summer ritual across Australia and New Zealand," festival co-founders Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio said. "Every year we're blown away by the response from the artists, fans, and community that make Laneway so special — 2026 is about honouring that history while looking to the future." See the full lineup below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laneway Festival (@lanewayfest) Laneway 2026 will run from February 5–15, with shows confirmed for Auckland, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Tickets and more information are available now from the Laneway Festival website.
The historic space at 10 Neild Avenue has left a bit of a black mark on the Sydney restaurant scene, with both celebrity chef Robert Marchetti's Neild Avenue and Keystone Group's Rushcutters closing after just brief stints in the location. But, not to be deterred, chef Paola Toppi and co. have taken on the enormous Rushcutters Bay warehouse. About 30 years ago she and her mum opened Machiavelli Ristorante, a Sydney institution that championed Italian home cooking, and this newest venture is an extension of the Machiavelli brand. The focus here is on antipasto and homemade pasta, which is a pretty appealing combination. But is it the right fit for a grand venue with a pretty grand price point? I'm not sure. Even though simple Italian food is harder to achieve than many realise, paying a fair amount of money for it can feel extortionate — especially in an area like Sydney, where so many good options are readily available and expectations are always high. The huge warehouse space has been reimagined by a deft hand in design Jason Mowen, who's used lighting, acoustics and creative flair to turn the previously cavernous and austere room into something quite appealing. He's used dark bare timber tables and some well-placed tall lamps to create a warm glow in what could easily be an open, cold atmosphere, and a mural coupled with cinematic images projected onto the high bare brick walls creates a fun, unpretentious feel to it all. There's an energetic hum from the clientele, who are mostly the kind of folks who pop into Catalina for a bite to eat on a Tuesday. The service is mostly attentive and enthusiastic, particularly behind the bar; they're keen sellers of items from their signature cocktail list, which includes the fresh and sharp peach and whisky number the Impeachment, and a surprisingly good take on a Negroni. As for the food, it's a bit of a hit and miss affair. On one hand, Bar M has some of the best salumi in town; the prosciutto, for example, with burrata and figs ($28) is perfect. Also on the antipasto menu, you'll find kingfish tartare with fennel salad, fried king prawns with Japanese breadcrumbs and grilled cuttlefish with caramelised onions and chilli. The pasta, which is served in pretty big portions and is beautifully made, has moments of total loveliness; the scampi spaghetti in a light tomato, chilli and garlic sauce ($59), a simple spaghetti carbonara ($39) and a duck ragu fettuccini ($39) are all hits. However, you can give anything with a beurre blanc sauce, like pappardelle with crab meat ($49) a miss. For mains, expect classics. There's a wagyu scotch fillet with potato ($49), rack of lamb with sweet potato mash ($49) and john dory fish served with panfried broccolini ($49). The desserts are a bit heavy, resembling something out of an '80s cookbook, like the tiramisu, ricotta-filled cannoli and profiterole with ice cream. Overall, Bar M is buzzing with hype and patronage at the moment, but it'll be a test of time to see if it can live on in its newest palatial home.
To seasoned street artists and chroniclers of graffiti culture, the name Vaughn Bode (pronounced Bo-dee) recalls the psychedelic, magical cartoon art of Bode's underground comics of the 60s and 70s. Those in the know utter Bode's name with reverence, recalling how his comic book characters — the Cheech Wizard, Dicky Doo, the sex-hungry lizards and the voluptuous Bode broads — were reappropiated with spray paint in the 80s on New York city's subway cars by godfathers of graffiti Seen and Dondi, among others. When Vaughn Bode passed away in the mid 70s, at age 33 — not living to behold his beloved characters blaze through New York city's subways — Bode's 12-year-old son, Mark, took it upon himself to follow in the footsteps, and to develop the artistic vision of his father. Over the last decade, the junior Bode has expanded on his father's venerable legacy, painting graffiti, publishing art books, and creating several comics of his own in the classic Bode style, including the soon-to-be-action-film and cult classic comic, Cobalt 60. All the while, Mark Bode has played an important role in the global graffiti art community, bringing together respected artists from across the globe for unique collaborations. For the Bode in Oz tour, Mark will exhibit some of his most recent illustrations and paintings at Sydney's China Heights gallery, which opens on Friday 24 February at 6pm and runs until Saturday 3 March. Alongside the exhibition, Mark will also collaborate with a number of Australian artists to paint a giant public mural, and to perform a 'Cartoon Concert' at The Standard on Wednesday 22 February from 6:30pm. As the scion of a graffiti culture legend, and as a graffiti legend in his own right, Mark Bode's tour of Oz is not to be missed. So don't forget to bring a fresh felt-tip with your blackbook. See the complete art catalogue here (.pdf).
When Cake Wines Cellar Door closed down in June 2019, it left a sizeable hole in Redfern's Eveleigh Street Creative Precinct. Thankfully, that gap has now been filled by another of the site's tenants, with Henry Lee's opening a new bar and restaurant. While the existing Henry Lee's cafe is still open for brunch and bites daily until 3pm, its sibling venue now serves up share plates and cocktails from 6pm from Thursday–Sunday. Thanks to a soft opening last week, it's already open and trading, with executive chef Antonio Saco (ex-Merivale) overseeing the kitchen. If you're keen on stopping by for a tipple, the three-page drinks list includes 26 vinos (complete with a couple of Cake Wines' tipples), a range of craft beer and ciders, a small selection of spirits and a ten-strong cocktail offering. It's the latter that's a highlight, especially the margarita with a black salt rim and the rhubarb-infused vodka and tonic. For folks having a few beverages with a friend, there's also an absinthe fountain. Food-wise, Saco's menu features both a cheese-heavy grazing board and a charcuterie board, as well as fresh Coffin Bay oysters served with mirin, lemongrass and sake salsa. Or you can get stuck into garlic labneh with rosemary and olive crumb, raw tuna tostadas with avocado mousse, and three-mushroom ravioli with shaved truffles. As for the small dessert range, it includes a whiskey, hazelnut and macadamia crumble with orange sponge and caramel, plus a combination of lime yoghurt mousse, sweet vegetable coulis, raspberry sponge, meringue and mascarpone ice cream. Showcasing local and passionate producers continues to be one of Henry Lee's aims, so while you're tucking into all of the above, you'll be enjoying bread from Brickfields Bakery, brews from The Grifter Brewing Co and Moo Brew, and gin and vodka from Hartshorn. You'll also be soaking up the bar and restaurant's rustic atmosphere, with Atelier Andy Carson charged with making the most of the building's existing character. Think plenty of light, an undone feel, and the use of construction and industry materials. The venue also celebrates a rotating lineup of artists-in-residence, with Margie Doyle doing the honours first up and creating bespoke pieces for the site's launch. Down the track, Henry Lee's Bar & Dining will also join forces with its courtyard counterpart for boozy brunches, with other events also planned once the weather warms up. And if you fancy taking a few drinks home with you after dinner, the venue also has a hotel license, which means that all of its wines and beers are available to takeaway.
In 2003, Balmain locals protested against the private development of their much-loved heritage-listed Fenwick building. That resulted in the council acquiring the property and, this year, a stunning new cafe and restaurant has opened in the space. A win, for sure — as it is whenever a historic space is saved from private development (or demolition) and turned into a spot that the public can enjoy. There are quite a few spaces like this around Sydney — heritage-listed art deco-style banks that have been turned into pizza spots and historic former paper mills that are now dining precincts. These are little slices of Sydney history that you can visit basically whenever you like. Brunch inside them, dine inside them, have after-work drinks in them. Talk to the sandstone walls, see what you can get out of them.
