Peering at ancient pyramids isn't normally an Australian pastime, but it will be come spring without needing to leave the country. In 2024, the nation's fascination with Egypt thousands of years ago has already been fuelled by Sydney exhibition Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, which wrapped up in May — and also by Pharaoh in Melbourne, which is on display until October. Next up is Horizon of Khufu, a virtual-reality experience rather than a showcase of treasures and trinkets. You won't get up close to historical items here, but you will become immersed in the past like it's all around you. Patrons will see the Great Pyramids of Giza, including flying over the Giza Necropolis. You'll climb to the top of the Pyramid of Khufu, in fact, and gaze out over Egypt with a 360-degree view. Getting a glimpse of burial chambers and embalming ceremonies, finding the queen's chamber, sailing down the Nile, attending Khufu's funeral: that's all also on the agenda, as is checking out the Great Sphinx of Giza and witnessing these ancient wonders by night. That's where your eyes will be heading, at least, via a VR headset that'll take you into a shared play space. Your peepers will also be checking out recreations of sights dating back 4500 years, to the time of Khufu, the second pharaoh of Egypt's fourth dynasty. He's the figure that's believed to have commissioned the largest of the pyramids, which was also his tomb. Your body will need to be in Sydney at the Harbour City's Fever Pavilion, where Horizon of Khufu is making its Australian debut from Thursday, September 5, 2024. There's no word yet whether the experience will then head to other Aussie cities, as some past events from entertainment platform Fever have, including its Banksy and NBA exhibitions recently. Once they've popped on their headsets, attendees will be led through Horizon of Khufu by a virtual guide, all while benefiting from design by Egyptologist and Harvard University professor Peter Der Manuelian. If you're with your date or mates, or family, the 45-minute experience also lets you visuals others in the VR space, so you won't all just be off on your own wander through bygone years. Australia joins France — where Horizon of Khufu debuted in 2022 — as well as the US, Canada and the UK in being able to enjoy this blast from the past. Unsurprisingly, it has proven popular around the globe, notching up more than one million visitors so far. If you've seen plenty of other Egypt obsessives at Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs and Pharaoh, you'll know that Aussies will help boost those numbers. Horizon of Khufu will open at Fever Pavilion, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney from Thursday, September 5, 2024 — with the waitlist open now and tickets on sale from Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Head to the exhibition website for more details.
Following in the footsteps of Toshiro Mifune, the Japanese acting icon and frequent Akira Kurosawa collaborator, isn't an easy job. But enlisting Hiroyuki Sanada (John Wick: Chapter 4) to tread where the Rashomon, Seven Samurai and Yojimbo star once did is a genius move in television's second adaptation of Shōgun. James Clavell's bestselling 1975 novel has reached the small screen before, in 1980. Back then, with Mifune as war hero Lord Yoshii Toranaga, it told its tale in five movie-length parts. Now, boasting the resolute and restrained Sanada in the role (and also as one of the show's producers), it returns 44 years later as a sweeping, dazzling and thrilling ten-episode miniseries — streaming on Disney+ Down Under from Tuesday, February 27 — that perfects many things, its casting high among them. Sanada has equally well-chosen company; picking him, Cosmo Jarvis (Persuasion) and Anna Sawai (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) as Shōgun circa 2024's leads is a masterstroke. The 17th century-set series makes plenty of other excellent decisions, but getting its core trio right is still pivotal. Richly detailed, the samurai series knows how to thrust its viewers into a deeply textured world from the outset, with complex performances at its centre an essential anchoring tactic. Sanada's Toranaga is among the political candidates vying to steer the future of the country. Jarvis is John Blackthorne, a British Protestant sailor on a Dutch ship that has run aground in a place that its crew isn't sure is real until they get there. And Sawai is Toda Mariko, a Japanese noblewoman with her own complicated history, who is also tasked with translating for the Englishman. Each of Shōgun's three key characters encompasses much more than their basic descriptions, of course. The portrayals that bring them to the screen make that plain from the moment they're each first seen. Weight and heft have long lingered in Sanada's layered performances — be it in his turns in J-horror's original Ringu films, or in Sunshine, Lost and Westworld — which befits a regent with his own plans for his nation, separate from his fellow council members, a year after of the death of the last supreme ruler. He cuts a contemplative but determined figure, who is as canny with strategy as with seizing opportunity; Blackthorne's arrival sees him in both modes. Reminiscent of Tom Hardy (Venom: Let There Be Carnage), Jarvis brings raw bluster and astonishment to his part at first, then slowly dawning understanding. As for Sawai, she exudes duty, stoicism, shrewdness and sorrow as a woman whose choices are so rarely her own. When it opens, Shōgun finds feudal Japan in crisis mode given its heir is to young to rule, Toranaga facing enemies and Blackthorne among the first of his compatriots that've made it to the nation, the latter much to the alarm of Japan's sole European inhabitants, all Catholic and from Portugal. While it is indeed still a story where a Westerner enters as an outsider, then becomes enmeshed in the daily goings-on, this Shōgun doesn't ever present Blackthorne's as the only or chief perspective. Sanada is the show's first-billed talent. The series' devotion to unravelling its narrative with Toranaga, Mariko and Blackthorne evenly at its heart never wavers. And, nor does its exploration of perspective — because what a splintering Japanese society means to one of its leaders, an interloper fresh to its shores and someone accustomed since childhood to be at its whims ("we live, and we die; we control nothing beyond that," Mariko says more than once) is completely different. Early in, creators Justin Marks (Top Gun: Maverick) and Rachel Kondo (on her first TV credit) don't let the fact that "barbarian" is flung around by almost everyone escape attention. Usually it refers to Blackthorne, as used interchangeably with "anjin", the Japanese term for pilot. Toranaga swiftly gleans how handy the Brit's 500 muskets and 20 cannons will be if the acrimony directed his way by his regent counterparts results in war. His new vassal lives at his direction, then, as does Mariko. She'd prefer to surrender her life than exist without her disgraced family or stay with a warrior husband (Shinnosuke Abe, Keiji Shichinin) that she feels nothing warm for, but honour dictates otherwise. It's obligation, too, that has her convince her spouse's niece-by-marriage Usami Fuji (Moeka Hoshi, Turn to Me Mukai-kun) to submit to a heartbreaking decree, which is how Mariko is introduced. In another of the dialogue's aphorisms, people are compared to pebbles that are pushed here, there and everywhere by the elements. It isn't just the metaphor that lands, but also the granularity; Shōgun looks and feels intricate, and is staged and plotted to match. Spies, love, loyalty, courtesan life, gardening practices, earthquakes, rabbit stew, duplicitous allegiances, ambition in a variety of forms, how gravely one's word can be taken: they're all weaved in. In its overarching narrative, Toranaga is beckoned to Osaka, where his main rival Ishido Kazunari (Takehiro Hira, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story) wants to put him in his place to snatch up overseeing the country for himself. That's truly the framing, however, as is Blackthorne initially washing up in a fishing village. Although Toranaga declares several times that he's not after the titular position, Shōgun is another series for the streaming pile that's about fighting for supremacy, as Game of Thrones and Succession both famously were. As with just the former, it's another grand and gripping epic. While it's impossible not to see those links, knowing that both battling over who'll grasp power and traversing sprawling worlds are among pop culture's favourite things right now (and for some time) doesn't make Shōgun any less impressive. Rather, Marks and Kondo's spin on Clavell's book is a reminder of how magnificent and mesmerising such efforts can be when they're at their very best. The scale is immense, and yet there's no skimping on intimacy. With authenticity as its guide, the minutiae is meticulous, demanding that the utmost notice is paid to everything at all times. The scenery alone is so exquisitely and sumptuously shot that it'll doubtless inspire tourist pilgrimages. Shōgun is visceral, too; gore is also no stranger from the get-go, when being boiled alive proves one way to deal with Japan's newcomers — and frequently from then on, including via seppuku. This is potent, thoughtful and immediately engrossing viewing, and lavish and precisely made also. As skilled at giant setpieces as it is at plunging into political scheming and emotional yearning, Shōgun makes getting drawn in instantaneous. Check out the trailer for Shōgun below: Shōgun streams via Disney+ from Tuesday, February 27. Images: Katie Yu/FX.
Although our arteries may be crying foul, we in Sydney have become well and truly besotted with American food. From the nostalgia of 1950s milkbars to the soul-steeling heartiness of Southern cuisine, there's a certain homey, convivial charm we can't resist. And though we may be over establishments that borrow a little too directly from their US counterparts, there are others that continue to surprise and impress us. The best places, the ones on this list, have risen above imitation and novelty, and they delve deeper into American food than mere burgers. Enjoy one tonight and celebrate America's Fourth of July. Just remember: cookies (deep-fried and dolloped with spicy mayo) are a sometimes food. 1. Hartsyard There is no denying Hartsyard's heritage; it is palpably American in taste, substance and style. As soon as you push open the glass door, the smell of hickory smoked pork greets you with open arms. You'd be forgiven for thinking you had mistakenly stumbled across a classic American backyard cook-out, but that's what’s beautiful about this Newtown newcomer. You never know what to expect. Start with the poutine ($23) for a no-holds-barred introduction to American cuisine that borrows generously from the Bible Belt, French Canada and the friction between urban and rural dining. 2. Soda Factory What you're looking for is a kitschy neon sign reading 'Bobby’s Boss Dogs'. Bobby’s draws the comparison to New York's Crif Dogs, the entrance to clandestine East Village cocktail lounge PDT. Pull on the handle of the Coke Machine and you're inside The Soda Factory — a dimly lit industrial expanse lined with inviting booths and comfy mid-century sofas. For just $9, the Johnny Drama (beef sausage topped with bacon, sour cream, avocado and tomato salsa) straddles the line between gourmet and good old-fashioned grub. 3. Marly Kitchen Chicken and waffles are a classic southern American breakfast combination that makes no sense to us Australians. Deep-fried chicken? Served with waffles? Drizzled in gravy? It just doesn't compute. And it's great that the Marly Kitchen in the hotel's new Garden Bar is doing it, because the risk, complexity and creativity is a foil to the many safe options around town where American equals burger. Choose from crispy buttermilk deep-fried chicken, smoked pulled pork, cheesy BBQ sirloin or Mexican lentil toppings ($8) for the waffles, or try something from the constantly changing special board, featuring more sophisticated options such as crispy skin roasted kingfish with tender confit kipfler potatoes and a finger-licking bushpepper aioli ($26). 4. Eathouse Diner One of the originals, and still one of the best. The red vinyl stools around a curved bar and crimson walls with a chalkboard menu on the wall conjure 1950s Americana, but there's no schtick here. The menu features Southern classics that aren't too heavy, such as fried okra in corn maize batter with spicy chipotle and tomato sauce and the delicious spicy Creole gumbo, as well as dishes with a more English or Australian heritage. The fun atmosphere and seriously good food means that, years in, this place is still full most nights of the week. 5. Miss Peaches Soul Food Kitchen Step off Missenden Road in Newtown and be transported to a pseudo-Louisiana where Miss Peaches and her Soul Food Kitchen are waiting. The spacious brick bar has old-school Southern charm with plenty of comfy booths, a balcony overlooking the hustle and bustle of King Street below, plus a blues-infused vinyl collection to get any feet dancing. The menu is the antithesis of all diets and not for the faint of heart. Think cornbread sliders filled with deep-fried mac and cheese, chicken or beef short rib (3 for $18), crispy tater tots with maple bacon ketchup ($8) or flaky crawfish pies ($12). The blackened fish ($15) is spiced up nice and jerky and a real standout of the menu. 6. Santa Barbara With its Californian atmosphere (at the Coke sign junction of King's Cross, it even feels like a highway) and lengthy menu of American/Asian/Tex-Mex/Pacific fusion, Santa Barbara is a bit of a diversion from the American norm. From the BBQ, the Coke Can Chicken ($18) is enough to feed a small army, and goes well with some jerk prawn and papaya salad ($14). 7. The Dip Founder Andrew Levins' love of food apparently began on a family holiday to Memphis. He's road tested and experimented with his recipes at legendary barbeques for family and friends, and now both family and friends are involved on the floor. There couldn't be a better fit for the stucco booths and jukebox tunes of the Goodgod's front room. The menu is heavily themed and, thankfully, priced to reflect the diner vibe. You want to get the Lev's Dawg, a kosher hotdog topped with chipotle mayo, fresh tomato salsa, grilled yellow peppers and American mustard and definitely, definitely follow up with an ice-cream sandwich. Now closed 8. Hinky Dinks Step off Darlinghurst Road and into the 1950s. The boy's hair is quaffed, the floor is black-and-white chequered, and creamy, frozen drinks come in tall, frosted sundae glasses. Except it's like an American adult milk bar because here, those drinks have (a lot of) bourbon in them. It is indeed a very specific theme here. Every detail has been considered, from the uniforms and cherry-red bar stools to the original 1950s Crosley fridge that took four people to move. But the best part about Hinky Dinks, and the part that prevents it from falling into the Disney theme category, is the staff. They are passionate bartenders and in such a small space they really make it a warm and fun experience. 9. The Bourbon Louisiana Creole food is a mishmash of different cultures, like the population of New Orleans. French, Spanish, African, Italian and Portuguese are thrown into the mix, with jambalaya the signature dish. From the oyster bar, the theme continues with grilled jumbo shrimp ($24) in creole butter and spiced salt. A gumbo with a thick, spicy duck broth and smoked sausage ($18) and clam and corn chowder ($22) pop out from the soup menu. It's interesting, amid the glittery surroundings, to eat this food that has come from simple origins. But then New Orleans does have a thriving drinking scene amongst strip joints and red light shops, so perhaps this is the ideal location. 10. Jazz City Milk Bar To end with? Dessert, of course. Try the banana cream pie, one of our favourite pies in Sydney, combining a foolproof balance between generous servings of banana, sweet caramel and cream. Part of the philosophy of the milk bar is for people to visit with their friends to enjoy American sweet delicacies like pies, cookies, cotton candy and ice cream sandwiches. However, they've also included dinner specialities like gourmet burgers and hot dogs as well as more adventurous dishes like a New Orleans BBQ Shrimp ($28) and A&W Root Beer Braised Chuck Steak ($24). Now closed. By the Concrete Playground team.
