A Danish designer by the name of Mads Johansen has cooked up a Hobbit-sized campervan. Officially named the 'Wide Path Camper', it's roomy enough to sleep 2.5 adults and folds up so that you can hook it to your bicycle and take it with you — everywhere you go. Well, maybe not exactly everywhere. Just how far you'll be able to tug this uber-cute creation will depend on your thigh power. Weighing in at 40 kilograms, it's lightweight considering how much space is included, but dragging it up hills might be challenging. That said, it's certainly quite the kit-up for flat terrain cycling adventures. Ride across the Nullarbor, anyone? Altogether there's more than 300 litres of storage space, as well as two beds that can be converted into seating areas. The windows are fitted with curtains for privacy. A couple of optional add-ons are possible, including a solar cell, which can be used for recharging your smartphone; an outdoors kitchen area; and an awning. At this stage, the Wide Path Camper is still in prototype mode. But, if all goes to plan, it'll be up for sale by 2015, with a price tag of about US$2500 (around AU$2880). Via Gizmag.
Last year, Taco Bell returned to NSW following failed attempts in 1981 (when it was to taken to court by Sydney store Taco Bell's Casa) and 1997. And it seems, at least in the case of the US Tex-Mex chain, third time is indeed a charm. Today, Thursday, October 22, Taco Bell announced it'll be continuing its Australian expansion and opening two more stores in the state this spring. Joining existing stores in Blacktown and Newcastle, the two new NSW stores will be located in Albion Park, 90 minutes south of Sydney, just past Wollongong, and Ballina, which is 30 minutes south of Byron Bar, right near the Big Prawn. And they'll both have drive-thrus — so, you may be able to pick up a Cheesy Chipotle Burrito or Crunchy Taco on your next road trip. Going by the Newcastle menu, we can safely assume that quesadillas, burritos, Crunchwraps, nachos, power bowls and, of course, tacos (including the Gordita Crunch with both a crunchy and soft tortilla) will all be the lineup. It looks to be affordable, too, with $2.50 tacos, $3.50 mini quesadillas, $3 churros, $4 burritos and $3 cinnamon twists. Taco Bell NewcastleKeep an eye on the Taco Bell Facebook page for opening day specials, too, which often include freebies, limited-edition merch and limited-edition menu items, too. It won't stop there, either, with Taco Bell saying it'll open a minimum of 40 stores across NSW and the ACT in the next four years. We'll let you know when anymore locations are announced. Find Taco Bell at 2–3, 61 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail from Monday, October 26 and Taco Bell at 107–109 Fox Street, Ballina from Monday, November 2. Top image: Taco Bell Robina by Hugo Nobay. CORRECTION: OCTOBER 26, 2020 — This article previously stated that the two new Taco Bells would have margaritas and beer, this is incorrect. They are both unlicensed.
UPDATE: APRIL 7, 2020 — Some good news for your social feed: Sea Life Melbourne is now home to two adorable king penguin chicks. And you can meet them via livestream at 10am AEST on Wednesday, April 8. One fluffy baby bird is called 'Sparkie', but the aquarium is looking for suggestions for other the littl'un. Details on how to submit a name will be revealed during the livestream. Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium is live streaming playtime and feeding time with some of its cutest and scariest sea critters in the lead up to Easter. At 9am AEDT on Saturday, April 4, you can get up close and personal with swarms of jellyfish, learn the ins and outs of their luminous lives and watch them being fed by Sea Life's ocean expert and 'Jelly Queen' Diane. If you haven't had a chance to check out the aquarium's million-dollar Ocean Invaders exhibition, this'll be a good chance for you to have a little virtual tour. On Wednesday, April 8 at 10am AEST, you can watch the gentoo and king penguins at playtime, sliding around their icy home and gobbling many fish. Then, kicking off the long weekend, will be another live-streaming session at 11am AEST on Friday, April 10, which will see keeper Brianna chatting about a bunch of cute (and maybe slightly scary) animals that lay eggs. To tune in, head head to Sea Life Melbourne's Facebook page. Thankfully, these aren't the only live-streams and digital content the aquarium is planning. Keep an eye on future events, including possible shark feedings, penguin hangs and tropical fish tours, here.
Thirty films, four weeks and more famous faces than you can dream of — that's what to expect from this year's MINI British Film Festival. Reading through the fest's lineup is like scrolling through a who's who of English talent, with Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen, Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton, Hugh Laurie, Kristin Scott Thomas, Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Timothy Spall, Peter Capaldi, Gwendoline Christie, Kate Beckinsale, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones and even Liam Gallagher all set to grace Australian cinema screens between October 29–November 24. While Kristin Scott Thomas will lead the way in war-set opening night drama Military Wives, legends Mirren and McKellen will help close out the festival in thriller The Good Liar. Meanwhile, outspoken Oasis frontman gets the documentary treatment in Liam Gallagher: As It Was, and The Theory of Everything's Redmayne and Jones reunite for a high-flying adventure in The Aeronauts. The list goes on — and if you're already feeling spoiled for choice, we're here to help by picking out our five must-see highlights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHG7FnBDY0Q THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD It opened this year's prestigious London Film Festival, it's the latest film from The Thick of It and Veep's Armando Iannucci, and it stars Dev Patel, Tilda Swinton, Hugh Laurie, Peter Capaldi, Gwendoline Christie and Ben Whishaw. Add in the fact that it's an adaptation of one of Charles Dickens' best-known classics, and The Personal History of David Copperfield is easily one of the year's most anticipated movies. For newcomers to the tale, it mirrors the beats of Dickens' own experience, with the eponymous character journeying through a difficult upbringing to become a lawyer and then a writer. While the story naturally takes place in 19th-century England, you can expect Iannucci to find plenty of modern-day parallels in this version — if he can do it with Russian history in The Death of Stalin, he can do it here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysjwg-MnZao SORRY WE MISSED YOU When Ken Loach won the Cannes Film Festival's coveted Palme d'Or for 2016's I, Daniel Blake, he did so with a moving social-realist drama that exposed the cruelty underpinning a standard facet of British life. That's the veteran director's speciality, so it should come as no surprise that his latest film follows in the same footsteps — or that it's just as astute and stirring. Swapping government benefits for the gig economy, Sorry We Missed You follows ex-construction worker Ricky (Kris Hitchen) as he leaps into the courier business, thinking that'll provide security for his family's future. Instead, he discovers the gruelling reality of impossible targets, zero benefits, uncaring corporations, spiralling debts and working around the clock. Shot with Loach's usual naturalistic eye, this timely and topical movie proves as impassioned and infuriating as its stellar predecessor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbhAt1vLxXA A GUIDE TO SECOND DATE SEX George MacKay is one of Britain's rising acting talents, with standout roles in For Those In Peril, Pride, Captain Fantastic, and 11.22.63 to prove it. Soon, he'll be seen in the upcoming Australian drama True History of the Kelly Gang — playing Ned Kelly, no less — but before that, he's jumping into the romantic comedy realm. In A Guide to Second Date Sex, MacKay plays Ryan. On his second date with Laura (Alexandra Roach), he knows that they have plenty in common; however, they're both still feeling more than a little awkward. First-time director Rachel Hirons adapted this screenplay from her own hit Edinburgh Fringe Festival play. Embracing, unpacking and subverting all the usual dating and rom-com tropes, this is classic British comedy territory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVwbeA4Ff9Y CITIZEN K From the collapse of enormous corporations to huge political sex scandals and CIA-sanctioned torture, Alex Gibney has chronicled the big stories of the past two decades. Sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, Julian Assange's Wikileaks, Lance Armstrong's doping ban and the Church of Scientology have all fallen into his purview as well, with the American documentarian amassing quite the hard-hitting resume. With Citizen K, he dives into a topic he was bound to cover: Vladimir Putin's Russia, the country's murky political realm and the fate awaiting anyone who speaks out against the powerful president. Focusing on Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Citizen K tracks the Russian businessman's journey from wealthy oligarch to prisoner to "the Kremlin's leading critic-in-exile". As the most fascinating tales are, it's the kind of story that has to be seen to be believed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm17B-nOgZ8 FARMING How does a Briton with Nigerian ancestry end up in a white supremacist gang? That's the tale that Farming tells. The title refers to a practice common in the 60s, 70s and 80s when babies were fostered out to white parents in the hopes that they'd receive a better upbringing. In Enitan's (Damson Idris) case, growing up in Tilbury leaves him questioning his identity, feeling like an outcast with both his foster family and his natural family, and seeking approval from the hateful skinheads who openly taunt, bully, beat and condemn him. It's a confronting and compelling story, especially given that it's based on the life of actor-turned-writer and director Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje — who has featured in everything from Oz, Lost and Game of Thrones to The Bourne Identity, Thor: The Dark World and Suicide Squad over the past two decades. The MINI British Film Festival tours Australia from October 29, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Palace Chauvel cinemas from October 29–November 24; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from October 30–November 24; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from October 30–November 24; and Perth's Palace Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX and The Windsor Cinema from October 30–November 24. For more information, visit the festival website.
If you like having plenty of choice, Anita Gelato has you covered with over 150 delicious ice cream flavours on offer. Even better, it has a mix of gelato, vegan, sugar-free and frozen yogurt options — so no-one misses out. Anita Gelato originated from a 'cosy Mediterranean kitchen' almost 20 years ago. Owner Anita and her son, Nir, developed recipes for their family and friends using house-made jams, which eventuated in Sydney stores in Bondi in 2013 and, later, Chippendale. Here, you're encouraged to mix and match flavours. Tiramisu and hazelnut mousse, pavlova and salted bagel are some of the winning scoops, though the Cookieman — a vanilla based loaded with meringue, biscotti and Nutella — is by far the most popular. For those that are dairy-free or vegan, Anita offers more than just the simple fruit sorbet – try the soy-based Oreo cookies, or the rich dark chocolate. For something lighter, go for green apple or watermelon and mint sorbet — or give sugar-free coffee a try. If you're really leaning into this treat-yourself moment, you can opt for your scoops to be served atop a crispy handmade waffle or beside a hot chocolate souffle instead — or blended into a decadent thickshake.
Add three more names to the hefty list of big music stars heading Australia's way in 2023: Ice Cube, Cypress Hill and The Game. In what's basically a 90s and 00s hip hop and rap fan's dream come true, the trio are teaming up on the same bill for an Aussie arena tour, hitting stages Down Under in autumn. This isn't just any old nostalgia-dripping tour, either. It'll also mark the 30th anniversary of two influential albums: Ice Cube's Lethal Injection and Cypress Hill's Black Sunday. The former was the N.W.A member's fourth solo release, and included singles 'Really Doe', 'You Know How We Do It' and 'Bop Gun (One Nation)', while the latter gave the world 'Insane in the Brain', 'Hits from the Bong', 'When the Shit Goes Down' and 'I Ain't Goin' Out Like That'. Expect to hear plenty of those songs get a whirl in late March — and plenty more — starting at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, then jumping to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. For Ice Cube, the tour marks his first visit to Australia since 2018, when he became the first-ever rap artist to headline at the Sydney Opera House. "I love performing in Australia. It's been four long years since my last visit and I can't wait to return for a couple of history-making shows in 2023," said the rapper, aka O'Shea Jackson Sr (and yes, his son O'Shea Jackson Jr did play him in N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton). Ice Cube and Cypress Hill will be joined by The Game, who came to fame in the 00s in the West Coast scene. The US talents will also feature Aussie talent in support, with exactly who else will take to the stage yet to be announced. ICE CUBE, CYPRESS HILL AND THE GAME 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR: Thursday, March 23 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Saturday, March 25 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre Sunday, March 26 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Tuesday, March 28 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre Ice Cube, Cypress Hill and The Game will tour Australia in March 2023. Ticket pre-sales start at 2pm local time on Tuesday, November 22, with general sales from 2pm on Wednesday, November 23. Head to the tour website for further details.
I'm of the firm belief that travelling somewhere new is best enjoyed with some local intel. As the resident writer hailing from Tropical North Queensland at Concrete Playground, I feel it is my duty to share my go-to ways to enjoy a balmy (and palmy) break in the tropics. And, if you feel like you missed out on some of your summer fun this year, this is your sign to book a holiday in the tropical north where summer lives on. Full disclosure: I'm based in Sydney now, however, I did spend the first 18 years of my life in this part of the world and head back to the truly idyllic region as often as I can to visit friends and family. So, if you're looking for a holiday that's brimming with immersive nature experiences, scenic drives and spectacular views, I've got you.
Once, dance and classical weren't music genres that you'd usually find swirling around in the same basket, unless you have a particular bent for the orchestral 'Sandstorm' covers found in the depths of YouTube. Since 2019 in Australia, however, Synthony has been here to prove that the disciplines go hand in hand — and it's returning for another tour in 2024. Initially founded in New Zealand, and now an annual highlight on Australia's gig calendar, the event gets a live orchestra joining forces with a selection of DJs and onstage performers to play the biggest dance tracks of the last 30 years. Think: tunes by Swedish House Mafia, Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, Avicii, Fisher, Faithless, Disclosure, Eric Prydz, Flume, Calvin Harris, Wilkinson and the like, and as you've never heard them before. Wherever Synthony pops up, the venues that it temporarily call home take a few cues from the nightclub scene, with lights, lasers and mapped video all featured in the experience. And, as the orchestra busts out a selection of dance floor bangers note for note, vocalists also do their part — because this isn't just about instrumental versions of your favourite club tunes. The 2024 run first has a date with Sydney, playing Carriageworks for two nights during Vivid — complete with a 29-piece orchestra — before heading to Brisbane's Fortitude Music Hall, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne in September. After that, RAC Arena in Perth awaits in October. The lineup of talent for Sydney spans the Metropolitan Orchestra conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, as joined by Ilan Kidron from The Potbelleez, Emily Williams, Cassie McIvor, Greg Gould, Matty O and Mobin Master. Elsewhere, Queensland Symphony Orchestra will play Brisbane, Southern Cross Symphony will pick up instruments in Adelaide, Australian Pops Orchestra is doing the honours in Melbourne and Perth Symphony Orchestra has its hometown covered. Sarah-Grace Williams is still conducting, and will have company from Ilan Kidron from The Potbelleez, Masha Mnjoyan, Emily Williams, Greg Gould, Matty O, Nate Dousand and Mobin Master — plus Example in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, then Set Mo in Brisbane. Synthony 2024 Australia Tour Dates Friday, June 7–Saturday, June 8 — Carriageworks, Sydney Friday, September 6 — The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Friday, September 13 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Friday, September 20 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Saturday, October 12 — RAC Arena, Perth Synthony is touring Australia across 2024 — head to the Carriageworks website for tickets and further information for its Sydney gigs; and to the Synthony website for Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, with presales from Tuesday, May 28 and general sales from Thursday, May 30.