Hidden among the high-rises of central Parramatta's George Street is a gem serving comforting classics and first-rate brews. Housed in an airy industrial space, Homage has quickly become a well-loved mainstay of the local community, slinging breakfast, lunch and coffee from Monday to Saturday. Cosy up with the chilli scram with pecorino and chives, Middle Eastern breakfast eggs with whipped garlic labneh, chickpeas and cauliflower, or lemongrass chicken salad. If you're craving something more carb-heavy, there are Brooklyn Boy bagels with a selection of spreads and jaffles and toasties galore, including the popular bolognese, cheeseburger or zucchini parmigiana options. What stands out most, however, are the hundreds of five-star Google reviews that note the cafe's unparalleled service and warm staff, so make sure you sing out with any coffee queries or just say g'day.
Here's a cheap way to update your wardrobe, as long as you're so fond of ALDI that you're keen to show your love via your outfit. Already a go-to for budget-friendly groceries, snow gear and whatever other specials that it can rustle up, the supermarket chain started its own streetwear collection in 2024, and that move proved a hit. Accordingly, you can now get excited about decking yourself out in the company's 2025 range. Selling clothes wasn't new for the chain when the ALDImania collection initially debuted, as everyone who regularly trawls its middle aisles will be well-aware, but this was the first time that the brand released its own ALDI threads. Those pieces sold out, so 2025's collection is even bigger. Everything still comes cheap, though, clocking in at under $20. Available from ALDI stores from Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the new range features 29 pieces. ALDI-branded hoodies, track pants, sneakers, socks and beanies are back, as are sweatshirts, t-shirts, bucket hats and caps. You can also get ALDI clogs this time around. For some items, there's also multiple colours available, with grey, back and white the 2025 lineup's base hues. Both types of shoes come in two styles, as do the t-shirts. For little ALDI fans, kids' sweatshirts and track pants are also on offer. Again made from sustainably sourced or recycled materials, the collection starts at $4.99 cost-wise, which'll get you a pair of socks. The most you'll pay is $19.99 for the sneakers. In-between those maximums and minimums, hoodies will set you back $14.99, beanies and bucket hats $7.99 each, clogs are the same price, and tees $8.99. If you'd like a compact umbrella (in three designs) or a double-walled insulated mug (in four designs), they help round out the collection. ALDI's 2025 streetwear range will hit the chain's supermarkets around Australia from Wednesday, April 9. Visit the ALDI website for more details.
Hunters Hill's beloved local has entered a new era. After more than a century serving the community, the Hunters Hill Hotel — which first opened as the Fig Tree Hotel in the 1880s before adopting its current moniker in 1940 — has unveiled a top-to-bottom transformation that introduces bright, airy new spaces behind the familiar exterior. The extensive restoration, led by Squillace Architects, preserves the hotel's original art deco bones while adding warmer, more textured interiors and contemporary extensions. On the ground floor, you'll find a light-filled bistro and beer garden serving elevated pub fare, from reworked classics like steaks, parmies and pizzas to new favourites straight from the parilla lava rock grill — think whole lemon sole and whole roast chook. A sprawling sports bar sits beside the dining areas, featuring an eight-metre LED screen and plenty of beers on tap for match days. [caption id="attachment_1042303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Onecut Studios[/caption] Upstairs, a new cocktail lounge adds a touch of sophistication, while an expansive weatherproof indoor-outdoor terrace — complete with retractable roof — is built for everything from long lunches to relaxed sundowners with views over the treetops. Behind the redevelopment is the Gallagher family, which has owned and operated the hotel for the past decade and lived in Hunters Hill for much longer. As locals themselves, they've reimagined the pub with the community at the front of mind, blending its heritage with smart contemporary updates to create a space that feels new without losing its familiar warmth. [caption id="attachment_1042305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Onecut Studios[/caption] Images: Steven Woodburn/Onecut Studios.
If you go down to Barangaroo, you're in for a big surprise. Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt — the legends behind Bentley, Monopole and Yellow — opened the doors of Cirrus Dining back in 2016. Yes, it's named after a cloud and dishes up super-fresh, sustainable seafood. The menu is made for sharing. Among the offerings are raw bluefin tuna with marinated trout roe and smoked sour cream on a fried bun and the epic live lobster cooked over charcoal with scallop XO sauce. On top of all that fish, you'll find a good selection of meaty dishes and, as is always the case with the Bentley folk, no shortage of vegetarian deliciousness. "We've been working for almost a year on the menu, and it has changed and morphed along the way," said Savage, who has won SMH Good Food Guide Chef of the Year twice. "It is great for sharing, and I really want people to treat it this way, so they try all types of seafood in the one meal." He recommends kicking off with oysters and moving onto starters before tucking into shellfish and a whole fish main. Cirrus Dining sommelier Hildebrandt has assembled the wine list, which specialises in seafood-friendly whites, from sparkling and Chablis to Semillon and Chenin. Hildebrandt has his palate glued to a stream of new releases and left-of-field drops created by small producers, so you can always count on something interesting. On sunny days, you'll want to nab one of the 40 outdoor seats overlooking the harbour. There's another 100 inside, beautifully arranged by designer Pascale Gomes-McNabb, and surrounding timber tables dashed with marble and gold. She's also added a good polish to the concrete floor, brought in a 20-seater steel bar and built a spectacular wine wall. Look up and you'll see yet another Bentley signature ceiling, this time featuring hundreds of hanging rods and a flying vintage speed boat, Alvin.
