2025 was a bumper year for new Sydney restaurant and bar openings — and 2026 is already shaping up to be just as big. From buzzy chef-led debuts to long-awaited revivals, the city's next wave of venues is already taking shape. Below, we've rounded up the upcoming openings we're most excited about, with new names added as they're announced. These are the venues we think will shape how Sydney eats over the next 12 months. Recommended reads: The Best New Restaurants and Bars in Sydney Right Now [caption id="attachment_1056414" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Li Photography[/caption] Darling Glebe What to know: One of Sydney's most storied dining rooms is set to embark on a new chapter. Darling Glebe will occupy the dramatic sandstone grotto that was once home to pioneering farm-to-table restaurant Darling Mills, unfolding across five distinct spaces, including an intimate chef's table serving French-leaning omakase and a moody late-night martini bar. At the helm is chef and restaurateur Jeff Schroeter, whose CV includes The Savoy in London, Manhattan's Royalton Hotel, and Sydney institutions Bistro Moncur and Bayswater Brasserie. Find out more here. When it opens: February 2026. Vitelli's Upstairs What to know: Wunderlich Lane is getting ready to welcome a new Italian. Taking over the former Baptist Street Rec. Club space, Vitelli's Upstairs brings a buzzy New York red sauce-style experience to the Redfern hospitality precinct. Expect a menu of comfort classics, from porchetta ribs, crispy lasagne bites and fresh pasta made daily by the Grana team, to milanese and tiramisu in multiple forms. Next to the main dining room, a 20-seat cocktail bar pours classic Italian cocktails alongside a late-night menu that includes a Sicilian take on a bao, and a Calabrian chilli and stracciatella cheeseburger. Find out more at the venue's website. When it opens: February 2026. [caption id="attachment_1065000" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] The James What to know: SRG Hospitality (Ormeggio at the Spit, Sails on Lavender Bay, Vineria Luisa) will debut a contemporary British concept inside The Langham this summer. Marking the beginning of a new partnership between the luxury hotel brand and the second-generation hospitality company, The James is shaped by Head Chef Sam Tuchband's time working in London, and features a menu of ingredient-led comfort classics — think wagyu beef wellington carved tableside, braised short rib with cauliflower and Madagascan pepper, Waldorf salad dressed with spanner crab and a sticky toffee pudding soufflé with rich toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream — served in a handsome, theatrical setting. When it opens: February 2026. [caption id="attachment_787009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jorge Farah and Ibby Moubadder by Nikki To.[/caption] Besa What to know: ESCA Hospitality Group — the team behind Nour, Joji and two-hatted Aalia — is expanding its Bondi footprint this summer with a breezy new tapas restaurant. Besa will be helmed by Head Chef Alan Kropman (Aalia, Sean's), who'll oversee a coastal Spanish-influenced menu that heroes fresh local seafood and seasonal vegetables. When it opens: February 2026. [caption id="attachment_1065705" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Sahtein What to know: Sahtein is bringing the everyday flavours of Beirut to The Rocks this summer. Taking over The Dining Room in Hunter St. Hospitality's The Collective precinct, the restaurant will focus on generous, traditional Lebanese dishes cooked over wood fire and charcoal using halal produce. At the helm is Executive Chef Mike Flood alongside Head Chef Rifat Katranci (Jimmy's Falafel), with Hunter St. Hospitality Culinary Director Santiago Aristizabal shaping the direction after travelling to Beirut last year to inform the approach. When it opens: February 2026. [caption id="attachment_1065757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Da Orazio Trattoria What to know: Da Orazio Trattoria brings chef Orazio D'Elia back to Rushcutters Bay — and to the kitchen where he says he "found [his] voice". Opening in the former Marta Osteria and Popolo site, where D'Elia's star first rose, the breezy trattoria draws on central and southern Italian cooking inspired by the chef's heritage and travels. Unlike his Bondi venue, this one skips pizza in favour of pared-back, produce-driven dishes that let the ingredients do the talking. When it opens: March 2026. [caption id="attachment_1066023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm Photography[/caption] Spezia What to know: Spezia will bring an openair Italian piazza vibe to a historic Circular Quay site when it opens at The Lands by Capella — the soon-to-open luxury event venue by Capella Sydney — this autumn. Located at the end of a hidden passageway between the heritage sandstone walls of the former Department of Lands building, the all-day restaurant draws inspiration from the forgotten flavours of the Silk Road, reimagining classic Italian dishes with subtle spice-driven twists — think: cavatelli alla nerano with zucchini, pink peppercorn and nutmeg, and an allspice-spiked tiramisu. Spezia also marks the Sydney debut of Florence Guild, the group behind Melbourne's hatted Freyja, with Executive Chef Jae Bang (whose CV lists Norway's three-Michelin-starred Re-naa, San Sebastian's three-Michelin-starred Arzak and pioneering Spanish restaurant El Bulli) at the pass when it opens, and Freyja Head Chef Aaron Caccia (Re-naa, Copenhagen's Noma) relocating to Sydney permanently to lead the kitchen day-to-day. When it opens: April 2026. Grappa What to know: More than 25 years after opening on Norton Street, much-loved Leichhardt institution Grappa is heading into the CBD with a second location in The Rocks. Set to take over the original Rockpool site on George Street, the new outpost will be run by founder Charlie Colosi — who opened the original with his father, Antonio, in 1999 — alongside his wife, Virginie. Expect the same warm hospitality, handmade pizza and pasta, and a formidable cellar featuring more than 300 wines and over 100 types of grappa, as well as new additions, including a cocktail bar, private dining rooms and al fresco seating with Harbour Bridge views. Find out more here. When it opens: First half of 2026. Horderns Restaurant and The Polo Bar What to know: When Bowral's historic Milton Park estate reopens in 2026 as Ardour Milton Park Bowral, it'll be home to two distinct dining concepts led by Executive Chef Mark Holland (ex-Nomad, The Paddington Inn, Michelin-starred The Box Tree, UK). Horderns Restaurant will spotlight seasonal Southern Highlands produce through communal, family-style dishes in a sun-washed space overlooking the estate's manicured gardens, while The Polo Bar offers a relaxed yet sophisticated all-day setting for small plates, hand-cut charcuterie and an elegant drinks program. Find out more here. When it opens: First half of 2026. Top image: David Li Photography.