Being an Airbnb Host is hard work, but also a truly rewarding experience — and Carla Dawes, who has just been named Australia's Airbnb Host of the Year, can certainly vouch for that. Having joined the accommodation platform as a Host five years ago, Dawes transformed the downstairs of her residence in Alstonville, NSW into a welcoming destination for travellers from around the world to call home during their time in the Northern Rivers. Dawes goes above and beyond to make her guests feel as welcome as possible — from providing fresh flowers, herbs and eggs from her property for guests to enjoy during their stay, to stocking local produce that showcases the best of the region. We sat down with the official host with the most to chat about her hosting journey, what she loves about it and her tips and tricks for beginners. What do you do to ensure an outstanding experience for your guests? Hosting for me is about putting everything into a stay that I would want to experience on my travels. For me it's all in the detail — greeting your guests is always a nice way to welcome them and answer any questions they might have before they settle in. I think wanting to give your guests the very best experience you can, in every way, is the making of a good Host. I supply a book full of my local recommendations for cafes, restaurants and places of interest — such as galleries, shops, walks and beaches. I think this is a valuable resource, especially if your guest isn't familiar with the area. Hopefully this directs them to a wonderful experience. To ensure an outstanding experience I think it's most important to have your place sparkling clean from top to bottom. Added extras like spare pillows, blankets and towels — things that make your guests stay that little bit more comfortable — also help. I supply local products to showcase our region's wonderful offerings, such as a fresh loaf of sourdough from Harvest in Newrybar, Brookfarm muesli and Byron Bay Cookies. I also like to place fresh flowers and herbs from my garden and fresh eggs from my hens as a special touch. Guests are also welcome to collect eggs and harvest their own vegetables, herbs or fruits from my garden to use during their stay. What inspired you to offer local ingredients for breakfast? When I'm travelling, it's about escaping my daily routine. Sitting on a deck and having breakfast with coffee is one of my favourite ways to start the day before exploring the local area. This is what I want my guests to experience. I take pride in using fresh eggs from my hens and homegrown seasonal produce from my garden. What's something you wish you knew when you started hosting? When I started hosting, I didn't have many people to talk to about tips and tricks for Hosts until I found the Airbnb Community online forum where a large range of subjects are covered. Now it's my go-to if I ever need advice from other Hosts and the Airbnb team. What do you find rewarding about hosting? I love that I get to meet all sorts of people from different countries, backgrounds and professions, and to hear their stories and help them in any way I can to make them feel welcomed, relaxed and taken care of. Creating magical moments with my guests for their loved ones is pretty special, even with such a small part I play in setting up the flowers, food or secret surprises is always a joy. What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a Host? What are some good ways to get started? I think when you start out as a Host, creating a routine around preparations and having an area to store equipment for your listing is helpful. Respond to guests' enquiries as quickly as possible. Also, provide clear instructions on check-in times, directions to your place and a contact number. What are some of the benefits of hosting? What has hosting allowed you to do? I run a 14-acre property with vegetable gardens, an orchard and chooks among some of the day-to-day jobs. Becoming a Host has not only allowed me to earn an income from my property, but it has also given me the freedom and flexibility to continue my work on the land without being committed to a 9-to-5 job elsewhere. Want to begin your own hosting journey with Airbnb? If you're feeling inspired, head to the website to find out how to get started. 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.
When you're brainstorming places around the world to visit on a budget, the UK is probably not the first place that springs to mind. What it may lack in affordability department, it makes up for in pretty much every other aspect of an epic holiday — from poking around charming country villages and discovering the diverse cultures of the major cities to stumbling across a historical landmark at pretty much every turn of a corner. Oh, and it has a killer music scene. You can experience all of these UK wonders on a Contiki Sounds trip. With seven- or ten-day options, these whistlestop tours will take you to some of England's top spots, culminating with an unforgettable weekend of dancing, camping and partying at Reading Festival — one of the country's biggest annual music festivals. To get you ready for traipsing around the UK's south, we've put together a guide of some of the best things to do and see while you're there. And, to prove that you can still have a good time without blowing big bucks, we've also thrown in a few penny-pinching tips. Who said you couldn't have your bangers and mash and eat them too? [caption id="attachment_719139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Hudson via Flickr.[/caption] BIKE BETWEEN LONDON'S MARKETS Hire a set of wheels from the city's bike sharing service (nicknamed 'Boris bikes') for the weekend and visit some of London's best markets. Spend Friday near London Bridge at Borough Market, one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, and turn all of the free cheese and fudge tastings into a makeshift meal. Next up, on Saturday, is a stroll through Broadway Market, which runs from London Fields to the Regent's Canal in old Hackney. Then, on Sunday, cycle over to Columbia Road Flower Market. The street air is intense with the scent of flowers and the barrow boys will be hawking "everthin' for a fiiiver". [caption id="attachment_719140" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mark Towning via Flickr.[/caption] JUMP AROUND THE JURASSIC COAST Supposedly, the lady who 'sold seashells by the seashore' came from the Jurassic Coast. Too early for her time to be recognised as a palaeontologist by her peers, she was forced to sell her excess dino bones to tourists. The picturesque coast isn't just home to prehistoric beasts and tongue-twisting characters — it also boasts Durdle Door, an iconic limestone arch near Dorset. For the adventurous, try coasteering — a physically challenging activity which involves scaling cave networks, dodging tidal surges and completing ocean jumps. Broadchurch fans may recognise the Jurassic Coast's cliff faces from the hit British crime drama. [caption id="attachment_719154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ed Webster via Flickr.[/caption] STROLL BRISTOL'S STOKES CROFT STREET ART AND ART GALLERIES Wander around the city and feast your eyes upon some of street artist Banksy's earliest works, then head over to Stokes Croft to ogle the local, ever-changing licks, sprays and splatters of paint. Then, counter your street-traipsing with some gallery time. Spike Island lies south of the river and features contemporary art, design and audio installations. An enormous old tea warehouse has been converted into three floors of contemporary art in all forms to make Arnolfini, Bristol's Centre for Contemporary Arts. Meanwhile, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has a huge collection, including Alfred — a stuffed silverback gorilla who was kidnapped in the 1950s by a jovial bunch and returned a whopping 54 years later. VISIT A HAUNTED PUB IN SALISBURY A pleasant 15-kilometre drive from Stonehenge will take you to Salisbury. The city is known for having some of England's finest historic houses, the Russian spy poisoning incident and, most recently, being named the best place to live in the UK. Satiate your inner historian (and thirst) with a visit to The Haunch of Venison. The haunted pub features oak beams that predate the building by several hundred years and are thought to come from early sailing vessels. Under the pub's fireplace, inside a former bread oven, lies a smoke-preserved mummified hand believed to be from an 18th-century demented whist player who lost it in a card game. The cheat's hand has been stolen a few times but is now securely locked away. [caption id="attachment_719156" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alison Day via Flickr.[/caption] JUMP THE FENCE INTO CORFE CASTLE Things are impressive when they are mighty old and still standing. One such thing is Corfe Castle, a 1000-year-old royal abode that was built as an attempt to defend the area from marauding armies. This ruined castle dates back to the 11th century and rests within a heathland landscape that is undeniably picturesque. The area also inspired a number of Thomas Hardy's poems, novels and short stories. Skip the city for a beat, give yourself a history lesson and create your own tale of treachery and treason as you jump the fence into Corfe Castle. CATCH A PORTAL TO ANOTHER DIMENSION AT STONEHENGE Baffling burial mounds and rock formations surely must point to some kind of portal into parallel universes, right? Historians may very well be appalled by our lack of appreciation for their hard work that informs us the Badbury Rings are defences of a hillfort and Avebury Stone Circle is Europe's largest Neolithic stone circle. And let's not forget Stonehenge — arguably the world's most famous prehistoric monument. But alas, the mystery of their power still remains. We're told by locals that entering clockwise affords the best luck. Cut a lap around Stonehenge's circle that was built 5000 years ago — or take a peep through the fence, which works just as well for those on a budget or fearful of transporting too far. [caption id="attachment_719158" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gerrit Burrow via Flickr.[/caption] WALK THE SOUTHWEST FOOTPATHS The southwest of England is home to a variety of stunning trails. Venture to any beach along the area, turn left or right and you'll be on the 1000-kilometre South West Coast Path and on the edge of an eye-stretching experience. The paths were originally created by coastguards patrolling the southwest peninsula looking for smugglers. They legitimately had to check in every inlet, so the cliff top walks are well-worn. The sheer variety of scenery along the gorge-sliced cliff peaks and beach walks along with the unique history of the area make this an unforgettable experience. Remember to fill your playlist with all of your favourite bands from Reading and hit the tracks. Travel around the best spots in the UK with Contiki at Reading Festival. Unearth the UK's musical heritage, then experience an unforgettable party at one of the world's best and biggest music festivals. Contiki wants to take you there — all you have to do is choose from the 7- or 10-day trip. Plus, if you bring a mate, it'll give you both $200 off. Find out more here.
Cafe owners and baristas are the cornerstones of every community they serve, providing excellent food and cups of precious coffee to keep the world (and all of us) turning. Who better to show appreciation for these local legends than the businesses they source their coffee from? Enter Toby's Estate and the annual Local Legends competition. Every cafe in Australia that grinds, pours, and serves coffee made with Toby's Estate beans is up for voting by its community. The winner receives the prestigious title of one of the most popular cafés in their state and a well-deserved moment in the spotlight. We're proud to present the NSW Toby's Estate Local Legend of 2024: Hippo Espresso in Warners Bay. We spoke to Aaryn Algie, owner and Hunter Valley resident, about the cafe and his favourite spots around town. How Did You Get Into The Hospitality Industry? I've been involved in the industry for about 20 years. I got into it because I really enjoyed interacting with people, and hospitality was the best way I could do this and get paid! Like most people, I started at the bottom and have worked my way up, doing everything along the way. It's the perfect industry to meet people, and the friends I've made through the industry are unbelievable. What's Your Go-To Coffee Order, and Do You Have a Trick For Making The Perfect Cup Every Time? An almond latte gets my day going. There's no real reason why it's almond; I just got one by mistake one day and stuck with it. My secret to getting a perfect cup every time…get someone else to make it. Things always taste better when you don't have to make it yourself. From Your Menu, What's The Perfect Pairing with a Morning Coffee? If it's a grab-and-go kind of day, it's hard to beat our breakfast wrap: scrambled egg, hash brown, bacon, spinach, and tomato relish. Or one of our famous Acai Bowls, where you can even create your own with unlimited toppings! But if I have the time (which isn't often) to sit and eat, our omelettes are a must! They're like an egg pizza with the lot! Why Do You Use Toby's Estate? We've been using Toby's for nine years now. It's a very smooth and consistent coffee, easy to drink, and I think that's what appeals to me about it the most. What's Your Favourite Toby's Estate Roast? We use the Woolloomooloo or 'Wolly' as its friends call it! So, it's obviously my favourite, but they all have their own unique qualities. What Made You Choose to Open in The Area You're in Today? The cafe had been here a couple of years before we purchased it. I grew up nearby and knew the area pretty well, and it really is the perfect spot for a cafe— a busy little hospitality strip with Lake Macquarie just 50 metres away! Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab a Bite? (Other than Here) Living an hour from the cafe, I don't get to eat nearby too often, but when I do, my go-to is definitely Emilio's, the perfect Italian restaurant. Their pizza and pasta are fantastic, and the chilli octopus is next level! Where's Your Favourite Local Spot to Grab a Drink After Work? Close to home in The Hunter Valley, Nineteen at The Vintage is my go-to. A couple of Stone & Woods on tap is the perfect end to the day. Where Do You Like to Go to Escape Into Nature Nearby? There's a little sand island at the bottom end of Lake Macquarie called Naru. It's the perfect spot on a summer's day: crystal-clear water, a sandy beach area—just the perfect chill-out spot. If You Had a Friend Come to Visit, Where's The First Place You Would Take Them? I'd take them to the best vineyards in the world and do some wine tasting in the beautiful Hunter Valley. What are Some Other Local Small Businesses You Think People Should Support? Sharon at Warners Bay Dog Shop supplies us with dog treats to sell to all our furry customers. It's a great local business with a great team! Even her dogs, Fifi and Max, pop in occasionally. Is There Anything Else That You'd Like People to Know About Your Business? We know the majority of our customers by their coffee orders, not their names. So much so, we were watching a Matildas game once, and Emily Van Egmond (who's a regular when she's in Australia) came on the TV, and one of the staff said, "OMG, that's a small flat white and coconut and pistachio girl!" Hippo Espresso is the Toby's Estate Local Legends winner for NSW in 2024. For more information on it or other cafes that serve Toby's Estate, visit the website.
Everyone should play tourist in their own town. For fans of horror movies in the Harbour City, everyone should see Sydney's historic spots in a whole new light while a frightening flick rolls and Haus of Horror throws a party. That's the immersive cinema outfit's setup, and it has both the winter solstice and the Old Darlinghurst Gaol in its sights next — plus getting eerie with the American remake of The Ring. In the past, for over a year, Haus of Horror has popped up everywhere from Parramatta Gaol and Camperdown Cemetery to Cockatoo Island, showing The Exorcist, the OG Scream, Beetlejuice, A Nightmare on Elm Street and more. Now, before you truly get into the winter spirit, you'll see The Ring inside a cellblock with a full moon in the sky outside. You have two sessions to choose from, both on Saturday, June 22 (technically a day after 2024's winter solstice, but this kind of event was always going to be more fun on a Saturday instead of a Friday). So, either head through the doors at 5pm for a 7pm screening, or mosey through at 7.15pm for a 9.15pm showing. Either way, a date with Samara is only a portion of the party. Prior to the movie flickering through the projector, you'll be given time to explore the site — a place that dates back to the 1820s, housed prisoners from 1841–1914, then became a technical college and later the National Art School. The old gaol has turned the former women's prisoner wing into a theatre, which is where you'll be watching. If you need to peel your eyes away from the screen, look out for remnants of the space's previous use etched onto the walls. Haus of Horror is also setting up scare zones, a photo booth, and markets selling handmade and vintage wares. A fortune teller will get clairvoyant with attendees, a DJ will be spinning tunes, good vendors will have bites to eat on offer and a bloody-themed cocktail will be available at the bar. The crew behind the event is calling this their inaugural winter solstice shindig, aiming to turn it into an annual tradition — meaning that 2024 is the only time that you can say that you were there when this party began. Haus of Horror's Winter Solstice Party featuring The Ring takes place on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Head to the Haus of Horror website for tickets and further details.