Is cricket confusing you? Don't know your LBWs from your BBLs (Big Bash League)? Don't fret. We're here to tell you that the fun of cricket, especially the BBL, is more about the community, the spectacle, the seagulls, the superstars, and, of course, the KFC. Confused? Read on. [caption id="attachment_981725" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images[/caption] What Is It? Unlike traditional cricket, which you've probably seen on pub TVs and in the background at grandad's house, Big Bash cricket is a fast and flashy affair. There's a set number of innings and overs, and the scoring system is super simple – score more runs, win the game. Easy peasy. There are a few other bits and bobs unique to this faster game, but they're not really necessary to enjoy it. Now that the hit-ball-run-score-points element of the game is behind us let's dive into the spectacle of the game. But first, who's who? Who are the Major Players? Remember Warnie (RIP) in the early noughties? That cheek and camaraderie has carried on into modern-day cricket, including the zippier, simpler, faster game of Big Bash. So, you can expect the same cult of personality personalities. We're not going to run you through all the gang, but here are some of the bigger names and faces. [caption id="attachment_981726" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images[/caption] Paul Walter (Brisbane Heat) Tall blokes usually get picked for a career on the courts of basketball, but England-born bowler Paul Walter made his way to the pitch instead. Paul, 'Tall Paul' as he's dubbed with his 6'7" stature, has spent the majority of his career in his homeland, but Aussie fans of the game know him well, too. He's putting his left-hand-favouring skills to work for the Brisbane Heat now, and you'd best be ready for some crowd catches. Tall Paul bats big. [caption id="attachment_982894" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images[/caption] Jake Fraser-McGurk (Melbourne Renegades) Another beautiful thing about BBL is the platform it provides for rising young stars to make their mark in the game. If anyone is making a mark at the moment, it's 22-year-old Melbourne Renegades batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. He's made a reputation for himself with several stellar performances at the state level, but he rocketed to stardom in 2021 with a legendary catch of a screamer against the Strikers. [caption id="attachment_982895" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images[/caption] Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars) One could argue that the true spectacle of any BBL game is the batting. And Marcus Stoinis knows how to hit. Known for his aggressive, chunky shots, he can change the course of a game single-handedly. His powerful arm, particularly at the top or middle of the over, makes him a crowd favourite, holding the record for the highest individual score in BBL history. As you can expect, Stoinis has a larger-than-life personality, which is reflected in his interactions with his teammates, his facial expressions, and, of course, his over-the-top celebrations. [caption id="attachment_981724" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Photo by Izhar KHAN / AFP[/caption] Teams and Rivalries It wouldn't be sport if there wasn't a bit of drama. Team rivalries keep the game alive, and the audience engaged – what would football be without the Manchester United v Liverpool feud? In the Big Bash League, there are a few ongoing rivalries, maybe not as loud or fierce as Premier League bouts, but still good fun to watch. There are regular rivalries between teams that'll hit the pitch this season. For starters, there are the Sydney teams, the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, who are set to go head-to-head on Saturday, December 21. Then, the Melbourne teams – the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars – will face off on Saturday, January 4. But the biggest and longest rivalry is between the Sydney Sixers and the Perth Scorchers, who are set to play on Saturday, January 11. Why the beef? They're the two best teams in the competition and have met in the final on five occasions. Rituals, Quirks and What to Expect Aside from your big players, there are a number of rituals and fireworks (literally) that run alongside a typical Big Bash game. You've got the seagulls that will sit on the green, watching the game (legend has it they're old players reincarnated). There are the actual fireworks and flames, which are an integral part of every Big Bash game, exploding whenever a team enters, a ball hits the boundary, or a wicket is scored. Then, there are derbies (hitting Sydney on December 17 and January 21, plus Melbourne on January 4 and January 12), pregames and halftime shows with live music, DJs, and of course, more fireworks. You didn't hear it from us, but some of the music acts this season will be unmissable, with major performances from the likes of Peking Duk, Baker Boy, Cyril and more planned on December 26 and 31, plus January 1, 4 and 12. Lastly, there's the time-honoured tradition of the KFC bucket heads, which is exactly how it sounds – chuck a KFC bucket on your head. Quirky? Yes. Nonsensical? A little, but all in the name of Aussie cricket. No matter how you spin it (get it?), the Big Bash is something to get excited about. For more information on the Big Bash League and it's 2025 season, head to the BBL website.
As suburban geography goes, Sydenham sits in a curious spot. Wedged at the meeting point of the Inner West, the Eastern Suburbs, the southwest and Sydney Airport, it's a suburb that, for many, is more thoroughfare than destination. But Sippenham, an intimate 20-seater on Unwins Bridge Road, is giving you a reason to stop and stay for a while, one plate of pasta and one glass of natural wine at a time. Sippenham opened in autumn 2025, but it's been in the works for a while. The idea was born during lockdown, when co-owners Stephen Mandis and Nick Giannopoulos, lifelong mates and housemates at the time, started dreaming about opening a venue of their own — Giannopoulos had been helming the kitchen of his family's restaurant on the lower north shore, which for years had been a go-to for their crew, and was also where Mandis had his first post-corporate hospitality gig. [caption id="attachment_1011479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trevena[/caption] "The romance grew from there," says Mandis. "I wanted to open my own place to call a home away from home, somewhere we could celebrate music, wine, good food made with love. Somewhere we could grow and leave a legacy." Inspired by a trip to east London, where restaurants double as late-night hangouts filled with dancing, culture and community, the pair set out to bring that same energy back to Sydney — and at Sippenham, they've done just that. Sydenham wasn't a surprising choice for them, but the obvious one. "Sydenham, Tempe, St Peters and anything cradled by Princes Highway in our eyes are some of the coolest parts of the Inner West," Mandis says. "Graffiti meets parklands meets gorgeous streets meets factories — it's got a bit of everything, and it reminded us of London a lot. There's a charm to it. We adore it." [caption id="attachment_1011482" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trevena[/caption] That energy, combined with the fact that Mandis' dad grew up in the suburb, meant that the location felt like a natural home for Mandis' and Giannopoulos' "home away from home". And their neighbours have responded in kind: "So far the locals have loved it," Mandis tells us. "We want to encourage the ones who haven't to please get in here and enjoy what we have built for them, for the community. Sippenham exists for the people who walk by, gaze in, make a booking or walk through and ask for a wine and a snack. We absolutely love hearing 'We just live down the road!'." The menu is rooted in memory as much as technique. Giannopoulos comes from a family of chefs, and his dishes reflect a lifetime of shared meals — "be it lockdown, family barbecues, or the thing we love the most, a hug from our grandmother," as Mandis puts it. Pasta is the focus, but meze and entrees draw their influence from throughout the Med. It's complemented by a wine list created in concert with Lo-Fi Wines that's all natural and entirely approachable, as well as beer by Marrickville's (Sydenham Road, specifically) Philter. Music is central to the Sippenham experience — playlists are curated weekly and could feature anyone from Skepta and Craig David to The Stone Roses and DMA's, plus, vinyl nights are in the works. There's strong house party energy here, but that's entirely the point. "We're casual, and our walls are adorned in photos of us, our city, our mates, our favourite athletes, sports teams and music artists," says Mandis. "It's like walking into your mate's place, and I couldn't be prouder of that." [caption id="attachment_1011483" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Trevena[/caption] Top images: Sam Trevena.