On the edge of the rapidly gentrifying Central Park area, lies The Lord Gladstone. Now in the hands of the OG crew (Benny Johnson and Mitchell Crum), the pub had a makeover of sorts back in 2019. While its retained its old-school feel and general laidback vibe, the boys have amped up the entertainment with more live gigs and parties, plus more art exhibitions in the upstairs gallery space, Goodspace. But still, the stern visage of The Lord Gladstone hangs outside tiled walls with a big screen showing sports on one wall while the Regent Street traffic buzzes outside. It's a laidback space, perfect for locals to congregate for a midweek dinner. In the kitchen, chefs are turning out all your pub favourites. Expect a solid chicken schnitty or parmie, lamb chops, fish and chips, nachos, a house curry and a few burger options. Drinks include some (very) local craft beers, such as Young Henrys, 4 Pines, Resch's and Akasha. There's also a short wine list and espresso martinis on tap. With a dedication to live music and an existing killer sound system for the purpose, the Lord Gladstone seems comfortable in its skin, neither trying too hard for design magazine hip nor chasing the food trend of the month. From the graffiti-strewn courtyard to the tartan carpets in the front room, it's an approachable pub set to be a reliable local for years to come. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. ETERNALS It's the only Marvel movie by an Oscar-winning director. Focusing on a superhero squad isn't new, even if everyone here is a Marvel Cinematic Universe newcomer, but it's the lone instalment in the franchise that's about a team led by women of colour. It's home to the MCU's only caped crusader who is deaf, and its first openly gay superhero — and it doesn't just mention his sexuality, but also shows his relationship. It happens to be the first Marvel flick with a sex scene, too. Eternals is also the only film in the hefty saga with a title describing how long the series will probably continue. And, it's the sole MCU entry that features two ex-Game of Thrones stars — Kit Harington and Richard Madden, two of the show's Winterfell-dwelling brothers — and tasks them both with loving a woman called Sersi. (The name isn't spelled the same way, but it'll still recalls Westeros.) When you're 26 movies into a franchise, as the MCU now is, each new film is a case of spotting differences. All the above traits aid Eternals in standing out, especially the empathetic, naturalistic touch that Chloé Zhao brings to her first blockbuster (and first film since Nomadland and its historic Academy Award wins). There's a sense of beauty and weight rippling through almost every frame, as well as an appreciation for life's struggles. Its namesakes are immortal aliens sent to earth 7000 years ago to battle intergalactic beasts, and yet Eternals shows more affinity for everyday folks who don't don spandex or have superpowers than any Marvel flick yet. It's also largely gorgeous, due to its use of location shoots rather than constantly stacking CGI on CGI. But everything that sets the film apart from the rest of Marvel's saga remains perched atop a familiar formula. Perhaps that's fitting; thematically, Eternals spends much of its lengthy 157 minutes contemplating set roles and expectations, and whether anyone can ever truly break free of either. Spying an overt statement in these parallels — between the movie's general adherence to the MCU template and the ideas bubbling within it — might be a little generous, though. Of late, Marvel likes giving its new instalments their own packaging, while keeping many of the same gears whirring inside. That's part of the comic book company-turned-filmmaking behemoth's current pattern, in fact. Still, even after Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Eternals finds its own niche. It both intrigues and entertains, and it's ambitious — and it's often more than the sum of all those MCU firsts and onlys it's claimed. As opening text explains, Eternals' central group were dispatched by a Celestial — a space god, really — called Arishem. With the monstrous Deviants, another alien race, wreaking havoc, the Eternals were tasked with fighting the good fight — and were forbidden to interfere otherwise, which is why they've been absent in the last 25 movies. But now, a new Deviant attacks Sersi (Gemma Chan, Raya and the Last Dragon), her human boyfriend Dane Whitman (Harington) and fellow Eternal Sprite (Lia McHugh, The Lodge). That gets the gang back together swiftly, including the flying, laser-eyed Ikaris (Madden), the maternal Ajak (Salma Hayek, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard), Bollywood star Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani, The Lovebirds), the super-strong Gilgamesh (Don Lee, Ashfall), warrior Thena (Angelia Jolie, Those Who Wish Me Dead), the super-speedy Makkari (Lauren Ridloff, Sound of Metal), tech wiz Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry, Godzilla vs Kong) and the mind-manipulating Druig (Barry Keoghan, The Green Knight). Read our full review. THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK So much about The Many Saints of Newark is a matter of when, not if: when familiar characters will show up looking younger, when well-known New Jersey locations will be sighted and when someone will eat ziti. This all occurs because it must; it wouldn't be a prequel to The Sopranos otherwise. Servicing fans is a key reason the movie exists, and it's far more resonant if you've already spent 86 episodes with Tony Soprano and his mafia and blood families while watching one of the best TV shows ever made. This is a film with a potent air of inevitability, clearly. Thankfully, that feeling reaches beyond all the obligatory nods and winks. That some things are unavoidable — that giving people what they want doesn't always turn out as planned, and that constantly seeking more will never fix all of life's woes, too — pulsates through this origin story like a thumping bass line. And yes, on that topic, Alabama 3's 'Woke Up This Morning' obviously gets a spin. Penned by The Sopranos' creator David Chase and series alum Lawrence Konner, and helmed by veteran show director Alan Taylor, The Many Saints of Newark doesn't merely preach to existing devotees, even if they're the film's main audience. Marking the last of the big three 00s-era prestige US cable dramas to earn a movie spinoff — following El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie and Deadwood: The Movie — the feature is aware of its own genesis and of gangster genre staples in tandem. Casting Ray Liotta, who'll forever be associated with Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, was always going to show that. Travelling back to the 70s, when The Godfather franchise electrified cinema, does also. Indeed, The Many Saints of Newark plays like a hybrid of pop culture's three most influential and essential mob stories. A bold move, it also explains what works and what falters in a film that's powerful and engaging but firmly baked in a well-used oven. The first detail that Sopranos fans should've picked up when this flick first got a title: in Italian, many saints translates as moltisanti. While The Many Saints of Newark spends time with young Tony as a pre-teen in the late 60s (played by feature first-timer William Ludwig) and a teen in the early 70s (when The Deuce's Michael Gandolfini, son of the late, great James Gandolfini, steps into the character's shoes), its protagonist is Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola, The Art of Self-Defense). He's seen as an uncle and mentor by Tony, who'll eventually hold the same roles for Dickie's son. The Sopranos mainstay Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli, One Night in Miami) turns narrator here, in fact, offering knowing voiceover that occasionally channels the show's dark humour — calling out Christopher's death at Tony's hands, for instance. Dickie was recalled with reverence in the series, yet threw a shadow over Tony's middle-aged mob-boss malaise — as seen in his duck obsession, panic attacks and reluctant chats with a psychiatrist. Here, Dickie falls into a similar pattern with his dad 'Hollywood' Dick (Liotta, No Sudden Move), who returns from Italy to subject his new, much-younger bride Giuseppina (Michela De Rossi, The Rats) to domestic violence. One of The Many Saints of Newark's finest traits is its layering, honing in on cycles that keep echoing through generations as it examines Dickie's role in turning Tony into the man viewers watched from 1999–2007. Its greatest stroke of casting plays with the same notion as well, and the younger Gandolfini is a soulful yet primal revelation. To call his performance lived-in is the epitome of an understatement, and it's never a gimmick. Read our full review. JULIA Call it the SNL effect: in two of their past three films, Julie Cohen and Betsy West have celebrated pioneering women who've been parodied on Saturday Night Live. They've referenced those famous skits in RBG and now Julia, in fact, including their subjects' reactions; Ruth Bader Ginsburg was seen howling with laughter when she first saw Kate McKinnon slip into her robes, and Julia Child reportedly played Dan Aykroyd's blood-soaked 1978 impersonation to friends at parties. Cohen and West clearly aren't basing their documentaries on their own sketch-comedy viewing, though. Instead, they've been eagerly unpacking exactly why a US Supreme Court Justice and a French cuisine-loving TV chef made such a strong impact, and not only in their own fields. Julia makes an exceptional companion piece with the Oscar-nominated RBG, unsurprisingly; call it a great doco double helping. Julia arrives nearly two decades after its namesake's passing, and 12 years since Meryl Streep earned an Oscar nomination for mimicking Julia in Julie & Julia. If you've seen the latter but still wondered why Julie Powell (played by The Woman in the Window's Amy Adams) was so determined to work her way through Julia's most famous cookbook — first published in 1961, Mastering the Art of French Cooking completely changed America's perception of printed recipe collections — let this easy-to-consume doco fill in the gaps when it comes to the culinary wiz's mastery and achievements. Let it spark two instinctual, inescapable and overwhelming reactions, too: hunger, due to all the clips of Julia cooking and other lingering shots of food; and inspiration, because wanting to whip up the same dishes afterwards is equally understandable. In their second film of 2021 — after My Name Is Pauli Murray, another portrait of a woman thoroughly deserving the spotlight — Cohen and West take a chronological approach to Julia's life. The two filmmakers like borrowing cues from their subjects, so here they go with a classic recipe that's been given slight tweaks, but always appreciates that magic can be made if you pair a tried-and-tested formula with outstanding technique. Julia's entire cooking career, including her leap to television in her 50s, stirred up the same idea. Her take on French dining was all about making delectable meals by sticking to the right steps, even while using supermarket-variety ingredients, after all. Julia boasts a delightful serving of archival footage, as well as lingering new food porn-esque sequences that double as how-tos (as deliciously lensed by cinematographer and fellow RBG alum Claudia Raschke), but it still embodies the same ethos. Born to a well-off Pasadena family in 1912, Julia's early relationship with food is painted as functional: the household's cooks prepared the meals, and wanting to step into the kitchen herself was hardly a dream. In pre-World War II America, the expectation was that she'd simply marry and become a housewife, however, but a hunger for more out of life first took her to the Office of Strategic Services — the US organisation that gave way to the CIA — and overseas postings. While stationed in the Far East, she met State Department official Paul Child. After a berth in China, he was sent to France, where the acclaimed Cordon Bleu culinary school eventually beckoned for Julia. From there, she started her own cooking classes in Paris, co-penned the book that made her famous, turned a TV interview into a pitch for her own show and became an icon. Read our full review. RED NOTICE When Interpol hunts down the world's most wanted international criminals, it issues red notices — and for anyone who isn't already aware of that fact, Red Notice starts by spelling out the details. If the film world circulated the same kinds of warnings about bland, cliched, charmless and tedious movies, this Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot-starring supposed action-comedy would earn several. That it bears far too much in common at times with two of its stars' most recent features — Johnson's likeable-enough Jungle Cruise and Reynolds' excruciatingly terrible The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard — says plenty about this by-the-numbers affair. If only they were the sole instances that it conjured up other movies; Reynolds does a Borat impression, whistles the Indiana Jones tune and verbally references Jurassic Park, and it's all as dated as it sounds. Also tired and trying: Reynolds' performance in general, which is permanently stuck on the same kind of schtick at the heart of both Deadpool and Free Guy. This time, however, he's playing the globe's second-best art thief — and his character, Nolan Booth, desperately wants the top spot. But a couple of people stand in his way, which is where Red Notice's other big names come in. Firstly, FBI profiler John Hartley (Johnson) interrupts Booth's latest heist, which involves tracking down three golden eggs that were once owned by Cleopatra (the third of which has never been found before). Secondly, the planet's number one art thief, The Bishop (Gadot, Wonder Woman 1984), is on the same hunt for the same $30 million payday. She's also constantly one step ahead of not just her professional competitor, but also the man pursuing both criminals. Red Notice plays like the result of watching 80s and 90s hits, its three leads' filmographies and the National Treasure flicks, then throwing their basic ideas into a blender and pouring the jumbled mess onto the screen. It's Netflix's most expensive movie yet, and it's also shiny-coated garbage. That its opening scene involves a decoy egg doused in Coca-Cola to reveal an empty shell inside is far more telling than it's meant to be. Also landing with a thud: a dance between Hartley and The Bishop at an Eyes Wide Shut-styled party that's supposed to herald this as the next True Lies, but just makes viewers wish they were watching that instead. That's the thing with shovelling in reference after reference instead of penning a decent and coherent script, even when around half of those winks are done with writer/director Rawson Marshall Thurber's (Central Intelligence, Skyscraper) tongue firmly in his cheek: constantly calling attention to better movies but failing to live up to them is like punching yourself the face. They're three of the highest-profile names in blockbuster cinema, but Johnson, Reynolds and Gadot all sleepwalk through their parts here — not that the screenplay asks much more. Not a single gag lands, either, and neither does any tension, chemistry, timing or reason to care about its lead trio, their characters' globe-hopping quest and all the chaos they leave in their wake. Of course Nazis are involved, even though it's now 2021 and not 1981 when Raiders of the Lost Ark did the exact same thing. Of course the whole film looks like the dullest kind of CGI onslaught, with green screens standing in for Rome, Russia, London, Egypt and more. Of course it also plays like something an algorithm would spit out — and one that thinks Ed Sheeran is the height of stunt cameo casting after Game of Thrones already proved that idea oh-so wrong four years ago. Red Notice screens in select Australian cinemas from Thursday, November 4, and streams via Netflix from Friday, November 12. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on June 10, June 17 and June 24; July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29; August 5, August 12, August 19 and August 26; September 2, September 9, September 16, September 23 and September 30; and October 7, October 14, October 21 and October 28. For Sydney specifically, you can take a look at out our rundown of new films that released in Sydney cinemas when they reopened on October 11, and what opened on October 14, October 21 and October 28 as well. And for Melbourne, you can check out our top picks from when outdoor cinemas reopened on October 22 — and from when indoor cinemas did the same on October 29. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Herself, Little Joe, Black Widow, The Sparks Brothers, Nine Days, Gunpowder Milkshake, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Old, Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad, Free Guy, Respect, The Night House, Candyman, Annette, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Streamline, Coming Home in the Dark, Pig, Big Deal, The Killing of Two Lovers, Nitram, Riders of Justice, The Alpinist, A Fire Inside, Lamb, The Last Duel, Malignant, The Harder They Fall, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, Halloween Kills and Passing. Top image: Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Home to the oldest vines in Australia, the Barossa Valley is renowned worldwide for its bold and beautiful wines. In particular, it's the rich jammy reds with complexity, texture and tannin structure that have contributed heavily to this reputation. It's in this region that Krondorf Wines lives, the estate making shapes to become the next go-to premium wine producer — a fact exemplified deliciously with the release of its 2023 five-bottle collection. The Krondorf story actually begins in 1847. The hamlet was founded by a collection of people from Silesia — what is now Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic — and among them notable wine families that regularly show up on standout wine lists and bottle shop shelves across the world: Henschke, Lehmann and Nitschke. The intrepid group named their newfound home Krondorf, meaning 'crown village' in German. Today the custodians of the Krondorf legacy, under the watchful eye of chief winemaker Nick Badrice, are realising the potential of their vines with consistently award-winning drops. The ripe bottles here showcase the best of the Barossa style, perfectly illustrated in the five-strong 2023 collection. Crafted with the traditional minimalistic approach, the 2023 release includes an ultra-expressive grenache, an intense but structured cab sav and a rich and robust shiraz. The standout of the collection is the winery's newest Icon wine: the aptly named King's Mantle Shiraz. It's described as having a luscious palate, evocative of juicy black forest fruits and plums, with an earthy liquorice undertone and velvety tannins — you're going to pay a pretty penny to taste it at $150 a bottle. If you're in the area, carve out some time to visit the cellar door and wine bar. With pouring beginning in 2021, the spot's housed inside a converted heritage-listed flour mill from the 1800s. You can taste your way through the whole range — including the 2023 collection — with a bespoke wine flight or set tasting that can be happily tailored to personal taste. For those that like nibbles with their tipples, the cellar door slings artisan pizzas as well as cheese and charcuterie boards (with the option to add on Maggie Beer's premium nosh and other local produce, too). Krondorf Winery's 2023 collection is a true celebration of the winery's history and dedication to producing wines that speak to the wonders of the locale. If you're heading to this bucolic South Australian region, the cellar door is a must-visit. But if you can't make it, we suggest you peruse the 2023 collection online, choose your libation and have it sent direct — truly stellar sipping guaranteed. Concrete Playground travelled to the Barossa Valley as a guest of Krondorf Wines. Book your Krondorf cellar door tasting experience here. The cellar door is open Monday – Saturday, 12–7pm and Sunday from 12–5pm.
Five nights, one familiar and comforting voice, and a time-travelling trip back 66 million years: that's the setup behind new five-part series Prehistoric Planet. Dropping one episode per evening on Apple TV+ between Monday, May 23–Friday, May 27, it's a feels-like-you're-there dive into natural history that's thoroughly remarkable. Having none other than David Attenborough narrate the daily activities of dinosaurs really seems like it should've happened already, of course; however, now that it finally is occurring — and landing in your streaming queue, too — it's always both wonderful and stunning. The reason that a show like Prehistoric Planet hasn't existed before? Given the astonishing footage that usually accompanies Attenborough's nature docos, replicating those visuals while jumping backwards to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth was always going to be a tricky feat. But if photorealistic versions of The Jungle Book and The Lion King can bring talking animals to life — one more convincingly than the other — then the same technology can make ancient creatures look as if they're roving across the globe now. Indeed, after helming that pair of features, filmmaker Jon Favreau is one of the Prehistoric Planet's executive producers. Also, the effects company behind the two Disney movies does the CGI honours here. That task isn't a simple one. If the Cretaceous-era dinosaurs rampaging across the screen didn't appear like they genuinely could be walking and stalking — and fighting, foraging for food, hunting, flying, swimming and running as well — the magic that typically comes with watching an Attenborough-narrated doco would instantly and disappointingly vanish. Thankfully, Prehistoric Planet never looks anything less than spectacular. You won't quite forget that the creatures it surveys no longer exist, but you won't feel as if you're simply watching pixels crash into pixels (or like you're sitting down to a new entry in the Jurassic Park franchise, either). Prehistoric Planet starts each episode with the same introduction, including the only glimpse of humanity that ever graces its frames. In its opening two-minute clip, David Attenborough stands in front of a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil. Unsurprisingly, the now 96-year-old couldn't seem more excited. He doesn't ever utter the words "welcome to...", as his brother Richard Attenborough did almost three decades back in the first Jurassic Park film. The world has heard that phrase far too many times since for it to pop up here and play like anything but a gimmick. But he's as overjoyed as his sibling was at the beginning of that now-classic feature. Luckily, things turn out better in this streaming series — there's no human casualties, obviously — than they have in cinemas. Welcome to... your new insight into Tyrannosaurus rex foreplay, your latest reminder that velociraptors really don't look like they do in the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World flicks, an entertaining time spent with al kinds of animals, and your next favourite dinosaur project with an Attenborough attached. Each of Prehistoric Planet's five instalments focuses on a different type of terrain — coasts, deserts, freshwater, ice and forests — and chats through the creatures that call it home. Set to a spirited original score by Hans Zimmer, fresh from winning his latest Oscar for Dune, there's a formula at work. That said, it's no more blatant than in any David Attenborough-hosted show. Viewers watch as some dinos look after their young, others try to find a mate, plenty search for something to eat and others attempt not to be eaten. The same kinds of activities are covered in each episode, but the locations and dinosaurs involved all change. The result: as engaging a series as Attenborough has ever fronted, and one that's frequently astonishing. And yes, given the broadcaster, biologist and natural historian's impressive on-screen resume — including past shows The Living Planet, State of the Planet, The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet II, Our Planet, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet and Green Planet, plus Planet Earth and Planet Earth II, and documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet — that's saying something. Attenborough is as careful and educational in his observations as ever here. This far into his career, with credits spanning eight decades, he could've just nattered away on autopilot — but that's never his approach. He's as respectful of the critters he's talking about as he's ever been, too. And, he's clearly as keen to provide viewers with the type of details that wouldn't resonate with anywhere near as much power and importance if they were to simply read them themselves. Sometimes, Prehistoric Planet is amusing, with Attenborough's wry sense of humour shining through. At other times, it's ridiculously cute, as watching any kind of animal can be. It's thrilling and eye-opening as well — and, a plethora of times per episode, it makes it easy to see how behaviours we see today, both in people and in the animals we presently share the earth with, have their foundation in these ancient beasts. Of course, in that repeated introduction, Attenborough stresses that Prehistoric Planet hails from scientific learnings about dinosaurs. Accordingly, the series doesn't merely look naturalistic, but actively works to serve up a meticulous nature documentary about its creatures of choice in every single way it can. That's an aim it easily achieves; no dive into the lives of dinos has felt as gloriously immersive as this. Check out Prehistoric Planet's full trailer below: Prehistoric Planet streams via Apple TV+ across Monday, May 23–Friday, May 27, with a new episode available to watch each day.