Sydney's after-dark scene is heading underground and if you needed any more proof that late, late-night partying is officially back in full swing, this is it. From the team behind Odd Culture Group (The Old Fitz, Pleasure Club, Bistro Grenier) comes Razz Room, a daiquiri bar and discotheque hidden just beneath York Street in the CBD. While the city has flirted with a nightlife revival for a while now, this opening feels weirdly nostalgic. Not so much… polite drinks. More cheeky pash on the dance floor. Leaning into the grit and glamour of 1970s New York, Razz Room channels blunt disco energy with a space that unfolds in two parts. Upstairs, it's all warm timber, caramel tones and low-key post-work energy, the kind of place where you start the night with "just one". Downstairs, though, is where things shift. A sunken dance floor, wrapped in velvet, concrete and low lighting, pulls the crowd in as DJs and live sets take over. Crucially, this isn't a bar you leave to find a party elsewhere. Sydney's habit of venue-hopping is being replaced by places that keep you locked in, and Razz Room is built for exactly that. A rotating lineup of DJs and residencies spanning disco, house, funk and jazz, with programming that winks at the classics without feeling stuck in them. Then there's the drinks. More specifically, the daiquiri. Often overlooked in favour of flashier cocktails, the daiquiri is having a well-earned renaissance here. At its core, it's a simple thing, rum, citrus, sugar, but in the right hands, it's one of the most perfectly balanced drinks going. Razz Room plans to treat it accordingly, stretching the format across shaken, frozen and blended iterations, alongside smaller pours and off-menu riffs that reward those who know to ask. It's tight, focused and confident. Potentially dangerous, but that's tomorrow's problem. Food follows a similar rhythm. Early in the evening, there's a run of retro-leaning snacks, oysters Kilpatrick, prawn cocktail with 'Marie Razz' sauce, a cheeseburger served with a pool of cheese sauce, and a dippy egg with caviar. That ought to keep you grounded well past midnight. A daily "Velvet Hour" will also run 4-6pm offering classic, dirty or strawberry daiquiris ($13) plus other drink specials. Razz Room also marks a milestone for Odd Culture Group as its first CBD venue and a clear signal of where Sydney nightlife is heading. Bigger spaces, later hours, more immersive programming, but still with a slightly loose, anything-could-happen energy. Imagery: Supplied
Tucked beneath sibling venue The Charles Brasserie & Bar in an art deco building on King Street, Osteria Luna channels the moody energy of an old-school red-sauce Italian joint — the kind where the Rat Pack and their hangers-on lingered over martinis and plates of pasta — but reframed through a contemporary Sydney lens. The 106-seat room is draped in velvet, lit like a late-night movie scene and built for long lunches and after-hours rendezvous. Designed by Tom Mark Henry, the underground space layers burgundy velvet curtains, terracotta stone, blue leather booths and moiré wallpaper. A two-person performance stage adds to the sense of occasion, while two private dining rooms, including a terracotta-tiled wine room, further dial up the intimacy. [caption id="attachment_1053882" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] In the kitchen, Executive Chef Billy Hannigan (The Charles) and Head Chef Peter Fiander (Ragazzi, Letra House, Eleven Barrack) keep things anchored in Italian simplicity while borrowing the swagger of those classic Italian–American haunts. Signatures include the dramatic Piatto di Pasta — a single sheet of ravioli stuffed with mushrooms finished with brown butter — alongside spicy vodka conchiglie al forno served in a retro silver dish, pipis olio e aglio (an ode to the favourite order of Ol' Blue Eyes himself) and a golden veal cotoletta. Tableside caprese with seasonal tomatoes adds a touch of theatre, while the crudo bar turns out fresh seafood lifted with lemon, horseradish and capers. At lunch, a show-stopping muffaletta layered with cold cuts, cheese and a zingy olive salad on fresh Sicilian sesame bread takes centre stage. [caption id="attachment_1053883" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] To drink, sommelier Maxime Bellon's wine list champions Italian varietals and Australian expressions, while the signature cocktail, Frankie's Rusty Nail, tips its hat to Sinatra once more. Throughout the day, a silver bell rings out to announce complimentary frozen limoncello coupes gliding through the room. Come 10pm from Thursday to Saturday, the osteria slips into a late-night mode worthy of any self-respecting red-sauce joint — the soundtrack shifts from vinyl-spun Italo disco and vintage lounge to Rat Pack-era classics as the night deepens, matched by waitstaff swapping crisp white jackets for burgundy velvet. And while the full à la carte menu runs until 1am, there's also a tidy late-night selection featuring an Italian meatball burger with provolone and sugo, plus a richly sauced shared pasta that turns late-night supper into something a little more cinematic. [caption id="attachment_1053875" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Images: Steven Woodburn.
If your love language is a perfectly textured flat white, clear your calendar. The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) is back in 2026, and it's brewing up its biggest year yet. From Thursday, March 26, until Saturday, March 28, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will transform into a caffeinated haven. As the Asia Pacific's largest dedicated coffee event, MICE draws over 11,000 attendees from around the world, bringing together cafe owners, roasters, coffee innovators, and everyday caffeine devotees under one roof. This year, MILKLAB (AKA, the milk used by baristas) is a Platinum Sponsor. The brand is offering attendees a high-energy program that's packed with competitions, bean tastings, and daily DJ sets to keep you going. Here's what's happening at MICE this year. The Roaster Royale Finals Kicking off on Thursday, March 26 from 2–4pm, the MILKLAB Roaster Royale Finals will crown Australia's best blend, but with a twist. Aussie roasters have been tasked with developing the ultimate coffee blend using supplied green beans from InterAmerican Coffee, to pair with MILKLAB's Oat milk. The top contenders will go head-to-head at MICE, where a champion and runner-up will be announced. Attendees can also sample the top five blends and cast their vote for the MICE Favourite, giving coffee lovers a direct say in who takes home bragging rights and $1,000. National Barista Battle On Friday, March 27, from 2–4pm, the stakes rise with the MILKLAB National