Picnic season is upon us, so it's time to amp up your gear-game for the inevitable days spent feasting on foil-wrapped sandwiches and plastic cups of chilled wine. When shopping for picnic gear, you need to consider all the practical stuff like transportability, usefulness (don't forget a bin bag!) and practicality (can it get wet?). But it's also nice if it looks great. We've combined all those things into the following list for our picks of picnic must-haves. And every inclusion on this list is Australian-designed or made because we love to keep it local. SPEAKERS THAT DOUBLE AS ESKYS One of the only downsides to spending a day in the sun picnicking is the mandatory lugging of cooler boxes, picnic baskets, speakers and food from the car to the designated picnic spot. So, whenever possible, try find picnic gear that can do two things at once. Like this pretty and pink two-in-one cooler and speaker from Sunnylife for $199. It has a 15 litre capacity so it fits 16 cans with ice. It also has bluetooth, radio, connects to AUX and USB. If you're after something a little larger and don't require the most aesthetically pleasing cooler-box-speaker-hybrid at the beach, here's another one from Super Cheap Auto that holds 55 litres and will only set you back $60. [caption id="attachment_827827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Annika Kafacaloudis for Hattie Molloy X Curio Practice [/caption] WARM BLANKETS FOR SUNSET PICNICS Need something to wrap yourself in when the sun goes down and the spritzes aren't warming you up enough? Curio Practice is a female-owned small business making checkered and patterned blankets from the finest Australian Merino wool and made locally in Victoria. Curio Practice's blankets are of impeccable quality and beautifully made, plus, when winter rolls around the picnic baskets go into storage, they look pretty draped over lounge chairs or folded on the end of your bed. Win-win. MINI CUT-OUT TABLES FOR NO-SPILLS If you're on the clumsy side or have a penchant for sinking one too many rosés on the grass with your pals, Etsy store Noosh and Noo sells picnic tables with clever cut-out glass holders so your drink won't get knocked over and your cheese stays free of ants. The tables are handmade out of bamboo so they're light and durable, and you can have your name, initials or a symbol engraved. They're $100 and are made to order in Australia. Or, if you picnic in larger groups, Indi Tribe Collective has portable picnic tables with up to eight wine glass holes and two wine bottle holders for $259.95. PATTERNED RUGS FOR A VINTAGE VIBE Arguably the most important piece of picnic equipment is a durable but fun waterproof rug you can plonk yourself and your food on. Etsy store BreezeBoutique has loads of different colours and checks to chose from, with two size options ranging from around $89-$99. These blankets are made from acrylic and have little PU leather handles for easy travelling. If you want traditional tartan made with natural materials, Waverley Mills is Australia's oldest working textile mill and makes some of the finest Australian Merino wool picnic blankets around. They're crafted in Tassie, made to last and range from $229-$299. BEACH CHAIRS FOR THE PICNIC ELITE If you really want to take your picnic to the next level, purchasing portable fold-out chairs might be on your agenda. If you're after a stylish but comfy chair, Sunday Supply Co have designed luxe beach seats with fast-drying padded foam and fade resistant fabric. They have some very funky covers, including a sunny yellow and white striped number and a beachy black and white polka dot. If you're more low-key but still love a retro look, these striped plastic camp chairs are a throwback we can get around — especially for only $24.99. [caption id="attachment_827899" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Greta Mitchell for Porter Green[/caption] ECO-FRIENDLY REUSABLE CUPS Glassware and expensive ceramic tableware have no place at a picnic, but the over-manufacturing of single use plastics are wreaking havoc on the environment. Instead of plastic supermarket cups, go for reusable options like these stainless steal party cups with splash-less lids or this double wall insulated wine traveller set. The ones featured in the image above are unbreakable, foldable silicone tumblers from sustainable interiors brand Porter Green and are $27.25 for a pack of two. If you're partial to something sparkling, these reusable pink champagne flutes are only $24.99 for two. COCKTAIL SHAKERS FOR ON-THE-GO MARGS The number one way to impress dinner guests is casually shaking and pouring cocktails like you were born to do it while effortlessly maintaining vibrant conversation. Same goes for picnics. Picnic Folk are an Australian brand selling brightly patterned stainless steal picnic equipment like lunchboxes, tumblers and cocktail shakers that are hand painted by an older generation of artisans in Kashmir. If you're more of a minimalist, this cocktail set from Grand Cru Wine Fridges comes in black matte finish and has everything you need to make a basic cocktail for $59.95. PICNIC BASKETS THAT DOUBLE AS CHEESE BOARDS Picnic basket, cheeseboard, card table — we love a picnic basket that can do it all. The Beach People have designed specialised, handmade picnic baskets that have a wooden food grade removable cheeseboard lid and an insulated interior with a zip close for $199. They also have a 'seconds' section, where they sell the cheeseboard picnic baskets that have minor imperfections for $179. If you want something a little larger, Paragon Emporium has a fold out picnic basket that doubles as a table with optional legs that are tucked away when the basket is in its basket form, plus swing out wine glass holders. GAMES TO PLAY WHEN THE CONVO ISN'T CUTTING IT Sometimes a picnic needs an element of organised fun, and, if our national sports are any indication, there's nothing Australian's love more than a bit of competition on the grass. Check out this enormous wooden Jenga from Yellow Octopus or this two-in-one lawn games bundle from Living by Design. If you're vibing the things-that-double-as-other-things picnic tip, perhaps this games-board-slash-towel from Sunnylife is a win for your next beach picnic. [caption id="attachment_828069" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: KoolShooters via Pexels[/caption] VINTAGE FINDS FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND GEAR With so many new gadgets constantly being manufactured, it may also be on your mind to start a collection of vintage picnic gear for a more sustainable approach. South Australian based Etsy shop, Beach Kiosk Vintage, has vintage collectables that are perfect for outdoor use and your next picnic. It might take a bit of hunting, but from 80s ice coolers to enamel fondue pots, there's something for everyone. The Vintage Retro Guy is another Etsy shop, this time based out of Geelong Victoria. It usually has a great selection of original, colourful plastic cups, saucers, plates and containers for all your portable picnic needs. Happy hunting. Image: Annika Kafacaloudis for Hattie Molloy X Curio Practice
Arriving in a flurry of new openings for Circular Quay, Pearl is Lotus Dining Group's most lavish venue to date — shining brightly by taking what's worked at spots like The Gardens by Lotus and turning the sense of luxury up a notch. The flashy Cantonese eatery is located in Quay Quarter Tower alongside Belles Hot Chicken's expansive eat-in-only diner, plus the expansive rooftop bar and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Martinez. It has also been joined by a sibling venue downstairs — a Circular Quay outpost for Lotus Dumpling Bar, which offers the group's signature eats in a more casual setting. The menu, crafted by the Director of Culinary Cheung Shui Yip and Executive Chef Steve Wu, places big flavours and Cantonese favourites at the centre of the offerings, serving classic dishes created with excellent produce and attention to detail. Must-try eats include the dry-aged and twice-cooked Peking duck pancakes served with a side of crispy duck skin, wok-fried lobster in XO sauce, the Pearl prawn dumplings, and a side of the spiced and wok-fried green beans for good measure — all of which are available on the deluxe $128 per person set menu. There's also a more affordable $88 per person banquet, which still features plenty of culinary delights, including Sydney rock oysters, wok-fried beef flank, steamed coral trout, kingfish sashimi, and prawn dumplings with an egg-white cloud and flying fish roe. A la carte is, of course, an option as well, as is popping in just for a drink — with the sweeping balcony calling out for after-work catch-ups complete with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you've got a birthday or Christmas party on the horizon, Pearl also has you covered — there's both a semi-private and a private dining room, which you can book for an intimate experience a stone's throw from Wynyard and Martin Place.
The very best seafood restaurant in Sydney is hard to nail down. There are just so many standout spots to choose from. You've got intimate omakase experiences where chefs prepare all kinds of fresh seafood right at your table. There are Sydney fine diners that serve the most luxe lobsters with champagne or caviar bumps with ice-cold vodka shots. And local neighbourhood diners also offer up some of the best Sydney seafood in a laidback and homely setting. Thankfully, we've eaten at all these kinds of places to create the ultimate list of the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. These joints give all the love to the freshly caught and ethically sourced seafood we are so lucky to have swimming around our shores and down our rivers. No matter which one you visit, you're guaranteed a fish feast made for a king. Recommended reads: The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Japanese Restaurants in Sydney The Best Steaks in Sydney The Best Beachside Restaurants and Bars in Sydney
Chances are, you're well overdue for a relaxed group getaway with your besties, and it just so happens that Australia's chock full of world-class vacation spots to suit all types. And for that group escape, Byron Bay is delivering the goods, as always. In northern NSW, you'll find a healthy dose of sun, sea and subtropical rainforest awaiting your arrival. Plus, an array of waterfront villas and roomy coastal retreats ideal for a beach vacay with your besties. We've done the hard work and rounded up the best group Airbnbs you can book in Byron Bay. Pack those bags and get set for a hard-earned beach adventure. Recommended Reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in NSW The Best Tiny Houses You Can Book Around NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains Elevation, Byron Bay Luxe vacation vibes abound at this newly renovated architectural stunner, complete with heated pool and spa, and enormous sun-drenched deck. From $1321 a night, sleeps eight. Paradiso Property, Byron Bay Sporting soothing whites and natural finishes, this group retreat feels instantly relaxing. There's loads of space indoors and out, plus a brand-new pool. From $750 a night, sleeps eight. Belongil on the Beach, Byron Bay Swap city life for a weekend of blissful Byron beachfront. This sprawling house boasts cheery nautical styling and a backyard right on the water's edge. From $700 a night, sleeps six. Havana Lodge, Byron Bay With its contemporary boho styling, nature-filled surrounds and dreamy meditation loft, this eclectic retreat is the ultimate antidote to fast-paced city living. From $449 a night, sleeps four. Byron Superluxe, Byron Bay Boasting loads of outdoor living, a pool and space to sleep 14, this supersized retreat is group holiday perfection. And the beach is just metres away. From $1220 a night, sleeps 14. Beaumonts House, Byron Bay Perched overlooking the sand, this spacious beach house is a true surfer's dream. Expect incredible views and plenty of room to move. From $799 a night, sleeps ten. Eternity Beach House, Byron Bay A leafy oasis just moments from Belongil Beach, this relaxed holiday retreat comes complete with luxury furnishings and state-of-the-art features. From $990 a night, sleeps six. Ayana at the Pass, Byron Bay With its tropical setting and designer interiors, this modern abode is a study in holiday luxury. Enjoy a heated spa, outdoor shower and dedicated yoga deck. From $1380 a night, sleeps eight. Old 55, Byron Bay This beautifully restored Wategos Beach treehouse makes for an inviting beach escape, with roomy open-plan living and lots of outdoor space. From $949 a night, sleeps 11. Memories at Wategos, Byron Bay Just a short six-minute walk from Wategos Beach, this fabulous modern abode is perfect for a day in the sand or lounging by its top-tier pool with your best friends. From $1190 at night, sleeps eight. 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.