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. SHE SAID Questions flow freely in She Said, the powerful and methodical All the President's Men and Spotlight-style newspaper drama that tells the story behind the past decade's biggest entertainment story. On-screen, Zoe Kazan (Clickbait) and Carey Mulligan (The Dig) tend to be doing the asking, playing now Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. They query Harvey Weinstein's actions, including his treatment of women. They gently and respectfully press actors and Miramax employees about their traumatic dealings with the Hollywood honcho, and they politely see if some — if any — will go on the record about their experiences. And, they question Weinstein and others at his studio about accusations that'll lead to this famous headline: "Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades". As the entire world read at the time, those nine words were published on October 5, 2017, along with the distressing article that detailed some — but definitely not all — of Weinstein's behaviour. Everyone has witnessed the fallout, too, with Kantor and Twohey's story helping spark the #MeToo movement, electrifying the ongoing fight against sexual assault and gender inequality in the entertainment industry, and shining a spotlight on the gross misuses of authority that have long plagued Tinseltown. The piece also brought about Weinstein's swift downfall. As well as being sentenced to 23 years in prison in New York in 2020, he's currently standing trial for further charges in Los Angeles. Watching She Said, however, more questions spring for the audience. Here's the biggest heartbreaker: how easily could Kantor and Twohey's article never have come to fruition at all, leaving Weinstein free to continue his predatory harassment? In a female-driven movie on- and off-screen — including director Maria Schrader (I'm Your Man), screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Small Axe) and cinematographer Natasha Braier (Honey Boy) — She Said details all the moments where the pivotal piece of reporting could've been forced to take no for an answer, something that Weinstein wasn't known for. At the NYT, assistant managing editor Rebecca Corbett (Patricia Clarkson, Sharp Objects) and executive editor Dean Baquet (Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) are always supportive, starting when Kantor picks up the story, and continuing when she brings in Twohey fresh off an investigative article into Donald Trump's sexual misconduct. But, unsurprisingly, the women made victims by Weinstein are wary. Many also signed non-disclosure agreements. Kantor and Twohey's pitch: by speaking out and ideally going on the record, they can assist in ensuring that what they endured doesn't happen to anyone else. Knowing the end result, and the whole reason that She Said exists, doesn't dampen the film's potency or tension. Instead, it heightens the appreciation for the bravery of those who spoke out — at first and afterwards — and the care with which Kantor and Twohey handled their task. The two reporters knew that they were asking women to revisit their darkest traumas, make their worst ordeals public and take on a man who'd been untouchable for decades (with the spate of NDAs and settlements with many of his targets to prove it). Even Rose McGowan (voiced by The Plot Against America's Keilly McQuail) is hesitant; she's mentioned but not quoted in the final piece. Persevering to bring Weinstein's crimes to attention, Kantor and Twohey keep digging, and keep trying to persuade their potential interviewees — and She Said doubles as a lesson in compassionately and respectfully doing just that. Read our full review. BARDO, FALSE CHRONICLE OF A HANDFUL OF TRUTHS Everyone wants to be the person at the party that the dance floor revolves around, and life in general as well, or so Alejandro González Iñárritu contends in Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths. In one of the film's many spectacularly shot scenes — with the dual Best Director Oscar-winning Birdman and The Revenant helmer benefiting from astonishing lensing by Armageddon Time cinematographer Darius Khondji — the camera swirls and twirls around Silverio Gama (Daniel Giménez Cacho, Memoria), the movie's protagonist, making him the only person that matters in a heaving crowd. Isolated vocals from David Bowie's 'Let's Dance' boom, and with all the more power without music behind them, echoing as if they're only singing to Silverio. Iñárritu is right: everyone does want a moment like this. Amid the intoxicating visuals and vibe, he's also right that such instances are fleeting. And, across his sprawling and surreal 159-minute flick, he's right that such basking glory and lose-yourself-to-dance bliss can never be as fulfilling as anyone wants. That sequence comes partway through Bardo, one of several that stun through sheer beauty and atmosphere, and that Iñárritu layers with the disappointment of being himself. Everyone wants to be the filmmaker with all the fame and success, breaking records, winning prestigious awards and conquering Hollywood, he also contends. Alas, when you're this Mexican director, that isn't as joyous or uncomplicated an experience as it sounds. On-screen, his blatant alter ego is a feted documentarian rather than a helmer of prized fiction. He's a rare Latino recipient of a coveted accolade, one of Bardo's anchoring events. He's known to make ambitious works with hefty titles — False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths is both the IRL movie's subtitle and the name of Silverio's last project — and he's been largely based in the US for decades. Yes, parallels abound. While dubbing Bardo as semi-autobiographical is one of the easiest ways to describe it, simplicity isn't one of its truths, even if the film champions the small things in life as existential essentials. Another easy way to outline Bardo: Silverio faces his choices, regrets and achievements as that shiny trophy looms, and ponders where his career has taken him, who it's made him and what that all means to him. From the filmmaker who first earned attention for telling narratives in a fractured, multi-part fashion (see: his debut Amores Perros, plus 21 Grams and Babel), and lately has loved roving and roaming cinematography that unfurls in the lengthiest of takes (see: Birdman and The Revenant), this was never going to be a straightforward affair, though. And so he weaves and wanders, and has the silver-haired Silverio do the same, while weighing up what's brought them both to this point. Bardo opens by visibly recalling Birdman, with a bounding force casting a shadow upon an arid land, but it's an early glimpse at a house from above that encapsulates Iñárritu's approach best. The home initially resembles a miniature, which Silverio then flits through — and, given its lead often segues between places and times like he's stepping through a doorway, the movie functions in the same manner. Sometimes, he's in a hospital corridor as his wife Lucía (Griselda Siciliani, The People Upstairs) gives birth to a baby boy who whispers that the world is too broken for him to want to live in, and is then pushed back into the womb. Or, he's picturing how a big TV interview with a bitter ex-colleague could go wrong, or shrinking down to childhood size to chat with his deceased father. Sometimes, Silverio is in Los Angeles holding a bag of axolotls, or striding through Mexico City streets that are empty except for corpses. Read our full review. GREENHOUSE BY JOOST When Joost Bakker helped pile 3000 kilograms of clothing waste in Melbourne's Federation Square in April 2022, all to draw attention to fast fashion, he viewed the project with his usual optimism. "Even if it's just one person who walks through that structure and gets inspired and comes up with a solution — that's what's so exciting," the renowned zero-waste campaigner noted. Those exact words could've been uttered about the venture at the centre of Greenhouse by Joost, too. A three-storey home made entirely out of recyclable materials that don't generate waste, and designed to operate as a closed food system with everything catered for onsite and not a scrap spared, it predates his spotlight on the textile industry. Clearly, it boasts the same sustainability focus. In fact, Bakker could've said the same thing about past pop-ups in the same spot over more than a decade, including fellow waste-free eateries also called Greenhouse since 2008. Scratch that — it isn't merely likely that the Dutch-born floral designer and activist could've expressed the same sentiments; it's certain he must've. Eliminating waste is Bakker's passion. Not wasting any time trying to put that aim into action is just as much of an obsession. His work doesn't merely talk the talk but walks the walk, and attempts to help the world see how crucial it is to reduce humanity's impact upon the earth. The habitable Greenhouse is quite the undertaking, though, given its purpose: building an abode that two people can get shelter, food, water and energy from, all in one cosy and clever self-sustaining ecosystem. Chefs Jo Barrett and Matt Stone (ex-Oakridge Wines) agreed to do the residing, and to put Bakker's Future Food System to the test. They were named among the world's 50 best next-generation hospitality leaders in 2021 for their efforts, for what's a vital, pioneering and fascinating enterprise. It's no wonder that filmmakers Rhian Skirving (Matilda & Me) and Bruce Permezel (The Obesity Myth) — both directing, the former writing and the latter lensing — were driven to document it. Shot since the conception and building stage, then chronicling the COVID-19 setbacks, the logistical and setup woes, and the daily reality of living in the structure, it's also no wonder that the resulting Melbourne International Film Festival Audience Award-winner makes such compelling viewing. Greenhouse by Joost is both a record and an aspirational tool: it shows what can and has been done and, as Bakker always hopes, it wants to get everyone watching following in his, Barrett and Stone's footsteps. Of course, for most, money will be a very real and practical obstacle. There's no doubting that Greenhouse stems from considerable resources, both in finances and time. But that's the thing with ambitions: they have us shooting for the stars, breaking our goals down into everyday pieces and finding ways to make even small parts of them happen. Evoking that exact response when it comes to making life's basics sustainable — what we eat and drink, where we stay and sleep, and how we power it all — is Bakker's aim, too. With Bakker as the film's on-screen guide, Greenhouse by Joost does just that itself as well, stepping through the idea and the execution like it's laying out a roadmap for its audience to chart. Viewers won't walk out of the doco ready to move into their own such dwelling, but learning plenty about the ingenious design, the bits and pieces that go into it, and the work required — to get it up, ready and operating smoothly, and also to have it function as a small-scale restaurant — comes with simply watching. Although the cooking, serving, welcoming in eager diners and sharing the titular building comes later in the movie, obviously, it's a crucial piece of the project overall and of Skirving and Permezel's feature. How much more doable does just living in the Greenhouse and taking care of yourself seem compared to running it as a mini eatery? Oh-so-much. How much easier does putting some of its principles to use in your own home seem, too? The answer remains the same. Read our full review. MILLIE LIES LOW A scene-stealer in 2018's The Breaker Upperers, Ana Scotney now leads the show in Millie Lies Low. She's just as magnetic. The New Zealand actor comes to the part via Wellington Paranormal, Shortland Street, Educators and Cousins — and the film first debuted at festivals before her role in God's Favourite Idiot — but it's an exceptional calling card. It isn't easy playing someone so committed to making such utterly questionable choices, yet remaining so charmingly relatable; however, that's Scotney's remit and achievement in this canny, savvy and amusing comedy. It also isn't easy to pull off the timing needed to highlight the hilarious side of Millie's hijinks, while ensuring that her woes, hopes and everything that's led her to lie low but lie about living it up remain understandable; consider her entire portrayal a masterclass in just that. Scotney plays the film's eponymous Wellington university student, who panics aboard a plane bound for New York — where a prestigious architecture internship awaits — and has to disembark before her flight leaves. She says she isn't anxious. She also says it isn't an attack. And by the time she realises what she's done, she's alone in the airport, the aircraft has departed and her own face beams down at her from a digital billboard. Even getting that Big Apple opportunity had made her the toast of the town, and huge things were meant to await, hence the ads and publicity. Now, a new ticket costs $2000, which Millie doesn't have. Admitting that she hasn't gone at all — to her family, friends, teachers, school and the NZ capital at large — wouldn't cost her a thing, but it's a price she isn't willing to pay. First, Millie endeavours to rustle up the cash from her best friend and classmate (Jillian Nguyen, Hungry Ghosts), and then her mother (Rachel House, Heartbreak High). Next, she hits up a quick-loan business (run by Cohen Holloway, The Power of the Dog) but is still left empty-handed. Millie's only solution, other than admitting the situation and facing the fallout: faking it till she makes it. As she searches for other ways to stump up the funds, she hides out in her hometown, telling everyone that she's actually already in NYC. To support her ruse, she posts elaborate faux Instagram snaps MacGyvered out of whatever she can find (big sacks of flour standing in for snow, for instance) and scours for every possible spot, building feature and poster that can even slightly double for New York. There's a caper vibe to Millie's efforts skulking around Wellington while attempting to finance the ticket to her apparent dreams. Sometimes, she's holed up in a tent in her mum's backyard. Sometimes, she's putting on a disguise and showing up at parties in her old flat — eavesdropping on what her mates are saying in her absence, and spying on the boyfriend (Chris Alosio, Troppo) she's meant to be on a break from. While she's doing the latter, she's also reclaiming the car she sold pre-trip to use as loan collateral, because she's that determined to get to America and leave her nearest and dearest none the wiser. Making her feature debut, director and co-writer Michelle Savill has more than just a laugh and a lark in her sights, though, as entertaining as Millie Lies Low's namesake's antics are. There's a caper vibe to the picture of Millie's supposedly perfect existence that she's trying to push upon herself as much as her loved ones as well, like she's selling herself on an unwanted fantasy. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on August 4, August 11, August 18 and August 25; September 1, September 8, September 15, September 22 and September 29; October 6, October 13, October 20 and October 27; and November 3 and November 10. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess, 6 Festivals, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Crimes of the Future, Bosch & Rockit, Fire of Love, Beast, Blaze, Hit the Road, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Orphan: First Kill, The Quiet Girl, Flux Gourmet, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Moonage Daydream, Ticket to Paradise, Clean, You Won't Be Alone, See How They Run, Smile, On the Count of Three, The Humans, Don't Worry Darling, Amsterdam, The Stranger, Halloween Ends, The Night of the 12th, Muru, Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, Black Adam, Barbarian, Decision to Leave, The Good Nurse, Bros, The Woman King, Sissy, Armageddon Time, The Wonder, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Velvet Queen.
There’s really no better summer social than a well-done barbecue. Much of the challenge is finding the perfect spot and knowing what to serve — and as usual, we've got you covered. Sydney's home to a bountiful array of balmy barbecue spots, from beaches to coves, national parks to foreshores. Check out these fabulous Sydney BYO barbecue locations and perfect summer meal ideas to get you on track for the best day you'll ever have with your hat on. Brekkie Barbecue at North Bondi You haven't had a B&E roll until you’ve had one on the barbie. Head to North Bondi, claim a coin-operated BBQ, take a whole load of fresh eggs and bacon you’re prepared to tizzy up with some killer grill marks. Choose brioche if you’re feeling fancy and give it a light grill before applying lashings of your choice of sauce and the bacon and eggs. French toast done on the grill is also pretty great — just don’t forget the real deal maple syrup. After a feed, relax on the grassy knoll to watch the surf and let the feast digest before getting amongst it yourself. Facilities are excellent here, with running water and toilet and change rooms next to North Bondi SLSC. Getting here is easy by bus from Bondi Junction, or there’s some decent parking around Ramsgate Avenue and Curlewis Street if you’re there early enough. Barbecued Banana Puddings at The Basin Nestled on the eastern shores of West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the grassy area of the Basin offers the perfect bush-meets-bay scenario where walking, paddling, swimming and hiking are all up for grabs. Beautiful national park surrounds and well-maintained barbecues establish The Basin as the perfect location to truly come to terms with just how underrated barbecue desserts are. We can't recommend highly enough the pleasures of grilled pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon sugar (done so it crystallises), but for something really special try splitting a banana down the middle, filling it with high-quality white, dark and milk chocolate bits, wrapping it in foil and leaving it to cook for a few minutes on high heat. Some roughly chopped nuts don't go astray either. Such a perfect dessert, and (strangely) it's most spectacular on scorchers. With amazing water views, the Basin gives you the sense that you've come to a secret island. It's just the right vibe for a day (or couple of days) of barbecue festivities, and staying overnight isn’t a bad option — there's a camping area that accommodates 400 people. Get here by walking from West Head along the walking track, or take a ferry across Pittwater. You can also come by water taxi or ferry from Palm Beach. Mango and Coconut Chicken Skewers on Collaroy Beach On Pittwater Road in Collaroy find this idyllic barbecue spot with brand spanking new sheltered barbecues and picnic tables. The beach and the rockpools at Collaroy are hard to beat and getting tropical is easy by the sea, especially with the help of a simple and easy recipe with a bit of preparation pre-barbecue. Trim some chicken thighs, whack them on skewers, marinate in your best mango sauce — a combination of mango chutney, peanut butter, and soy sauce is perfect — and pop in a container for the trip to Collaroy. A bit of coconut cream and chutney cooked over low heat and popped in a container to take along is an amazing dipping sauce. Combine with your favourite Asian green salad, and don’t forget the radishes because they really make it. There are great swimming conditions here and excellent surf conditions for beginners. The facilities include sheltered barbecues, enclosed playground, picnic area, toilet and shower facilities, rockpool, paid car park or street parking, and sheltered tables. There's also a barbecue inside the enclosed playground, so with little tots running around it's a bit of a standout. Deluxe Snag Sandwiches and Pedal Boats at Lane Cove National Park There aren't many places in Sydney where you can really and truly have it all — think both hands wrapped around a fresh baguette piled with fried onions, stuffed with a snag and smothered in tomato sauce and a generous hand of grated cheese, with both feet lazily working the pedals of a pedal boat, the gorgeous Lane Cove bushland passing you by at just the right pace. It's the ultimate in hands-free and it's yours for the taking at Lane Cove National Park. With over 40 designated picnic areas, you won't be spoiled for choice. Many of these areas are large cleared areas beside the river but a few have more bushland settings. Fireplaces and barbecues are provided or you can can use portable barbecues in open areas if you bring your own wood. As well as the pedal boats rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are also for hire, but there are plenty of other options to keep you busy if watersports(ish) aren't your thing. There's plenty of shade for when the day heats up, and facilities include bike and walking tracks and campsites with cabins if you're just having too good a time to head home. Entry tree is $7 per vehicle. Chilli Snapper at Como Pleasure Grounds With panoramic views of the Georges River, Como Pleasure Grounds lives up to its name. Established in 1895, this site is the ideal location for a totally laidback day. Just 40 minutes from the city centre, it's worth checking out for the great walking paths and bike track alone. It's also got some great history – the site of the Grounds was the place where the Aboriginal clans of the Sweetwater, or Freshwater, people of the nearby Woronora River met the Bitterwater, or Saltwater, people of the Georges River. Como Pleasure Grounds is a great spot to let your inner chef shine — if you're feeling brave take a whole snapper, wrap it with lemon, chilli and butter, and prepare to wait. It takes a bit of time and patience — but if you can manage this the rewards are plentiful. There’s plenty of off-street parking and the nearby Como Swimming Complex includes a 20m pool with free entry. Beer Burgers at Blackwattle Bay Park Get the bikes together or take a bus to Blackwattle Bay Park — it’s got to be one of the most chilled out options in Sydney’s inner west with some of the best-maintained and newest barbies around. With stellar views of the Anzac Bridge and Rozelle Bay, this is a great place to settle in for a long, lazy day of food, friends, and good times. There’s plenty of room in the BBQ area so we’re thinking the whole shebang for this one: some good light summer beer, high-quality beef burgers (make your own with chilli flakes — amazing), fresh cut salads (think home-roasted beetroot, goats cheese, crispy pumpkin and pine nuts on a bed of rocket) and kumera potato fries (cheat by boiling until soft before you go). Don't forget to use beer to clean the grill. Oh, and dogs are permitted off leash. Winning, much? Cranking Barbecue Ribs at Cockatoo Island For when you have all the time in the world (and a full coin purse to boot), head to Cockatoo island by ferry or kayak, and set up for a long and lavish day in the sun. You're going to want a meal to match the beatific view of Sydney Harbour so think about marinating a batch of ribs in a mixture of wild meat and hickory sauce from an American supplier — Yanks do ribs best — and barbecuing using smoking chips. If you’re really organised braise these babies a day before and grill again on the big day. A simple salad of BBQ broccolini with strips of best-quality haloumi, drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil and sprinkled with pine nuts is a fabulous accompaniment. There are plenty of umbrellas for shade on Cockatoo Island and the sunset taken in with a full belly and a full glass of cool Pinot Grigio or bubbly is pretty close to perfection. Barbecuer beware, it’s not BYO — but there’s a fully stocked licensed bar on site. Other facilities include a cafe, the ever-popular Island Bar, live music, tennis court, historical audio tour, boat hire, kayaking, swimming, kids activities and a drinks machine. Barbecued Tapas at Tamarama Deserving of its nickname 'The Grown-Ups Beach' for all the right reasons — killer views, great facilities, and plenty of room to spread out with a group of friends to make the most of that sunshiny weather. It's also the ideal location to try your hand at barbecued tapas. Think seared asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, corn fritters with avocado salsa, chunks of haloumi and chorizo, barbecued king prawns with garlic mayonnaise, lamb chops by the dozen, and a share-sized fruit salad alongside a platter of strawberry and marshmallow sticks cooked over a low heat. Use multi-coloured marshmallows for a bit of extra tizz. Divided by Tamarama Marine Drive, the West section of Tamarama is a large open area with a shady gully and the smaller Eastern section contains barbecues with decent hotplates and a kiosk for if you forget something critical — like ice cream. Best of all, the glimmering Pacific is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Cajun Chicken at Clifton Gardens Beaches, bushland and a whole lot of grass makes Clifton Gardens a top spot to unpack the cooler, set up the chairs, and prepare to leave the big city worries behind. Located at Morella Road, Mosman, next to the Sydney Harbour National Park, there are plenty of facilities, toilets, loads of trees for shade, enclosed baths and a berthing jetty. Lots of great barbecue places in Sydney start with the letter 'C', but we don’t mind because it means we get to eat more chicken. Sometimes simple is best, so thoroughly marinate your chicken strips in olive oil, cajun spice, chilli and lemon, bring along best quality avocados as well as truckloads of greens and fresh beans and tuck in. After lunch take the walking trail to Bradleys Head with stunning views of Sydney Harbour along the way. It should take anywhere between one to two hours — depending on how much chook you've eaten or fizzy drinks you've had. Also worth checking out is Chowder Bay, named after whalers who used to make 'chowder' from the bay's abundant seafood. The bay was formerly a naval base and the area features historic buildings and facilities originally used as a submarine miners depot. Today, you'll find some lovely cafes here and if you're around on a weekday you can also catch the craftsmen from Sydney Harbour Wooden Boats practice the age-old trade of restoring and constructing wooden boats. Pretty great. Just saying. Grilled Marscapone Peaches with Bourbon Caramel Sauce at Davidson Park There’s something pretty damn special about kicking back after a feed in the shade of a tribe of Eucalyptus trees and just a short drive north of Sydney. This beautiful waterside location is the perfect place for groups large or small, especially for those who love exploring by boat. There are some great waterways to check out by canoe or kayak and the south-eastern end of the park is ideal for launching your motor boat or sail boat for access to Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour. Large open grassy areas and free barbecues mean Davidson Park has all the potential of the perfect barbecue setting – which renders critical the inclusion of perfect grub to match. Fresh grilled peaches with mascarpone sauce are just the ticket after your favourite barbecue feed – even if it does mean we have to ditch our penchant for alliteration. All with good reason: see below. Get a caramel sauce cranking on low heat in a saucepan – the usual jazz of butter, castor sugar, double cream, a pinch of salt and a drizzle of bourbon whisky for good times. Lightly brush the peaches in oil or butter and grill them on low as well until they look like little parcels of sunshine, and fill with vanilla and sugar infused mascarpone. Thank us laters, alligators. Image credits: star5112 via photopin cc; Blackwattle Bay, JohnsonL623; North Bondi, J Bar; The Basin, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park; Collaroy Beach, Warringah Council; Lane Cove National Park, LCNP; Como Pleasure Grounds, Sutherland Shire Council; Cockatoo Island, CI; Chowder Bay, Adam.J.W.C.; Davidson Park, Shaun Sursok.