Barista Battle. Australia's best baristas will compete for the 2026 title in a high-stakes battle of the pour. Then on Saturday, March 28, from 2–4pm, the newly crowned national champion will return to the stage for the MILKLAB International Barista Battle, facing off against leading baristas from around the world. Attendees can expect high-pressure pours, technical precision, and some serious latte art theatre as global talent battles it out in front of a live MICE crowd. It's your chance to witness world-class coffee techniques up close and personal and take home a little art inspiration. Sensations Booth Beyond the competitions, the MILKLAB Sensations booth will be serving its signature drinks to attendees throughout the expo. Each year, MILKLAB curates a season-defining drop of drinks designed to satisfy your tastebuds (and Instagram story aesthetics). This year's range has been developed with specialty coffee roasters Golden Brown Coffee and includes a Glazed Doughnut Iced Latte and a Mango Matcha, among other delicious coffee creations. Swing by the booth at MICE to sample the signature drinks and see why MILKLAB has cemented its place as a premium favourite among baristas and specialty cafes nationwide. DJs to Keep the Energy High MICE may be an industry-focused event, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. A live DJ will be spinning daily sets at the MILKLAB booth to soundtrack your coffee-sipping and barista-battles throughout the weekend. Across the wider expo floor, attendees can explore cutting-edge equipment, discover emerging coffee roasters, and gain insights from industry leaders who are shaping the future of specialty coffee in Australia and beyond. All in Australia's favourite coffee city, Melbourne. Whether you're in the trade or are just chasing your next favourite cup, MICE 2026 promises three days of competition, collaboration, and of course, seriously good coffee. Purchase your tickets to MICE now. Image credit: Supplied
Paddington's favourite tapas and wine bar Caness is turning one, and it's throwing a party that doubles as a bit of a give-back. On Sunday, May 24, the Oxford Street spot is handing over the kitchen to a crew of chefs for an afternoon of $15 bocadillos. From 12–4pm, Vinicius Oliveira (ex-Bar Vincent and Estela in New York), Diego Duarte from Shaffa, Damir Mujanic of Refettorio and OzHarvest, plus Caness head chef Jorge Alcala, will each be serving their own take on the fabled Spanish sandwich. Mujanic's version leans into his work with OzHarvest. He's stacking house-made ricotta with charred eggplant and cauliflower, ajvar, fermented pickles and green salsa, with a focus on using every part of the ingredient. One dollar from each of his bocadillos, and from every non-alc Conscious Drink sold, will go to OzHarvest, where each dollar helps deliver two meals to people who need them. The rest of the lineup covers a bit of ground. Oliveira's "The Samba" is built around black pudding, fried egg and pepper salsa, drawing on his time working across South America. Duarte's "The Levant" brings in pulled lamb, herbs, and sumac, onion and amba aioli, while the house-made "El Clásico" keeps things closer to Spain with butifarra sausage, dijon, salsa criolla and pickled piparras. There'll be wines by the glass pouring all afternoon, alongside gin and tonics, $12 Spanish beers and a live jazz duo. If you're sticking around for something sweet, the halva Basque cheesecake is making an appearance too. It's free to get in and walk-ins only. The first 50 people to grab a bocadillo will score a glass of sparkling, and there'll be a few dining vouchers up for grabs while you're there. Everybody wins. For more information head to the Caness website here. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Imagery: Joana Sousa
Sydney has no shortage of French diners. But even a wave of new Parisian restaurants hasn't seen restauranteur Andrew Becher shy away from his love for rich French cuisine, opening Armorica Grande Brasserie in 2023. The Surry Hills spot is Becher's second venue in this style to accompany Potts Point's Franca. The 150-seat restaurant is located in the former home of Toko after it relocated to the CBD late in 2022. Under the guidance of the Armorica crew, the digs have been transformed into a lavish French-influenced dining space with timber detailed ceilings, European oak joinery, brass gantries and an open kitchen centred around a custom-built grill. The grill is put to full use at Armorica, with plenty of fire-heavy dishes that utilise top Australian produce to create classic northern French feeds. From beef tartare and spanner crab cakes to grilled rock lobster and whole chicken served with chicken skin and thyme gravy, you'll be left impressed — and full — from the grill menu. Pair those dishes from the grill with Head Chef Jose Saulog's vibrant delights from the sea and land, including highlights from a raw menu and a selection of pasta. Expect duck breast and plum jus, swordfish with chargrilled fennel, and an outlandish seafood tower featuring oysters, prawn cocktails, octopus roulade and rock lobster. All of this exquisite produce needs to be matched by an equally high-quality wine list, of course, and Armorica is coming to the table with a 400-strong vino program focused on traditional winemakers creating exceptionally drinkable drops. Plus, there are also plenty of sweets on offer. Group Executive Chef Travin DeHoedt has created five signature desserts to round out your meal, including the signature Armorica chocolate bar, made with Valrhona chocolate mousse, salted caramel and choc chip cookie. An absolute treat. And for a limited time only, you can get the signature bar for a takeaway Easter treat. But get in quick as they're sure to sell out.
Sydneysiders love to boast about their good weather, pristine harbour and many beaches, with over 100 beaches scattered around the New South Wales capital. So, when it comes to picking Sydney's best waterside brunch spot for your next day out, the options are basically endless. Luckily for you, we've tackled the tough assignment of narrowing down Sydney's best waterside brunch spots. Whether it's an airy cafe perched on the beach or a local harbourside haunt, they all have one thing in common – good coffee and tasty food, with a side of impressive waterfront views. Don't be fooled, these cafes aren't limited to summer brunch sessions either. With Sydney's crisp, clear blue skies during the cooler months simply begging for a day by the water to get rid of any winter blues, many of Sydney's best waterside brunch spots will offer warm blankets and indoor heating. But, really, if good food and even better scenery aren't enough to get you going in the morning, what is?