While there will always be a place for the milestone event restaurant — those peerless (and pricey) palaces of sliver service where the stratospheric calibre of the cuisine is matched only by the equally sky-high bill — the humble neighbourhood diner has come into its own in recent times. These comforting, casual eateries, tucked away in suburban enclaves, offer quality meals at an affordable price point, and in the current economic climate, that's good news for cash-strapped Sydneysiders. Table Manners, on the other hand, is one of a new breed of neighbourhood restaurant offering a middle way. It delivers stellar service and impressive fare that feels elevated while remaining, if not necessarily cheap, at least not bank-breaking. After all, Head Chef Luke Churchill was formerly on the pots at the eye-wateringly expensive Oncore by Clare Smyth, and a comparable meal at this Bronte newcomer will set you back significantly less. [caption id="attachment_972304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (L–R) Alex Cameron, John Breen and Luke Churchill[/caption] Budgets aside, there's much to love about this Euro-leaning bistro from Alex Cameron, the former manager of Inner East darlings Parla, Franca and Armorica. While the name might suggest a requirement for etiquette — and indeed, there are white linen tablecloths, silver ice buckets and the gentle flicker of candlelight setting the scene — there's also a wink of informality. This high-low, double-hinged personality is perhaps best captured by the livery stamped on all the flatware, featuring a doodle of some greedy-guts customer licking their plate clean, as well as in the playful murals that fill the dining room, irreverently scrawled over the ornate, corniced walls — a wonderfully elegant riot of refinement and rebellion. While the interiors, conceived by Sydney-based designer Blainey North, resist the low-hanging fruit of seaside tropes found in many coastal eateries, Cameron isn't shunning the chilled-out beach vibes of the area he also calls home. "You can't have a neighbourhood restaurant in Bronte that feels too flash. People come here mostly for the beach and a coffee and a swim. We wanted Table Manners to be something that matched that relaxed ideal of the perfect Sydney beachside life," Cameron explains. "The dining rooms I like to go back to are comfortable — so we wanted it feel like somewhere you would want to dine with friends, but also something a bit special, like your rich Aunt's house or some Provençale estate while you're on holiday; the decor reads lux, but it's still super relaxed." Much like the interiors, the menu channels a similar laidback luxury. A TikTok-famous spaghetti all-assassina — with the pasta part blanched, part fried for a curiously crunchy finish — takes the social media trend and lifts it with the addition of three juicy, chargrilled king prawns laying atop the garlic and chilli oil-drizzled nest of pasta strands. The brilliantly named bug club, takes the classic three-layered sandwich and swaps out the usual slices of deli meat for a sweet and tender Moreton Bay bug tail, diced and dressed with mayo, tomato and crisp salad greens. The house martini is served Gidley style: with two servings per order — because one is never enough — and a little side serving of various garnishes so you can pimp your drink to your preferred taste. It's seriously executed dining that simultaneously doesn't take itself too seriously. The tone of the service follows suit. It's swift and efficient, but also warm and disarming, letting you know you're welcome and in good hands. There's an effortlessness to the experience and this is perhaps the most impressive feat of Table Manners — the confidence with which it has prototyped this new mode of mid-tier, high-low, easy going neighbourhood dining. Sydney's culinary scene is easily transfixed by the new shiny thing, which is great for venues when they open, but less so when the sheen fades and attentions drift elsewhere. But with its singular blend of polish and scruff, Table Manners somehow manages to leapfrog the fad-ness of it all — an instant classic rather than merely the new hotness. Images: Jennifer Snoo
Revered chef, veteran restaurateur and bonefide icon Neil Perry has all but single-handedly transformed Double Bay into one of Sydney's buzziest dining destinations. First came Margaret, Perry's mod-Aus post-Rockpool passion project which was recently recognised as one of the world's best steakhouses. Next, there was Baker Bleu, the much-lauded Melbourne bakery that moved in next door to Margaret at Perry's behest to supply his fine diner with top-quality baked goods. Song Bird — a vast, multi-level Cantonese restaurant — is the jewel in Perry's Bay Street crown, spread over three floors of the heritage-listed Gaden House. But impressive as this mega-venue may be, there's a small yet perfectly formed treat to be found in its basement: Bobbie's, a quintessential cocktail lounge specialising in martinis. To realise Perry's vision for a chic, cosmopolitan 'tini joint, he tapped his long-time friends, Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, the dynamic duo behind famed New York haunt Dante. Indeed, the bar could be considered more Pride's than Perry's, since its name, Bobbie's, is an ode to Pride's renowned grandfather, Australian DJ Bob Rogers OAM, the nation's longest-serving radio announcer who is credited with introducing Top 40 radio programming on 2UE in the late 1950s. In a further nod to Pride's illustrious forebear, Bobbie's will also be a live music venue. The streamlined wine list sets a celebratory tone with a focus on champagne. Emerging champagne growers, more established champagne houses and sparkling wines from around the world offer patrons plenty of corks to pop. What Perry venue would be complete without a serious dining offering? The bar menu stars seafood plates and elevated snacks, but also sandwiches — both fresh and toasted. Think Walker's Big Eye Tuna with green olive and lemon salsa, Spencer Gulf King Prawn cocktail with Murray Rose sauce, and CopperTree Farm beef patty cheese melts with gruyere and pickles. Lighter bites lean luxe, with white sturgeon caviar, freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters and gildas with green olive, anchovy and pickled chilli on the menu. "We've designed Bobbie's to be a place for people to enjoy at any time of the day or night," Perry shares. "Whether it be for a martini and oysters in the afternoon, a nightcap and cheese plate on the way home, or a full evening of dining, drinking and live music – the choice is yours." Images: Yusuke Oba
It was only a matter of time before Sydney's rapidly expanding food and drink scene broke through the confines of Sydney city and started spilling north of the bridge. North Sydney has always had a few standout spots, but 2024 was a big year for new openings, with red-hot new destinations like Genzo opening their doors to eager diners. Part of the Walker Street Precinct, Genzo brings "a taste of Tokyo" to North Sydney's miniaturised CBD. Tokyo's izakaya street-style dining has become quite the rage in Sydney, with Genzo joining the fray to bring traditional Japanese snacks with a twist to the lower North Shore. Those dishes come in great and small sizes alike. Simple starters like shiitake tempura and ponzu and tuna onigiri with stracciatella and umeboshi are joined by a mix of nigiri and sushi rolls, but hungrier diners should turn their eyes to the hot food. There's plenty of it. The main lineup comes in skewer form, with cuts of chicken thigh, tenderloin, breast, skin and more creatively paired with ingredients like toasted rice, pink pepper and egg yolk. Not a chook fan? You can get snow pea, scampi or wagyu beef, too. Larger dishes are on offer too, like octopus with chilli and cream cheese, miso glazed Glacier-51 toothfish or a cold bowl of soba noodles. When it's time for beverages, you've got the pick of house beers and wines, Japanese sodas and an impressive offering of saké in flights or by the bottle. If cocktails take your fancy, get around everything from creative house specials with Japanese ingredients, or the ever-popular Japanese highball made with high-quality spirits like Toki Whisky.