Planning a Japanese getaway, or dreaming about eventually planning one? You can take one thing off of your to-do list: packing. Instead of carefully researching all possible weather conditions, obsessively trying to predict what you'll want to wear and then trying to jam it all into your suitcase, you can now simply rent whatever you need when you arrive at your destination. Luggage-free travelling comes courtesy of a new service called Locarry, which lets you hire everything from clothes to costumes to cameras — and sporting equipment, strollers and more — from residents on the ground, rather than taking your own. Prices are set by those leasing out the goods, with no fees charged by the sharing platform itself. The service can be used by friends to arrange to lend items to other friends as well. There are a few restrictions, understandably. While users can rent things out individually or as a collection (that is, a pack of objects that you might need if you're going sight-seeing in Tokyo or wandering through cherry blossoms in Kyoto, for example), they can't hire out food, drinks, booze, medicines, animals or a number of other items. And — as you'd completely expect — underwear is off the table as well. Of course, the idea of hopping on a plane without your own outfits won't appeal to everyone. Still, packing lighter than usual, being able to nab a raincoat if the weather turns or pick up a camera to use while you're away just might. For more information, visit Locarry's website.
Bottle shops. You know the drill; hovering wistfully in front of an arsenal of bottles, hand stroking chin, staring at the labels and hoping the one with the nice font is a surefire winner. But as soon as your cluelessly-picked vino makes its way to the glass, that shit's way too woody man. Too dry. Too fruity. High damn acidity. It's all wrong. You know what you like, when you get it, but you can never quite pick it. Luckily, a brand new app is about to hook you up with your perfect match — using science. Next Glass is a brand new app which acts as a 'matchmaker' between humans, wine and beer, hoping to Cupid you straight to your favourite new drop according to your tastes. Ditch the wine diary, these guys are using science. The Next Glass team have analysed ingredients from microbreweries and vineyards across the globe — and even taste-tested them, in what sounds like the most applauseworthy 'research' excuse for throwing back bucketloads of drank we've heard yet. App developers George Taylor and Stephen Pond have been analysing up to 200 bottles of beer a day through a project called The Beer Census, attempting to hoard every beer in America and rate their chemical makeup in the lead-up to Next Glass's release. Party at George and Stephen's lab y'all. So how do you use it? To start with, users build a profile by finding wines and beers they already like through the app and give them a rating out of four. Kind of like Spotify for booze, the app gives better recommendations the longer you use it and the more flags you raise on what you like and don't. Then, when you find a shiny new Pinot Noir to try, all you have to do is scan the bottle and the wine's profile will be matched to your preferences. You'll be given a percentage rate of how the wine fits in with your tastes and if the score's over 90 you've got a pretty great match. Like all apps nowadays, users can share their findings and connect with other Next Glassers (as well as giving vital stats to beer and wine distributors, always). Plus, if you and your buds all scan the same bottle you can get a few more scores to see how you all compare — Max might be a Savvy-B type of guy, while Lisa might get all up in Riesling, but this cheeky wine might suit them both. And if trying out an app is excuse enough to 'scan' multiple bottles of wine among friends, we're in. While the app's only available in the US so far, fingers crossed for an Australian taste-testing team call-out. Next Glass is available for free on the App Store and Google Play — but only works in the US so far. Via Springwise and Grub Street. Image credit: djwtwo via photopin cc.
Byron Bay might steal the headlines, but we'll let you in on a secret: neighbouring Brunswick Heads, just a 15-minute drive north of Byron, provides the truly serene beach holiday you've always dreamed about. Thanks to its location on the Brunswick River and among mangrove forests, this welcoming coastal community is teeming with spots for stellar scuba diving, hiking and dining. If you're ready to hit up the Northern Rivers, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to present an alluring selection of activities that ensure your visit is simply unbeatable. Whether you prefer wildlife encounters or hanging out in celebrated restaurants, Brunswick Heads has both in spades. [caption id="attachment_745641" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Centophobia (Flickr)[/caption] GO WHALE SPOTTING The next whale-watching season is coming up fast, and Brunswick Heads provides the ideal spot to catch these majestic creatures cruising northbound from May to July. The team at Blue Bay Whale Watching has been leading on-water expeditions since 2011, meaning an incredible sighting of a majestic humpback whale or two is almost guaranteed. Each adventure only takes ten passengers on board the Bay Warrior, an 8.5-metre catamaran with 360-degree views of the ocean. There's plenty of shelter if the weather unexpectedly turns, too, so there are indoor and outdoor vantage points for you and your crew to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures up close. [caption id="attachment_702566" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sebastian Pena Lambarri (Unsplash)[/caption] TAKE A DIVE A visit to this part of the world would not be complete without experiencing the striking underwater world that exists off the coast of Brunswick Heads. Julian Rocks is widely recognised as one of the region's premier dive sites, with this craggy outcrop providing several moorings that make reaching this location a relatively straightforward affair. There are suitable spots here for divers of all experience levels, meaning just about anyone can explore the surrounding waters frequented by manta rays, leopard sharks, and yes, the occasional great white, too. While this subtropical oasis certainly isn't for the faint-hearted, diving at one of Australia's top scuba locations will give you plenty of stories to tell. [caption id="attachment_805448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Forson (Pexels)[/caption] PADDLEBOARD AT TORAKINA BEACH Torakina Beach should be your number one choice for stand-up paddleboarding. Set at the mouth of the Brunswick River, this sheltered paradise sees barely a ripple for waves, so pushing yourself along the crystal-clear waters is relatively hassle-free. You're also well within touching distance of Brunswick Heads, with the community's thriving cafe scene just a five-minute walk away for a post-paddle refuel. Want to keep it a bit more rustic? With picnic areas, barbecues and showers spread throughout the surrounding bushland, Torakina Beach is a truly dreamy spot for a day in the sun. [caption id="attachment_844191" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mia (Flickr)[/caption] TAKE A GUIDED KAYAK TOUR Brunswick Heads and its surrounds are renowned for kayaking — the series of creeks and tributaries ensures you can get up close with lush landscapes and native wildlife. If you're looking for an expert to give you the inside word, there's no shortage of guided kayaking tours available to book. Byron Bay Eco Cruises provides a comprehensive three-hour tour where you'll take part in a river cruise that delves deep into a rainforest before loading into kayaks to scout out local wildlife (with binoculars provided, too). Finally, there's the chance to stand-up paddleboard amid the Brunswick River's serene environment. [caption id="attachment_844211" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christy Gallois (Flickr)[/caption] EXPERIENCE A LOCAL RITE OF PASSAGE It seems like every small town has a slightly hazardous rite of passage that provides endless stories — both good and bad. In Brunswick Heads, this initiation involves making the leap from the South Beach Road Bridge into Simpson's Creek about four metres below. With the creek providing a wonderful swimming spot at high tide, dozens of people, young and old, test their mettle on a hot summer's day. There's every reason to get involved, but do take caution if you decide to take the leap from this 85-year-old wooden bridge. DISCOVER BRUNSWICK HEADS' DINING SCENE Don't assume the pinnacle of Brunswick Heads' dining starts and finishes with fish and chips on the beach (though we would absolutely recommend doing this). The town has a growing reputation for fine-dining institutions that will knock your proverbial socks off. Fleet (pictured above) is one such venue, but with seating for only 14 guests, you'll have to book early to sample its award-winning hyper-local tasting menu. La Casita is another stellar example of the region's booming culinary scene. The team here works alongside the region's top makers and producers to create its mouth-watering dishes, which feature hearty Mexican flavours that put many city-centric options to shame. Plus, the boozy cocktails ensure you depart with an extra bounce in your step. [caption id="attachment_844194" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TAKE A HIKE AND PICNIC IN THE RAINFOREST There are so many incredible vistas to enjoy throughout the Northern Rivers region, but you don't have to bust a gut to experience some of the best. The easygoing North Head walking track, located on the edge of town in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, is a 30-minute trail guiding you through the coastal rainforest. As you break through the canopy and look down upon the Brunswick River, you'll find several spots perfect for unfurling a picnic rug and basket. Once you're back on your feet, the trail leads you through fascinating wildlife habitats and eventually out to the ocean beach. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Graham Cook (Flickr)
Aqua Ignis Bathhouse is redefining communal bathing in Australia, as an architectural and cultural landmark in the Blue Mountains. Rooted in its cultural connection, Aqua Ignis positions itself as a ritual practice — one that is immersive and deeply sensory. Designed by Korean-born, Germany-raised architect Siki Im, the project serves as a departure from traditional Australian spa culture. Instead of framing bathing as a luxury escape, Aqua Ignis prides itself on offering a more elemental experience. The bathhouse, conceived as both a sanctuary and sculpture, sits low within the landscape, utilising stone and water to immerse guests in a spatial meditation on contrast and flow. The space invites guests to experience bathing as not an out-of-the-blue activity, but a journey that moves through the elemental transitions of stillness and sociality. Expert guides lead guests along two contrasting pathways inspired by the ancient Eastern philosophies of Yin and Yang. Yin flow represents a quieter, more reserved journey, featuring a steam room, a magnesium-rich thermal bath, and silent reflection zones. Yang flow begins with a dry sauna, followed by a cold plunge and communal rest spaces. Each space has been carefully crafted to engage the body through the use of temperature and texture. At the same time, the architecture amplifies the emotional experience, utilising natural light, acoustics, and materiality to heighten awareness of oneself and one's surroundings. The opening positions Aqua Ignis as one of the most significant new wellness destinations in Australia, and a powerful example of how architecture can shape not just space, but behaviour and emotion. Find out more about Aqua Ignis and make a booking. Images: Supplied
Fresh, nutritious food is the game at Golden Lotus, cementing it as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. David Nguyen's Vietnamese eatery promises the authentic flavours of Saigon without any animal products — making it vegan, too. Beyond tofu, there are a few soy meat options available across the menu of family recipes that includes stir fries, dumplings and noodle soups. Appetisers include tasty tofu rolls and mushroom fritters while the vegan duck pancakes are especially convincing. But if you prefer to start with a soup, try the tofu and cream corn. It's hard to belief this incredibly creamy concoction is totally vegan. Vegan chicken dishes are also plentiful at Golden Lotus, with the highlight being the fried "chicken" with Shandong sauce, served with salad and your choice of sauce. The fish menu is a bit more limited but no less delicious, with the vegan fried fish in clay pot with a peppery light sauce and onion the standout. If you're the type of vegan who's more into veggies than fake meats, you are also looked after. The eggplant in claypot and the fried mushroom with salt and chilli are our top picks. The food at Golden Lotus is so tasty that even the most vehement meat-eaters will be placated — that is, ff they can look past the glowing pink "Veganism is magic" sign on the wall. The set-up is cosy and familiar; the walls are bright green and tables are placed close together to give the place a buzzing, community atmosphere. Summed up, it's very Newtown.
The quietly expanding suburb of Dulwich Hill is home to some top-notch cafes — and some of the best bagels in Sydney. Small Talk is owner Sam Terrey's answer to North American delis, and he's turned this simple concept into a go-to destination for pastries, doughnuts and Montreal-style bagels. "We were always looking for a location that is a bit 'off the beaten track'," says Terrey. "The Dulwich Hill spot isn't really near anything, but it worked out well and is serving people who don't have access to too much." Terrey boasts a decade in the hospo industry, including seven years in Montreal and three years at Sydney's Mecca coffee roasters. Though Terrey opened Small Talk back in May 2017, the delicatessen has recently been given a refresh and is now counter service-only. It works well with the venue's deli vibes, so the team plans to stick with takeaway going forward. "The inspiration for our food is easy deli eats and we're producing as much as we can in house, including all of the pastries and sweets," says Terrey. Small Talk's main offering is the "all-dressed" (aka everything) bagels — that include a mix of poppy, sesame and caraway seeds. Schmear your bagel with classic chive cream cheese for a fiver, or turn it into a proper sanga. Options include the BLT ($15) and the lox (smoked salmon and capers, $16.50), plus, the pastrami with sauerkraut, pickles and mustard ($15) and the extra cheesy brekkie bagel with egg and jalapeño relish ($14). Apart from the all-important bagels, Terrey is also making focaccia in house, with regular toppings including tomato, chilli and garlic and a rosemary potato, olive and ricotta number. For pastries, don't miss out on the cinnamon sugar or stuffed doughies — the latter are filled with lemon-y ricotta and rhubarb jam. Then there's the 'morning bun', a homage to the Finnish pulla pastry that's a buttery knot of dough and comes in flavours like choc-almond and cinnamon at Small Talk. Other specials like spinach and ricotta scrolls with garlic butter and maple butter tarts have also made the menu in recent weeks. For drinks, it's just Reuben Hills cuppas and hot chocolates here — and what more do you need, really. The team completely rebuilt the space last month, removing all of the seats from inside and leaving just a few outside for those who (understandably) can't wait to tuck in. The new fit-out has proven to be much more pandemic-friendly and works well for the business as a whole. Expect a service counter to one side and retail shelves to the other — stocked full with dry goods, pickles, condiments and hot sauces. A second outpost of Small Talk is on the horizon, too, with a location secured in Glebe and an expected opening date of late October/early November this year. Images: Trent Van der Jagt for Buffet Digital. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Bagels in Sydney for 2023
Tim Ho Wan, the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, is finally set to open in George Street's HSBC Centre this Thursday, June 23. Delayed since back in October 2015, the new flagship will no doubt see lines for days once this dim sum behemoth opens its doors. While the Chatswood branch has been rockin' it since March 2014 — and venues have since opened in Burwood, Pitt Street and Melbourne — the CBD flagship has taken far longer than expected. But, at long last, it's here — and you can't miss it. The bright sign on George Street is like a beacon beckoning you inside for delicious dim sum. Sydneysiders who have visited a Tim Ho Wan before can expect a familiar vibe at the new location. But unlike the Pitt Street takeaway outpost, this one is a sit-down affair — and as their flagship, it's set to be their biggest yet. There's no doubt their famous fluffy pork buns will make their way onto the menu, as will the highly photogenic spinach and prawn dumplings. They're also looking to add a golden lava dessert bun (that is, one filled with a salted egg custard) to their core menu, likely a competitive nod to the Din Tai Fung signature dish. Tim Ho Wan, led by ex-Four Seasons Hong Kong chef Mak Kwai Pui, opened back in 2009 and received its Michelin star the following year. Sydney was the lucky first city outside Southeast Asia to welcome the acclaimed dim sum house. Of course, a CBD location will mean long queues — but it hasn't stopped us before, and it certainly won't stop us from enjoying these delectable dumps now. Tim Ho Wan Sydney will open at 10am on Thursday, June 23 at the HSBC Centre, 580 George Street, Sydney. For more information, visit their Facebook event.