Lennox Hastie is the mind behind one of Sydney's most talked about restaurants. Since bursting onto the scene in 2015, Firedoor has built a cult following. Tables at the venue book out three months in advance, and it was recently named the world's third-best steak restaurant. Now, Hastie is back with a new venture. Gildas is a more laidback display of Hastie's love of food and wine. The Surry Hills bar draws inspiration from the time the acclaimed restauranter spent in Europe's Basque Country, as well as San Sebastian pintxo, and the 1946 Rita Hayworth-starring film Gilda. From the combination of these influences comes a romantic wine bar centered around glasses of sherry, cracking martinis and fresh produce. "The Basque tradition of the pinxtos taverna is a space where locals come together as a community to snack on small plates of pinxtos, tell stories, and enjoy a drink, specifically one of Jerez's best; the Sherry," the Gildas menu states. There are 12 varieties of sherry or sherry-style wine on the menu, ranging from more affordable tipples like the Bodega Barrero Manzanilla, through to pours of 1999 Pedro Ximenez. Outside of the drink of choice, there's an extensive wine list, traversing South Australian skin contacts, Charles Heidsieck champagne, and plenty of Spanish varieties. Accompanying the array of wine is a short and to-the-point selection of cocktails and aperitif including Spanish vermouth, a manzanilla sour, white-wine sangria, and expected standards like a martini and old fashioned. As for the food, experienced chef Zach Elliott-Crenn heads up the kitchen after previously working as the Executive Chef at Maggie Joan's in Singapore and the Head Chef of Portland in London. Elliott-Crenn's menu brings together quality Australian and Spanish produce into memorable share plates. Leading the menu is a trio of cured meats — Basque ham, paleta iberico and jamon iberico. From there the dishes become more unpredictable. There are spanner crab churros, beef tartare with rock oyster cream, oyster mushrooms with smoked egg yolk and charred leeks with romesco and lardo salumi. Finish your trip to Gildas with a playful dessert — the smoked buffalo milk soft serve topped with dulce de leche. Gildas is located at 46–48 Albion Street, Surry Hills, and is open 5pm–midnight, Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Nikki To
One of Vivid Sydney's most popular food events is getting a lit upgrade for 2026. Vivid Fire Kitchen is moving to the waterfront at Barangaroo Reserve and bringing its biggest lineup yet along for the ride. Running nightly from May 22–June 13, the free-entry food hub is expanding with more than 60 chefs, new stages and a format designed to keep you coming back (and eating) night after night. At the centre of it all is the brand-new Fire Pit, an open, interactive cooking arena where some of Australia's top cooking names will rotate across the festival. Expect the likes of Mark Best (Infinity by Mark Best), Annita Potter (Viand), Ben Devlin (Pipit), Mindy Woods (Karkalla), Jean-Paul El Tom (Baba's Place) and Sharon Salloum (Almond Bar) cooking over flame, whipping up one-off dishes you can only try on the night. The move to Barangaroo Reserve isn't just a change of scenery, it means more space, more programming and a far more immersive setup. You'll be able to wander between fire stations, watch chefs up close and snack your way through exclusive dishes as they come off the coals. Beyond the flames, 2026 also introduces the Food for Thought stage, a new talks and demo series featuring some of the country's biggest food voices. Expect appearances from names like Luke Mangan, Julie Goodwin, Adriano Zumbo, and Emelia Jackson, alongside themed nights that dig into everything from NSW produce to First Nations food culture. There's also a tighter weekly rhythm this year. Early-week sessions spotlight local wine and produce, Wednesdays are dedicated to Indigenous cooking via the National Indigenous Culinary Institute, and the June long weekend brings a full dessert takeover, with Zumbo, Jackson and Donato Toce serving up limited-edition sweets. The drinks lineup is kicking off, too. Sommelier showdowns, winemaker-led tastings and Sunday Sessions curated by Stefano Catino, bringing a cocktail-focused close to each week. Food-wise, expect a stacked vendor lineup spanning Filipino barbecue from Hoy Pinoy, low-and-slow meats from Burn City Smokers and Italian bites via Bianco Group and Antico Pizza Sandwiches. Dessert heavy-hitters like Gelato Messina and KOI Dessert Bar are also in the mix. All of it unfolds under Vivid's signature light installations meaning you can graze your way through fire-cooked dishes while surrounded by glowing artworks across the harbourfront. If past years are anything to go by, you'll want to arrive hungry (and probably more than once). Vivid Fire Kitchen will run nightly from 22 May to 13 June, 6-11pm. Entry is free. Check out the full line up here. Imagery: Supplied | Destination NSW
Surry Hills has landed a new Taiwanese social-dining bar housed in a quaint converted Victorian terrace. The venue, Linla, is built around the ritual of 'raising a glass together' and named for the sound and feeling shared between friends doing just that — a moment of celebration and connection that defines the spirit of the restaurant. Behind the new venue is Taiwanese-born restaurateur and bartender Charles Chang. He is also responsible for the neighbouring Japanese fusion restaurant Moku, and was formerly a proud finalist in the Top 100 Diageo World Class Competition. "Linla isn't about one culture or one cuisine. It's about the moment when people raise their glasses together. That sound, that feeling – that's what we wanted to build the entire space around," says Chang. With Moku, Chang demonstrated his restraint and discipline, and now with Linla, he has an opportunity to present a more playful, community-led expression of Taiwanese street culture and food. The kitchen is led by Head Chef Montien Thipwongsa, whose passion for cooking began in his grandmother's kitchen. While influenced by Thai flavours, the pan-Asian concept of Linla gives the chefs freedom to experiment beyond traditions. The share-style menu is bold and creative, featuring vibrant dishes such as wagyu beef tartare with scallion pancake and yuzu olive oil, Tiger Prawn salad with tropical fruits and chilli fish sauce, and grilled scallops with green chilli nuoc cham. Hero dishes include the Cha Cha Cha chicken with corn ribs, avocado puree and fermented chilli oil, and the playful Night-Market Crispy Chicken, where crunchy chicken bites are shaken in a paper bag at your table with Szechuan seasoning, garlic chips and basil. Chang has designed an easy-drinking menu of fresh and fruity cocktails such as the Pine and Bloom with pineapple mead, elderflower, dry vermouth and MSG saline, and the Tomato Salad 2.0 with tequila, tomato, ume salt and ginger soda. Don't miss the MI-Bubble, a cheeky take on bubble tea with aged rum, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, black sugar, small tapioca, Milo, and milk. And make sure you tap into your dessert stomach to make space for the fairy bread bao — a modern take on a nostalgic classic. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
The inner western suburb of Glebe has a new(ish) player in the pub game thanks to the relaunch of the Australian Youth Hotel. After seven months of renovations, the 157-year-old pub has reopened with a new look and a new name: The Glebe Hotel. The Bay Street venue now has a new British pub menu, a lush courtyard and a luxe private space. And, thanks to it's new moniker, it'll no longer be confused for hostel housing weary globe-trotting teens. The Victorian terrace digs date back to 1862 and the massive refurb spans interior and exterior works. Sydney design firm Alexander & Co (The Imperial, Bon Pavilion, The Morrison) is behind the fit-out, which features several distinct spaces — starting with the public bar, which nods to the pub's history with chesterfield sofas, a fireplace and archival photos of the space. Upstairs, inside the venue's former brothel, is an ornate private function space with chandeliers, baroque sofas, vintage art and a snooker table. Move along and you'll find The Stables Bar & Grill, a bright and airy restaurant with exposed brick walls, cream timber tables and vintage tiling, plus a featured jacaranda mural by Sydney artist Indigo Jo. Just outside The Stables is a dog-friendly courtyard with bright yellow furnishings, red-and-white umbrellas and lush surrounds — including a 100-year-old fig tree. British chef Ben Allcock is in the kitchen preparing UK-style pub eats, such as steak and Guinness pie, chargrilled spatchcock and Sunday roasts. House specialties include the handmade gnocchi with roast butternut pumpkin and goat's curd, Berkshire pork chop served atop caramelised fennel and slow-cooked lamb shoulder ragu pappardelle. From the bar, expect a mix of local craft and mainstream brews on tap, along with a four-strong spritz menu — including the Bombay, with elderflower and cucumber, and the Strawberry, a mix of Poor Toms strawberry gin, wild strawberry liqueur and prosecco. Though the revamp has a big hospitality group written all over it, we're happy to report that The Glebe Hotel remains family owned by the Nissen brothers. Images: Guy Davies.