Sydneysiders can now sip some of the world's best cocktails from 22 stories up, thanks to the opening of a new cocktail bar inside the A by Adina Hotel. Dean & Nancy on 22 is the latest opening from the team behind Maybe Sammy, Sydney's award-winning cocktail bar previously named one of the top 50 bars in the world. The Hunter Street spot plays on the idea of a hotel bar. Inventive cocktails in line with the theme include the Rolling A Double, combining Havana 3, pineapple shrub coconut water and rhum agricole with a pair of dice. Roll a double on the dice, and you'll receive a free champagne upgrade. Equally as unexpected is the coffee champagne, containing champagne, Mr Black, vodka and peach wine, which is served with house-made vanilla and coffee hand cream on the side. Punters can also enjoy beverage specials during Sunset Aperitivo from 4.30 pm till 5.30pm seven days a week. Inside the hotel, a curved brass staircase leads you up to the venue, where patrons are greeted by a panoramic view of the Sydney cityscape and a decadent 1950s-style hotel bar designed by architect George Livissianis. Livissianis has previously designed the likes of Chin Chin Sydney, The Dolphin Hotel and Maybe Sammy's other recent CBD venture, Sammy Junior. The 120-seat space is full of gold-veined marble tables accompanied by subdued black leather chairs. Each seat offers up show-stopping city views, so no one has to cop the dud spot. As with Maybe Sammy and Sammy Junior, snacking is encouraged at Dean & Nancy's bar. In fact, on the menu created by Executive Chef Jane Strode (Bistrode, Rockpool, Langton's), you'll find a delicate tapioca cracker topped with Siberian caviar and crème fraîche sitting pretty next to an exceptional selection of martinis — choose from a classic with gin or vodka, sakura or Tokyo sazerac. If you're looking for something heavier, larger meals are on hand and include scorched scampi topped with miso butter and dancing bonito flakes and a perfectly roasted spatchcock alongside wombok, kimchi and orange. If you're an early riser looking for breakfast with a view, Dean & Nancy also offer a breakfast menu on the 22nd floor. Choose from classics like avocado toast with Persian feta and heirloom tomatoes or punny-named dishes like the cloudy ricotta hotcake, swing easy eats and Sky'line breakfast plate with chorizo, bacon, mushroom, beans, tomato, hashbrowns, poached egg, buttered spinach and toast. Dean & Nancy on 22 is open for breakfast Monday–Friday from 6.30am till 10.30am and Saturday and Sunday from 7am till 11am. The bar and dining area is open Monday–Sunday from 4.30pm until late. Dinner reservations are available for tables of four to seven guests. There is no capacity for groups over seven. Find out more information on the website. Images: Steven Woodburn
Each autumn, Australian movie lovers score a super-sized French treat: a feast of flicks hitting the big screen in cinemas around the country, all thanks to the Alliance Française French Film Festival. In 2025, the fest marks its 36th year. On the lineup: 42 pictures that span the breadth and depth of Gallic filmmaking. So, when you're not enjoying the latest version of the The Count of Monte Cristo, you'll be diving into France's newest black comedies, then plunging into French drama and seeing a restored masterpiece. AFFFF revealed eight of 2025's films late in 2024; now, however, arrives the full 42-title program. To venture to Paris and beyond from your cinema seat, you'll be heading along in March and April around Australia. Kicking off the fest: opening night's Tahar Rahim (Madame Web)-starring Monsieur Aznavour, about singer-songwriter Charles Aznavour — which has been doing big business in France, selling 1.8-million-plus tickets. If you're in Sydney, the fun starts on Tuesday, March 4. Melbourne's season launches the following day, then Brisbane and Canberra the day after that — and Byron Bay the day following. Perth's stint arrives the next week, while Adelaide gets into the action the week afterwards and the Gold Coast joins in another week later. There's more locations on the roster, too. Already the largest celebration of French cinema outside of France itself, AFFFF is even bigger in 2025, hitting up 18 cities — and adding five new locations, in Darwin, Ballina, Ballarat, Warriewood and Warrawong, to its slate. Across its full run, the festival is set to host 5500-plus screenings. After Monsieur Aznavour gets the 2025 event started, the highlights keep coming, right through to closing night's rom-com In the Sub for Love. The aforementioned The Count of Monte Cristo features Pierre Niney (The Book of Solutions) in the lead and takes AFFFF's centrepiece slot, while Jean-Pierre Melville's 1969 great Army of Shadows arrives in 4K Down Under after premiering its restored version at Cannes 2024. Or, catch a 50-years-later remake of Emmanuelle, this time starring Noémie Merlant (Lee) and Naomi Watts (Feud), with Audrey Diwan (Happening) directing — or see Mélanie Laurent (Freedom) and Guillaume Canet (All-Time High) portraying Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI in their final days in The Deluge. Plus, Meet the Leroys is a road-trip dramedy that marks Charlotte Gainsbourg's (Alphonse) latest film, while Prodigies delivers a tale of sibling rivalry with Emily in Paris' Camille Razat. Viewers can also look forward to The Divine Sarah Bernhardt, with Sandrine Kiberlain (Meet the Barbarians) as the eponymous actor; All Stirred Up, a comedy focusing on a customs officer on the border between Quebec and the United States, plus her daughter's attempts to win a cooking contest; and Riviera Revenge, where an affair almost four decade prior sparks a quest for vengeance in the French Riviera. Elsewhere, How to Make a Killing features regular AFFFF face and Call My Agent favourite Laure Calamy (The Origin of Evil), as does My Everything; Louis Garrel and Vincent Cassel (co-stars in the 2024 festival's The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan and The Three Musketeers: Milady) team up in Saint-Ex, about Argentinian pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; When Fall Is Coming is the latest from acclaimed director François Ozon (The Crime Is Mine); and nonagenarian filmmaker Costa-Gavras (Adults in the Room) delivers the personal Before What Comes After. Or, get excited Beating Hearts, which is helmed by Gilles Lellouche (Sink or Swim), stars Adèle Exarchopoulos (Inside Out 2) and François Civil (The Three Musketeers), and played at Cannes International Film Festival 2024 — as did the music-loving My Brother's Band from The Big Hit writer/director Emmanuel Courcol. Also in the Cannes contingent are a range of movies exploring the stories of a courier facing a interview to obtain residency, plus artist Niki de Saint-Phalle, a midlife crisis, pastoral France and being a teenager amid Corsican gang politics, aka The Story of Souleymane, Niki, This Life of Mine, Holy Cow and The Kingdom. The lineup goes on — and so do your reasons to lock in more than a few French movie dates. Alliance Française French Film Festival 2025 Dates Tuesday, March 4–Wednesday, April 9 — Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Moore Park, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne, Roseville Cinemas, Warriewood, Sydney Wednesday, March 5–Wednesday, April 9 — Palace Cinema Como, The Kino, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Westgarth, Pentridge Cinema,The Astor Theatre, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Regent Ballarat, Melbourne Thursday, March 6–Tuesday, April 8 — Palace Cinema James Street, Palace Cinema Barracks, Brisbane Thursday, March 6–Wednesday, April 9 — Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra Friday, March 7–Wednesday, April 2 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay Thursday, March 13–Wednesday, April 16 — Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Luna Leedeerville, Windsor Cinema, Perth Wednesday, March 19–Wednesday, April 23 — Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Adelaide Tuesday, March 25–Tuesday, April 15 — Dendy Southport, Gold Coast The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia in March and April 2025. For more information and tickets, visit the AFFFF website.
Popular Redfern eatery and sandwich palace Scout's Honour has welcomed a new addition into the family. Meet Morris. He's entered the world on the corner of Albion Avenue and Selwyn Street in Paddington — and he promises to be just as popular as his chicken 'n' chip sanga-lovin' big brother. Morris's menu is a sandwich lover's dream and, similar to Scout's Honour, focuses on good, clean basics and wholesome ingredients. You'll find a combo of sandwiches, salads and bowls, all full to the brim with ingredients your nutritionist would approve of (think fresh veggies, seeds, nuts and lean meats). The spicy fish tacos with shredded cabbage, corn and cucumber salsa, avocado, toasted pepitas, harissa sauce and fresh lime ($16) are a clear standout. The comprehensive sides and additions menu means you can freshen up your toast or tailor your meal to your taste. Although you may find yourself stuck on the sides, with options like with an avocado, coriander and walnut salsa with sesame and lemon ($6), labneh and hazelnut dukkah ($5) and bacon and house pickles ($6). Wash it down all with a freshly squeezed juice, chai or smoothie. For the winter months, we've got out eye firmly trained on the mug of hot Milo with textured milk ($4). The cute new eatery is a summer-time haven with shady outdoor eating and large street front windows to complement the fresh menu. They've taken a few cues from Scout's Honour and kept the interior design and colour palette warm and simple, with yellow and cream finishes throughout and a rough concrete finish on the exterior. Morris has all the qualities we've come to love about Scout's Honour, while still managing to be his own person (er, cafe).
Stay tuned. More info on its way. Image: Destination NSW.
If your ideal night out involves mates, harbour views and maybe a cheeky game of darts between rounds of drinks, King Street Wharf has just welcomed back an old favourite — and it's bigger and brighter than ever. The Sporting Globe has officially reopened its doors following a slick new renovation, bringing even more screens, games and good times to the waterfront precinct. Now open seven days a week, the revamped venue now boasts more than 50 high-definition screens, two massive jumbotrons and two augmented reality Game On dart lanes with multiple game modes. It's all part of a full-venue refresh that blends classic pub energy with thoroughly modern amenities, including touchscreen TVs in the booths that ensure you don't miss a second of the action. Plus, the venue now boasts a late-night licence that'll see the action roll on until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. While you can head to The Sporting Globe to catch every second of the NRL, AFL, EPL and NBA (among other codes) throughout the week, the venue isn't exclusively geared towards sports fans. It's part of a growing number of after-dark venues popping up throughout Sydney that give you a space to do more than just sink beers — whether you're ducking in for post-work happy hour, settling in for a long Saturday session, or even looking for a buzzing spot to soak up those impressive harbour views. With capacity for 700 punters and three separate bars across its two expansive levels, the space is primed for both big group hangs and casual drop-ins. So whether you're there to catch your team in action or just want to kick back with a beer in hand and a round of wings, you'll have plenty of room to spread out. The Sporting Globe King Street Wharf is part of a growing national stable of venues that go big on sports and community, with the brand supporting more than 250 grassroots sports clubs Australia-wide. With this polished new fit-out, the venue is looking to claim the title of one of Sydney's top spots for laidback hangs, big game nights and everything in between. "The Sporting Globe King Street Wharf has always been a fan favourite," says CEO of Signature Hospitality Group, James Sinclair. "We're thrilled to welcome Sydneysiders and visitors back to enjoy world-class sport in a world-class location." The Sporting Globe King Street Wharf is now open at King Street Wharf, 22 The Promenade, Sydney. It's open 11am–10pm Sunday–Wednesday, 11–12am Thursday and 11–3am Friday–Saturday. For more info, head to the venue's website.
There are more than 200 seats in the Icebergs Club and every single one of them gives you cracking views of Bondi Beach, foregrounded by their iconic ocean pool. On the floor above, in the Icebergs Dining Room, diners pay top dollar for two-hatted cuisine, but here, in the laid-back bistro, you can tuck into a hearty burger, antipasto plate or steak sanga without mortgaging your house. Meanwhile, the mostly Aussie wine list is full of winners while all your favourite beers are pouring on tap. If you want to go all-out, indulge in a seafood platter, packed with king prawns, oysters, beer-battered flathead, salt and pepper squid, scallops, mussels and fries. They also do breakfast on the weekends. As a registered club, Icebergs requires people living within a 5km radius to sign up to gain entrance, but temporary visitors from further afield are welcome. To become a bona fide Iceberg, you'll need to steel up: every Sunday, throughout winter, you're expected to swim at least one lap of the 50-metre pool, regardless of plummeting temperatures — rain, hail or shine.
When you want a stay that feels unique and personal, sometimes an Airbnb offers something that hotels often don't. Now you'll know which stays offer the best of the best experience, as the short-term stay giant has revealed the winners of its 2025 Host Awards — its annual accolades that celebrate "the creativity, care and community impact of local hosts." With six awards up for grabs, these honours cover everything from the best family-friendly stay to the best design experience. Spanning heritage-listed Hobart bakeries, bold coastal escapes on the Sunny Coast and serene Kangaroo Valley retreats, the winners come from far and wide, meaning an award-winning stay might be closer than you think. Host of the Year: Braithwaite (Hobart, TAS) There's no shortage of deserving hosts, but there can only be one Host of the Year. In 2025, that's Alix and John from Braithwaite — a heritage-listed former bakery in Sandy Bay. Wonderfully restored, this courtyard apartment is the perfect base to explore the cultural hub of Salamanca Place, with its restaurants and art galleries just two kilometres away. According to judge Sarah Huang: "[Alix and John] don't just provide a stay, they create a moment in time that's deeply meaningful." Best Family-Friendly Stay: Sassafras (Southern Highlands, NSW) You don't have to trek hours into the wilderness to discover a country retreat when it comes to Sassafras. Set on 98 acres in Kangaroo Valley, this five-bedroom farmhouse carefully balances rustic charm with modern features, offering all the creature comforts you desire alongside a sandstone fireplace and unbeatable valley views. And at just a two-hour drive from Sydney, this peaceful stay is primed for weekend escapes. Best New Host: The Nook (Adelaide, SA) Some Airbnbs have become synonymous with luxury stays over numerous years. Yet others have just begun to earn their reputation. The Nook is the latter, with owners Erin and Rory taking home the Best New Host award in 2025. Set on their family property, guests encounter a modern cottage featuring an airy open-plan design made for easygoing entertaining. Plus, the outdoor terrace is the ideal spot to admire the cottage's surrounding greenery. Best Nature Stay: Ligo (Wolgan Valley, NSW) While living in a tiny house forever might not appeal, Ligo in the Wolgan Valley might convince you it's more than possible. Hosted by Eddie and Ange, this award-winning retreat in the shadow of the Blue Mountains National Park is built from materials reclaimed from bushfires, offering an off-grid stay rich in warm interiors, passive sustainability and bushland views. Take a bath beneath the stars and roam the nearby walking trails when you need to reconnect. Best Room Stay: Short Stay Made Simple (Sydney, NSW) The best Airbnb experiences don't have to be exclusive. In fact, sometimes the warm hospitality of the host can make the mutual enjoyment of a space that much more special. Short Stay Made Simple's Caroline and Daniel received the award for Best Room Stay, with the peaceful upstairs retreat of their Sydney home celebrated for its spotless presentation, full kitchen access and generous touches, like late-night train station pickups and welcoming shared meals. Best Design Stay: Banksia House (Sunshine Coast, QLD) The interiors are impressive enough at Banksia House, but the winner of the Best Design Stay really comes into its own when you consider its outdoor features. Designed by hosts Toni and Kirsti, the latter brought her experience as a landscape architect to conceive the magnesium pool, bocce court, fireplaces and al fresco bathrooms immersed in lush gardens. "Guests highlight its Scandinavian simplicity, earth tones, and calming energy. This is a masterclass in 'rugged luxury,'" says Huang. Looking for more information on the winners? Head to the website to get all the details. Images: Rachel Tagg.
This haphazard little produce market has some of the friendliest staff you'll ever meet, and it's sort of a classic Aussie corner fruit shop and Asian grocery rolled into one. Redfern Fruit Market stocks some impressively diverse items, so it has a reputation as the go-to place if you can't find an uncommon ingredient. As well as fresh, well-priced fruit and vegetables, they also offer a wide range of spices, nuts, organic goods, ready-to-eat Asian meals, and some luxe gourmet goods. Image: Trent van der Jagt.
With more than 130 events, 22 world premieres, 24 Australian exclusives and over 50 free events to discover, getting the most out of the 2025 Sydney Festival is hungry work. Fortunately, the fest has partnered with some of Sydney's best restaurants to offer exclusive offers so you can stay fuelled up for the city's annual celebration of art and expression from Saturday, January 4, to Sunday, January 26. Here's where you can enjoy a pre- or post-show bite or sip — without breaking the bank — during this year's fest. Beast&Co Beast&Co combines the elegance of European flavours blended with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Their menu is a celebration of comfort eats delivered with culinary excellence, showcasing dishes that play with surprising fusions of world cuisines. The offer: Beginning with marinated olives, choose between Beast&Co's famous small plates — either bone marrow or roasted miso cabbage — then move on to the main course, a mouth-watering flank steak or roasted cauliflower, for $55 per person. Location: Shop 15/425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills Cafe Sydney Perched atop Customs House at Circular Quay, with spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, this stalwart of Sydney's dining scene has built a reliable reputation over the past 25 years. Expect an accessible menu of crowd-pleasing dishes, an innovative, award-winning wine list and polished service. The offer: A daily selection of a la carte specials, with a focus on quality cuts of meat, fresh and exotic seafood, including chilled crustaceans, freshly shucked oysters and grilled ocean fish. Location: Customs House, Level 5, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay Georgie Wine Bar This New York-inspired neighbourhood food & wine bar offers a relaxed menu of bistro and comfort food hits in an art deco fit-out that balances accessible dining with a luxe vibe. The offer: Kick off your meal with a selection of salumi and cheese. Follow it up with a choice of either arancini balls or calamari fritti and complete your pre- or post-show dining experience with a glass of house wine or a refreshing beer for $55 per person. Location: 2 Bond Street, Corner of George Street and Bond Street, Sydney Jounieh Jounieh is a standout spot on Sydney's waterfront, offering a fresh take on Modern Middle Eastern cuisine. With its stunning views of the harbour, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy delicious food in a relaxed setting. Located near the arts precinct, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, and bars, the atmosphere is both peaceful and vibrant. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special evening out, Jounieh offers a memorable experience in one of the world's most beautiful cities. The offer: At this modern Middle Eastern hotspot, select the vegetarian, meat or seafood special. Showstoppers include golden cauliflower, slow-cooked lamb and Moreton Bay bugs — served with dips, salad and more, plus a house wine or beer for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: 2/17 Hickson Road, Dawes Point LILYMU This vibrant pan-Asian restaurant in the heart of Parramatta Square champions the flavours and traditions of Southeast Asia come together in exciting new ways. With a fresh, modern twist on classic dishes and drinks inspired by China and the region, LILYMU brings a bold, creative energy to every plate and glass. It's a place where old meets new, offering a unique take on familiar flavours in a relaxed, contemporary setting. The offer: Utilising fresh and ethically sourced ingredients cooked over coals and in searing hot woks, LILYMU's Sydney Festival set menu stars kingfish and coconut ceviche with taro and sea grapes, roasted eggplant with apple ponzu and furikake, and chicken gyoza with plum vinegar for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: 3 Parramatta Square, 153 Macquarie St, Parramatta Lotus the Galeries This CBD diner offers modern twists on traditional Asian dishes, serving up fresh, handmade dumplings, bao and vibrant small plates. Located in the heart of the city, it blends casual dining with bold flavours and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere. With an innovative menu that draws inspiration from across Asia, Lotus is a go-to spot for anyone craving creative comfort food. The offer: This set menu stars barbecue pork buns, salt and pepper tofu, barramundi with black bean sauce, crispy eggplant and squid ink fried rice for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: The Galeries, Level 1/500 George Street, Sydney Pearl Dining Pearl Dining offers a refined dining experience with a menu that blends modern Australian flavours with pan-Asian influences. Located in the heart of the city, Pearl Dining's focus on quality ingredients and impressive presentation promises a memorable culinary experience. The offer: Drawing inspiration from the culinary craftsmanship of Hong Kong, enjoy six dishes including prawn dumplings, barbecue pork belly, wok-fried Angus beef flank and Asian greens for $55 when you book for two diners or more. Location: Level 1/50 Bridge Street, Sydney Pier Bar This waterfront bar in the Pier One Hotel is an elegant harbourside destination for casual drinks. On the shore of Sydney harbour, steps from Sydney Festival's hub, The Thirsty Mile, and the theatres of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, this bar is perfectly situated for both pre-and post-show drinks and snacks. The offer: For $30 per person when you book for two guests or more, you can enjoy a share platter of artisan cured meats, pickles and cheese, as well as your choice of one house wine, beer or soft drink. Location: 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay Planar Bar and Dining With uninterrupted views of Darling Harbour, Planar is an al fresco retreat with a blend of indoor and outdoor areas. The menu celebrates fresh Australian produce and the diverse, eclectic influences of Modern Australian cuisine. The offer: Experience a delightful two-course menu showcasing Modern Australian cuisine. Set against the stunning waterfront views of Darling Harbour, you will be welcomed with wine of your choice before indulging in the iconic dishes crafted from locally fresh ingredients for $55 per person. Location: Shop C08, Ground Floor ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney Indulge in the inviting ambience of The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney, where their relaxed harbourside all-day dining experience pairs iconic views with top-of-class hospitality. The offer: Cocktail and sandwich set. La Vie en Rose Cocktail + Chicken Katsu Sandwich or La Vie en Rose Cocktail + Tofu Katsu with Vegan Mayonnaise for $30 per person. Location: 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks Lotus Dumpling Bar Located in Circular Quay, this popular dumpling house offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on fresh, handmade dumplings and modern Asian dishes. Known for its creative take on traditional flavours, the menu features a variety of dumplings, bao and small plates, alongside a curated selection of cocktails and teas, with a side serving of iconic harbour views. The offer: Diners can enjoy some of the restaurants most popular dishes, including mushroom and vegetable spring rolls, pork xiao long bao, jade prawn dumplings, kung pao chicken with tofu and peanuts, steamed broccolini with sugar snap peas and kale with a side of steamed rice, as well as a glass of Cavedon Adelia prosecco or a non-alcoholic drink on arrival for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: 50 Bridge Street, Circular Quay For more details about the best places to wine and dine during Sydney Festival 2025, visit the Festival Feasts webpage. Top image: Nikki To
Adding to the wave of exciting new venues that seem to just keep popping up in Potts Point, this lavish hideaway on Kellett Street comes from accomplished hospitality group Milpa Collective. The team behind crowed-pleasers like Carbon, Calita and Circular Quay's Londres 126 has ventured out into new territory with this latest addition, a Spanish-focused and female-led wine bar and tapas restaurant named Bar Lucia. "It will be the next 'pop in for a glass of wine' hot spot, the perfect date location, dinner with friends, long ladies lunch or 'settle in the for the evening' cosy wine bar," Milpa Collective co-founders Pablo Galindo and Liber Osorio say. With the aim of maintaining a sense of Spanish flair within the venue, the fitout includes Madrid-inspired architecture. There is also an atmosphere of elegance with gorgeous oil paintings adorning the walls, paired with moody lighting and a stunning chandelier centrepiece — perfect for a romantic date night. Complimenting the dining room is an indoor courtyard boasting a glass roof and atrium-style design, making it a crowd-pleasing, weather-proof spot for your next get-together. Head Sommelier Kasia Sobiesiak boasts a wealth of knowledge as a wine educator and a Master's in environmental engineering. As a result, she's curated a considered wine program with a large selection to pick from. Spnoesiak and the Bar Lucia team have made it their mission to focus on women within the industry. The wine offering features over 50 drops, from the reliable classics to newer, innovative winemakers if you're looking to explore something a little different. The equally varied by-the-glass list features vino almost exclusively made by women and has a strong local focus. "Promoting female winemakers and supporting local wine regions is a priority for me," Sobiesiak says. "I like to foster a balance between fine, modern classics and artisan and low-intervention leads." Head Chef Alberto Palacios has created a menu inspired by the tapas bars of Spain executed with top local Australian produce and is designed to pair with whatever wine your heart desires. For a starter, opt for the roasted sea scallops with saffron butter ($9 each) or the jamon serrano croqueta ($8 each). For a sweet addition, you can opt for the figs marinated in sherry with aged goat cheese and basil montadito ($8 each). When it's time to dig into a heftier meal, take your pick from the Catalan-style cannelloni ($25), the sauteed wild mushrooms with aged manchego ($15) or the "El Vermut" — potato chips with sardines, mussels, anchovies and salsa Spinader ($16). You can then finish things off with something a little sweet in the form of a vanilla custard doughnut ($6 each). Images: Kitti Gould
Head to Sydney Olympic Park for Abbatoir Blues Cafe, a family-owned restaurant known for its hearty lunches, bottomless antipasto and house-made Egyptian rose tea — all of which you can enjoy over brunch. House specialties include the Elevated Toastie with wood-smoked scamorza, prosciutto and vincotto, and the green pea hummus toast with heirloom cherry tomatoes, dusted beetroot powder and pumpkin seeds. For something a little less brunchy but no less delicious, tuck into a hearty bowl of gnocchi napoletana, prawn ravioli or house-made lasagne. Slept in? The venue stays open late, serving antipasti, handmade pasta and larger meals alongside a selection of cocktails and wine.