German agency Jung von Matt has given some of the world's most iconic cartoon characters a wonderful makeunder by recreating them with Lego blocks. With a distinct minimalist approach to these creations, Jung von Matt have used height and colour to cleverly mould these creations. Nothing displays this better than Marge Simpson's signature towering blue hairstyle. However, some of the other cartoons aren't so easy to make out. But once you find out the answer, you'll kick yourself for not spotting them earlier. Furthermore, your ability to name these characters will be a good indicator of how much time you spent in front of the television as a kid. Have a look at the images below, and score yourself on how many you can guess. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles The Smurfs Asterix and Obelix South Park [via Flavorwire]
Last year, beloved social enterprise Two Good Co. opened a cafe and convenience store in Darlinghurst's Yirranma Place. The venue provides Sydneysiders with tasty breakfast and lunch options, as well as products from local ethically minded businesses like The Bread & Butter Project, Kua Coffee and Gelato Messina — all while raising funds to help Two Good's goal of supporting vulnerable women by providing pathways out of crisis living. Each month at the cafe, the crew brings in a well-known and well-loved chef or culinary team to create special one-off menu items. Kylie Kwong, Maggie Beer, Peter Gilmore and Matt Moran have all been in charge of curating the monthly menu in the past, and this month the pleasure falls on O Tama Carey and the Lankan Filling Station team. One of Sydney's best restaurants, Lankan Filling Station has built a cult following for its choose-your-own-adventure-style menu of flavoursome curries, hoppers and sambols. This is the energy that Carey, Head Chef 'Coco' Corentin Kergall and the whole team is bringing to this limited-time menu. Available throughout July from Monday, July 3, the menu features two no-fuss lunch items and a little sweet treat. Item number one is a spicy seeni sambol, cheddar and mozzarella toastie. This Sri Lankan twist on the classic grilled cheese adds some sweet, spicy and sour sambol to the mix, and is finished off with a brushing of curry leaf butter. Also available: the Sri Lankan coconut rice porridge kola kanda. The Two Good Co. version will include a hearty dose of pumpkin and a serving of roti to mop up all of the goodness. Rounding out the offerings is a cashew and cardamom milk toffee, for anyone who loves a sugary snack after their lunch. If you want to sample the menu, just head over to 262 Liverpool Street at some point in July.
It's been three years since Australia's cinema scene welcomed the American Essentials Film Festival — and while a fest dedicated to US flicks might seem obvious, this event sets its sights much further than Hollywood's usual suspects. Given that mainstream, megaplex-friendly movies reach our shores every week, the Palace-run showcase instead curates a lineup of other American titles, delving into films from the US indie realm. Touring Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra from May 8 to 20, the 2018 fest has a particular fondness for emerging practitioners, with artistic director Richard Sowada noting "the obvious talent from some of the filmmakers in the early stages of their feature film careers," as well as "the deep and obvious respect even some of these newer filmmakers have for the traditions of storytelling in American cinema." With that in mind, this year's event kicks off with The Boy Downstairs, a Zosia Mamet-starring effort from debut feature writer-director Sophie Brooks, which proved a hit at the 2017 TriBeCa Film Festival. The opening night pick also highlights one of the festival's other trends — thanks to its focus on American cinema, it boasts plenty of familiar faces on screen. Standouts include Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair battling a murderous rage in horror-comedy Mom and Dad, Helena Bonham Carter and Hilary Swank recreating a landmark '80s case for patients' rights in 55 Steps, and war effort The Yellow Birds, featuring Solo: A Star Wars Story's Alden Ehrenreich, Ready Player One's Tye Sheridan, plus Toni Collette and Jennifer Aniston. There's also two star-studded flicks about sons and their fathers: Humour Me, which pairs up Jemaine Clement and Elliott Gould in a deadpan comedy, and Kodachrome, which takes Jason Sudeikis and Ed Harris on a road trip to a photo processing laboratory. Other notable titles range from Stuck, which brings the train-set off-Broadway musical of the same name to the cinema; to Outside In, director Lynn Shelter's latest featuring Edie Falco as an ex-high school teacher; to mob drama Gotti, starring John Travolta as the mob boss and screening in Australia just hours after its Cannes Film Festival premiere. On the documentary front, How They Got Over takes a far-reaching documentary into African-American gospel quartets in the '30s and '40s, while RBG examines the life and career of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For the fest's retrospective section, Los Angeles is in the spotlight courtesy of classics Chinatown, Heat and Shampoo, as well as '70s masterpieces Killer of Sheep and Wattstax. The American Essentials Film Festival tours Australia from May 8, screening at Sydney's Palace Central from May 8 to 20, Brisbane's Palace Centro from May 9 to 20 and Melbourne's Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from May 10 to 20. For more information, visit the festival website.
When we asked Concrete Playground readers to tell us their favourite spots in and around Alexandria, no shop, restaurant or bar received as many shout-outs as Social Society. The cafe is only relatively new on the scene — it opened in December 2019 as a tenant of Green Square's new food precinct — but it's quickly gained a loyal fanbase for its Pinterest-worthy fit-out and next-level dishes. Let's start with the space, which was produced in collaboration with interior designer Blank Creatives. It's a millennial dream with pink leather booths and curtains, neon signs and terrazzo tables. The menu is designed around dishes that are as photogenic as they are tasty, so expect the likes of pink pasta, with prawns, pickled beetroot and pink caviar cream, and eggs benedict served in a flaky croissant. But that's just the start of the OTT options. You can also indulge in fried chicken and waffles with maple-infused gravy, ricotta pancakes topped with popping candy, and bone marrow served with charcoal garlic toast. And coffee is by Sydney-based roastery Gabriel Coffee. Images: @elleshungry, courtesy of Media in Action
When he's not befriending transforming robots or donning an epic rat's tail on the cinema screen, Shia LaBeouf has turned venturing around the world, asking questions of the masses and live-streaming the results into his preferred pastime. Fresh from tasking Sydneysiders with pondering the apocalypse — or whatever else came to mind in response to the phrase #ANDINTHEEND — the actor and activist has set up a new, four-year-long anti-Trump-focused project in New York. A camera mounted on a wall outside the Museum of Moving Image forms the basis for LaBeouf's latest performance piece — and yes, the eager masses are once again the real performers. Above the always-operational lens is a printed statement: "HE WILL NOT DIVIDE US". Participants are asked to stand in the requisite spot and repeat the phrase as many times as they like, and for as long as they desire, with the results available to view at www.hewillnotdivide.us. The project started at 9am on January 20, 2017, timed to coincide with the day of new US President Donald Trump's inauguration, and will be live-streamed continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next four years — or the duration of his time in office. It's designed to act "as a show of resistance or insistence, opposition or optimism, guided by the spirit of each individual participant and the community." As captured on LaBeouf's Twitter feed, the first participant was Jaden Smith. https://twitter.com/thecampaignbook/status/822443598771785732
Play music, make calls, take photos, open doors and share your location – all with the flick of a single switch. That's the idea behind Flic, a new wireless, portable button developed by a group of Swedish entrepreneurs that can be programmed to work with just about any smart device that you please. The 28mm diametre button works in conjunction with a smartphone app that allows you to assign it a particular function – such as snoozing your alarm, dialing pre-set phone numbers or switching on the lights in your smart home. Each button can be programmed with up to three different functions (single click, double click and hold) and has a reusable adhesive back so it can be fastened wherever is convenient. The creators of the device offer up a few more potential applications in the promotional video, below. Be warned though: the cheese factor is pretty high. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDsjBh2xOgQ While we're still not entirely convinced that getting your phone out of your pocket is really all that strenuous, this little button does look pretty cool. According to the specs listed on their website, the button's silicon overmould means that it is able to withstand weather and dust, and can be used both indoors and out. It also comes in a number of different colours, and operates on a replaceable coin battery that lasts up to five years. You can currently preorder a Flic button for US$34 plus $5 shipping. You can also get discounts if you order more than one – just in case you were planning on decking out your house like the inside of a spaceship.
Going to an AFL game on a Saturday afternoon is about much more than those two hours of on-field action — and it all starts with having a drink and a feed beforehand. After all, you're going to need all the energy you can muster to cheer on your team. So, we've teamed up with the Sydney Swans to round up a bunch of venues near the team's home ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground, that are perfect for a schooner and spot of dinner before a night game. All of these pubs and restaurants are within a few minutes of the SCG so you can round up the troops and get to the game with a full belly and ready to cheer on your favourite players in red and white.
This time back in 2020, no one even dreamed of the possibility of a new Borat movie. No one expected that they'd be watching it before the year was out, either. Also among the things that not a single soul could've guessed: that it'd be one of the most unflinching political movies of the year, that it'd win two Golden Globes (including Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy), and that it would score actor Maria Bakalova an Oscar nomination. Clearly, a lot has happened over the past year that zero folks among us anticipated. Here's something new for this year, too: a Borat special. Due to hit Amazon Prime Video on Tuesday, May 25, Borat Supplemental Reportings Retrieved From Floor of Stable Containing Editing Machine basically takes a heap of unused footage from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan and turns it into a couple of a couple of different parts. It's the type of thing that might've once been relegated to DVD extras, and it's another chance to dive into Borat Sagdiyev's latest escapades. Once again, you'll find out what Sacha Baron Cohen's fictional Kazakh journalist makes of both COVID-19 and the 2020 US election, as last year's 14-years-later sequel to 2006 mockumentary Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan also covered. One part of the special, called Borat: VHS Cassette of Material Deemed "Sub-acceptable" By Kazakhstan Ministry of Censorship and Circumcision, will include unseen footage from Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, while the 40-minute Borat's American Lockdown will chart the character's five days spent living with conspiracy theorists. And then there's six Debunking Borat shorts, which get experts to dive into — and debunk, obviously — the ideas spouted by Borat's new roommates. If you haven't yet watched Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, it follows Borat as he travels to America again. Once more, he traverses the country, interviewing everyday people and exposing the abhorrent views that have become engrained in US society. Where its 2006 predecessor had everyone laughing along with it, though, there's also an uneasy and even angry undercurrent to this sequel that's reflective of these especially polarised times. Also a big part of the story: Borat's attempt to gift his 15-year-old daughter (instant scene-stealer Bakalova) to then-Vice President Mike Pence and ex-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani to help get Kazakhstan's own leader into then-President Donald Trump's good graces. Check out the trailer for Borat Supplemental Reportings below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctHMZ-MC4y4&feature=youtu.be Borat Supplemental Reportings Retrieved From Floor of Stable Containing Editing Machine will be available to stream via Amazon Prime Video from Tuesday, May 25.
Now, this is a story all about how a 90s sitcom favourite got flipped-turned upside down. And we'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, to tell you how the show that gave Will Smith his big acting break became a new gritty reboot called Bel-Air. Yes, just by reading that last paragraph, you now have the theme tune to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air stuck in your head. But let's be honest: if you've ever watched an episode of the 1990–96 series, even if it was decades back, you've had the ridiculously catchy song immersed in your brain ever since. Whether that track will pop up in Bel-Air is yet to be seen — but the show itself will drop on Monday, February 14. In Australia, Stan will be streaming the series, which turns Smith's earliest acting claim to fame into a drama, updates it to modern-day America, but otherwise sticks to the same basic premise. Once again, a West Philadelphia-born and -raised teenager by the name of Will Smith — this time played by first-timer Jabari Banks — will make the move to the titular Los Angeles neighbourhood. Lavish gated mansions and disparate worlds colliding awaits, as do the Banks family, with Adrian Holmes (Arrow) as Will's uncle Phillip, Cassandra Freeman (The Last OG) as his aunt Vivian, and Olly Sholotan (Run Hide Fight), Coco Jones (Vampires vs the Bronx) and Akira Akbar (Captain Marvel) as his cousins Carlton, Hilary and Ashley. Also featuring: Will's pal Jazz, this time played by Jordan L Jones (Rel). As that storyline and character list shows — and the just-dropped trailer for Bel-Air, too — there's plenty that's familiar about the series, which has been developed by the IRL Smith with filmmaker Morgan Cooper based on the latter's 2019 short fan film of the same name. But the tone firmly takes a swerve to the serious, so don't expect to be giggling along with the latest classic series to resurface after years (see also: Gossip Girl, Saved by the Bell, Sex and the City sequel series And Just Like That..., just to name a few). Check out the Bel-Air trailer below: Bel-Air will start streaming in Australia on Monday, February 14 via Stan.
Defiance Gallery has been delivering an ever-changing roster of premium local and global artwork to Newtown for over two decades. While its reputation is built around being one of the leading sculpture galleries in the city (and country), the space is not limited to this form. The gallery showcases work from newcomers to internationally-acclaimed artists also covering paintings and works on paper. Exhibitions vary in length but usually last three to four weeks making Defiance Gallery are haunt for art-lovers.