For a long time, Marrickville has been yearning for a good bar. In fact, even just a bar. In all other food and drink respects, the suburb excels, with hip cafes, cheap Vietnamese pork rolls and swanky restaurants. Now, come to join the mix, is LazyBones Lounge and, luckily, it's not just any old bar, it's a great one. The locals think so as well. LazyBones only opened three months ago and business has been booming ever since. The bar is open seven nights a week, with live jazz music starting around the 7pm mark most evenings. Don't worry about forking too much out for the night; most of the gigs will only set you back $10, and many are even free. Owner Craig Pietersen has brought his expertise from Melbourne, where he owned a number of hip bars in Fitzroy. LazyBones is "all about music", he says, so it's no surprise that the bar's name was inspired by a Fats Waller song. There are no TVs or gambling in the bar; the Lounge is a place for people to relax a good drink while some funky tunes pump through the sound system. You'll be rapt to find - or discover - the Young Henry's Real Ale ($7) on tap, alongside a delicious Indian Pale Ale from Parramatta ($7) and a cider which is on permanent rotation. The Funny Label sauvignon blanc ($8) is the standout of the wine list, which brings together a solid selection of Australian and international wines. There's not a hugely substantial food menu on hand, but it does include some good staples to munch on. It's a somewhat surreal experience to sit in a lavish, gilded armchair while chomping on a hot dog ($10). One can choose from such aptly-named variations as the 'James Morrison' (beef sausage), 'Louis Armstrong' (pork sausage) or the 'B.B. King' (vegetarian sausage). The highlight of the menu is the Bunny Chow ($10), a traditional street food dish from Craig's homeland, South Africa. Served in a paper bowl, aside thin and crispy fries, is a small, hollowed-out roll filled with your choice of tasty spicy lamb or potato curry. Don't fret about finding a babysitter, as LazyBones opens its arms to young'uns, from newly born to those just under the drinking limit (although they won't get away with being served any alcohol, of course!). "We love kids," says Craig, who has three of his own. So, as we see it, there's no excuse not to pop into LazyBones for a drink sometime soon.
With more than 50 dishes on Spice Temple's menu, this longstanding Sydney venue pushes Chinese cuisine in new directions without losing traditional flavours. The extra spicy dishes highlighted in red serve as a warning to those intolerant to fiery mouthfuls of food or a beacon to those who love said burning sensations. The dishes, to be shared, are monumentally large — even for two people. A half-share of any main is a minor challenge to finish. Divided between salads and cold cuts, hot entrees, noodles, dumplings, seafood, poultry, pork, lamb, beef and veggies, Spice Temple's variety is impressive. [caption id="attachment_792103" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] The starter of lamb and prawn wontons with black vinegar and chilli, while the pork and prawn spring rolls are another hit. Other choice selections to kick things are the the stir-fried wagyu brisket with baby eggplant and chilli paste or steamed Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce and fried onions. For the next hit, the black Angus scotch fillet with kampot pepper and curry leaves is a hearty delight. The highlight of the Sydney Spice Temple menu, a beef fillet in fire water, is a fancy way of saying wagyu beef strips in a chilli broth with peppercorn. To cool the fire and as a recommended necessity, the greens stir fried with garlic are a great juxtaposition to the spice. For dessert, the three-milk cake with pistachio and almond is a delicious treat in a custard and raspberry bed. If you're coming with a group then be sure to try and book the Eastern dining room equipped for 50 guests and designed to resemble a jewellery box, while the 12-seater dining room is more intimate and luminous with seductive lighting. For Chinese food, yes, this is a tad expensive, and to truly dent the vast menu, you need a group or repeat visits. If you're keen, there's generally a comprehensive banquet option on offer, but a return trip or two is recommended, especially if your body is your temple, and your tastebuds are the entrance. [caption id="attachment_792106" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption]
The way we see it, there are two types of people in the world. First, there are the early risers: those who spring out of bed, salute the rising sun, and throw themselves into the new day with all the gusto and impatience of those raring to get things done. The second group are the nocturnal creatures. Eyes bleary, hair a mess, they arise with a guttural grumble that dissipates only post-double espresso and undisturbed review of the morning paper. In our experience, the one thing that truly unites the early birds and the night owls, regardless of the time of morning, is a deep and enduring love for a hearty breakfast spread. So far, Concrete Playground has brought you Sydney's best brunches, her most delicious a la carte breakfasts and her winning hangover breakfasts. Today, we continue our love letter to the most important meal of the day with a round-up of Sydney's unbeatable breakfast buffets. GRANDMA'S LITTLE BAKERY Best for: A relaxed Saturday morning breakfast with family or friends. If all the Jewish grandmas got together to make one phenomenal breakfast spread, this would be it. Fluffy, homemade spinach and cheese bourekas compete for space on your plate with oven-fresh rolls, fleshy and colourful heirloom tomatoes, creamy pumpkin and zucchini frittatas and four different types of shakshouka. Fresh fruits and vegetables abound; they are sourced from the owners' farm in Collector, NSW and taste like they were picked the very same morning. You can also choose your own Mediterranean adventure, with a selection of hearty dips in tiny tasting plates, which include olive tapenade, hummus, feta sprinkled with za'atar and smoky baba ganoush. Be sure to leave enough space for a round of baked delicacies, like warm scones with farm-made jam and cream, tangy lemon tarts and flourless cakes that your gran would want the recipe for. Wrap it all up in quaint garden-party decor, Di Lorenzo coffee that packs a punch and a cost of only $20 per head (plus drinks) for all-you-can-eat goodness, and your perfect Saturday morning is sorted. 