Burnt Orange has a fascinating history. It was originally a golf club, then it was converted into a clubhouse during the Second World War for the army stationed at the nearby barracks. Now, it's a cafe, boutique shop, and one of the best places to come for high tea in Sydney. Bring your loved ones for macarons, Belgian chocolate mousse and house-made scones with jam and cream — all with incredible harbour views. And if high tea isn't your jam, Burnt Orange also dishes up top-tier breakfast and lunch dishes. Other favourites on the lunch menu include the Green Goddess salad; a Thai fish pie with scallops, salmon, makrut lime and coconut; a wagyu beef burger with Swiss cheese and spinach artichoke; and a free-range pork tenderloin served with broccolini and pickled blackberry. Its dessert menu includes a baked lemon cheesecake with yoghurt foam and a mandarin curd tart with torched meringue. If all this has you feeling thirsty, then try one of its classic cocktails, including the Hemingway daiquiri, the lemon drop or the rum sour. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Rhodes' Auvers Cafe has landed in Darling Square amid a wave of new eateries at the precinct. Keeping with the theme of Auvers' original locale — named for a village northwest of Paris, where Vincent van Gogh once lived and painted — the cafe is bright, vibrant and arty, with a Gillie and Marc mural setting the mood. But while the aesthetic has a French tilt, the food does not. Instead it's modern Australian with an Asian twist, all made with locally sourced ingredients. A staple from the Rhodes cafe making the journey to the new outpost is the glazed matcha pancakes with red bean paste and raspberry sorbet ($20), joined on the menu by new creations like the po' boy burger: tempura soft shell crab, lettuce, tomato and kimchi mayo on an Indomie (yes, mi goreng) and brioche bun, served with chips for $20. The drinks at Auvers are bright and fun. Try a matcha or hojicha latte made with premium tea from Japan, an extravagant Vincent van Gogh-inspired cocktail; or an Auvers Juffee, an intriguing blend of fresh orange and apple juice with cold brew coffee ($7). If you're after a coffee that's a little simpler, Auvers uses coffee beans from Black Market Roasters and select guest roasteries, making all the classics plus pour overs and cold brew. On Thursday, September 12, you can pay as you feel for one (non-alcoholic) drink and one main meal of your choice. The one-off grand opening event will run from 11am–7pm, so you can sample anything from the honey ricotta cheese french toast ($18) to seafood spaghetti ($28) for as little, or as much, as you like. CORRECTION: SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 — This article previously stated that Reuben Hills supplied coffee to Auvers, when it is supplied by Black Market Roasters. It has been updated to reflect this.
The seasoned hospo trio behind Sydney CBD favourites Clam Bar, the Taylor Swift-endorsed Pellegrino 2000 and Bistro 916 (now sadly closed) have created a love letter to Northern Italian cuisine with their latest venture. Carved into the sandstone foundation of sister venue Clam Bar, Neptune's Grotto heroes comforting regional specialities in an intimate New York-inspired setting. Neptune's Grotto has taken over the former digs of Grotta Capri, an Italian seafood restaurant known for its delightfully corny, ocean-themed decor and sixty years of old-school hospitality. Paying homage to the address' heritage and its nautical aesthetic, the dining space – once covered floor-to-ceiling in oyster shells – has been transformed into an intimate subterranean oasis with a statue of Neptune presiding over his domain at its centre. New York-style booths and judicious lighting strike a balance between the underwater theatrics and the elegance of Northern Italian cuisine, maintaining a warm and inviting appeal with an undercurrent of whimsy. [caption id="attachment_944247" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson[/caption] As with their other Sydney venues, chefs Mikey Clift and Dan Pepperell are adding contemporary flourishes to Northern Italian classics for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Unlike Pellegrino 2000's more relaxed trattoria-style cuisine, the pair's new menu delights in more high-end handmade pasta dishes like stuffed tortellini, while incorporating classic dishes from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. Likewise, Andy Tyson is breaking out his sommelier skills to bring visitors a passionately curated drinks list starring gems of the Northern Italian regions. Tyson has pulled together an exciting collection of wines from quintessential producers of the Barolo and other regions, coupled with a bevy of champagnes and creative updates on classic cocktails. [caption id="attachment_910199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pasta at Pellegrino 2000[/caption]
It might seem counterproductive to leave Australia in search of a beach holiday, but across New Zealand's 15,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, there are more sheltered seafronts, rugged cliff-lined shores and black sand beaches than you can shake a towel at. Deciding where to spend the warmer months with sand in every crevice and saltwater lapping around your ankles can be an adventure in itself. This month, New Zealand enters another phase in its post-COVID reopening plan, and from 11.59pm NZST / 8.59pm AEST on Tuesday, April 12, we can once again visit our closest neighbours without needing to quarantine on arrival. If you've got a trip over the ditch on your 2022 wishlist, we've put together a list of some of the best New Zealand beaches that you should visit at least once in your lifetime — whether you're keen to brave a winter dip or you're just already dreaming of next summer's sojourns. TAWHARANUI REGIONAL PARK, AUCKLAND Found around 90 kilometres from Auckland central, Tāwharanui Regional Park offers the full spread of summery activities for keen adventurers. Once you've reached the end of the gravel access road, you'll be greeted by beautiful white sand shoreline, easy walking tracks and crystal-clear rock pools up for exploration. It's also known to pump out some beginner-friendly waves, so don't forget to pack your preferred floatation device. And to really make the most of your trip, book a spot at the tent campsite so that you can stare at the clear skies above. [caption id="attachment_791375" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam Bryce[/caption] CATHEDRAL COVE, COROMANDEL This gem is a must-do in the Coromandel — and for good reason. Golden sand and a stunning natural rock archway await, whether you decide to arrive at the picturesque spot by boat, kayak or on foot. Leaving from Hahei, the 45-minute walk is well maintained and traverses rugged farmland, before delving into native bush. There are plenty of dramatic vantage points for photo opportunities, but the main event is the beach where you can easily wile away an entire afternoon. [caption id="attachment_791442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Department of Conservation[/caption] ANCHORAGE BAY, ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK It can be hard to pick just one beach in the Abel Tasman, but how about starting with Anchorage Bay? The horseshoe bay is home to the first large beachside camping spot along the Abel Tasman walking trail and where boaties anchor their vessels — making it one of the more popular destinations in the national park. Here you'll find sweeping golden sand and turquoise blue waters, with a number of short walks leading to smaller secluded bays and stunning natural rock formations. During low tide you can walk across the tidal estuary to Torrent Bay. It'd also be rude not to mention (and jump in water taxi to) Kaiteriteri. [caption id="attachment_791435" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adventure HQ[/caption] MAITAI BAY, BAY OF ISLANDS To really feel like you're on a tropical island, head to Maitai Bay at the point of the Karikari Peninsula. With its golden sand and crystal-clear blue water, the