After a particularly devastating bushfire season, the Blue Mountains community is calling everyone to come #BacktoBilpin. The community and its local businesses have been hit by not only the fires, but also by a drop in tourism during what should have been one of the busiest times of the year. While, devastatingly, some 80 percent of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area has been burned, there's still plenty of areas to explore, wildlife to spot and fresh produce to devour. So, put that esky in your boot, get out of Sydney and head to the land of the mountain apple. For this trip, you won't be going through Katoomba and Leura, but taking the historic Bells Line of Road. Here, you'll find tasty food, warm hospitality, cute cabins and many outdoor activities throughout Bilpin and its neighbours Kurrajong, Berambing and Mount Tomah. Here's our guide for what to check out while you're there. EAT AND DRINK [caption id="attachment_760286" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hillybilly Cider by Destination NSW[/caption] Bilpin is all about them apples. There are probably more orchards here than people. Set out on a drive along the Bells Line of Road, stopping for fresh apples, juice, cider and pie along the way. Keep an eye out for the big Bilpin Fruit Bowl, where you can pick your own fruit or enjoy a hot-from-the-oven apple pie (or peach if you're really lucky) and a glass of fresh juice. Stop for a tipple at Hillbilly Cider and Bilpin Cider (both of which offer non-alcoholic options for the deso drivers), pick some more fruit at Pine Crest Orchard and have a burger for lunch at Maggie Lou's Bite. The Hive just up the road in Berambing is definitely worth a stop for some Bilpin bush honey and a good coffee. For more substantial bites, there are plenty of options in the area, most of which come with spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and the foothills. In nearby Kurrajong, stop at The Village Kitchen for brekkie and a squiz at the on-site art gallery — this cute little spot also offers dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and often has live music to set the tone. For dinner, Kurrajong Heights is home to Archibald Hotel — which serves up modern gastropub classics with a side of sweeping Sydney views — and Lochiel House, for something a little more refined. Try the pan-fried ricotta gnocchi with pickled mushroom, and the miso-glazed lamb rump with local apple kimchi. The Potager Mount Tomah is right in the heart of the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden (which was thankfully saved from the fires) and a must-visit. The restaurant has an unrivalled aspect, from its terrace draped in wisteria vines — perfect for brekkie or lunch whilst out for a day exploring the gardens. DO [caption id="attachment_760285" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mount Wilson by Destination NSW[/caption] While Bilpin is best-known for its produce, there's plenty more to explore. And while no one will judge you for spending the entire weekend ticking off every farm gate on this Hawkesbury Harvest Experience list, it would be a shame not to get out in nature. We know you're already planning a trip to The Potager, so the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah should definitely be on your must-visit list. While much of the vegetation surrounding the garden was affected by the bushfires, much of the Living Collection was able to be saved, including some of the garden's rarest plant species. The garden has become a safe haven for much of the area's wildlife, so there are lots of birds around and new blooms to be seen. A lot of the hikes around the Grose Valley and north of the Bells Line of Road are still closed due to safety reasons, but Walls Lookout is now open and has a must-see view. Take the turnoff for Pierces Pass Picnic Area just past Mount Tomah, park your car, and walk down to the lookout (it's an hour return) for breathtaking vistas over the Megalong Valley. If you don't mind the hour drive from Bilpin to the Blackheath area, we also recommend a visit to Govetts Leap Lookout, Evans Lookout and the Grand Canyon track. [caption id="attachment_760280" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mount Tomah by Destination NSW[/caption] Although the glow worm tunnel walking track in Wollemi National Park is currently closed, you can still see the magic little creatures with a Blue Mountains Glow Worm Tour on private property near Mount Tomah and Bilpin. If you've got time to spare and want to do even more to help the local community, you can register to volunteer for bushfire recovery with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or spend a day helping rebuild the Zig Zag Railway, which was still being restored following the 2013 bushfires when it was again burned over Christmas and New Year. [caption id="attachment_757913" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Eden Farm Escape[/caption] STAY One of the remarkable things about Bilpin is that it never feels like you're only 90 kilometres from the hustle and bustle of the city, it's a proper nature retreat. Escape to Rustic Spirit for a weekend in a secluded bushland cabin or treetop pavilion on the edge of the Wollemi National Park. You can also book a package with inclusions like couples massages, meals, picnic hampers and champagne. If you'd prefer a farmstay on a 90-acre property, Bilpin's Eden Farm Escape is offering 50 percent off its rates if you can get there in February 2020. Make yourself at home on a lush five-acre hobby farm in Mount Tomah. Spend some time with the animals that have also found refuge at Tomah Retreat (like Flora the pig), taste some of the fruit, nuts and vegetables grown in the garden, and find peace in the living labyrinth. And, to live your best Instagram life, Wollemi Love Cabins are almost too beautiful to be believed. Spend a night under the stars in a luxury teepee that comes complete with a spa bath ensuite, or be right among the trees in a private cabin or studio with a bath right out in nature on the deck. Top images: Destination NSW.
Last year, just as the pandemic started shutting down our regular routines, a handy browser plug-in popped up to make life a little more bearable. That'd be Netflix Party, which helps you watch movies with your mates while still social distancing — synchronising everyone's playback so you're truly watching each and every frame at the same time. That's all well and good if you're watching via a browser, and you're watching Netflix. If you and your pals are keen on an iOS alternative that'll slide right into your chats and span other platforms, you'll soon have one. As part of its big iOS 15 announcement, Apple has revealed that it is launching a new Facetime feature called Shareplay. It'll allow you to view films and TV shows together and in sync — and listen to music as well — complete with shared playback controls. So, once you and your friends are on a Shareplay session, anyone can pause whatever you're watching or hearing. Also, you won't all need to be using an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV to access the service. Apple also announced that it's going to extend Facetime calls beyond its own devices, so folks who use Android or Windows devices will be able to access the application via their web browser. A heap of other platforms will be integrated into Shareplay, if you're wondering what you and your crew will be able to binge together. They include Disney+, TikTok and Twitch, as well as Paramount+ — which will launch in Australia this August. You'll obviously all need to subscribe to whichever platforms you're planning to view or listen to — so this won't be a way to watch The Mandalorian on your mates' account. Shareplay will work with Apple Music and Apple's own range of movies and TV shows, naturally, and you'll also be able to share your screen via the feature to view other apps together. Other updates slated for iOS 15, which is expected to start rolling out from spring 2021, include redesigned notifications, a big Safari revamp, a Live Text function that'll be able to read handwritten writing in photos, enhanced features in Apple Maps and ramped up privacy controls. The weather and notes apps are getting a makeover, too, and there'll also be a new Live Translate feature as well. Apple's iOS 15 is expected to start rolling out from spring 2021. For further details, head to the Apple website.
The elevated dishes at British-born chef Nelly Robinson's Surry Hills degustation restaurant NEL bear little resemblance to the burgers and parmis you'll find at the local boozer. However, pub grub, albeit of a different sort, has been on the mind of this culinary maestro for some time. Classic corner pub The Nag's Head — a Glebe institution since 1836 — is now home to Robinson's first new venue in a decade: Winstons, a refined UK-themed gastropub concept, opening September 19, where guests will experience the multi-course wizardry Robinson is famed for via a seven-dish tasting menu inspired by Great British cuisine. [caption id="attachment_973555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Winstons[/caption] Launching a new restaurant has been on Robinson's to-do list for several years. "NEL is ten years old next year, which I don't think a lot of people realise," he explains. "I've been mulling over taking on other projects for a while and for a long time, I thought that would mean going overseas, looking to earn some Michelin stars. But when [the owners of The Nag's Head] approached me, it was just such an exciting idea. I was brought up in British pubs, so getting to launch this project is all about nostalgia for me. It's about thinking about my father, my grandfather and really channelling the spirit of the pubs I grew up around." While many Aussie hotels can claim to have excellent food offerings, Robinson is aiming to set a new gold standard. Winstons is the nation's first true gastropub — that is to say, a fine dining restaurant within a pub in the same vein as the lauded chef-led ventures that have proven so popular in the UK, such as Heston Blumenthal's Michelin-starred The Hind's Head in Bray, or The Three Fishes, helmed by Robinson's former mentor Nigel Haworth. [caption id="attachment_973556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beef cheek Wellington[/caption] "I was training with Nigel [Haworth] when I was 17 and that's when he decided to open the first gastropub in the UK. I was fortunate enough to be part of that opening team, so seeing that you can take restaurant-level food and do it like that, in that setting, that's been in my brain ever since," Robinson shares. "But when I got to Sydney 13 years ago, I realised there really wasn't anything like that here. So I saw that gap in the market and thought, well let's wait, let's work. Of course, NEL was the first venue I launched and that has been my passion for the past ten years, but the gastropub thing has always been in the back of my mind. "What really inspired me to pull the trigger on it now was a trip I took back to the UK two years ago. I ate at Heston's in Bray, Tom Kitchen's pub in Edinburgh, Jason Atherton's [The Blind Pig] too, and it really brought it home to me, that as a chef, once you have your signature restaurant — and you know, NEL is my home — you can branch out and do other things. So now, launching a gastropub, I really want it to be something different, somewhere where people come to be with family and friends." "I was brought up in British pubs, so getting to launch this project is all about nostalgia for me." Winstons is only one part of Robinson's reinvention of The Nag's Head's dining options. In addition to the degustation offering — which stars the beef-cheek Wellington that was ranked the second best dish in the world in 2023 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants' "Taste Hunters" — the front bar, known simply as The Pub, is serving a less formal menu celebrating the favourite feeds of the British. Traditional dishes, like fish pies, beef cheek and peppercorn pies, and fish and chips are on offer alongside nods to the UK's more worldly fare, such as a fried tandoori chicken burger as a wink to the Brits' obsession with curry, and prawn toast, just like the kind from the local Chinese takeaway. [caption id="attachment_973558" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Beef cheek and peppercorn pie[/caption] Every Sunday, punters can enjoy a traditional British roast, complete with Robinson's gourmet flare, for $35. The meats — be it a house-smoked chicken with truffle butter, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with mint jelly or a succulent beef joint — will rotate weekly, served with all the trimmings, including the all-important roast potatoes and of course, Yorkshire puddings. In addition to the trio of dining options already available — The Pub menu, Winstons' tasting menu and the Sunday roast — Robinson has one more quintessentially British experience to share with Sydney: afternoon tea, which will include a range of sweet and savoury treats alongside speciality teas and signature cocktails — served in teapots, naturally. This menu will be available later in the summer. [caption id="attachment_973559" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Nag's Head Sunday roast[/caption] The rear of The Nag's Head has already undergone a slick renovation to accommodate Winstons, but Robinson's long-term vision for the pub includes yet more upgrades that will transform the building into a multi-venue dining destination. Part of the front bar is set to become a deli, where customers can buy a Nelly Robinson fish pie or beef cheek pie to cook at home, along with other luxury groceries. A new in-house brewery and distillery is also incoming, producing craft ales and boutique spirits. A new fitout throughout the rest of the venue will underline the traditional British theme, while on the upper floor there will be spaces for larger parties and functions. [caption id="attachment_973560" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kingfish tandoori, available in The Pub[/caption] While this multifaceted endeavour may sound ambitious, particularly in an economic status quo that has forced an unsettling number of Sydney restaurants to fold, Robinson believes that creating a venue as versatile and unique as The Nag's Head will be a hit with Sydneysiders. "The point is, this is a place that people can enjoy. There's no pressure. You want a snack and a pint? You can get that in The Pub. You feel like something a bit more special. You can get that at Winstons for $80. You want somewhere you can bring the family, the kids, friends? That's what we're doing here. We want it to be a place that's fun. I think Sydney's ready for that." [caption id="attachment_973561" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Curried mussels, available in The Pub[/caption] Find The Nag's Head at 162 St Johns Road, Glebe, open Sunday–Tuesday, midday–10pm; Wednesday–Thursday, midday–11pm; and Friday–Saturday, midday to midnight. For more details, visit The Nag's Head website. Images: Paul R Fear
Sweltering through increasingly toasty temperatures, the Earth keeps breaking and matching records — ones the planet doesn't want to continue. After notching up its hottest year in recorded history back in 2016, this spinning rock we call home equalled it in 2020. The past six years are now the hottest six on record, too, while the past decade is also the warmest ever recorded. The news comes via the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), which tracks data about the climate now and the past to contemplate the future — not just for Europe, but also for the rest of the world. Compared to the period between 1981–2010, which is commonly used as a reference, 2020 was warmer by 0.6 degrees Celsius. In comparison to pre-industrial times, from 1850–1900 specifically, it was hotter by 1.25 degrees Celsius as well. That mightn't sound like a huge amount, but it made a big difference in some parts of the globe. Europe experienced its hottest year ever recorded, even beating 2016 by 0.4 degrees Celsius. And in the Arctic and Siberia, temps reached more than six degrees higher than average. That meant that Arctic sea ice was significantly lower than average in the second half of the year — the lowest sea ice extent on record in July and October, in fact. Announcing the data for the past year, C3S Director Carlo Buontempo said that "2020 stands out for its exceptional warmth in the Arctic and a record number of tropical storms in the north Atlantic. It is no surprise that the last decade was the warmest on record, and is yet another reminder of the urgency of ambitious emissions reductions to prevent adverse climate impacts in the future." https://twitter.com/CopernicusECMWF/status/1347438880551800832 The unwanted milestone also came about as the northern hemisphere mostly experienced higher than average temperatures for the year, while parts of the southern hemisphere had below average temperatures due to cooler La Niña conditions. C3S also advised that 2020 matches the 2016 record despite the cooling effect of La Niña, while 2016 started with a warming El Niño event. With climate change continuing to show its effects, the news shouldn't come as a surprise. It's still a stark reminder of the current state of the planet, however. Locally, the Bureau of Meteorology has already advised that Australia sweltered through its fourth warmest year on record in 2020, and ended its hottest decade ever as well. For more information about the 2020 data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), head to the C3S website.