First, the 80s-set tale of Vivian meeting Edward fuelled a big-screen box-office smash. Next, Pretty Woman took the screen-to-stage leap, premiering on Broadway in 2018. Australia has been waiting to see the theatre production ever since — a delay that'll finally be over in 2025. Even better: after initially announcing its Aussie-debut season in Brisbane from October, Pretty Woman: The Musical is now extending its run, heading to Theatre Royal Sydney from November. Yes, that means getting a specific song stuck in your head. Whenever 90s rom-com Pretty Woman comes to mind, Roy Orbison's song likely does as well. That said, when the musical based on the hit flick arrives in the Harbour City for the first time, you'll be getting Bryan Adams tunes lodged in your brain, too. The Canadian singer-songwriter helped bring the Julia Roberts (Leave the World Behind)- and Richard Gere (The Agency)-starring film to the stage, penning the music and lyrics for the show. If you've seen the film, you'll know the story, as an escort and a corporate raider fall in love — and you'll also know that it made Roberts a star, complete with a Golden Globe win, plus her first Best Actress Oscar nomination. Alongside America's most-famous theatre district, where it broke records at the Nederlander Theatre, Pretty Woman: The Musical has graced the stage in London's West End, plus Spain, Italy, Poland and Germany. Also just announced: that Samantha Jade, who stepped into Kylie Minogue's shoes in 2024 TV miniseries Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS — opposite Scrublands' Luke Arnold as Michael Hutchence — will be playing Vivian in Brisbane and Sydney. "We knew from the first time Samantha auditioned that not offering her the role of Vivian would be a big mistake. Big. Huge! Her voice perfectly suits Bryan Adams' iconic score and I know Australian audiences will fall in love with her when she makes her debut at QPAC in October," said Suzanne Jones of JONES Theatrical Group. "This is a dream role for me. Such a beloved film that is a favourite of so many worldwide and I'm delighted to be able to originate the role for Australian audiences," added Samantha Jade. There's no word yet who else will be among the local cast, so who'll be following in Gere's footsteps, too — and Laura San Giacomo (NCIS) and Hector Elizondo's (Mr Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie) as well. Whether Pretty Woman: The Musical will head to other Australian stops beyond the Queensland and New South Wales capitals also hasn't yet been revealed. Behind the curtain, Adams worked with his songwriting partner Jim Vallance, who he wrote 'Summer of '69', 'Run to You', 'Cuts Like a Knife' and 'Heaven' with, on the music and lyrics. Late filmmaker Garry Marshall (Mother's Day), who directed the Pretty Woman movie — plus Roberts and Gere's on-screen reunion in 1999 in Runaway Bride — penned the book with the OG flick's screenwriter JF Lawnton (Yellow River Christmas). Pretty Woman: The Musical Australian Dates From Sunday, October 5, 2025 — Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane From November 2025 (exact dates still to be announced) — Theatre Royal Sydney, Sydney Pretty Woman: The Musical will play the Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney, from November 2025 — head to the production's website for more details and to sign up for the ticket waitlist. Images: UK tour, Marc Brenner.
It sucks when life admin gets in the way of having fun. After all, who wants to be paying for bills when they could be at a bar? For some, getting a haircut definitely falls under the category of life admin. Well, unless you go to Mister Chop Shop in Surry Hills. The crew here is dedicated to turning your visit into an enjoyable and relaxing experience. It starts with an in-depth consultation to determine what look you're after and any problem areas you may have. It also involves getting a coffee, beer or whisky to sip on while your barber works away. If you've been procrastinating your particular visit for some time (back to that life admin issue), we suggest booking in for one of the packages, like the 75-minute Bearded Dapper Deluxe, which includes a shampoo, cut and style, beard shaping and a blade finish, for $115. Prefer to be clean shaven? Opt for The Barefaced Dapper Deluxe, an 80-minute service which includes a shampoo, cut and style and a hot shave for $130.
If you're a fan of caramelised white chocolate, then you're a fan of all the different types of food that've sprung up featuring Caramilk. You've sipped the cocktails. You've eaten the ice creams. You've had the dessert jaffles. If it features the famed Cadbury flavour, you've tried it. And now, you have something new to add to that list: Caramilk Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Krispy Kreme is still in the process of letting Australians catch all the Pokémon-themed doughnuts; however, it has also just dropped another new limited-edition special. Teaming up with Cadbury, the doughnut franchise has whipped up two new must-try sweet treats — and yes, they both come dipped in Caramilk. If you opt for the Caramilk Shell, you'll be munching into a full doughnut — sans that centre hole — that comes filled with crème, then covered in the coveted type of chocolate and sprinkled with Caramilk flakes. Or, if you need that gap in the middle, the Caramilk Ring takes one of Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnuts, dips it in Caramilk, adds the Caramilk flakes and then splashes some white truffle drizzle over the top. You'll find the two Caramilk doughnuts at 7-Eleven stores only from Tuesday, September 28, but there's more than 700 spots to choose from — and they're also available via 7-Eleven Delivery where it's on offer. Krispy Kreme's Caramilk range is available from Tuesday, September 28 for $3.75 each at 7-Eleven stores and via 7-Eleven Delivery.
As part of the New South Wales Government's response to Sydney's current cluster of COVID-19 cases, face masks became compulsory on public transport across Greater Sydney on Friday, June 18, with the new requirement presently in place until 12.01am on Thursday, June 24. Since then, more cases have been identified, so New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today, Sunday, June 20, announced that the mask mandate is expanding. The requirement to wear masks will be extended in two ways. Firstly, the public transport rule will expand beyond Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains, where it is currently in effect, and will now apply to the Wollongong and Shellharbour areas. Secondly, people in seven local government areas in Sydney will now need to wear masks indoors in public settings — with the latter coming into effect immediately. The LGAs covered: City of Sydney, Inner West, Randwick, Bayside, Canada Bay, Waverley and Woollahra. So, if you live, work in or visit those areas, you'll need to wear a mask inside in hospitality venues, shops and any indoor situation where you aren't eating or drinking. Basically, unless you're at home, you'll need to mask up indoors. "It applies to all indoor venues, excluding when you're eating and drinking — so if you're going shopping, to the cinema, sitting at a conference, any place where you can't guarantee social distancing proximity with others," the Premier said Premier Berejiklian also noted that the indoor requirement "will apply effective immediately"; however, compliance won't be enforced until 4pm today. For now, the mandate will apply for the same time as the public transport mask rule — so until 12.01am on Thursday, June 24. https://twitter.com/NSWHealth/status/1406419359233241089 Sydneysiders elsewhere are still encouraged to don a mask when they are indoors in public — even though it isn't being made compulsory anywhere outside of the seven named LGAs. "At this stage, we didn't want to make the decision to have compulsory indoor mask-wearing across all Greater Sydney, but if the situation changes overnight, that is an option we will have to consider," the Premier said. If you're wondering if more restrictions might be in store, Premier Berejiklian advised that "what we've asked people to do today is as far as we will go, but I will say that if cases continue to emerge in the community, we will need to consider going further — but I hope that isn't the case." Overnight, NSW reported two new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, with 44 cases — both local and overseas-acquired — currently being treated in the state. And, as it always does, NSW Health has been updating the COVID-19 venues of concern list, and will continue to do so. Anyone who has visited these venues during the times specified are required to get tested and self-isolate as per NSW Health's instructions. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.
So far, 2022 has been the year of Wordle — of waking up, busting out your best five-letter guesses over your morning coffee, bragging about your prowess online, getting annoyed about American spelling and grumbling about changes since The New York Times took over the popular game, too. But come March, it'll also be the year of Celebrity Letters and Numbers for the second year running, because SBS is bringing back the star-studded version of its initial 2010–12 hit that first debuted last year. Whether you watched along back when famous folks weren't doing the puzzling, you've been hooked to repeats of old episodes over the past ten years or you jumped onboard when Celebrity Letters and Numbers premiered in 2021, there's no denying the joys of this simple but delightful game show. It celebrates clever contestants doing word and number brain-teasers, each episode has an engagingly low-key vibe — all while still remaining tense as competitors try to work out the right answers, of course — and it's very easy and immensely enjoyable to play along with from home. Accordingly, it's no wonder that SBS has made a second season of its new starry format, which'll start airing on SBS and via SBS On Demand from Saturday, March 5. Comedian Michael Hing is still on hosting duties, after taking over from the OG version's Richard Morecroft. Lily Serna is also returning to flip numbers and show off her maths skills, while David Astle will again tell contestants whether they've found real words or just made them up, all with his trusty dictionary in hand — as they've both done since before Letters and Numbers had an extra word at the beginning of its moniker. As happened during season one of Celebrity Letters and Numbers, they'll be joined by three different well-known faces and a special guest each week, some vying for glory and others sitting with Astle in dictionary corner — with season two set to feature Merrick Watts, Ben Law, Tanya Hennessy, Akmal Saleh, Susie Youssef and Aaron Chen, among others. And, this new run of episodes will again span an hour each, and feature 12 instalments. Making words out of nine randomly selected letters, using six also randomly chosen numbers in equations to reach a set figure, and rearranging a jumble of nine more letters into one lengthy word in the final round — that's still all on the bill, naturally, because it wouldn't be any version of Letters and Numbers otherwise. And yes, to answer the obvious question: this is basically SBS's Aussie version of the great 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (which SBS also airs, so it clearly knows that it's ace). Letters and Numbers, both with and without celebs, owes a big debt to a few European shows, in fact. When it first aired sans comedians more than a decade ago, the original Letters and Numbers took its cues from both French TV's Des chiffres et des lettres, which dates back to 1965 — and also from Britain's Countdown, which has been on the air since 1982, and then inspired 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Check out the trailer for season two of Celebrity Letters and Numbers below: The second season of Celebrity Letters and Numbers will start airing on SBS and via SBS On Demand from Saturday, March 5, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Award-winning pastry chef and dessert expert Anna Polyviou is bringing her beloved sweet treats to the inner west. Polyviou revealed she'll be opening her first shopfront in Marrickville later this year, via an Instagram post earlier this month. Polyviou, known for her outlandish dessert creations, appearances on MasterChef Australia and her iconic pink mohawk, said she had received the keys to a store in the inner west suburb and has plans to open up around Easter. "YES I am opening my first FIRST SHOP... and what better location than Marrickville. It's forever been a dream of mine & my teams to be around such an amazing community," Polyviou wrote on Instagram. Not much has been revealed about the shop yet, with more information to be unveiled soon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna Polyviou (@annapolyviou) The announcement comes as the popular chef launched a new range of cookie dough available at Harris Farm Markets across Sydney. Hot off the tails of Bennett St Dairy's supermarket cookie dough which captured the attention of Sydneysiders in lockdown last year, Polyviou has dropped a range of bake-it-yourself dough featuring three flavours — triple choc, choc brownie and peanut butter fudge. To stay up-to-date with everything happening at Anna Polyviou's Marrickville store, be sure to follow her on Instagram as she documents the process of renovating and setting up the shop. Anna Polyviou's inaugural IRL store is set to open in Marrickville sometime in April or May 2022. We'll bring you more details as they become available.
How do you define a classic album? Is it sales figures, popularity over time, how influential it is, or something completely indefinable? We've all got our personal favourites, but with countless great LPs throughout the history of music, at some point you need to ask the experts. Luckily, Sydney has a number of peerless record stores, all staffed by helpful and knowledgeable enthusiasts keen to share the sounds they love with you. In partnership with LEGO Art, which has paid tribute to The Beatles' The White Album in its latest range, we spoke with five record store owners about the albums that make them tick and what, in their own personal view, makes a record worthy of the term 'classic'. Read on to find out what made the cut. BEATDISC RECORDS: 'DOUBT SEEDS' Parramatta institution Beatdisc Records will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary, and owner Pete Curnovic is keeping it local with his classic album selection: Doubt Seeds, the swansong LP from Sydney alternative rockers Bluebottle Kiss. "They knew it was their final album so they went all out," he tells us. "It was all recorded analogue in Leichhardt and it's never been pressed on vinyl." Curnovic says the band's foray into experimentation and improvisation is why it's topped his personal list, as well as the memorable show at Manning Bar around the time of the album's release. Fourteen years since it hit the shelves, Doubt Seeds is still on Curnovic's playlist at least once a month. Find Beatdisc at Queensland Arcade, Church Street, and check out what's in store, here. [caption id="attachment_782971" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] THE RECORD STORE: 'FRANCIS INFERNO ORCHESTRA PRESENTS VERANDA CULTURE' "The perfect album at one point isn't a perfect album at another point," says The Record Store's Stephan Győry. The Surry Hills store owner eventually settled on Francis Inferno Orchestra Presents Veranda Culture, a 2017 release that's as suitable for "losing your mind on the dancefloor", says Győry, as it is for "chilling out on the couch on Sunday at 3am". He says, "It's my go-to when I'm on the doof island." The Record Store continues to buy and sell new and second-hand records, as well as a range of equipment for vinyl enthusiasts. Find The Record Store at 34/277 Crown Street. Its online store has free shipping within Australia for orders over $100. [caption id="attachment_716226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] COTTONMOUTH RECORDS: 'ILL AT EASE' Cottonmouth Records' label and store boss Zach Williams firmly believes the albums you love in your formative teenage years can shape your entire musical identity, and the Enmore-based store owner picked Ill At Ease, the 1995 release from Adelaide metal mainstays The Mark Of Cain, as his classic album pick. "I was angsty and it was the most raw record I'd ever heard," says Williams, who puts much of the record's impact down to the production from hardcore punk icon Henry Rollins. Williams also played in a band that covered a handful of The Mark Of Cain tracks as a teenager, so his connection to the record runs deep. Find Cottonmouth Records at 182 Enmore Road, or visit its online store to stock up on vinyl. [caption id="attachment_736386" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] REPRESSED RECORDS: 'FUN HOUSE' Fun House, the second album from The Stooges, is often held up as one of the most influential records in punk's history, and Repressed Record's Nic Warnock certainly agrees. "It drew a line to the things I like now," he says, before adding that a new live album of the band from the time has recently been released and, even though it "kind of sucks", it makes him love the record even more. "It's part of being human," he says, noting its messy recording, and the rich lineage that makes punk such an important and enthralling subculture. Find Repressed at 413 King Street, Newtown, or shop for records, books and CDs from its online store. [caption id="attachment_736384" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] DESIRE BOOKS AND RECORDS: 'THE STONE ROSES' The Stone Roses' eponymous debut "oozed all the cool and swagger that had been brewing in Manchester [in the 80s] into some sort of defining crescendo," says Desire Book's & Records owner Tim Barber, who chose an album that shaped his teenage years, and celebrated the scene known as 'Madchester'. Barber says, "Pop music always moves on, very few records get remembered and even fewer become classics". But, in the eyes of many, over 30 years on, The Stones Roses has truly stood the test of time. Find Desire Books & Records at 3/3 Whistler Street, Manly. Discover more about the new LEGO Art range, here. Top image: The Record Store, Kitti Gould
Australia's toast game just levelled up with a little help from our neighbours across the ditch. If you're a fan of slathering nut butters across slices of heated bread, then you've likely heard of cult-favourite Wellington brand Fix & Fogg — and instead of stuffing your suitcases with their products when you're coming back from a New Zealand holiday, you can now head to Woolworths to pick up ten different types. Woolies already stocked two Fix & Fogg products: Everything Butter, which combines a bit of everything as the name suggests (aka hemp, chia, sesame, sunflower, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and almonds), plus granola butter (which is made with toasted South Island oats, cashew nuts, coconut, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and peanuts). Joining them are multiple types and sizes of peanut butter, plus a range of other creative flavours. Peanut butter and jelly in a jar, anyone? If you're all about the OG peanut butter by itself, you can go smooth or crunchy in either 375-gram and 750-gram jars. Or, there's the chilli and paprika-spiced Smoke and Fire peanut butter in 275-gram containers, as well as choc berry and almond-heavy versions of the Everything Butter. In Australia, you'll now find the ten Fix & Fogg varieties at all 990 Woolies locations nationwide from today, Monday, August 15. For folks new to Fix & Fogg, it makes the type of nut butters that you'll easily want to eat by the spoonful, sans toast — which is one of the reasons that the company has evolved from selling its wares at Wellington markets to picking up a huge homegrown and now international following. Fix & Fogg's expanded presence at Woolies comes after the brand hit the US in a big way in 2021, getting stocked at 3500 Whole Foods stores around the country. Find ten of Fix & Fogg's nut butters on Woolworths shelves from Monday, August 15.