small sheltered horseshoe bay is something straight from a postcard. The destination can be extraordinarily popular in the summer months, so much so that local iwi declared the region a "no-take zone," in 2018 to allow sea life to recover. The rahui on fishing has finished, but we still recommend you reserve your time here for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. If you're seeking a thrill, head through the bush at the right end of the beach and you'll find a stone ledge that serves as the perfect diving board. Book well in advance for a spot at the DOC campground. [caption id="attachment_664046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Russell Street[/caption] PIHA, AUCKLAND Swim with caution at this rugged west Auckland beach. Piha might be best known for its strong currents and New Zealand's television answer to Bondi Rescue, but it's also a stunning location to spend the day. Choose your real estate on the hot black sand (don't forget footwear) and then cool off between the flags. Walking tracks can be completed along the headlands and up to scenic lookouts, while further along the coast are equally as wild beaches like Karekare and Muriwai where you can take a surf lesson and go horse trekking. [caption id="attachment_791439" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Awful-N4[/caption] NEW CHUMS, COROMANDEL Hidden away from the masses for most of the year, New Chums has previously been voted as one of the world's top ten beaches. The stretch of golden sand on the Coromandel Peninsula is fringed by pohutukawa and native forest and has no buildings, roads or infrastructure. Access to the one-kilometre undeveloped stretch of paradise is by boat or via a rocky foreshore walk from the Whangapoua car park. And once you're there it's no uncommon to spot marine life swimming the length of the beach. [caption id="attachment_791437" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kiwi Canary[/caption] AWAROA, ABLE TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Awaroa made headlines in 2016 when it was bought via crowdfunding campaign by the New Zealand public for over two million dollars and then donated back to the national park. The secluded golden banks of Awaroa are only accessible to those walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track two hours either side of low tide, or by boat or helicopter. A short walk inland there's the Awaroa Lodge where you can enjoy pizza under a glade of native trees, and there are several glamping and camping options for overnight holidaymakers. [caption id="attachment_791441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Russell Street[/caption] NGARUNUI, RAGLAN Sometimes called Ocean Beach, Main Beach or Wainui Beach, this wild black sand beach with consistent waves is ideal for groms learning how to surf. The Raglan Surf School is parked up right on the vast west coast stretch for those keen to get in on the action, while more experienced riders can hire boards and wetsuits by the hour. With unforgiving riptides, ocean swimmers should stay between the flags. Hang around until the end of the day and you'll cop an extraordinary sunset. [caption id="attachment_791440" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Glen Sinclair[/caption] WHARARIKI, NELSON This windswept beach has to be one of the country's most photographed sections of coastline. The beach is only accessible via a 20-minute track from the end of Wharariki Road, which travels over farmland and through coastal forest. With particularly big seas, sight-seeing is the number one attraction here — and the Archway Islands will certainly serve up the goods. The group of four rock formations rising from the tide provide an exception photo opp, especially if you decide to tour the region on horseback. [caption id="attachment_791436" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trevor Klatko[/caption] NINETY MILE BEACH, NORTHLAND This epic 88-kilometre-long stretch of sand has to be seen to be believed. The famed northland beach starts near Kaitaia and makes its way up to Cape Reinga. At low tide the beach is officially a public highway, but don't even think about bringing your rental hatchback here — several have been swallowed by the unforgiving seas. The dunes at Te Paki in the north are famously used for bodyboarding — just expect to take home pockets full of sand. Bring water, and sunscreen. From 11.59pm NZST / 8.59pm AEST on Tuesday, April 12, double-vaccinated Australian tourists will be able to holiday in New Zealand without needing to isolate on arrival. Tourists will be required to test negative for COVID-19 with a PCR or RAT before leaving Australia for their trip, before providing negative tests on day one and day five of their stay in New Zealand. For more information, head to the New Zealand Government's official COVID-19 website. Top image: Adam Bryce.
Fine dining meets Asian fusion at contemporary diner Luna Lu, located along Campbells Cove in Circular Quay. This restaurant fuses contemporary Asian fare with quality Australian produce. Diners can choose between tempting small plates such as Hokkaido scallop sashimi with cashew nut puree and pickled daikon; yellowfin tuna tataki with a som tum yum mango dressing; and Black Angus Ranger Valley short beef ribs with sticky sauce and fresh chillies. A range of dim sims are made fresh daily, with no artificial colours or flavours. Diners can choose between classic money bags, charcoal har gow dumplings with king prawn and spanner crab, green half-moon dumplings with Hokkaido scallops, and more. Larger dishes include a wok-fried MB9 rump cap steak, honey yuzu crispy fried chicken, and seafood candied fried rice. Vegetarians and vegans in attendance will not go home hungry with Kung Pao-style eggplant and a mock-chicken version of the honey yuzu chicken dish. The Luna Lu signature menu features a selection of the venue's showstopping dishes, such as Tasmanian southern rock lobster picked straight from the tank; Berkshire pork belly with crispy leeks and cinnamon dark soy sauce; and Glacier Heard Island toothfish coated in a green curry and English spinach emulsion. If there's room for dessert, choose between sticky date pudding, pandan deep-fried ice cream, or Luna's Opera House — inspired by the iconic building — among others. There's a variety of menus on offer at Luna Lu. Besides the main menu outlined above, there's the express lunch menu, a children's menu, a gluten-free version of the menu and a high tea menu available on the weekends from 12–4pm. Not to be outdone by the food on offer, Luna Lu pours a variety of signature cocktails, sake, gins and whiskies, as well as an extensive wine list — with 18 Penfolds wines making the cut. More beverage options can be found upstairs at Luna Lu's sister venue, Bar Lulu, where decadent bar snacks, cocktails and wines are on offer. Luna Lu can be found at Bays 4 and 5, 7-27 Circular Quay West, Campbells Cove, The Rocks. The restaurant is open from 12pm–late daily. Find out more at the Luna Lu website.
Channeling the style of a Hamptons beach house, Girdlers is kitted out for casual brunches and lazy lunches. Perched at the south end of Dee Why Beach, a table out on the deck is a prime spot to kick back and watch the sets roll in — there's even a couple of couches you're quite welcome to curl up on with a book. Another Northern Beaches cafe that's on a health kick, these guys have two kinds of kombucha on tap and almost everything on the menu is gluten free. But, as many other cafes in the area have already proven, taking the healthy option doesn't mean you'll be missing out. Savoury and sweet buckwheat crepes are their specialty. And while we're not convinced that anything compares to the real thing, we suggest you order a cacao split — a crepe with banana and 'goodtella' (healthy Nutella) — and decide for yourself ($14). If you're more of a savoury person, the smoked salmon crepe with toasted almonds, avo and cauliflower sauce is a strong option ($18). And if you don't have the luxury of spending the day lazing by the beach, they also have a sizeable takeaway menu.