What turns a house into a home? Opinions vary. It could be precious memories, it could be building it with your own hands, it could be a renovation, or it could simply be turning a room into a space that's shared with the people you love most — and doing so with your own special flair. For Sophie Biet, co-owner and designer at Marrickville furniture studio and showroom So Watt, it's the power to make a space your own through big and small means. Alongside her co-owner, director and husband Jonathan, she has created a bespoke studio that helps clients transform unassuming materials and spaces into something more than the sum of their parts: into a home, through and through. With the studio celebrating its 10th anniversary, we spoke to Sophie to learn about their journey, their shared love for sustainability, as well as what So Watt does differently, and the dos and don'ts of interior design. Turning Childhood Dreams Into Professional Degrees Childhood is spent with a certain spark in one's eye about how we could end up living our lives. Maybe you wanted to be a racecar driver, an astronaut or a famous singer. For many of us, it's a dream we never got to see through — but not for Sophie or her husband, who each turned childhood dreams of becoming inventors into professional careers in design and manufacturing. "I was convinced it was possible to build a two-storey cardboard cubby house to allow me to move into my own home at nine years old, while Jono took to the go-kart track competing against the other kids and tinkering away on his pee-wee motorbike in his spare time. This passion never went away, so eventually, we were both off to university to study Industrial Design, mine at RMIT and Jono at UNSW." Two dreams, manifesting differently over the years, aligned into one story when the two met on an exchange program in the prestigious Dutch engineering university, TU Delft. The North Star of Sustainability Sophie and Jonathan knew So Watt would need an edge to stand out in the furniture industry. Furniture and other manufacturing industries generate a large amount of waste, so for two recently graduated designers, a sustainably focused store was non-negotiable. While that may seem broad for a business approach, it's resulted in a store experience and catalogue unlike anything else in the area. "There was never an 'ah-ha' moment when it came to our sustainability focus, it was more something that grew from the early introduction to sustainable design at uni and the observance of the increased need for all of us to be making it a critical part of anything we do. When it came our time to launch our own company, it was more of an assumption that it would be focused on sustainable practices." "One of our most unique traits is that everything we do is manufactured in-house, at our workshop below our showroom. For a company of our size, that's pretty unusual, as the manufacturing is more commonly done in larger off-site locations or overseas. This means we truly are an Australian-made company, not just designed in Australia and made overseas." The Ups and Downs of Making Customers' Dreams Into Reality So Watt isn't a run-of-the-mill furniture chain showroom. While there are a variety of products on offer and an in-store experience to be had, the mission of So Watt is one of guidance. Instead of pushing goods to whoever wants them to meet a bottom line, the So Watt team takes clients through it all, from aesthetic tips to full-blown custom furniture builds. "No two days are ever the same! We have such big dreams for So Watt that there are always new product designs on the go, or new system designs to improve the experience for our clients and streamline the workflow for our team. Because we offer custom furniture and joinery, there are always interesting project briefs being sent our way." Is there a common mistake in briefs that makes you cringe? "White! We always have a small cringe response when clients want us to build something completely white and cover all the ply up as much as possible … Nothing beats a beautiful sheet of ply with all its timber grain swirls on show. You can't beat a natural material, but you can definitely make it pop with complementary colours or textures across the whole project." Turning Simple Spaces Into Something Special with IKEA Hacks When considering furniture, the most recognisable name in the game is IKEA. The So Watt team bounces off the Swedish brand's success and service in a surprising way: hacking (not literally) their custom kitchen service into something sustainable and, perhaps most importantly, affordable. It's simple enough: Measure out your kitchen (thoroughly), build out a placeholder project with the online IKEA Kitchen Planner, and then take your shopping list of parts to the So Watt catalogue. You can book a free discovery call to scope it out with the pros first, or even let a design team take care of the whole process on your behalf for a fee. "We started to have enquiries from clients for a more built-in concept or larger fit-out that continued the styling of our furniture, and this began our joinery service. Being built-in, we took control of all the site measures, design concepts and drawings as well as the install so it could only be offered to our Sydney metro-based clients. Adding the 'IKEA Hack' offering has allowed us to expand into joinery projects Australia-wide, allowing customers as far away as Perth to create bespoke-styled built-in joinery with the classic So Watt details and materials." Any final words of wisdom for aspiring customers out there? "Stay open-minded! It's great to have an idea of what you want, but it never helps the outcome if you try and force things to adhere to a preconceived idea. Also, the most helpful thing a client can bring to the table is some well-thought-through consideration as to how they will store their belongings. There's nothing worse than commissioning your dream bespoke home office only to forget about a spot for that laminator you use daily." "After ten years, we feel like this is still only the beginning … We've been learning and watching, and are excited to be working on some pretty big concepts to crack the industry open and allow homeowners a more accessible option for custom furniture and joinery that isn't complicated and won't break the bank." If you're interested in browsing the So Watt collection before you head in store, the team have curated their favourite designs into a ready-to-order catalogue, starring favourites like Speckle Billi Stool and Hardwood Peg Collection. Browse the options, pick a colour option and the team will begin on your piece in the workshop. For more information on So Watt, to shop their collection or to book a consultation, visit the website.
When the National Gallery of Victoria dedicates its blockbuster summer or winter exhibitions to big fashion names, one word usually applies no matter which designer is in the spotlight: stunning. It was true back in 2022 when the Melbourne venue turned its focus to Alexander McQueen, for instance, and also in 2021 when it did the same with Gabrielle Chanel. Expect the same across the summer of 2025–26 — it's Vivienne Westwood's time to shine, plus Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons' moment as well. Displaying at NGV International across Sunday, December 7, 2025–Sunday, April 19, 2026, Westwood | Kawakubo is both an Australian and a world first, pairing pieces by both the British talent and the Japanese designer in one massive showcase. No matter which of the duo's works you're looking at, you'll be revelling in rule-breaking, status quo-subverting threads. Some helped define the fashion of the punk movement in the 70s. Others have earned the world's attention at the Met Gala. In-between, items donned by supermodels, seen in films and from collections worn by plenty of well-known names feature. [caption id="attachment_1011671" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rhianna wearing Comme des Garçons, Tokyo (fashion house), Rei Kawakubo (designer) at The Met Gala, 2017. Photo © Francois Durand via Getty Images.[/caption] In total, more than 140 designs are gracing the NGV. To assemble such a wide range, the gallery has sourced pieces from New York's Metropolitan Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Palais Galliera and the Vivienne Westwood archive, plus its own collection. Over 40 works are new gifts to the gallery from Comme des Garçons especially for Westwood | Kawakubo, as chosen by Kawakubo. Among the full lineup of items: punk ensembles made famous by The Sex Pistols and Siousie Sioux, the wedding gown that Sarah Jessica Parker (And Just Like That...) wore in Sex and the City: The Movie and the tartan dress that Kate Moss stepped into in Westwood's Anglomania collection in the mid 90s — and also a version of Rihanna's petal-heavy 2017 Met Gala outfit, plus pieces from collections that Lady Gaga and Tracee Ellis Ross (Black Mirror) have sported. Westwood | Kawakubo spans from taffeta to tweed, vinyl and leather to silk, and corsetry to ruffles and knitwear, then — and much beyond. The exhibition is designed to step through Westwood and Kawakubo's careers across five thematic strands, including the former's punk-era work and the influence of the movement on the latter, their shared needs to rebel against the norm, how the two women have looked either forward or back in their pieces, eschewing objectification and using fashion to make a statement. [caption id="attachment_1011673" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer) Look 49, from the Anglomania collection, autumn–winter 1993–94. Le Cercle Républicain, Paris, March 1993. Photo © firstVIEW. Model: Kate Moss.[/caption] Top image: excerpt of Vivienne Westwood, London (fashion house), Vivienne Westwood (designer) Look 49, from the Anglomania collection, autumn–winter 1993–94. Le Cercle Républicain, Paris, March 1993. Photo © firstVIEW. Model: Kate Moss.
First we got word of the Yoncé skyscraper, then the elevated park. Melbourne's CBD is on the receiving end of a wealth of weird and wonderful architectural riches recently — and there's more to come. Although this announcement leans more towards the embarrassment side of things. Introducing the 'pantscraper', which is indeed not a weird product brought to you by Danoz Direct, but the popular name of the recently approved 41-storey tower project of developers Cbus Property. The building is so named because of the bizarre double tower design and denim blue colour scheme that combine to look remarkably like a bland pair of baggy pants fit for a giant. The pantscraper design was knocked back a few times and not, as you would assume, for its slightly ridiculous aesthetic, but because the huge tower cast a shadow on both the north and south banks of the Yarra River. However, after negotiations with the Andrews government — which saw them agree to lop six storeys off the top — the new design has been approved. Construction will begin at the Collins Street site by September. Although it may seem like just another bloody skyscraper, this particular bloody skyscraper comes with a perk. They're closing off Market Street and will convert the extra space into a council-run public park — that's a new park right in the middle of the CBD. What could be more relaxing than kicking back in a lush, green park while a giant pair of pants looms over you, watching your every move? Nothing, that's what — and we, for one, welcome our new pant overlords. Via The Age.
Welcome to funky town. Ms.G's, in a narrow three-storey building in leafy, sexy Victoria Street, is doing things a bit differently - and it's working. Distressed, graffiti-covered walls, tables of strung together cardboard boxes and moody lighting make this Sydney's newest hipster hang. It's purposely 'street' and achingly cool but the food well and truly holds its own. Young chefs Dan Hong, Jowett Yu and their crew are a clever bunch — they have taken New Yorker David Chang's Momofuku model and given Sydney something that's a bit punk, very cool and absolutely delicious. Swinging from China to Vietnam, to Korea and back again, this is innovative exciting Asian food meant for sharing and Sydney dining is all the better for it. Start with a plate of pickles - these are bar snacks with a difference. Vietnamese steak tartare should be your next stop, a clever reinvention of a classic that you mix yourself and comes with a side of crunchy prawn crackers. Already becoming a favorite are the egg noodles with braised duck, runny poached egg and XO sauce. Buddha's Delight salad is not only a vegetarian's dream but a not-to-be-missed textural experience, ranging from silky to crunchy. Delightful indeed. And to finish, it's hard to go past a sticky sweet concoction called Stoner's Delight (let your imagination run wild) There's a drink for everyone at Ms.G's. By far the most fun are the 'packaged' cocktails in sealed Japanese bubble tea-like plastic ware. A Pina 'Pearls' Colada and a Yuzu Slushee make you feel like a kid all over again but have an alcoholic kick that reminds you that it's adult only. Ms.G's is a fun night out - for the people watching, the crazy-busy fun vibe and most of all the terrific exciting food. Grab a group (you can book for 6 or more) and enjoy the ride.
Perched on the fifth level of the newly renovated Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is one of the most impressive additions to Sydney's rooftop bar scene in recent years — a lush terrace watering hole that looks fated to become a popular go-to for an inner-city sundowner. Designed by Fender Katsalidis, who also delivered the interiors of Wentworth Bar's sister venues Delta Rue, tilda and bar tilda, the space is sophisticated yet relaxed, combining leafy planting, natural finishes and soft lighting. Conceived to cater to punters throughout the day, there are a variety of seating options, from low-slung chairs for sun-basking, cocktail in hand, to high tables with stools for those looking to perch for a quick drink and generous seating areas intended for group gatherings. Terrazzo tables and verdant planting centred around an impressive focal point — a mature tree — transport guests far from the urban hustle just five storeys below while DJ sets keep the good times rolling. The cocktail menu amps up the fun with playful mixes that are easy to drink. A signature will be Wentworth Bar's party cocktails. Priced at $220, they come served in a showstopping glass fountain that holds 12 standard drinks. Get the party started with the Tai Chi Mumma, a refreshing mix of Ketel One vodka, rosé, and prosecco, rounded out with raspberry, lemon, and lychee or the Strawberry Yuzu Spritz - a bright blend of white wine, herbal aperitif, yuzu, and a fruity hit of mango, passionfruit, and grapefruit.
As announced in 2017, officially given a green light in 2018 and then launching a couple of years back, the Art Gallery of New South Wales has been a two-building art museum since late 2022. The first space, the 153-year-old AGNSW's OG structure, boasts a sandstone facade dating back to the 19th century. The second came about as part of the $344-million Sydney Modern Project. But even when the venue's extension opened its doors to the public, it didn't have a name. Meet Naala Badu, then. AGNSW has finally announced a moniker for the space that's been known as Sydney Modern to art-loving visitors for more than a year. The term is the Aboriginal word for "waters" in the Sydney language, and has been paired with Naala Nura, which means "seeing Country", as the new name for the gallery's first building. [caption id="attachment_880685" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Iwan Baan[/caption] Overall, the institution itself is still called the Art Gallery of New South Wales. That hasn't changed. But each part of it now has a distinct title, each reflecting its location and architecture. Naala Badu earned its moniker thanks to its proximity to Sydney Harbour, plus the waters that've long been pivotal to NSW's communities. Naala Nura's counterpart nods to the building's sandstone, as well as Indigenous Country in general. Now displaying on both buildings, the names were chosen after AGNSW consulted with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council among other key Aboriginal stakeholders and communities, with the gallery's board of trustees, Indigenous Advisory Group and Indigenous staff in support. "Aboriginal language has a deep and spiritual connection to Country. We hope this can be felt by everyone when the building names Naala Badu and Naala Nura are used by the community and visitors to the Art Gallery of New South Wales," said Indigenous Advisory Group chair Rachel Piercy. [caption id="attachment_749853" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jenni Carter[/caption] "We are greatly honoured that the Art Gallery's two buildings on this significant site in Sydney will bear the Aboriginal names Naala Badu and Naala Nura. They evoke a powerful sense of place — this place of extraordinary physical beauty with its complex, contested histories. We intend to carry these names with the deepest respect," added AGNSW director Michael Brand. Located on the hill beside Naala Nura, which gives it a view of Woolloomooloo's Finger Wharf, the four-level Naala Badu sprawls across 7830 square metres and is designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architects SANAA (with Australia's Architectus as the executive architect). One of its highlights is the Yiribana Gallery, which moved over from Naala Nura to showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work. "As an Indigenous Australian for whom English is my second language, having not had the opportunity to learn my first language, I applaud the gift of living, breathing language for the Art Gallery's two buildings. With the spotlight on the Art Gallery's new initiatives for Aboriginal art and culture, we've created a globally renowned art destination where visitors can experience the best art and culture Australia has to offer," noted Tony Albert, an Art Gallery trustee and also the inaugural chair of AGNSW's Indigenous Advisory Group. [caption id="attachment_880684" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Iwan Baan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_909005" align="alignnone" width="1920"] AGNSW[/caption] [caption id="attachment_880682" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Iwan Baan[/caption] Find Naala Badu and Naala Nura at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney. For more information, head to the AGNSW website. Top image: © Iwan Baan.
This 590-room five-star haven was Sydney's very first luxury hotel built in the CBD. And it has never fallen behind the pack, constantly setting the standard for all new hotels in the area. It is a true Sydney institution — for overnight stays, pampering and dining. There was never a doubt about it, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is one of the very best hotels in Sydney. First off, the rooms. Spread over 35 floors in one of Darling Harbour's tallest buildings, guests enjoy all the latest tech and contemporary design with sleek French touches. In keeping with the global Sofitel aesthetic principles, the rooms are classically designed but they never feel old or outdated — much of this is thanks to the regular updates to ensure it never gets tired or underwhelming. And while their spa won't open up until 2023, they still have plenty of ways to relax — none better than taking a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the harbour. And while the luxe spa facility gets a makeover, spa-like options exist in your own room. Food and drink wise, you'll be sorted too. Visit their French-inspired grill combining French flavours with locally sourced produce at Atelier, order a poolside cocktail at Le Rivage Pool Bar, take in the sunset at award-winning Champagne Bar or grab a coffee & croissant at the Esprit Noir Lobby Bar on Sundays. It's clear why Sofitel Sydney continues to be one of the most reliably good hotels in Australia.
Beer isn't just a beverage; it's an experience. And that's what Suntory The Premium Malt's House is all about. It offers beer lovers a rare opportunity to enjoy exclusive Japanese beers alongside fun, interactive beer-related activities, mega giveaways and delicious Japanese snacks. The destination? Leading Japanese brewing group Suntory is bringing the one–off beer experience, celebrating the fusion of Japan's finest brews and Sydney's vibrant dining scene, to Darling Quarter's ICHOUME from Friday, July 25, to Sunday, August 17. The Japanese eatery will serve six exclusive tap-only draft styles, all freshly brewed in Kyoto and flown directly from Kyoto Brewery, straight to your lips. One of the six beers is Kaoru ale, available on tap for the very first time in the southern hemisphere. Topped with extra creamy foam, the Japanese ale-style beer is the definition of easy drinking. Now, we Aussies can indulge in its fruity flavours and bask in its honey and malty notes, without leaving the country. And the good times don't stop there. Visitors can also enjoy Sunset style, Black, Half&half, and Mliko. Sunset style is the Premium Malt's pilsner with the black creamy foam. Its name was inspired by the way it's poured—beautiful like a setting sun, while The Black is brewed with roasted malt. Half&Half is a mix of the Premium Malt's and the Black, and Mliko is made entirely of creamy 'Kamiawa' foam. With so many options and unique flavours, you're bound to find your new favourite brew. The pop-up offers yet another rare opportunity for beer lovers to savour the fruits of Japan's unique 'Kamiawa' — a creamy, ultra-fine foam technology that locks in aromatic complexity, prevents oxidation and maintains freshness while enhancing mouthfeel and smoothness. Imagine experiencing this heavenly, foamy, creamy goodness, paired with an intense flavour and unparalleled freshness. We're already salivating at the mere thought. In addition to sipping on rare beers from Japan, guests can enjoy food pairings and seasonal Japanese dishes for a truly immersive experience. Think ramen, gyoza, tempura, and plenty more. There will also be a beer foam art machine, where guests can print selfies on beer foam with a printer using malt extract. Yes, that's right; the foam is so delicate and creamy that you can print an image of it. Or, if selfies aren't your thing, the team will also be serving beer straight from a backpack keg—when else would you get the chance to enjoy beer from a backpack? If you can't make it to ICHOUME, don't worry, the campaign expands across 11 satellite venues across Sydney. How many venues can you conquer? This year's locations include: Rei Izakaya, Taruhachi Bento, Gold Class Daruma, Daruma Japanese in Haymarket, Yakitori Chaco Bar, and various YAYOI venues including Galeries, Chatswood, World Square, Westfield, Market City and Hurstville. While Kaoru ale is only available at ICHOUME, plus — don't miss your chance to score limited-edition original merchandise giveaways, available while supplies last. The other venues will offer exclusive Premium Malt's sets, special winter offers and discounts, and their own signature food — perfect for making your night truly memorable. To top it all off, there will be happy hour deals that are almost too good to be true. While offerings will differ based on which venue you attend, standouts include $10 for Kaoru ale/ The Premium Malt's at ICHOUME and 'The Premium Malt's' Special for just $6 at YAYOI Chatswood. The Suntory Premium Malt's is taking over ICHOUME from Friday, July 25, to Sunday, August 17. For more information, visit The Premium Malt's website or Instagram. Images: Supplied.