Charles and Ray Eames had a bit of a backwards Lannister twins problem. Everyone thought they were siblings. Both were famous for their innovative design work, but people who hadn't met them would just go on ahead and assume they were brothers. They weren't. They were husband and wife. Nowadays they're often best remembered for designing chairs. They did, for sure, make some wonderful chairs. But it wasn't just furniture where they excelled. The Eames office designed almost everything. The Eameses' work was so either ahead of its time or so timeless that lots of its products are familiar objects today. The Eameses' grandson, Eames Demetrios, is about to make a brief visit to Sydney at both the Sydney Film Festival and for Vivid Ideas to talk about both his grandparents' work and his own. To help you get your head around the breadth of their combined output, we've assembled just a few examples of the family's pioneering work. Chairs The Eameses spent over a decade experimenting with shaping wood. They'd invented a surprisingly striking splint out of moulded plywood for the US army during the Second World War. When they'd moved into their new apartment in 1941, their idea of fun was to squeeze a plywood moulding machine into their spare bedroom. They'd made it themselves out of scrap wood and a bicycle-driven pump and called it 'Kazam!'. They took turns riding the bike. After the war they moved to a real studio at 901 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in LA and stayed there for the rest of their working lives, still working with plywood. One of the products of their iterative wood obsession, in 1956, was the Lounge Chair and Ottoman. The lounge was designed for furniture company Herman Miller. While the lounge chair still looks pretty space age, their Molded Plywood Chairs (below) are much more familiar. The Eameses' work in chairs went on to be so successful that today these pieces just seem, well, normal. The SFF Hub plans to have a bunch of these Herman Miller chairs on display over the duration of the festival. The Eames' Lounge Chair and Ottoman will be there, as will the Moulded Plywoods and a new version of the classic Shell Chair. You can place an order for a chair online, though, it should be noted that the price is usually where these chairs' similarity to school chairs suddenly ends. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0fKBhvDjuy0 The Long Zoom The beginning of Contact does it, as does the end of Men in Black: the almost-infinite, long zoom across the universe has been a movie staple since the '90s. The shot was pioneered by the Eameses in their 1977 film Powers of Ten, which ostensibly explored the geographic power of adding and subtracting a zero to long numbers. As the film whips out from the Chicago lakeside into the depths of space, and back again, its effortless play with scale and relentless zoom whip you into a exponential sense of pleasant disbelief. Charles Eames had done some film work, though Hollywood didn't end up being his thing. But, about the time George Lucas had the predecessor to ILM filming their Death Star in a parking lot — and well before computer-based special effects — the Eameses were polishing off a nine-minute tracking shot that traversed the known universe. Eames Demetrios will be presenting Powers of Ten alongside a selection of his grandparents' extensive corpus of short films at Eames on Eames, including Design Q&A ("known to specialists") and Music of the Fifties ("just never seen" and "fascinating because it is, in many ways, the beginning of the music video"), not to mention a restored version of the multiscreen Glimpses of the USA. Multiscreen In an age where lining up multiple screens is about as hard as putting two phones side by side, it's hard to imagine how big a deal it was to see a multiscreen image. During the cold war, the USA put on an American trade exhibition in a Moscow park, which would later become famous for the 1959 Kitchen Debate between then Vice-President Nixon and the Soviet leader, Premier Khrushchev. Not too far away from this culinary power centre, the Eameses had been commissioned to make "a major propaganda exercise designed to inject the elixir of consumerism into the heart of the Soviet empire". So they made a film. Glimpses of the USA was a massive array of seven screens designed to overwhelm Muscovites with the breadth of experience in American life. Seven landscapes, seven cityscapes or seven people popped across the screen, in quick succession. It was designed to dazzle: and it worked. Apparently, the final sequence was so powerful it brought tears to even Nikita Khrushchev's hardened eyes. Interactive Museum Exhibitions Interactivity doesn't give you bragging rights at museums these days. But in 1975, though computers had come a long way since the President of IBM ostensibly said "I think there is a world market for about five computers," they were still pretty much unheard of for the museum experience. Ray and Charles Eames put together a concept film for a makeover of New York's gargantuan Metropolitan Museum. They laid out a vision of a connected experience, where visitors could call up their favourite artwork on a computer and its display would automatically show them related items from the collection. Back then, this vision didn't wash. Reports from 1977 talk about electronic controversy: "concerns about an art museum weakening its raison d'etre by activities not concerned with the experience of original art but, instead, films, facsimiles and electronic gadgetry." The funding was withdrawn, and the touted makeover never happened. Nowadays, this 'electronic gadgetry' is just called the Metropolitan's 'website'. Innovator in the Centre Reviewing the recent documentary, Eames: The Architect and the Painter, New York Times film critic A.O. Scott compared the Eameses' influence to Steve Jobs' for the sheer breadth of the influence their design work on our everyday lives. Scott took this comparison further, saying they were also happy to be the centre of the credit: "Like Walt Disney — and like Steve Jobs — Charles Eames did not share credit. His name alone went on the studio's products." Eames Demetrios disagrees. His counterpoint to Scott easily works through the details of his grandparents' crediting history, with the opinion that a story like Charles' alleged surprise that Deborah Sussman wanted credit for Day of the Dead is "demonstrably untrue". But he adds, "I don't think it was told in malice, because it represents an emotional truth, which is that it is a very hard to feel you are getting your due when you are living/working inside someone else's worldview — especially a powerful one like the Eameses." In the absence of space for his full reply here, Demetrios points to the chapter '901 Culture' in his book An Eames Primer for more detail. A Virtual World Eames Demetrios' films started out relatively tame. Common Knowledge presaged the production method of local film 52 Tuesdays, by giving a documentary portrait of dozens of people every few weeks for a year in 1988, but he "kept thinking it would be really amazing to be able to visit a story physically. To create a parallel world that people could visit." Demetrios created the virtual world of Kcymaerxthaere, a story whose locations have leeched across out of fiction and into the physical world. "It is kind of like a novel with every page in a different place," he says. "Most of the installations are markers (in bronze or stone) that tell a piece of the story." Since 2003, the project has installed 99 sites across 22 countries. There are ten in Australia. He has aspirations to install one in the Red Centre but is open to suggestions from Sydneysiders about a site closer to home. "The key is that we need permission to install the marker permanently (or for at least 99 years)," he adds. Sydneysiders can take a turn at interpreting this world at Storytelling to Generate Fresh Perspectives at Vivid on Sunday, June 7. Eames will be telling some stories from Kcymaerxthaere, after which participants will be invited to make their own "disputed likenesses" (images based on the stories) on postcards to be sent off to previous participants. Local participants will get postcards from other workshops before too long. Melburnians can check out a Kcymaerxthaere exhibition opening at Pure and General from June 11. Good design is good hosting is good grandparenting Charles Eames saw the designer as a host, focused on getting the details right for the recipient of whatever thing he was designing. This need to design "to the need" is pervasive in the Eameses' work and its cultural spread is echoed in modern tech firms' ambitions to sweat the details. It's the same sort of obsession with details at the heart of the story of Steve Jobs anxiously calling Vic Gundotura to tweak the yellow in a Google logo. "Charles and Ray are far more famous today than they were in their lifetimes," says Demetrios. "The notion of a rockstar designer did not exist then." Their legacy is only now getting some of the mainstream attention it deserves, three years after the release of the documentary Eames: The Architect and the Painter. But it wasn't just their design skills that lasted. Their parenting and grandparenting skills kept two generations of children interested in working to preserve their legacy. Demetrios also sees time with his grandparents as the roots of his design education. "My theory is that we learned about design backwards when we were growing up — we learned all the lessons about life that we now realise were lessons about design too. Things like the fact that Charles and Ray were excellent hosts. Picnics were important; presentation was important; experience was important. "As we are older, we understand that they were teaching by example one of their key ideas: 'The role of the designer is essentially that of a good host, anticipating the needs of the guest.'" 'Interactive display' image, actually a multitouch sequencer, by Daniel Williams. The couple's grandson Eames Demetrios will be guiding audiences through a screening of some of his grandparents' short films during the Sydney Film Festival at Eames on Eames and getting a few thoughts off his chest at Vivid Ideas.
Sunny summer days and the new year are (unfortunately) still a fair while away, but you don't need the clichéd calendar date to set some new goals. In fact, if the global pandemic has thrown a bit of a spanner in your routine, now may be just time to get back into gear. As they say, there's no time like the present — there you go, another cliché to follow instead. But rather than focusing on a singular aspect like diet or exercise, why not look at your health holistically? Yep, we're talking 'healthy living' and, no, it's not just for Byron Bay dwellers and yoga lovers (not that we're jealous or anything). Simply put, it's about balance — from what you eat right down to getting enough sleep. To help you kick-start — or restart — your health resolutions, we've teamed up with the folks at nutritious ready-made meal delivery service Macros to bring you six simple lifestyle changes. Because we all know healthy habits don't happen overnight. SIGN UP TO A SUBSCRIPTION-STYLE MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE First things first: food. No one's saying all those takeaway dishes and baked treats over lockdown weren't delicious, but, by now, you may be craving something more nourishing. Food is what fuels us, so changing your diet is one of the biggest hacks to the so-called healthy life. It may be obvious, but there's a reason it can be tricky. Not all of us have MasterChef-like skills and meal prepping takes time. Not to mention how pricey clean eating can be if you don't know where to begin. One way to cut out the guesswork and set yourself up with a fridge full of dietitian-designed and super-tasty dishes is by signing up to a meal delivery service. Macros, for example, ensures every meal is prepared by chefs and delivered fresh, not frozen, so you can simply pop it in the microwave when you're ready to eat. Think the likes of massaman beef curry, cottage pie, spaghetti bolognese and herb-crusted salmon, ready in a matter of minutes. Macros has seven different plans to cater to your goals, too. If you don't live at the gym, then Macros' 'Weight Loss' plan, with low-carb meals that have less than 350 calories (if you're counting), is a solid option. Otherwise, the 'Balanced' plan is great for those looking to switch to a cleaner diet, without shedding kilos. You can also tailor your plan to suit your dietary needs, be it plant-based, dairy-free, low-carb or paleo. And, to top it off, it's a pretty affordable option, with meals starting from $8.70. Right now, you can also nab $50 off your first order, too — just sign up here. GIVE MINDFULNESS A GO If you consider mindfulness a bogus pastime, think again. From simply soaking in the tub to daily meditation, taking time to clear your head and reduce stress is a solid base for a healthier lifestyle. Think of it like this: if food is your body's fuel, then mindfulness is your mind's tonic. And, to really achieve a healthy lifestyle, you need both, on top of physical exercise, of course. Plus, amid COVID-19, we're increasingly realising what it means to keep calm during a crisis. So, where to start? Mindfulness and meditation apps are both beginner-friendly and convenient — and these days there are plenty to pick from. Headspace is one of the better-known ones and for good reason; it makes mediation accessible, even if you're a bit of a novice. Or, you can be guided by neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris with his app Waking Up. If getting enough shut-eye is an issue, try Calm, which includes meditation sessions, audio snippets of Bob Ross's The Joy of Painting and stories narrated by none other than Matthew McConaughey. Practices such as tai chi and yoga can help improve mental clarity, too, by combining meditation with movement — so, if you find sitting still hard, maybe give these a try. You can even add adorable animals into the equation and get bendy with baby goats, or your pooch as you downward dog in your living room, both of which are a surefire way to get a quick serotonin hit. GET PICKLING Feel bloated or sluggish? It could be your gut telling you something — literally. While everyone's body is different, fermented foods can be great for most people's gut health and keeping everything regular. The age-old preserving technique naturally ferments food, creating healthy probiotics that help strengthen your gut microbiome. It's a good way of extending food's shelf life, too. Instead of raiding the health food store and splashing some serious cash, you can make your own with everyday fridge and pantry items. Beets, beans, cucumbers, onion, fennel, cabbage, zucchini, carrots... you get the idea. Most pickling involves vinegar (white or apple cider), salt, a bit of sugar, spices and the veg of your choosing. Alternatively, get yourself a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) and some black tea and try making your own kombucha. If you'd rather learn from the pickling pros, Sydney-based cafe and picklery Cornersmith runs a bunch of hands-on and, at the moment, live Zoom classes, where you can pick up tips on how to ferment, pickle and preserve pretty much anything. HAVE FUN WITH YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE No one said exercise had to be boring. You may have your go-to activity, but, sometimes, getting out of the bed in the morning or hitting up the gym after work can be a struggle. We get it, life gets in the way. However, to avoid fitness fatigue, why not inject some fun into your routine? Feel like a big kid again and bounce non-stop at an indoor trampoline park, or scale to new heights at a rock climbing gym. For the latter, you'll need a partner in crime, so you can socialise while you sweat, otherwise, for a more solitary climb, try bouldering. Martial arts is another great way to train, from karate to jiu-jitsu, taekwondo and krav maga, all of which have become increasingly popular over recent years. Keen to improve your rhythm? Dancing is a great way to get your heart pumping, as well as tone muscle, whether it's ballet, salsa, ballroom or hip-hop dancing. You can even get your groove on in your living room with 80s-style aerobics by way of Retrosweat or Aerobics Oz Style. And, if you're lucky enough to live near the ocean, stand-up paddle boarding is great for your core, or you could give surfing lessons a crack. Basically, there's no end to the fun you can have while also training and conditioning your body. GET OUTDOORS AND HIT THE TRAILS It's hard to beat a vigorous bushwalk or long-distance run along the coastline, with the sun shining, the wind in your hair and stunning surrounds to distract from your own panting. Plus, it leaves you feeling pretty rejuvenated. While, yes, the physical exercise plays a massive part, being outdoors is undeniably good for the soul. And, after spending more time indoors this year, many of us have a new appreciation for being surrounded by nature. So, next time you're thinking of jumping on the treadmill, why not run in your local park? Or, if you can, take a hike in a national park, do laps in an ocean pool, kayak down a river or head out on a scenic bike ride. If you're after something a bit more restorative, forest bathing or shinrin-yoku (nature therapy) is another way to get a dose of vitamin D, just with less cardio. You simply spend time in nature, whether it's taking a stroll in any natural environment or finding a lush and peaceful spot in which to meditate. The physiological and psychological activity has benefits such as improving your immune and nervous systems, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, and improving mental health, energy levels and sleep patterns. Combining mindfulness with nature, the Japanese practice is the perfect antidote to our tech-filled and often sedentary lifestyles. TREAT YOURSELF While pampering may seem a tad extra, giving your body a little TLC is also called self care. So, treat your body like the temple it is and give it a rest every now and again. From beauty therapies to relaxing remedies, there are plenty of ways you can look after your body — outside and in. Feeling a bit lacklustre? Mani-pedis, haircuts and facials are sure to give you a boost. Then there are massages, of course, with benefits including reduced blood pressure, easing migraines and headaches, aiding pain relief and stiffness, and lowering stress levels. But, different styles address different issues, so it's important to listen to your body. Swedish and aromatherapy massages, for example, are great if you're stressed out; whereas lymphatic ones help rid your body of toxins by draining your lymphs. If you've been upping your exercise or have muscular pain, then consider deep tissue, sports, reflexology or Thai-style massages, which will help alleviate aches, increase flexibility and reduce recovery time. A healthy lifestyle starts with the food that fuels you. To help make that part easy and fuss-free, Macros delivers nutrition-packed meals straight to your door. And, if you need to, you can also pause or skip a week of your subscription at no extra cost. Better yet, Macros is currently offering $50 off your first four deliveries. So, start your health kick ASAP and sign up here.