42 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria, Sat 8.30am – noon, www.grandmasbakery.com.au. CAFE OPERA Best for: Foodies who love quality and quantity in equal measures. Cafe Opera turns the breakfast buffet into an art form, with a la carte-quality dishes that showcase the unique talents of local producers. Take a crusty slice of Neu's handmade German bread and smear it generously with locally cultured Pepe Saya butter or honey off the comb, before moving onto a bowl of crunchy Barossa Valley muesli with a generous serve of organic yoghurt. Cafe Opera's executive chef Tamas Pamer takes breakfast seriously, and it shows. The sausages are fashioned from Tasmanian lamb and they burst with Moroccan-inspired flavours; the eggs are cooked to perfection no matter how you order them; and the impressive array of spiced, poached fruits, including pears, peaches and rhubarb, will warm even the frostiest of mornings. Set within the gorgeous sandstone Treasury Building that dates back to 1851, Cafe Opera is a classy location for a breakfast made from only the finest local ingredients. And the best bit? All of the leftover food gets whisked off by OzHarvest at the end of the morning to feed people in need. Intercontinental Sydney, 117 Macquarie Street, Sydney, Mon – Sun 6.30am – 10.30am, www.interconsydney.com.au/cafeopera. GLASS BRASSERIE Best for: A healthy, customisable breakfast buffet in a stunning CBD location When Luke Mangan is serving breakfast, we know to expect a lot, and Glass Brasserie at the Sydney Hilton doesn't disappoint. Fluffy hash browns, melt-in-your-mouth croissants and eggs whichever way you like them are highlights among a solid spread. Even better are the nifty design-it-yourself options that allow careful customisation of your breakfast experience. At the fresh juice bar, mountains of gorgeous seasonal fruits compete to be liquefied into your glass; the golden kiwi fruit and juicy rockmelon pieces had us at hello. The muesli stand offers another opportunity to create your own masterpiece, offering bowls heaped with grains, hazelnuts, dried apples, banana chips, almond slivers and raisins. Nestle in by the windows and watch the corporate types hurry past on George Street below, or marvel at the architectural beauty of the Queen Victoria Building across the street. Either way, you’ll leave feeling nourished, refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Hilton Sydney, 448 George Street, Sydney, Mon – Fri 6 – 10am, Sat – Sun 7 – 11am, www.glassbrasserie.com.au. THE WOODS Best for: A romantic breakfast date or a luxurious splurge with friends. The Woods is where you go when you want to feel pampered. Walk through the stunning marble entryway and into a forest-themed open restaurant where lush, mismatched pot plants and whimsical floral lights create an understated sylvan feel. Sip your morning roast to the sound of veteran pianist Michael's angelic melodies, and take a moment to review and appreciate the dainty and impeccably presented breakfast display. One countertop hosts a range of scrumptious home-style muffins, cakes and pastries; another offers plump sausages, herbed flat mushrooms and tender bacon. Or go bespoke and order a fluffy omelette, made while you watch and presented with an optional chilli kick. Look closely, and you'll find every condiment under the sun scattered throughout the buffet, from raspberry coulis to Nutella to chilli sauce. This attention to even the smallest of details sets The Woods apart as an especially lavish breakfast experience. Four Seasons Sydney, 199 George Street, Sydney, Mon – Fri 6:30 – 10am, Sat – Sun 6:30am – 11am, www.thewoodsrestaurant.com.au CAFE MIX Best for: A variety of bite-sized treats. What we love most about Cafe Mix is its dedication to all things miniature. From tiny tropical smoothies to mini muesli bars, fluffy corn fritters to baby chocolate croissants, if it's a cute and bite-sized breakfast treat, it's on the menu. Mini yoghurt tubs are accompanied by little fishbowls of compotes and coulis, tiny banana and carrot muffins are set out alongside a tray of pint-sized muesli bars, and little gourmet jam jars are presented beautifully at your table, offering interesting options like rose and apricot, Seville bitter orange, and garden strawberry. Many of the baked goods are prepared on-site and arrive on your plate warm and soft from the oven. Of course, breakfast is best accompanied by a suitably diminutive but punchy piccolo latte. Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Mon – Sun 6 – 10.30am, www.shangri-la.com BLUE Cafe Best for: A business breakfast in a chic location BLUE Sydney is an indisputably chic hotel and offers a breakfast buffet to match. Breakfast is laid out under the high gabled ceilings of the iconic Finger Wharf warehouse, with sleek standing heaters dispersed throughout the tables to bring cosiness to the enormous space. Highlights of the spread include hearty house-made baked beans and a delicious 'crunch pot' featuring layers of organic toasted granola, sweet yoghurt, mango puree and passionfruit coulis. Sleek, silver surfaces and stylish black and grey decor are lifted by bursts of colour: a bright bunch of flowers here, a dispenser of freshly squeezed 'detox' juice (watermelon, grape, orange and mint) there. BLUE Sydney gets down to business with breakfast, and is an ideal location for others to do the same. Blue Sydney, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, Mon – Fri 6.30 – 11am, Sat – Sun 7am – 12pm, www.tajhotels.com. FEAST Best for: A holiday at home in Sydney. Feast, the recently refurbished restaurant at the Sheraton on the Park, offers a grand, traditional hotel breakfast. All the usual favourites are there, like herbed chicken sausages, sauteed mushrooms and eggs cooked to order by a cheerful chef named Alf. Every other day, Feast gets feisty with innovative interpretations of the morning meal. Most exciting is the breakfast pizza, served steaming from the stone hearth oven, heaped with crispy bacon, slices of sausage, eggs, mushrooms and cheese, and drizzled with a tangy barbecue sauce. Request a table by the storybook windows that overlook Hyde Park and watch the morning sun stream through the grand old fig trees and the twinkling water of the Archibald Fountain. You'll want nothing other than to head straight upstairs, change into a fuzzy bathrobe and spend the rest of the day lazing about in one of the hotel's stylish rooms. Sheraton on the Park, 161 Elizabeth Street Sydney, Mon – Sun 6.30 – 10.30am, www.feastsydney.com.au.