Brie Larson makes a great Captain Marvel. She's even better as Elizabeth Zott. Since winning a Best Actress Oscar for 2015's Room, Larson's resume has largely been filled by the blockbuster end of town — see: Kong: Skull Island, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, Fast X and The Marvels — but it's been screaming for a part like Lessons in Chemistry. In her first non-franchise on-screen role since 2019's Just Mercy, she turns executive producer, too, guiding a page-to-screen adaptation of Bonnie Garmus' bestseller that needs her performance as its star ingredient. A chemistry genius and then a TV cooking show host who is forced to battle sexism as both, Elizabeth is as complicated as the holy-grail project that she works in secret as a lab technician, and as the recipes that she later perfects for television audiences. Regardless of whether you've read Lessons in Chemistry's 2022 source material or are coming anew to Apple TV+'s small-screen version, which has been streaming episodically since October and can be binged in full from Wednesday, November 22, Elizabeth is magnificent to watch because Larson steps into her shoes so completely. The character is direct, determined and conscientious. She's not just nonplussed about being likeable, but near-allergically averse to that being her primary goal. She's curious and dryly funny, too, albeit careful about who she's open with. But being serious and rightly cautious about how 50s and 60s America routinely disregards women doesn't mean that she's anything but authentic, whether she's asserting what she's always held dear, navigating life's traumas or finding space for others in her life. Early in the series, Elizabeth's quest to whip up a flawless lasagne has her up to her 78th attempt — and layers are just as crucial for Larson in playing the show's protagonist. When Lessons in Chemistry begins, it's with a brief jump forward to cameras and adoring viewers, with Elizabeth's Supper at Six series an established hit. It'll take half of the broader show to get back to TV cooking with no-nonsense science explanations, an appreciation for domestic duties and an uplifted fanbase, but the opening burns an imprint, signalling that its lead character's days of being expected to make coffee for male-only Hastings Research Institute scientists are numbered. Although Elizabeth has a master's degree in chemistry, her Southern Californian employer cares little about that, or that she's the smartest person on their books, because she lacks a Y chromosome. Instead, they scold her for after-hours experiments — the only time that she can delve into her own work — and lack of interest in the company beauty pageant, and trot out a misogynistic go-to: that she isn't smiling enough. It's at Hastings that Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman, Outer Range), who inhabits another world when it comes to respect, yet resides on the exact same non-conformist turf. As the reason for much of the institute's funding, he's the organisation's science rockstar as long as he's bringing in grant money. Like Elizabeth, it's solely the work that he's interested in, not the hoops and hoopla around it. Thanks to her research into abiogenesis, aka the origins of life from organic compounds, they're swiftly professional partners. Coming as a surprise to both, they're soon living together in Los Angeles' Sugar Hill, alongside rescue dog Six-Thirty (named after his daily wake-up time). She likes orderly melodies, while he thinks best to jazz. Her ideal lab has everything in its place, but his is where he showers and scatters around saltine crumbs. In both developing the series from the book and penning or co-penning half of the episodes, Little America and Jury Duty creator Lee Eisenberg lingers on how Elizabeth and Calvin jostle as they fall in love, experiencing existence's unpredictability in the process. The tale from there leans on the latter, especially as the reality that so few of life's variables can be controlled becomes baked in via an array of ways. Selling Tupperware, turning her home kitchen into a lab, Supper at Six, becoming a mother to Mad (played by sincere first-timer Alice Halsey as a seven-year-old): these are all sprinkled into Elizabeth's story, too. Unlike in the novel, so is the efforts of her neighbour Harriet Sloane (Aja Naomi King, How to Get Away with Murder) to fight against the razing of their mostly Black area for a freeway. "Look how much things have evolved" is rarely the statement made by period-set TV dramas. With Lessons in Chemistry, just as with Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel before it — and dramedies Minx and GLOW as well — spotlighting what is and isn't different between a bygone era and now, and how much the second proves the case, simmers throughout. As Elizabeth faces sexist barriers in chemistry and TV alike, as a single woman and then mum, and while pursuing her career and stressing the importance of cooking, it's plain to see the barriers and prejudices that blocked 50s and 60s women at every turn. As legal aide Harriet campaigns against her neighbourhood being demolished, and the discrimination that bulldozing a predominantly Black part of town represents, Lessons in Chemistry makes the same observations regarding race. Thinking that these issues have disappeared with the period's gorgeous decor and costuming is missing the point. This handsomely and heartfeltly made series might pepper change's inevitability across its tale from start to finish — and speak about it in multiple big moments — but it also spies what happens when nothing moves or shifts. Letting that truth percolate is as much its mission as positioning Elizabeth and Harriet as aspirational feminist and activist heroes, even if Harriet's worthy subplot feels like it's been shoehorned in (because it has) and is deserving of its own entire drama (as it is). Lessons in Chemistry is a comfortable and compelling underdog story about pluck, passion and proficiency versus the patriarchy and oppression, then, but with some bite. That said, it still opts for the massively misguided move of letting Six-Thirty turn narrator, aping the book's similar approach and enlisting the voice of BJ Novak (Vengeance). Barking up A Dog's Purpose's tree is thankfully over fast. Although never free of imperfections, as little in life, science or the culinary arts is, Lessons in Chemistry keeps bubbling — and charming. As the plot finds room for leaps back into Elizabeth and Calvin's respective painful histories, Mad to turn detective, pondering science versus faith, and women's liberation and civil rights pushes, it also benefits heavily from its key casting. Larson doesn't just lead expertly, but also shares wide-eyed affection with Pullman, who has inherited his dad Bill's (The High Note) charisma; a supportive rapport with the luminous King, who steals every scene that she's in; and a heartwarming bond with young find Halsey. Chemistry is on display in multiple ways, including in making watching Lessons in Chemistry a richer experience than reading it. Check out the trailer for Lessons in Chemistry below: Lessons in Chemistry streams via Apple TV+.
Just because you're cooped at home doesn't mean you have to sink into a monotonous existence of spaghetti and canned tuna. You can, in face, add a bit of flair to your cooking repertoire without leaving the house, thanks to a new series of free virtual cooking classes from one of the world's greatest chefs. Massimo Bottura — the Michelin-starred chef behind Italy's famed Osteria Francescana (which is temporarily closed during Italy's nationwide lockdown) and Gucci's glam new LA eatery — is keeping his quarantined spirits high by sharing his culinary secrets with the masses via nightly tutorials live streamed on Instagram. The fittingly titled Kitchen Quarantine is designed to help spread feelings of connectivity, curb boredom and teach a few new tricks, at a time when an increasing chunk of the world's population is in lockdown (as Italy is), self-isolation or self distancing. And of course, with Bottura's famously cheery personality, the guy's just a total joy to watch. https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9zQFp3JbJM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Handily enough, the videos are in English, and they've so far covered dishes like a vegetable thai curry and cream tortellini. The show's live on Instagram nightly at 8pm CET, which is 6am AEDT, 5am in Brisbane and 8am NZDT. But if that's a little early, you can also catch the videos screened later on San Pellegrino's Fine Dining Lovers YouTube channel. Bottura's Instagram also has a series of Q&A's with the chef, which you can catch any time.
There's a lot to love about Websters — the laidback Newtown local is the perfect place for a few sunset pints, and its whiskey list is enough to make a Scotsman weep into his Bruichladdich. But the thing that keeps us coming back to this iconic venue is the wings. Here, they're done in a classic American style: thickly coated in a mix of Frank's hot sauce, butter and a touch of honey, then served with blue cheese sauce and celery sticks. In other words, they're spicy, savoury and incredibly moreish. Stop in and line your stomach on the bar's rooftop before a big night out in Newtown.
At the foot of architect Harry Seidler's striking heptagonal skyscraper in the heart of the CBD, this most recent incarnation of the former MLC centre has aimed high with its collection of venues. At its heart are four popular restaurants — Aalia, an outstanding Middle Eastern fine diner from the Nour team; Kazan, a modern Japanese fusion eatery; Cabana Bar, where resort vibes and Central Sydney's largest outdoor terrace have made it a favourite with the after-work set; and L'uva Pasta and Wine Bar, a boutique Italian restaurant with an all-Australian wine list. Add to this its extensive subterranean food court, The Theatre Royal, and the CBD outpost of Gelato Messina, and it's easy to see why 25 Martin Place has quickly become a trusted hotspot both during the working day and after dark. Cementing that reputation, Point Group (who also operate Shell House) have plans to transform the former digs of Botswana Butchery into a hospitality hub within a hospitality hub. Called The International, it will showcase a range of world cuisines via a wine bar, restaurant and rooftop bar, with November as the loosely slated opening date.
Maya Hawke. A mall. Retro clothes and tunes aplenty. Combine the three, and that's how Fear Street Part 1: 1994 opens. That deja vu you're feeling? That's because they all played a significant part in the third season of Stranger Things, too — but while Hawke is still popping up on Netflix here, she definitely isn't in Hawkins, Indiana anymore. Instead, her character Heather is working at a mall in Shadyside, Ohio. As the movie's moniker makes plain, the year is 1994, so Hawke has jumped into a new decade. Heather is doing the closing shift at a book store, and viewers first see her gushing over an eerie title, fittingly — only for the customer that's buying it to proclaim: "it's trash; lowbrow horror". Fear Street Part 1: 1994 might begin with a wink to its source material — that'd be the teen-oriented RL Stine horror books that hit shelves between 1989–2005 — but that isn't the only nod it serves up. Directed and co-written by Leigh Janiak (Honeymoon), this slasher flick splashes its debts to everything from Halloween to Scream across every frame. That's part of the package, as is plenty of blood, gore, bumps and jumps. The end result is unmistakably formulaic, but aptly so; every novel in Stine's series also earned the same description, as did every Goosebumps book as well. As frequently happens in the opening scenes of horror flicks, Heather's day quickly takes a turn for the worse. That's a rather standard outcome when there's a masked killer on the loose. The next day, the town is shocked and scandalised, although not as much as it really should be — because, unlike its wealthier neighbour town Sunnyvale, Shadyside has a history of these kinds of terrible events. Conspiracy buff Josh (Benjamin Flores Jr, Your Honor) likes to chat about these sinister happenings online. The town even has a witch's curse in its past, too, so there's plenty to discuss in his 90s-era chat rooms. His older sister Deena (Kiana Madeira, Giant Little Ones) doesn't put any stock in the local ghost stories — she has dramas with her ex Sam (Olivia Scott Welch, Unbelievable) to worry about instead — but then the killer heads her way, because of course that's what happens. From there, Fear Street Part 1: 1994 does two things: follows Deena and her friends as they attempt to evade an ancient evil that's plagued the town for centuries, and sets up a trilogy that'll continue in Fear Street Part 2: 1978 and Fear Street Part 3: 1666. A different film will hit Netflix across the first three Fridays in July to add some retro scares to your winter — with Part 2 taking its cues from Friday the 13th by heading to a summer camp in its titular year, and Part 3 pondering the origins of Shadyside's curse in the 1600s. And yes, in its noticeably by-the-numbers fashion, this page-to-screen series thankfully fares better than Goosebumps did when it made the same jump. Check out the trailer for Fear Street Part 1: 1994 below: Fear Street Part 1: 1994 will be available to stream via Netflix on Friday, July 2 — followed by Fear Street Part 2: 1978 on Friday, July 9 and Fear Street Part 3: 1666 on Friday, July 16. Top image: Netflix
The first stage of The Royal, the long-running Bondi pub, reopened in September, with punters able to quench their thirst yet again with daiquiris, espresso martinis and many take-home wines from the attached bottle-o. However, it's the pub's eatery we had all been waiting patiently for — and with Merivale steering the ship, we knew it wasn't going to be a half-hearted effort. And you'll be happy to know, now that it's open, it's suitably impressive. Chefs Mike Eggert (Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco, Pinbone) and Khan Danis (who worked at Rockpool alongside Neil Perry for 20 years) are heading up the kitchen of the Totti's, a casual Mediterranean-style eatery serving up pasta aplenty, woodfired breads and classic Italian cocktails. The food is a more mature version of that served at Dirty Disco — the six-month pop-up at The Tennyson Hotel, and the first collab between Eggert and Merivale — with the menu aimed at convivial sharing. Cooked-to-order Italian flatbreads come straight from the woodfired oven to the table, to rip and tear alongside small plates of house-made charcuterie and Italian cheeses. Pasta, a focus at Dirty Disco, is also central to the food offering here, with dishes like rigatoni with milk-braised pork belly, prawn casarecce and twists on classics, such as lamb ragu. A Josper oven (part grill, part oven) fires most of the proteins, including fish, Bannockburn chicken and schnitzels charred to perfection, and sides include a radicchio and orange salad and baked eggplant with chilli. And remember that polenta, corn and chervil side that stole our stomachs at Dirty Disco? We can confirm that's made a comeback, too. Another aspect of the eatery similar to Dirty Disco is the drinks. While there's no walk-in fridge — you'll have to head over to The Tennyson's latest pop-up for that — the pub's in-house bottle shop allows the eatery to have an extensive wine list, with house wines, naturals, biodynamics and higher-end varieties, all available by the carafe. Hop fans are taken care of with a long list of local beers and Mediterranean classics, such as negronis, and peach bellinis, will please the cocktail devotees. The 185-seater restaurant and courtyard might seem mammoth, but Eggert maintains that it still feels like your local. "It's a big version of a small trattoria", says Eggert. "We want people to come in and be able to have a great bottle of wine with a steak, and still be in their clothes from the beach." The skylight and big alfresco area take inspiration from a taverna on the Mediterranean sea, with huge olive trees taking centre stage to really set the scene. Images: Nikki To. You'll find Totti's in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
"Kylie Minogue in her gold hotpants in 'Spinning Around'. That just came to my mind straight away. That was pretty amazing." Ask Celeste Barber to pick her favourite Australian fashion moment and she goes straight for an icon being an icon. In one of 2023's best trends, Barber has spent the year ushering everyone through the ins and outs of wellness and fashion. First came Wellmania, the comedian and actor's Netflix dramedy series about a 39-year-old journalist who copes with a health crisis by embracing prioritising her wellbeing, aka journeying through everything the self-care industry has to offer. Now arrives The Way We Wore, with Barber hosting the new three-part ABC documentary about a subject that she's been interested in since she was a child donning costumes as a dancer, and then a teenager collecting fashion magazines. Barber is no stranger to obsessing over threads in public — or, to be more accurate, parodying whatever's in vogue in the sartorial and celebrity realms. While her career began with acting, complete with an 87-episode stint on All Saints, her #celestechallengeaccepted social-media spoofs have helped make her a household name. If the internet has become fixated on a celeb look, snap or video, Barber has likely satirised it. Most recently, Kim Kardashian's Skims nipple bra launch has been in her sights, but that's just her latest skewering stint. The tone of The Way We Wore is light, but this docuseries isn't a comedy. Instead, as screening on ABC TV from 8pm on Tuesday, November 21 and streaming in full on ABC iView from the same date, it's a sincere and appreciative step through the history and importance of Aussie fashion. Barber didn't ever dream that her career would bring her here, but given that she's hosted The LA Fashion Awards in 2019, appeared on magazine covers and worked with Tom Ford at 2018's New York Fashion Week, it makes sense to her now. "No, no, never, never," Barber tells Concrete Playground about whether fronting a series like The Way We Wore ever seemed possible when she was starting out. "I've always thought I'd have a place in the entertainment industry, but not being someone to narrate documentary on the history of fashion, and it making sense that I did it. When I approached, I was like 'it makes absolute sense that I do this', but I would never have thought that when I was younger — no way." Unsurprisingly, Barber makes an engaging guide through Australian fashion's evolution. With Nel Minchin (Firestarter — The Story of Bangarra) directing, and everyone from Collette Dinnigan, Catherine Martin and Akira Isogawa to Charlee Fraser and Nakkiah Lui sharing their thoughts and experiences on-screen, she hosts an exploration of a sector that's anything but minor yet doesn't always get the appreciation it deserves. The country's need for something to score approval overseas before it can be embraced at home is something that Barber can relate to — "absolutely, and I have experienced that first hand," she advises — as is a process that she hopes all of The Way We Wore's viewers will experience: learning more about Aussie fashion prowess. The series' first episode filters its examination through Australian fashion media, a perfect topic for Barber as a self-described magazine lover. From there, it devotes its second instalment to the local pioneers taking Aussie threads to great heights, even if Barber didn't realise it as a kid growing up without the internet and thinking that Ken Done was the height of Down Under style. Then, The Way We Wore wraps up by pondering why Australian fashion hasn't been getting its due. Ahead of the show's premiere, we chatted with Barber about getting asked to host a fashion doco, her lifelong fascination with dressing up, becoming aware of Aussie designers, her relatable approach to the industry, what she learned from The Way We Wore and more. ON BEING ASKED TO HOST THE WAY WE WORE "I was approached — it was a while ago now — by Nel. She went to my agent to see if I had any interest in presenting this documentary. I love Nel, so I was like 'yes, I would love to do that'. It kind of just made sense to me that they wanted me to do it because I have such an opinion on the fashion industry. It was actually really interesting: I genuinely have an interest in this history of the fashion industry in Australia, and I think I know everything about everything, but it turns I really don't. So it was cool to discover things during the process of filming — and as I was reading the script, to learn things as well." ON ALWAYS LOVING FASHION "I've just always been aware of it. I've always loved fashion. My mum was quite a stylish person. My friends at school used to even say that about her. She's always been really stylish and that got me interested in it. I love magazines — when I was younger, I used to collect them. So, it's just always been around. I've enjoyed the theatre of it as well, the fun side of it, the expressive part of it. Because I danced when I was young, I used to have a room full of costumes that my dad built. My mum would make costumes and store them in this special little room. I've always dressed up and had fun, and I've always had a big fun imagination, and putting on different clothes helped express that. So, as I said before, it's always been a really fun, expressive experience for me." ON THAT AFFECTION FOR FASHION EVOLVING NOT ONLY ACROSS BARBER'S CHILDHOOD, BUT NOW "When I was older, I used to always get InStyle, and I used to collect them. It was fun to see the glossy side. I'd like pretend that I could possibly wear some of that stuff on them — I remember seeing Miranda Kerr with a cute crop top on, and I was like 'yeah, I can do that'. Turns out I can't. I absolutely cannot do that. But it's evolved for me over the years as I get older, like how the 90s fashions are back now. I'm having so much more fun with 90s fashions now than I did when I was younger. When you're a teenager, you're just scared of it. You're scared of putting that acid-wash jacket on the wrong way and then your friends would never talk to you again. But now I'm like 'I don't care, let's just see how we go'." ON BARBER'S EARLY AWARENESS OF AUSTRALIAN FASHION "There was no internet when I was growing up, so you think Ken Done is the biggest thing in the world. There's no other world out there. We went to America for a family holiday once, and I was rocking Ken Done because that's the only designer in the world, right, when you're a kid and there's no internet to tell you otherwise. I didn't go 'I know Valentino was predominantly in Rome, but you'll find that Tom Ford had started off in…'. I didn't have an understanding of that. It was just mum told me to wear that, so I wore that. I think in my InStyle days, when I was buying InStyles and cutting them all up and making my own little magazines out of them — they'd do features on international designers, and I'd be like 'oh, that's bigger, that's different'. But we always held our own. The Australian fashion industry has always held its own." ON STARTING BARBER'S SOCIAL-MEDIA FASHION PARODIES "Just seeing how social media can be toxic in making women feel that if they don't look a certain way that they don't deserve love — I like pushing against this idea of perfection, so I thought I just wanted to make fun of that idea of perfection. I've always just cut through bullshit. It's always been my thing. No one ever is unsure of where they stand with me. So what I saw that with these new apps, with these devices that we're all holding in our hands, was just a new way for women to hate themselves. I thought that I wanted play around with it a bit and see what happens. Turns out it went very well." ON STRIKING A CHORD BY SATIRISING TRENDS ONLINE, AND THE IMPACT UPON BARBER'S CAREER "I kind of always knew it was funny, and I knew that it would help get eyes on me. That's part of the reason why I did it. I always just thought I'd be okay. I've never ever given up. When it comes to my career, I've just never, ever given up — and I've tried to do as much as I can to work and get in the industry. And now it's happened, I guess it's not lost on me for sure. But people have only really known about me in the past few years — I've been at this for decades, so I really worked at it. Don't get me wrong, when I get a text message from someone super fancy, I'm like 'that's awesome'. Or, you know getting invited to things is still brilliant. I'm just enjoying the wave, enjoying the ride." ON BARBER'S APPROACH TO MAKING FASHION AND WELLNESS RELATABLE "It's just my experience in it. It's just my take on it. I don't really come at it by going 'this is super-relatable, I'm excellent' — and I think that's what makes it relatable. I'm like, well, this is just my experience in it, and if I'm experiencing it and I'm just an average lady, then there's a very good chance that someone else has also experienced it like that. Social media, media as a whole, just in general society, we have a handful of the types of women that we are happy to see. And I don't fall within that handful of women, and majority of women don't fall within that handful of women that are being celebrated publicly. So when you see someone like me who is now public and it's quite unusual for someone like me to be public it makes, I think, people feel more comfortable and more seen. That's always a nice feeling." @abciview 🤩🤩🤩 #TheWayWeWore #CelesteBarber @celestebarber #Fashion #Documentary #ABCiview #AustralianHistory #FashionTikTok #AustralianFashion #FashionDesign ♬ original sound - ABC iview ON WHAT BARBER LEARNED WHILE HOSTING THE WAY WE WORE — AND WHAT SHE HOPES THAT VIEWERS WILL LEARN, TOO "The main thing that stood out for me was how big the fashion industry is in Australia. It's a multi-billion-dollar industry and it actually employs more people than mining. I had no idea of that. I've always thought it was great and awesome, and I'm a contributor to the industry, but I had no idea that on an economic level it was so impactful. I hope that the series will open people's eyes to it because, as I say, I didn't know that. Even when I started, when I was reading through that sort of stuff — we actually do a bit of a joke in the doco where I'm like 'really, are you sure we fact-checked that?'. Because the fashion industry is seen as a female-dominated industry, I don't think it's always taken as seriously, and that has something to do with it. But you can't deny those numbers. So hopefully when people watch it, they realise how big and successful it is." The Way We Wore screens on ABC TV from 8pm on Tuesday, November 21, dropping episodes weekly — and streams in full on ABC iView from the same date. The Way We Wore images: Mark Rogers. Wellmania images: Netflix.