Imagine that you had become an international superstar playing Harry Potter, then spent more than a decade as the beloved character in one of the biggest movie franchises there is. Once your wizarding time was over, you'd probably want to take on a whole range of weird, wonderful and vastly different projects. Daniel Radcliffe, the only person who fits the above description, certainly seems to be following that path — and his latest action-comedy might just be the wildest entry on his post-Boy Who Lived resume so far. Since the HP films wrapped up back in 2011, Radcliffe has played a man who wakes up with horns protruding from his head in the aptly titled Horns, as well as Victor Frankenstein's apprentice Igor in the terrible movie that's conveniently named Victor Frankenstein. He also transforms into a corpse in Swiss Army Man — a corpse whose farts make it skim across the ocean like a jet ski. And, in the first season of great TV sitcom Miracle Workers, he's an angel trying to save the world from a slacker God (Steve Buscemi). Next, though, Radcliffe is stepping into the shoes of a snarky video game developer — one who is forced into a real-life fight-to-the-death game. His ordeal is also being live-streamed as part of an illegal death-match fight club channel called Skizm. Oh, and he has guns bolted to his hands. That's the premise of Guns Akimbo, which seems to combine elements of Battle Royale, Man of Tai Chi, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Nerve into one clearly, gleefully over-the-top package. As seen in the movie's just-dropped new trailer, Radcliffe's character, Miles, has to try to survive when he's thrust into the city-wide game — and navigate a world where brutal gladiator-style fights have become mass entertainment. The film also stars Ready or Not's Samara Weaving and Flight of the Conchords' Rhys Darby, with New Zealand filmmaker Jason Lei Howden (Deathgasm) behind the lens. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOFatKD0Vzo&feature=emb_logo Guns Akimbo will start screening around Australia on February 28 at special event screenings.
Down the quiet lanes of unassuming Alberta Street in Surry Hills, the exceptional Alberto's Lounge welcomes diners in via a narrow door beneath a neon glow. The intimate venue is staffed by warm knowledgeable staff who'll take you to Italian streets with plates of house-made ricotta, seasonal pastas and perfected mains. On Sundays the vibes are taken higher with Tempo della Musica, where guests are accompanied by a talented muso to serenade you as you dine. And in celebration of Vivid Sydney, the team is taking it up a notch with Gusta della Musica. For three Sundays of Vivid, the Alberto's team has designed a special food and drink menu to pair with the evening's tunes, supplied by vinyl-only DJs. On Sunday, June 4, it'll be Dan Lupica's Afro Groove and on Sunday, June 11, Italo-disco will fill the seductive space courtesy of Marco Vella. These Sundays in the Lounge are a fan fave, so the special editions are sure to sell out. Bookings are essential, so grab a table quick if you're considering it. Hollywood Quarter's Alberto's Lounge will be hosting Gusta della Musica on Sundays throughout Vivid Sydney 2023. To secure your spot, head to the website. Images: Kitti Gould.
Prepare for a serious rainbow chalk shortage in Sydney: DIY chalk rainbows are popping up across the city in Newtown, Paddington and Redfern following the State Government's removal of the rainbow crossing on Oxford Street. The movement started with a Facebook photo of radio presenter James 'Breko' Brechney colouring in a chalk rainbow outside his home. The photo soon led to Brechney creating the Facebook group DIY Rainbow Crossings and the #DIYRainbowCrossings hashtag going viral on Twitter. "I was pretty down like a lot of people when the Rainbow Crossing was ripped up," said Brechney. "The DIY chalk crossing idea really just came to me overnight ... I got my sister and housemate in on the act and when we finished our one in Surry Hills we took a few photos for Facebook and the whole thing went crazy. Everyone's now doing their own DIY Rainbow Crossings all over Sydney and I love that because it's less work for me!" The Oxford Street crossing was initially created by the City of Sydney Council as part of the 2013 Mardi Gras celebrations, and soon became a much-loved attraction, with people posing for photos while walking across it. Despite calls to make the crossing permanent from the community and local politicians such as Lord Mayor Clover Moore and State Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay made the decision to remove the crossing. Community radio station FBI Radio has decided to get in on the action as well, chalking up their own rainbow outside the front door of their station in Redfern. "It's just a fun, little nice thing, a sign of how Sydney people are joined together when they think a wrong has been done," said program director Caroline Gates, who was inspired to join Brechney's 'chalk revolution' after seeing his Facebook photo. "We've got a volunteer group, and I just said 'Hey, anyone want to make a rainbow?'" she says. "I think a nice thing about people getting out a bit of chalk and making their own is just saying 'Screw the government, this is what we feel and what our community is'." The removal of the crossing took many Sydneysiders by surprise after road workers in Ultimo were redirected to Oxford Street to perform 'emergency road works' late on Wednesday night, as passers by booed and shared photos of the disappearing rainbow on social media. "I think people really connected with some vibrancy in our city," said Brechney. "I think the State Government has really got themselves pigheaded about removing it when it was clear, even to people initially opposed, that it was truly a fabulous addition to Oxford Street." DIY rainbow crossing behind the Newtown Hotel. DIY rainbow crossing behind the Newtown Hotel. DIY rainbow crossing in front of FBi Radio. Photography by Anita Senaratna and Rima Sabina Aouf.
When is a Ridley Scott-directed, Joaquin Phoenix-starring trip to the past more than just a historical drama? Always, at least so far. Twice now, the filmmaker and actor have teamed up to explore Europe centuries ago, initially with Gladiator and now 23 years later with Napoleon — and where the Rome-set first was an action film as well, the second fancies its chances as a sometimes comedy. This biopic of the eponymous French military star-turned-emperor can be funny. In the lead, Phoenix (Beau Is Afraid) repeatedly boasts the line delivery, facial expressions and physical presence of someone actively courting laughs. When he declares "destiny has brought me this lamb chop!", all three coalesce. Scott (House of Gucci) not only lets the humour land, but fashions this muskets-and-cannons epic as a satire of men with authority and dominance, their egos, and the fact that ruling a country and defeating other nations doesn't cancel out their pettiness and insecurities. As it's off with Marie Antoinette's (Catherine Walker, My Sailor, My Love) head, it's in with Napoleon's revolutionary stirrings in Scott and screenwriter David Scarpa's take (with the scribe returning to cut the powerful down to size after the director's All the Money in the World, just as Walker apes another famous figure after playing Anna Wintour in House of Gucci). Also in: Napoleon's tinkering with facts, which'll later see its namesake and his troops fire at the pyramids. Devotion to historical accuracy isn't the movie's aim. Like The Castle of blasts from the French past, it's more interested in the vibe of the thing — said 'thing' being how Napoleon Bonaparte, later Napoleon I, follows his yearning for glory and adoration above all else. Scott stitches together a selection of his own recurrent obsessions, too, such as Phoenix sulking, savaging the quest for command and influence, Gallic days of yore as seen in his debut The Duellists and the unrelated The Last Duel, and unfettered ambition's consequences as per The Martian and Prometheus, then tops it with the requisite bicorn hat. My my, in Waterloo Napoleon will eventually surrender in this 158-minute flick — which is the short version; a four-hour director's cut is on its way to Apple TV+ once the film's cinema release is done — but he has considerable battles on three fronts to wage first. The movie's 18th- and 19th-century military frays span everywhere from Toloun to Austerlitz and Borodino. The tussling that his sizeable sense of importance sparks is as inescapable as his shadow. And attempting to repair his fragility through his romance with Joséphine de Beauharnais (Vanessa Kirby, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One) and desperation for a son is a conflict-filled affair again and again. When those encounters are sexual, they're filled with short, sweaty thrusts and Basic Instinct moments, as well as clashes of wills and desires. In this tumultuous marriage, food fights also feature. So hops Napoleon from vignette to vignette, war to war, one end of the continent to the other, rise to fall, Napoleonic politics to tabloid fodder, and constant conquests to multiple exiles. So jumps Napoleon from Corsican soldier to Paul Barras (Tahar Rahim, Extrapolations)-backed force, Robespierre's (Sam Troughton, The Lazarus Project) demise to the Bonaparte brothers' coup (House of the Dragon's Matthew Needham plays Lucien), capitalising upon anti-royalist feelings to donning a crown, and triumph to capitulation. With detours for dramatic flair — and comic — here and there, the broad biographical strokes are covered, plus minutiae that paints Scott's chosen picture (including Transatlantic's Sam Crane as Jacques-Louis David painting the famed The Coronation of Napoleon picture). Bringing Wikipedia to life, petulant scowling, ample buffoonery, pining for Joséphine, sumptuous cinematography by Dariusz Wolski (continuing his Scott run since Prometheus), gorgeous production design from Arthur Max (a Scott regular since GI Jane): that's the mix. Scott slips in an early scene that sums up his approach fittingly, popping up while Napoleon is in Egypt. After a mummy is presented to the general standing upright in its propped-up sarcophagus, he hops up on a stool to stare closely at its desiccated form, expecting to divine more about it just by peering in his specific manner. Napoleon isn't shy about dehydrating its titular figure's pomp, or about its guiding force's angle. No one asks "are you not entertained?", but anticipating both Napoleon and Scott thinking that of their onlookers is easy. Seesawing between impressively staged epic spectacle and marital and regal farce, Napoleon is indeed entertaining — "you think you're so great because you have boats!" is another instantly memorable piece of dialogue, as uttered thusly — and also sprawling, grandly handsome, frequently not all-conquering enough and as on the surface as an exploded horses's insides. As more than ABBA has immortalised, plus Succession's reference to Napoleon's severed collector's-item penis as well, Scott's subject is better-known than he ever craved, let alone could've dreamed. Depicting him as a little bit of everything in this character study is apt, then, with so much information about him existing that a definite take feels elusive. Perhaps that's why Napoleon isn't short on cinema stints but has hardly proven a mainstay, even if Louis Lumière first brought him to celluloid with 1897's Entrevue de Napoléon et du Pape and 1927's silent Napoléon has been revered for almost a century. Stanley Kubrick's iteration didn't eventuate, but is now being revived by Steven Spielberg. Charlie Chaplin's attempted project became The Great Dictator instead. The Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure version might be the take of record for many until now; Phoenix acts here like he's definitely seen it. Napoleon's ever-committed lead is compelling to watch, but the film is best when he's part of a duo. Although the emperor ultimately divorced Joséphine when she didn't deliver him the heir that he demanded, his famous lovesickness — as letters document — makes it plain that he felt that way, too. Kirby is magnetic, as the role calls for, yet also pragmatic. Her Joséphine sees him as no one else does except the movie itself, and he is spellbound in her presence. The double-act setup also works when Napoleon is paired one-on-one with friends or foes, such as Austria's Francis I (Miles Jupp, The Full Monty) and England's Duke of Wellington (Funny Woman's Rupert Everett, also sneering and having a ball). This is a picture about a man clamouring not just for a legacy but for company, after all, and Scott never forgets it.
Gelatissimo brought us ice cream for dogs, a Weet-Bix flavour and a 100-percent vegan range and, now, for Easter it's getting suitably paschal. It's not only releasing a new flavour, but it's giving it away for free. The gelato chain has just launched a new Choc Cross Bun flavour, which, like its name suggests, combines traditional hot cross bun spices, chocolate gelato and chunks of actual chocolate hot cross buns. You can pick this up from one the gelato chain's 37 Aussie stores nationwide, or get it delivered to your door via UberEats, Deliveroo or DoorDash (yes, it's almost as omnipresent as God himself). It's giving away free tubs of this new flavour, too. In a new initiative called Scoop It Forward, Gelatissimo is inviting you to nominate someone who deserves some free dessert. So, if you've got a friend or family member who is working as a health professional, had to cancel their holidays or has just had a tough week, now may be the time to brighten up their month with a little bit of sweetness. You just need to head on over to the Gelatissimo website between now and midnight on Monday, April 13, add in some details about the person you think deserves free Choc Cross Bun gelato and the company will deliver as many boxes as they can to deserving folk across the country. It'll also be kicking off its Easter giving by donating some tubs to the nurses at the Prince of Wales Hospital. To nominate someone for free Choc Cross Bun gelato, head over to the Gelatissimo website before midnight on Monday, April 13. You can buy some for yourself over here.