If your global travel plans are looking a bit unlikely for 2026, you can tour the world from the comfort of a cinema seat with one of the many international film festivals that grace Australian screens. Next up, all aboard for an adventure to Spain and Latin America, when the HSBC Spanish & Latin American Film Festival returns to Palace Cinemas across Australia for varying dates between Wednesday, June 10 and Sunday, July 12. What's on the program? This year's selections are led by the opening film, Mistura, an award-winning drama set in 1950s Peru that follows a recently divorced woman on a transformative culinary journey. It's joined by coming-of-age drama Sundays, in which a young woman defies family expectations with her vocation of choice, a maritime crime thriller where two siblings discover stashed money in The Tigers, The Captive, a historical epic that tells the story of Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes and a love story amidst a corporate crisis in Nothing Between Us. [caption id="attachment_1101650" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'The Captive,' directed by Alejandro Amenábar[/caption] A number of themes organise the rest of the festival program. There's pilgrimages, such as the best-rated film from the 2025 Berlinale, The Blue Trail, where an ageing Brazilian woman sets off on a secret personal quest down the Amazon River; and a restoration of the Martin Sheen-starring The Way, which sees a grieving father take the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in place of his late son. If you love an on-screen escapade, there's the darkly comic action Luger, where hustlers and the lawyer that employs them are caught in a scheme that unfolds over a single day, and the Cold War-set Spanish spy drama Sofia's Suspicion. Other films that are worth your time and tickets include a seductive noir mystery inspired by true events in 1950s Paraguay (Narciso), a thrilling survival story of hikers caught in the worst storm to ever hit the Pyrenees (Balandrau, Where the Fiece Wind Blew), a documentary on the New York City salsa scene (La Salsa Vide), Guillermo Del Toro's classic Spanish Civil War-set gothic horror (The Devil's Backbone) and the feel-good origin story of Spain's first professional women's soccer team (Another League). [caption id="attachment_1101649" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'Balandrau, Where the Fierce Wind Blew,' directed by Fernando Trullols[/caption] Closing the festival is a 60th-anniversary restoration of the landmark Spanish film The Hunt, in which director Carlos Saura created an allegory of the Spanish Civil War and Franco dictatorship through the story of tensions rising during a rabbit hunt on a scorching summer's day. [caption id="attachment_1101651" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'The Hunt,' directed by Carlos Saura[/caption] The HSBC Spanish & Latin American Film Festival will run at Palace Cinemas in Adelaide and Canberra from June 10–July 5; Perth and Brisbane from Thursday, June 11–July 1 and July 5 respectively; Melbourne and Ballarat from June 12–July 5 and Sydney and Byron Bay from June 18–July 12. To browse the full program or get tickets, visit the website. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
The hotel industry is highly competitive, and nailing the guest experience makes all the difference in keeping rooms full. However, that means much of the industry is caught up on the idea of newness, where design must keep up with the ever-evolving demands of travellers. However, a reimagined room at the four-star Song Hotel Sydney is showcasing a more sustainable approach to hotel design, one that might signal a different way forward. Created in collaboration with DIY and upcycling designer Jaharn Quinn, The Reclaimed Room proudly steers clear of the latest and greatest fixtures and fittings. Yet what it's missing in pristine condition is replaced by Quinn's characterful refurbishments of existing pieces, along with an assortment of secondhand finds and done-up details. Now complete, it shows pre-loved spaces can feel fresh and elevated without a top-to-bottom makeover. "I wanted the room to feel calm, easy, and lived in, a place to settle into after a busy day in the city," says Quinn, who has more than 25 years of experience in upcycling and hands-on design. "It is also about showing how reclaimed materials can work beautifully in commercial spaces and where hospitality design should be heading." The result is a hotel room that feels noticeably more grounded and welcoming. Layered with warm tones and complementary textures, Quinn conceived a space that carefully balances intention with restraint. For guests, that means the makeover hasn't left the room feeling overly curated. Instead, it's an adaptable palette that maintains its lived-in quality while feeling cohesive and functional in all the ways that a satisfying hotel room should. The updates are obvious from the moment guests enter. By the entrance, Quinn added a hanging rack made from reclaimed wood, fabric and vintage brass hooks. The existing bedhead was upgraded with the simple addition of walnut panels, while the bedside tables look new after wooden half beads were glued to the fronts. Meanwhile, a thrifted ottoman replaced the tired desk stool, and a fresh coat of paint gave the entire space a calming lift. Now accepting guest bookings, The Reclaimed Room also leans into Song Hotel Sydney's profit-for-purpose ethos, where 25 cents from every dollar supports YWCA Australia's programs across the nation. Plus, as a conversation starter, the project speaks to the hotel industry's need to reduce waste and meet a growing demand for value-led travel. Leaving behind the idea of aesthetic obsolescence, elevating what already exists can be just as special. The Reclaimed Room is now available for bookings at Song Hotel Sydney, priced at $250 per night, including breakfast. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
Right now, the culinary name on everyone's lips in Melbourne is Rosheen Kaul. The chef made a name for herself when turning Brunswick East's Etta into one of the city's best restaurants and publishing her hugely successful cookbook Chinese-ish: Home cooking, not quite authentic, 100% delicious. Kaul has made it to the big leagues, but still doesn't feel like she's fully cooked — "I will not say I've reached my final form as yet," she shares with Concrete Playground. To get closer to that final form, Kaul decided to leave Etta and throw herself back into the wild. She's now writing a new cookbook, collaborating with chefs all over Australia and judging the upcoming S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition — alongside the likes of Josh Niland, Jake Kellie, Brigitte Hafner and Brent Savage. Kaul has already played a great part in helping develop what contemporary Australian cuisine is and can be, but she has plenty more to give. We also spoke with her about her future plans — both for herself and the country's culinary landscape — as well as the best advice that she has ever received and how it helped her become so successful. On Joining the Big Leagues in Melbourne's Food Scene "There is an incredible responsibility that comes with being a more-prominent face in the Melbourne food scene. I am acutely aware that I represent a demographic that is only now seeing representation in food media, and I am both honoured and empowered to have a platform to share my experiences as a female chef and as an Asian Australian." On What Kaul Has Been Up to Since Leaving Etta "I had planned to take a break when I left Etta, but I definitely underestimated how bored I'd be without the high energy and stimulation of kitchen life. I'm nearly at the finish line with the manuscript for my next cookbook, and I'm spending the rest of the year travelling around Australia cooking with some of my amazing friends and peers in their venues interstate. It's a brilliant way to keep myself in the kitchen, and frequently put myself well out of my comfort zone. Cooking my food in different spaces and running different types of services is really helping me zone in on the core of my style of cooking. Beyond the woodfire, beyond a specific style of service, I've had to figure out precisely what makes my food 'me' — that can be applied to say a breakfast pop-up, a charcuterie pop-up, a rural pub takeover or a completely lo-fi open fire in the bush. I'm excited to see all of the different forms my food takes around Australia." [caption id="attachment_962874" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Annika