The Harbord Hotel, a coastal mainstay in Freshwater, returned to the northern beaches back in 2021 following a mega makeover. Occupying the new-look ground floor is a sprawling main bar, summery terrace and Balsa — a seafood restaurant and bar serves up a menu starring foraged coastal herbs and sustainably sourced produce with salt, wood and smoke at the forefront. The drinks menu follows a similar theme with margaritas rimmed with smoked chilli salt, volcanic coastal wines and crisp Australian beers on the docket. A dedicated list of non-alcoholic drops are also be on offer for those looking to be stay away from the booze. At the Harbord Hotel's main bar, patrons will find a menu that delivers coastal twists on the classic pub feed. From your classic steak and chips done right to the green bowl with broccolini, avocado, kale, quinoa, green goddess dressing and woodfired salmon, the menu celebrates the close relationship between the pub and the surf. Located just steps from the beach, the venue plays into its suburb's claim as the official birthplace of surfing in Australia. The sport was popularised in Freshwater back in 1915 by Duke Kahanamoku, a native Hawaiian who famously carved a surfboard from Aussie timber and hypnotised crowds at the beach. Designed by architects Alexander & Co, the fit-out includes a mural by Sydney artist Ash Holmes and a new "sun-bleached" exterior. The refurb has also unveiled sections of the pub that have been covered for decades including a heritage staircase and arches. And patrons are encouraged to rock up straight from the ocean, with spots to leave surfboards while you wine and dine. Live music is a major focus at the Harbord Hotel, too, with a full calendar of free events showcasing local northern beaches talent booked in throughout the summer. It even has its own drive through bottleshop, for those keen to take the good times home after a day at the beach. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
At the moment, every movie franchise you can think of has or is being turned into a TV show, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, its rival DC Extended Universe, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, IT, The Conjuring and Twilight. Another trend doing the rounds: giving 90s flicks a 2020s remake or sequel, as seen with Hocus Pocus, The Craft, Interview with the Vampire, A League of Their Own and now White Men Can't Jump. Yes, the Woody Harrelson- and Wesley Snipes-starring basketball film is heading back to screens 31 years later, this time getting Jack Harlow bouncing, dribbling, trash talking and trying to use his on-the-court skills to rustle up a big payday. The musician is turning actor to lead White Men Can't Jump circa 2023, as the initial sneak peek earlier in the year and just-dropped full trailer shows, opposite Nanny's Sinqua Walls. Harlow makes his movie debut, in fact, playing former basketball star Jeremy, who is struggling after injuries got in the way of his career. Then, he teams up with Walls as Kamal, a once-promising player who also didn't see his basketball future turning out as he planned. Bring on the streetball hustling from there, clearly. Behind the lens, Calmatic does the honours after also directing a House Party remake — yes, another 90s flick — and helming a heap of music videos, including winning a Grammy for Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road'. Penned by Black-ish's Kenya Barris and Doug Hall, 2023's White Men Can't Jump is headed straight to streaming via Disney+ Down Under, arriving on Friday, May 19. If you're new to all things White Men Can't Jump, as well as the court action, it featured a significant Jeopardy!-related storyline. The trailers for the new movie don't show any signs of bringing that back, sadly. Check out the full trailer for White Men Can't Jump below: White Men Can't Jump will be available to stream on Friday, May 19 via Disney+.
What started as a lockdown pop-up is now one of Sydney's best bakeries with the opening of Fabbrica Bread Shop inside a delightful grocer in Rozelle. Back in 2021, Sydneysiders were pining after any treat they could get their hands on as they stuck out a four-month lockdown. During this time, the Love Tilly Group (the team behind favourites like Ragazzi, Fabbrica and Love, Tilly Devine) was one of many Sydney businesses that made a pivot to something more takeaway-friendly, utilising its King Street pasta and wine shop as a bakery on weekends. The name: Fabbrica Bread Shop. Following the success of that venture, the crew transformed the concept into a permanent bakery and 12-seat cafe in the Rozelle location within the new Maloneys Grocer just down the road from Egg of the Universe and across from The Red Lion pub on Darling Street. Expect a mix of classic baked goods and experimental items, including hot honey focaccia, Tathra Place porchetta croissants, metre-long pizzas, cookies the size of your hand and basque cheesecake. The pick of the bunch is the banoffee tart, which has a banana bread energy to the filling and is topped with fluffy banana cream. It's truly indulgent but not so sweet that you can't start your day with it. Leading the kitchen is Love Tilly Group's super talented Head Baker Aniruddha Bhosekar and Fabbrica Pasta Shop's Alyce Bennett (formerly Humble Bakery). Raised in Thane in India, Bhosekar was trained at Mumbai's oldest hospitality institute and brings a wealth of experience to create this unreal slate of bakery items. Inside the grocer, you'll find fresh produce, bouquets of flowers, artisan pantry items and more Fabbrica goodies — including sourdough baked right there at the bread shop, plus the team's beloved ready-to-cook pasta packs and jarred sauces, can be found on the shelves of the store. Images: Jana Langhorst for Buffet Digital
What's better than Australia being home to 11 of the 101 best steak restaurants on the planet, as proved the case in 2024? Upping that number to 17 in 2025. Last year, more than a tenth of the top spots for a steak worldwide were located Down Under according to the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants List. This year, that number gets closer to a fifth of the eateries around the globe. As in 2024, you'll find every single one of 2025's ace Aussie steak joints in Sydney and Melbourne. Most of the Australian restaurants that made the cut last year did so this year — and one, Neil Perry's Margaret, not only made the top ten for the second year running but jumped from third to second place. Yes, that means that the Double Bay venue is now the second-best steak eatery in the world. [caption id="attachment_1001992" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay.[/caption] "We're absolutely thrilled that Margaret has been named one of the best steak restaurants in the world. For our family-run restaurant to receive this recognition is an incredible honour. It's a testament to the passion we've poured into our meat program — from working with exceptional producers like Blackmore Wagyu and CopperTree Farms to ensuring every cut served is perfectly dry-aged and cooked," said Perry. "It's also fantastic to see 17 Australian restaurants featured on the list this year, a reflection of the outstanding quality of our beef producers." Which global restaurant took out the number-one spot, sitting above Margaret? Buenos Aires' Parrilla Don Julio seared itself into first place again, as it did in 2024 and in 2023 before that. After Australia's highest placement, Laia Erretegia in Hondarribia in Spain came in third, then I due Cippi in Saturnia in Italy in fourth and Singapore's Burnt Ends in fifth. Bodega El Capricho in Jiménez de Jamuz in Spain, last year's number two, ranked sixth, with Casa Julian in Spain's Tolosa, Lana in Madrid, AG in Stockholm and Cote in New York rounding out the top ten. Australia's next showing came at number 12 courtesy of Rockpool in Sydney — followed by four more spots in the top 20, giving the nation six of the 20 best steak joins in the world. Sydney's The International ranked 14th, then the Harbour City's Firedoor came 16th (after placing third back in 2022), followed by Victor Churchill in Melbourne at 18th and Porteño in Sydney in 20th position. From there, the remainder of Sydney's 11 places on the list arrive courtesy of The Gidley at 32, Aalia at 36, Shell House at 51, The Cut Bar & Grill at 62, 20 Chapel at 93 and Bistecca at 99. In Melbourne, Steer Dining Room ranked 37th, Gimlet at Cavendish House sits 45th, Matilda 159 is 57th, Meatmaiden came in at 91 and Grill Americano took out 92nd spot. 2025's selections where whittled down to 101 from 900 restaurants, each evaluated against 28 comprehensive criteria, such as the quality of the meat, its sourcing, ageing techniques and cooking precision, as well as service, wine expertise, ambiance and authenticity. Alongside Australia's huge showing, another good news story comes from Japan, which scored eight restaurants in the Top 101 for the first time ever. [caption id="attachment_1001993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Petrina Tinslay.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_699842" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844448" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Christopher Pearce[/caption] [caption id="attachment_956587" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_675814" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_860199" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Earl Carter[/caption] For the full rundown of the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2025, head to the list's website. Top image: Petrina Tinslay.
The Boathouse Palm Beach may have shuttered its windows, but a new Italian-inspired venue has popped up for the summer in its homewares store: CASA by The Boathouse. With classic brunch fare, best enjoyed in a rustic setting within spitting distance of the water, CASA joins Boathouse Group's other beachfront venues, including Balmoral, Shelly Beach and Manly Pavilion. Unlike its predecessor, CASA is also offering up an all-day Italian-inspired menu and drinks — with cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Montenegroni (classic negroni with Amaro Montenegro) and Boathouse Margarita (with pineapple and jalapeño-infused olmeca altos tequila) as well as a beer and wine list. Choose between classic Italian antipasto, including arancini al formaggio and calamari fritti with chilli and aioli, pizzas and side dishes. If you can't snag a seat, the menu is also available to takeaway so you can enjoy some Italian eats at home. If you're in Palm Beach to catch some morning waves, you can enjoy breakfast and Single O coffee out the back daily from 7am until 3pm. Breakfast options include fruit salad, classic avo on toast and bircher muesli, and Italian panini.
It was a sad day in March when Ramen Ichibandori, one of Sydney's most loved ramen shops, closed its Neutral Bay restaurant. Now, having just wrapped up a pop-up at Gateway's Tokyo Laundry, the brand is officially closed for business. But Owner Libras Ting and Chef Hideto Suzuki have already moved on to their next venture, and it's fast becoming a lower north shore favourite. The initial idea for Sekka Dining was to showcase regional Japanese cooking, with a specific focus on Suzuki's hometown in the far north of Honshu island, near Hokkaido. But, with the hospitality scene the way it is at the moment, Suzuki has instead moved toward a simple izakaya set up. Ting and Suzuki do not plan to remain 'just another ramen shop', though, and expect to offer yakitori and à la carte dining in the coming months. For now, Sekka focuses on two main types of ramen broth — chintan (light and clear) and paitan (thick and cloudy) — split across five options: shoyu, shio, tonkotsu, black garlic tonkotsu and a vegan tomato ramen. Each comes topped with classic pork chashu and an umami egg. The tonkotsu varieties are offered in limited quantities and have been selling out each night, so be sure to get in early if you can. [caption id="attachment_777059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leigh Griffiths[/caption] To accompany the ramen, there are traditional izakaya snacks like karaage chicken with yuzu-chilli mayo, pork gyoza with house-made XO dipping sauce, smoked edamame and lotus chips. For drinks, the focus is on beers and highballs, with the former including Asahi, Hitachino Nest and Tassie's Moo Brew, and the latter ranging from the classic whisky version to an Aperol and bitter lemon spritz and an ume-groni. Sake, shochu and wine lists also make the cut. The interior is still in its humble beginnings, as the team is more focused on staying operational than the on the fit-out. Instead, they're using the top-notch food offering and Japanese hospitality to create the vibe. It seems to be working so far, with the restaurant's 30 seats currently booking out for dinner every night since the restaurant opening four weeks ago. More seating will become available as governmental restrictions continue to ease, too. Suzuki and Ting are holding off planning too far ahead, as COVID-19 keeps the industry on its toes, but down the line, expect to see a yakitori menu, along with one-off collaborations and Sekka-branded products to boot. Images: Leigh Griffiths
When SXSW Sydney first started revealing details of its 2025 lineup, it promised more free programming on this year's bill. If you're keen to head along to the event's third year — after making its Harbour City debut in 2023, then returning in 2024 — without spending a cent, you'll want to make a date with Tumbalong Park, then. Again, the spot is playing host to the fest's budget-friendly activities, including everything from live music to movies, as well as DJ sets, talks, fashion showcases, pop-ups and more. Free sessions have always been a component of SXSW Sydney, but adding more was never not going to be a welcome move. Accordingly, after outlining that there'd be a significant expansion of its free programming, the festival has upped its Tumbalong Park lineup to 85-plus hours of events. At SXSW Sydney Unlocked, as the hub has been dubbed, there'll be more than 200 options to engage in the fest between Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19. This part of the lineup runs every day, but will feature extended hours from Thursday–Sunday. Weekday lunch breaks are a particular focus, spanning programming from 12–1.30pm Monday–Friday, as are happy-hour sessions from 4.30pm Tuesday–Friday. So, SXSW Sydney clearly wants the city to join in whenever suits everyone's daily schedules — and via everything from guest appearances to surprise hosts, too. Highlights include the return of FOMA: Fabrics of Modern Australia on the runway; gigs by Indonesian hip hop stars Tenxi, Filipino folk-pop singer Angela Ken, J-Pop boy band Psychic Fever and Chinese Tencent singer Tia Ray; and Blak to the Future: A Celebration of First Nations Creatives' celebration of Indigenous filmmaking. Or, hit up twilight gigs in the Seymour Centre courtyard, get line-dancing lessons and see a range of country talent — Max Jackson, The Washboard Union, Lewis Love and Big Wheels — at Tumbalong Honky Tonk, and explore the Australian Space Agency's space-themed hub. There's also Small Fry Rock for families, with Grinspoon's Phil Jamieson and Little Birdy's Katy Steele taking to the stage. The Rubens are set to celebrate ten years of 'Hoops', while K-pop is also getting a moment. On the Saturday, if you fancy attending the Games Showcase and Innovation Expo without bothering your wallet, that's also on the agenda. "SXSW Sydney Unlocked represents the very heart of what SXSW Sydney is all about: access, discovery and connection. We're incredibly proud to offer a dynamic, free program that invites everyone, from families and students to workers on their lunch break, to experience the energy and ideas that define this global event," said SXSW Sydney Co-Managing Director Simon Cahill. "Whether you're watching a runway show, getting hands-on with future tech at our expo, or dancing with your kids in the park, this is a celebration of ideas and imagination, and everyone's invited." SXSW Sydney 2025 will run from Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19 at various Sydney venues, including Tumbalong Park. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Images: Jess Gleeson, Paul McMillan and Ben Gibson.
Next time a Sydney staycation or holiday is on the cards, you can forget all about the pesky task of finding a decent pet-sitter. Instead, that fur-kid of yours is allowed along for the ride — if you opt for a stay in one of The Old Clare Hotel's newly pet-friendly suites. Having scored a complete revamp back in 2015, the heritage-listed Chippendale lodgings has now broadened its clientele to include those of the four-legged variety. As of Monday, January 13, two of the hotel's suites — the Kent and Abercrombie — are completely pet-friendly. On request, they come decked out with extras like handmade pet bowls crafted by Motion Ceramics, Fuzz-Yard plush toys and a miniature retro-style lounge for your pet's sleeping and relaxing. For guests on the go, there's a pet directory listing animal-friendly bars and eateries, and handy dog-walking and dog-sitting services available through the hotel. And your furry mate can even get in on the all-important room service action, with a complimentary menu of in-room pet dining options. They'll find treats like Yummi roo bites for cats and Savourlife beef-flavoured dog biscuits, and dry and wet food, all available 24/7. Up to two pets are allowed per room and while the the offering is aimed primarily at dogs and cats, the Old Clare is also open to other critters — get in touch to see if your pet gecko, guinea pig or bunny is welcome along. Having your four-legged friend along on your getaway does come at a bit of a price, with the extra room charge clocking in at $100 per pet. That's on top of your suite's best available rate, so if you've got your doggo in tow, expect to pay starting from around $300 per night total for a stay in the Kent room and around $370 for the Abercrombie. Find The Old Clare Hotel at 1 Kensington Street, Chippendale. To book your pet-friendly stay, contact the reservations team on reservations@theoldclarehotel.com.au or call (02) 8277 8277.
You can see Oprah, and you can see Oprah, and you can see Oprah: Oprah Winfrey has announced a December 2025 trip Down Under, bringing in-conversation events to five cities across Australia and New Zealand. If you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland, you'll be able to see the famed talk-show host get chatting — in intimate sessions rather than on TV, where The Oprah Winfrey Show ran for 25 years. This is Winfrey's first jaunt this way in a decade — and that tour sold out, so expect this one to be popular as well. Authenticity and resilience will be among the topics of conversation, in what's designed to be a series of inspirational sessions. "One of the things I have always enjoyed is sitting down for real, honest, enlightening conversations, and this experience is all about that," said Winfrey, announcing the tour. "The energy, warmth and spirit I feel in Australia and New Zealand have stayed with me, and returning will be an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and be reinspired — together. I look forward to sharing stories, ideas, and meaningful connection about what's possible in our lives moving forward." Added Paul Dainty of tour promoter DAINTY: "Oprah Winfrey is a cultural icon whose influence spans generations. Her ability to engage, uplift and empower audiences is unparalleled. We're honoured to bring this extraordinary event to Australia and New Zealand — it's not just a conversation, it's a moment that will resonate with people from all walks of life." The media figure, actor, author, producer and philanthropist's visit Down Under will kick off at the ICC Sydney Theatre, then head to Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Spark Arena. Oprah in Conversation Australia and New Zealand 2025 Dates Thursday, December 4 — ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney Saturday, December 6 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Monday, December 8 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, December 11 — Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne Sunday, December 14 — Spark Arena, Auckland Oprah Winfrey in Conversation is touring Australia and New Zealand in December 2025, with ticket presales from 10am on Wednesday, August 6 in New Zealand and from 10am on Friday, August 8 in Australia — and general ticket sales from Friday, August 8 in NZ and Tuesday, August 12 in Australia. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Disney/Eric McCandless.
In disappointing news for Sydneysiders, Luke Nguyen's Red Lantern will close its doors for a final time this November. After a remarkable 23 years influencing Vietnamese dining not only in Sydney but around the world, owners Luke Nguyen, Pauline Nguyen, and Mark Jensen have made the tough decision not to renew the lease. Red Lantern, one of the most awarded Vietnamese restaurants in the world, will continue service until November 22. Over the coming months, there will be special events and chef collaborations to celebrate the legacy of the beloved venue. The crew behind Red Lantern pioneered a new appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine in Sydney as something much more than cheap takeout. With premium produce, impeccable service and a refined menu, Red Lantern helped shape the way Australians think about Southeast Asian cuisine. Menu favourites include turmeric corn cakes with tea-smoked salmon, crispy pork belly with oyster and coriander seed marinade, and crab fried rice. Regulars returned often for Red Lantern's famous chilli salted squid with lemon and pepper dipping sauce, the roast duck salad with banana blossom and pickled vegetables and the chargrilled chicken with curry paste and green chilli chutney. The closure of such a prominent restaurant is indicative of the challenges facing the hospitality industry across the country. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the owners cited a number of reasons behind the decision not to renew the lease, including declining diner numbers, persistent rain during a harsh winter, the current state of the economy and the cost of living crisis, and a trend of diners being preoccupied with trying new restaurants. Pauline Nguyen says, "If there's one thing I'm really proud of, between the three of us we've built a real ecosystem that will continue", as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. Red Lantern will continue service until November, so you still have a few months to go and support the team and enjoy your favourite dishes one last time. Images: Leigh Griffiths. Red Lantern will close its doors on November 22, 2025. Over its final two months of service, the restaurant will run special events with chef collaborations, so follow @redlanterngroup on Instagram to find out whats on.