If there's one place that trumps Australia in the brunch stakes, it's good ol' NYC. For the uninitiated, the city's take on the famed hybrid meal is, quite simply, on another level. It's decadent, lengthy and perhaps (note: definitely) a little boozy. As a self-confessed 'New York tragic', it's little surprise that Charles Cameron lists the city as a source of inspiration for his venture Matinee Coffee. This Marrickville eatery takes cues from NYC in a number of ways: it's open all-day, it serves booze — including neighbouring brew Grifter on tap — and it has an unabashedly bold fit-out. Noting that he feels both Scandi and industrial styles have been serviced in the cafe scene — and he would know as a former owner of industrial haven Brewtown — Cameron had very different intentions for Matinee. To create the space, he teamed up with interior masters Luchetti Krelle. A jewel-toned colour palette tracks through orange table-tops, a crimson-tiled communal table, green velvet chairs and a mural on the back wall. There are references to old-school milk bars in the blue marmoleum flooring and a neon-lit menu above the coffee machine. The venue takes full advantage of its corner location on Addison Road. An L-shaped counter provides Cameron a panoramic view of his domain, from the kitchen and timber banquette stage right to the large communal table and outdoor seating stage left. The theatre-speak is intentional: the eatery's moniker is one of several nods to show business, such as the red velvet-roped entrance and fringe chandeliers above the communal table. But it's not gaudy, it's considered — as is most of Matinee's make-up. There are two menus, one for drinks and treats, plus one for eats, to explore. For drinks, coffee is a custom in-house blend — which is available to purchase, plus there are vegan shakes and the aforementioned alcohol. The majority of sweets — including a delectable passionfruit tart and caramel slice — are vegan and gluten-free. In fact, tell-tale symbols for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free appear all over the menu, again signalling a well-thought out approach, rather than a tokenistic one. For the most part, the kitchen has avoided fads (à la cronuts) and instead does fresh takes on well-worn cafe favourites. The karaage chicken burger with shoestring fries is flavoursome and the sweet potato fritters are a winner, particularly when hacked with haloumi. As a bacon fiend, the menu staple thick cut bourbon bacon is a welcome addition to both dishes. On the sweeter side, you've got a perfectly balanced buckweet brekkie trifle with passionfruit curd and coconut yoghurt and the tiramisu waffle. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also ask for the current specials. All of these menu items, and more, are available all day. Modern attention spans mean that Sydney folk often get bored quickly with new cafes. Let's hope the curtain stays risen on Matinee. Images: Letícia Almeida Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Cafes for Working or Studying in Sydney
Shell House is the latest venue from The Point Group, the hospitality collective behind the likes of The Dolphin, Bondi Beach Public Bar and Harry's, as well as the upcoming restaurant, bar and wine room on former defence facility Fort Denison. The much-hyped multi-level venue plays home to four different bars and restaurants: Menzies Bar, Sky Bar, Dining Room and Terrace, and Clocktower. Each venue inside Shell Bar comes equipped with a luxurious interior design and its own unique energy. Step into Menzies and you'll find warm lighting, thick leather seats and a lavish bistro menu. The gold-heavy Sky Bar offers up a fun mix of cocktails with panoramic city views. Dining Room and Terrace is filled with rich brown and beige tones as well as a seafood-heavy dinner menu. And Clocktower is fittingly situated inside Shell House's historic 400-tonne clocktower. Each space is classy and refined, complementing their respective menus. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink, a hearty meal or a night out with unbeatable city views, Shell House has a spot for you. Appears in: The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney
It's been one of those weeks. You've been racing across the city (or tapping between Zoom calls) for back-to-back meetings and fielding urgent calls, all while your unread email count continues to climb. Oh, and you still have to nab a gift for your mum's birthday before the weekend. We've all been there. Life can be hectic, as we all know. If your nine-to-five has you feeling like a sea change but you can't escape the desk, we've got a way to make you feel like you're holidaying by the Mediterranean coastline — and it won't cost you a cent. In the spirit of turning off and seeking out some wholesome nature, we tracked down some top-notch seaside walks to freshen up your routine. From the shores of the northern beaches to the bush tracks of the Royal National Park, recharge this weekend by embarking on one of Sydney's best coastal walks. [caption id="attachment_719993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] jipe7 via Flickr[/caption] BONDI TO BRONTE No guide to Sydney's walks would be complete without a mention of the iconic Bondi to Bronte coastal track. With panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas, magnificent cave-like cliffs and a stack of delicious brunch spots to help you refuel, this is definitely one for the local bucket list. Grab a coffee and bagel from Lox in a Box and kick off this three-and-a-half-kilometre walk at Bondi Icebergs, weaving your way along the rocky foreshore and finishing up at Bronte's lush park. If you're not too tired, keep the endorphins going by following the track all the way to Coogee (with a spritz and pizza from Coogee Pavilion to finish, of course). [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martin7d2 via Flickr.[/caption] GLEBE FORESHORE The inner west might be best-known for its pubs, bars and live music, but there's much more to this eclectic part of town. Head to Bicentennial Park near Rozelle Bay for a leisurely four-kilometre stroll along the Glebe foreshore. Here, you'll enjoy a slice of bayside paradise as you make your way along the picturesque track, which is perfectly accessible by the nearby light rail and bus stop. Pup parents can also let their pooch run free at the off-leash end of Bicentennial Park before heading to the historic cricket ground of Jubilee Park. Take a break once you reach Blackwattle Bay Park or continue along to the end and you'll hit the Sydney Fish Markets, the perfect spot to finish with a hot box of fish and chips for lunch. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NSW Parks.[/caption] PALM BEACH TO BARRENJOEY LIGHTHOUSE Perched at the top of Sydney's northern beaches, just 90 minutes from the CBD, Palm Beach is the ultimate spot for a staycation. It boasts the laidback vibes you'd expect from a tropical escape, minus the airfare. So, it's the ideal spot for an easy day-trip from the big smoke. While you're there, head to the top of the peninsula for the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk. This cruisey three-kilometre trail takes you through the bush to the lighthouse, with sweeping views of Palm Beach and beyond. Tip: take the short but steep Smugglers Track route for the best views (and photos). Feeling peckish? Swing by The Boathouse Palm Beach for a bucket of prawns and a Murray's Whale Ale. CHOWDER BAY TO BALMORAL BEACH For those who rarely venture across the bridge, there's a well-kept secret that you mightn't know about. Tucked away on Sydney's lower north shore, you'll find a walk with some of the best vantage points across sparkling Sydney Harbour. Starting in Chowder Bay, this short one-and-a-half-kilometre track is bursting with stories from Sydney's history. You'll pass Gunners Barracks, an old military point that's been converted into a high-tea destination, soak in the city skyline from Georges Heights Lookout (dotted with military cannons aplenty) and emerge at Balmoral Beach. Dive in for a dip or head straight to the cafe to cap off this leisurely weekend stroll. [caption id="attachment_703777" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scott Brown via Flickr[/caption] THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK COAST TRACK Looking for a spot of adventure? Grab your swag and backpack, and gear up for this spectacular two-day, 26-kilometre coastal hike through one of the oldest national parks in the world — Royal National Park. This one's a serious beauty and a must for experienced hikers. You'll forget all about your inbox while you're getting off the grid, spending a weekend in the bush and reconnecting with nature. The first day will see you exploring through the rugged wilderness from Bundeena southwards, with sandstone and sandy beaches at every turn. Set up camp for the night at North Era (just make sure you book this one in advance) before tackling the final three-hour stint to the top of Otford the next day. We suggest you check for closures on the NSW National Parks website before you head off on this multi-day adventure, too. Time your trip right (between May and October) and you might even spot a migrating humpback whale during your walk.