Since 1987, if you've wanted to hit up South by Southwest, then you've needed to visit Austin in Texas. In October 2023, however, that'll no longer be the case. In what was perhaps Australia's biggest cultural news of 2022, the acclaimed tech, innovation, music, gaming, screen and culture festival and conference announced that it'll stage its first-ever non-US event in Sydney this year — and it's just added a bunch more musicians and speakers to its lineup. Headlining the latest announcement is a new featured speaker, who will be talking at the event's music-industry conference. Chris Lee (also known as Lee Sung-Su) is the Chief A&R Officer and former CEO of SM Entertainment, a K-pop powerhouse. Lee and the label have played a part in popularising breakout K-pop stars like aespa (who recently dropped a Sydney-heavy promo for their new album), SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet and NCT. Two of the biggest annual parties from SXSW Austin have also joined the program. Dr Martens and Vans slide in alongside local legends Young Henrys as major sponsors, bringing their respective music hubs — Dr Martens Presents and House of Vans — to the debut Australian festival. Both showcases are regular occurrences over in Texas, pulling big-name guests to perform, with past lineups including the likes of The Stooges, Denzel Curry, ODESZA and Wolf Alice. More artists have been added to the live music lineup, which already boasts previously announced acts Redveil, Connie Constance, Otoboke Beaver, Ekkstacy and Los Bitchos. The majority of the new announcement is dedicated to the first local Australian acts to join the program, with Teenage Joans, Phoebe Go, MALI JO$E, Ashli, Andrew Guruwiwi Band, Alter Boy, Mi-Kaisha, VV Pete, Rum Jungle and Golden Vessel's side project 1tbsp among the 18 Aussie additions. There are also seven fresh international names, including New Zealand's Soaked Oats, Japan's Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, South Korean's HYPNOSIS THERAPY and American indie-pop star Wallice — who recently supported The 1975 on their Australian tour. [caption id="attachment_899225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie[/caption] "The lineup features an essential array of styles, ranging from post-punk, jazz and experimental pop to club-tinged hip hop, R&B and indie folk," says Claire Collins, SXSW Sydney's Head of Music. "It is a vibrant snapshot of the undeniably exciting next wave of talent from across the globe, from Western Sydney to the Top End, South Korea to the UK, and beyond. We can't wait to reveal more in the coming weeks and months." The first lineup announcement back in February included American futurist, The Genesis Machine author, and Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb as the festival's first-ever keynote speaker. Webb will be joined by other featured speakers like Ben Lamm and Andrew Pask, who'll discuss their work on the de-extinction of the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger; Guy Kawasaki, Chief Evangelist of Canva and former Apple Chief Evangelist, who'll talk evolving tech; lawyer, writer and filmmaker Larissa Behrendt, fresh from helming Richard Bell-focused documentary You Can Go Now; and Saudi women's rights activist Manal al-Sharif. [caption id="attachment_899226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teenage Joans[/caption] SXSW Sydney will all take place between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 within a walkable precinct within the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more. Think of the fest's footprint as a huge hub, with festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations popping up everywhere. So far, venues named include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. Attendees can hit up the SXSW Sydney Conference, which is where those keynotes, presentations, panels, workshops and mentor sessions come in — more than 400 of them. And, there's the SXSW Sydney Technology & Innovation Exhibitions, which is all about innovative and emerging tech and entertainment companies from across the Asia-Pacific region. Plus, at the Startup Village, up-and-comers from all industries and sectors will have space to meet, present and chat. SXSW's arts fests will span the SXSW Sydney 2023 Music Festival, which will be focused on live music venues in central Sydney — and the SXSW Sydney Gaming Festival, complete with more than 100 local and international independent games to play at venues (alongside demonstrations, launches performances, exhibitions and social gatherings). Movie and TV lovers, get excited — because the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival isn't just a film fest. There'll be flicks to see, including at red-carpet premieres; episodic content; and digital, XR and social content. Expect Q&As and panel discussions with the folks behind them as well. Can't wait, whether you're a Sydney local or planning to head along from elsewhere in Australia — or New Zealand? Platinum and industry badges are already available at early-bird prices, with more ticketing to come. SXSW SYDNEY 2023 — SECOND LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT: FEATURED SPEAKERS: Chris Lee (aka Sung-Su Lee) SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL: 1tbsp Alter Boy Andrew Guruwiwi Band Ashli Dean Brady DICE dust Elle Shimada MALI JO$E Mi-Kaisha Mikayla Pasterfield Milku Phoebe Go Teenage Joans Vv Pete PANIA GO-JO Rum Jungle Hans. hanbee Soaked Oats Nuha Ruby Ra Wallice HYPNOSIS THERAPY Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie Joining: KEYNOTES: Amy Webb FEATURED SPEAKERS: Andrew Pask Ben Lamm Guy Kawasaki Jack Reis Kyas Hepworth Larissa Behrendt Manal Al-Sharif Michael J Biercuk Per Sundin Que Minh Luu Robyn Denholm Rohit Bhargava Sam Barlow Sean Miyashiro Sheila Nguyen Sung-Eun Youn Tom Verrilli Yiying Lu Yoomin Yang SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Connie Constance Ekkstacy Los Bitchos Otoboke Beaver Redveil SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues — head to the festival's website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
If you've ever been to Hobart, then you know all about Sweet Envy — the Tasmanian pastry shop is regarded as the best in town, and for good reason. Now, head pastry chef Alistair Wise is gracing Sydney with his new pop-up venture Drury Lane, which is currently operating out of caffeine haven Brewtown Newtown. The partnership seems to be a natural one, combining top-notch coffees and some damn good pastries for the ultimate cafe experience. The menu is much the same as Sweet Envy, including savoury and sweet options that, until now, have only been available in Hobart. We're most excited for Wise's pecan sticky bun, topped with almond cream and salted caramel ($7); these decadent buns are sure to be the major draw for this Newtown newcomer. Apart from cafe classics like cakes, cookies and lamingtons ($6), Wise is also turning out some interesting options like the pistachio croissant — which adds rosewater and frangipane to the typical French pastry ($ 6.50) — and the Witherspoon, a chocolate shortcrust with plum compote, peanut mousse and pretzel topping ($7). The posset jar ($7), layered with lemon cream, fruit and crumble, is a non-pastry option. As with any good bakery, there are daily specials on offer, including a range of rotating pies and rolls, from cauliflower and cheese to a 'tongue and cheek' pie, as well as a chicken and sausage gumbo ($8 each). Drury Lane is also pouring coffees from Brewtown's new Marco SP9 — an extremely fancy filtered coffee pour over machine that is sure turn out some excellent brews. A speciality pastry and a cuppa? Don't mind if we do. Drury Lane has popped up upstairs at Brewtown Newtown, 6-8 O'Connell Street, Newtown. It's open pen Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm for the near future. For more info, visit their Facebook page.
In a provocative move usually found in the realms of contemporary art, Austrian men's magazine Vangardist has just printed 3000 copies of their latest edition with blood-infused ink from people with HIV. A new project with Saatchi & Saatchi Switzerland, Vangardist's #HIVHeroes issue aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, trigger discussion around the attached social stigmas and raise funds — all profits from this edition go to charity foundations fighting the stigma of HIV/AIDS. The blood-infused ink comes from three HIV-positive donors: a wife and mother, a heterosexual man and a homosexual man. The #HIVHeroes issue comes sealed in plastic, encouraging readers to face their HIV contact fears when physically opening the magazine. According to Dezeen, Vangardist followed Harvard and Innsbruck-produced guidelines to ensure handling of the magazine had no risk of infection. Vangardist describes the plastic-sealed issue as "100% safe", a provocative nod to the prevailing social fear attached to HIV/AIDS and the people who live with it every day. "Although people with HIV can live a normal life in countries with good medical care, they are still faced with a hard social stigma of exclusion," says the Vangardist team. "Most conceal their illness for fear of losing their friends, their job or their partners or even to find a partner. Because still there are still too many people who are afraid to touch a person with HIV, to embrace or kiss. "No matter how one learns of the issue, whether one hears about in the news or reading the newspaper about it, everyone is wondering: "Would I attack this magazine? In any case, anyone who buys one of the limited edition of 3000 pieces is inevitably faced, when opening the special packaging, with its own fears and discomfort. If these are overcome, the next contact with an HIV positive person is very natural run." Vangardist's blood-printed issue is being launched to coincide with Vienna's Life Ball, one of the globe's biggest AIDS charity events. The magazine is only distributed in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, although you can contact their customer service if you want to get your hands on a copy. Via Dezeen. Images: Julian Behrenbeck.
Much about this last week of March has felt like history repeating itself — initially for Brisbanites, and now for anyone with an Easter date with Bluesfest. For the second year in a row, the Byron Bay festival won't be going ahead, with NSW Health announcing that a public health order has been signed that cancels the 2021 event. The long-running festival was set to return to Byron Events Farm (formerly Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm) just outside Byron Bay from Thursday, April 1 — for the Easter long weekend, headlined by Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Ziggy Alberts and The Teskey Brothers. But, as happened last year, COVID-19 has gotten in the way. NSW Health has advised that the move has been made "to minimise the risk of the highly infectious COVID-19 variant of concern being transmitted in the local area, as well as across states and territories." Over the past weekend, between Friday, March 26–Sunday, March 28, Byron Bay was visited by two people who later tested positive to COVID-19 as part of Greater Brisbane's current cluster. Today, Wednesday, March 31, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that one person in Byron Bay has since tested positive as well. And, the Premier also advised that from 5pm AEDT today until at least 11.59pm on Monday, April 5, the Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore shires will reinstate a number of social distancing restrictions. So, they'll be in effect exactly when Bluesfest was due to run. The north coast regions will revert back to 30-person caps for at-home gatherings, and will reintroduce the one person per four-square-metres rule at all indoor public settings, including hospitality venues. Folks in the area will also have to sit, not stand, while having a drink. And, masks will be compulsory on public transport, in retail settings and indoors in public places. [caption id="attachment_800519" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andy Fraser[/caption] "Infectious Queensland travellers attended a number of venues in the Byron Bay area and the new locally acquired case was infected at one of these venues," said NSW Health in its statement. "NSW Health acknowledges that the cancellation of Bluesfest is disappointing for ticket holders and event organisers; however, while urgent investigations and contact tracing are ongoing, NSW Health is adopting a cautious approach to keep everyone safe." Minister for Health Brad Hazzard noted that "while the cancellation of Bluesfest is disappointing for music lovers and the local community, I hope that ticket holders would support Bluesfest and hold on to their tickets as I understand Bluesfest will be working on a new date as soon as possible." At the time of writing, Bluesfest hasn't made a statement about the cancellation. Via the festival's last social media posts earlier today, event organisers said that an update was coming soon. NSW Health advised that it wished "to acknowledge the outstanding cooperation of Mr Peter Noble and his organising team, who were working hard to ensure Bluesfest would be conducted in a COVID-safe manner." For more information about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Joseph Mayers
With every venue around offering up a set menu brunch with a tipple, it's easy to forget the longstanding tradition of high tea and champagne. And you'd be missing a trick if you hadn't checked out Sheraton Grand Sydney's offering — it's been a top high tea destination for 25 years. This summer, the hotel has taken its high tea game to the next level with the Royal High Tea. You can step into the palatial Royal Suite and experience sweeping views of Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral and Sydney Harbour — all while sipping fine champagne, of course. It's the newly released Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2012, to be exact, which will be paired with an elegant menu of high tea treats. You'll be feasting on decadent savoury dishes such as tuna tartar, black caviar and creme fraiche; miso-glazed kingfish with pickled daikon and yuzu gel; wagyu carpaccio with horseradish cream and white truffle vinaigrette; and a lobster, scallop and mango salad. Plus, no high tea would be complete without scones with jam and cream, plus other delicate fruity sweets. The fancy fare and champagne will cost you $250 per couple, or you can opt for a bottle of Dom Pérignon for $495 per couple. [caption id="attachment_755934" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Sadarka via Wikimedia Commons.[/caption] The Royal High Tea is available on select Sundays, from 12.30pm. Spaces are limited, so head here to book.
After beginning the year with a devastating bushfire season, then following it up with a global pandemic that rid the area of tourism, the Blue Mountains, it's fair to say, has has a tough 12 months. In response, Mount Tomah's Blue Mountains Botanic Garden has turned to an unlikely partner on its road towards bushfire recovery: gin. In collaboration with Sydney-based gin brand Grown Spirits, the Botanic Garden has released the Blue Mountains Grown Gin in a limited run of just 1000 bottles. All profits from the gin go to supporting the garden's horticultural and scientific staff in their efforts to restore hundreds of specimens and areas of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden destroyed in the bushfires earlier this year. The Blue Mountains Grown Gin was created by Grown Spirits and Master Distiller Philip Moore at Distillery Botanica in Erina. It combines local eucalypt plant the silver-leaved mountain gum with juniper, valencia orange and liquorice root for a textural gin with a hint of spice. "In creating a gin homage to the Blue Mountains and the Garden, there was one botanical I was immediately drawn to, eucalyptus pulverulenta, or "Baby Blue" as some people call it," Moore said in a statement. "It brings fresh, cooling qualities to the gin much like the mountains themselves." The team recommends serving it in a G&T or a martini with a lime zest. You can also try it at Dead Ringer in Surry Hills, shaken into a cocktail called Evergreen. If you're looking for ethical holiday gifts this time of year, the Blue Mountains Grown Gin fits snuggly into a Christmas stocking. Not a gin enthusiast, but still keen to support the area? You can take a trip to the Blue Mountains — and the Garden — and spend liberally on local businesses. To start planning your adventure, check out our guide to the upper Blue Mountains and these enchanting local stays. The Blue Mountains Grown Gin is now available now for $129 at the Garden Grown Gin website or at select bottle shops across Australia.