Kafcaloudis[/caption] On Kaul's Upcoming Cookbook "I'm incredibly excited about this next book. I can't reveal the title as yet, and it will be published with the same publisher as Chinese-ish — so it will be fantastic. After the international success of Chinese-ish, I didn't think I would write another one as I felt like I couldn't possibly top the first, but inspiration comes from all sorts of places, and I was hit with an absolute bullet train of inspiration one day and I knew I had to get it all out in a book. See, the thing is I wrote Chinese-ish before Etta, and still didn't quite know who I was as a chef, nor had I really zoned in on my style of cooking as yet. Writing Chinese-ish gave me an incredible insight to my own identity as a person straddling multiple worlds and cultures, and my time at Etta gave me the platform to put that on a plate and the time to refine my ideas. I will not say I've reached my final form as yet, but I am miles away from the chef I was when I wrote my first book. There was no need for me to reach into my past for recipes this time — rather, each of the 160-odd recipes are Rosheen originals born from the confidence and self-awareness I've gained over the past few years. Vibrant, colourful, delicious and bold — it's a book of sauces, condiments and dressings as wildly cross-cultural as I am. I can't wait to share it with you all next year." On Judging at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year Academy Competition with Some Huge Names in Food "Big names indeed, and I'm honoured to be counted among them. Josh Niland, particularly, is a chef whose work I've followed for many years, and learned so many techniques from that I've applied in my own kitchens and taught my own chefs. Brigitte curates one of the most incredible, immersive dining experiences in the country with such a generous style of cooking and I've had the privilege of dining at Tedesca Osteria twice. Brent Savage's restaurants are legendary, and some of the most pitch-perfect dining experiences I've had in Sydney were at Bentley and Cirrus. And Jake Kellie, I've admired for many years during his time at Burnt Ends, and I'm thrilled to be cooking with him at Arkhe in August." On the Importance of Celebrating and Supporting Young Chefs "Australia doesn't share the same long history of haute cuisine as other countries, and it is only now that we are beginning to articulate what 'Australian cuisine' is, was and can be — encompassing native and traditional ingredients and influence from waves of immigration, and reflective of where we are as a nation. It's hugely important to support our young chefs in Australia on that journey to define who we are, and to have more chefs that thrive on the world stage. For Australia, we're at the precipice of our culinary journey, and we have to see the ideas of the current industry taken to the next level by the next generation of chefs." [caption id="attachment_962876" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Etta by Annika Kafcaloudis.[/caption] On How Melbourne's Food Scene Stacks Up Against Other World-Leading Culinary Cities "I'm originally from Singapore, and I can say with certainty that the dining scene in Melbourne is well up there with cities like London and Paris. Not as saturated, sure, but the fresh ideas, breadth of styles and respect for ingredients coupled with incredibly strong skills puts this city firmly in the same calibre. Melbourne did host the World's 50 Best a few years ago for a reason, so I certainly am not biased in this opinion. What I do love about cooking in Melbourne is the freedom. We have sensational produce, young farmers serious about healing our topsoil — growing truly delicious ingredients — and such a wealth of cultures and histories to be inspired by. It's an incredible time to be a chef in Melbourne." On the Best Advice That Kaul Has Ever Received "I've been told a few things in my life that have focused and sharpened my trajectory, the major one being to be a sponge: learn anything and everything from the people around you. Everyone is good at something, and whether it be a Demi-Chef or a Head Chef training you, there is always something to learn, whether you agree with them or not. The more talking you're doing, the less you're learning. When I was working at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Chef Ashley Palmer-Watts once said 'the moment you lose your temper, you've lost control of the situation'. I held that statement close when I started running my first kitchen. If you stay calm, calculated, and ready for any and all possibilities, you'll never be taken by surprise. Three steps ahead, always." And Some Advice for Young Chefs Looking to Succeed in the Industry "Leave your ego at the door. You also have to continually challenge yourself — don't ever be the smartest person in the room — because complacency is akin to failure, and there were times when I was feeling a little too comfortable at Etta. The best thing I could do for myself as a 31-year-old chef was to throw myself out into the world again and seek new challenges. It's a scary thing, defending your credibility, but I know I can be more, and it is worth every bit of fear and discomfort." Top image: Kristoffer Paulsen.
Beginning in Narrabeen and finishing up at Queenscliff Beach (or vice versa) the Bicentennial Coastal Walk is a 10km trek encompassing the northern beaches' awe-inspiring views of sweeping beaches, lagoons, headlands and rock pools. The well-formed track also includes steps and some sections of beach walking. Highlights along the coastal walk include the Collaroy War Memorial, Long Reef Wildlife Protection Area, Dee Why Headland and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and Memorial Park in Freshwater — the place where Duke first introduced surfing to Australia back in 1914. A perfect half-day walk, the Bicentennial Coastal Walk will take you about five hours one way — or twice as long if you plan to return on foot. Images: Mel Koutchavlis
Lune's croissants are the stuff of culinary legend, spoken about with such breathless reverence that it's little wonder on its opening weekend, the bakery's first Sydney outpost was inundated by hundreds of Sydneysiders, who stood in line for hours to get their hands on one of the eight signature and four seasonal treats on offer. Be warned, however, after patiently queuing for your chance to bite into one of the world's most coveted baked goods, you may be stricken by choice paralysis. Sure, you could go HAM (and gruyere) and buy one of everything, but with a cost of living crisis still clutching at our collective purse strings, this pastry-palooza is likely beyond most budgets. To help you navigate the delights that Lune has finally gifted Sydney, we visited the new Rosebery croissanterie to taste and rate all its wares. Here's what we made of Lune's eight always-on classic pastries — ranked. 8: The Croissant It takes a team of chefs — who train for a year to be worthy of entering Lune's trademark temperature-controlled, glass-enclosed kitchens — three days to prepare the butter-enriched puff that is the foundation of all Lune's pastries. While a plain scroll may not offer much variety of flavour, the interplay of textures found in Lune's OG bake is what makes it the king of croissants. A delicate, paper-thin shell, glossy and lightly glazed, offers a pleasing crunch that immediately gives way to a pillow-soft interior with just the right balance of density and lightness. The all-important butter, sourced from Northern French dairy Isigny Saint-Mère, is painstakingly laminated between each layer of pastry to give this croissant a rich creaminess that's hard to fault. However, we suggest you enjoy it with a good-quality jam or preserve, rather than au naturale. 7: The Morning Bun Ostensibly a cinnamon scroll, albeit made from puff pastry, the addition of brown sugar and orange zest offers a hint of breakfast to this otherwise decadent bun. The outer layers of pastry become coated in crystalised sugar in the oven, while the cinnamon and spice within retain a delightful fudginess. A word of caution: this is one for the sweet tooths. If you'd rather not start your day with dessert, the Morning Bun may not be the best addition to your breakfast table. 6: Lemon Curd Cruffin Perhaps the most impressive feat of Lune's various bakes is the judicious restraint and careful balance of flavours, always hitting the bullseye between too much and not enough. The Lemon Curd Cruffin, however, is an outlier in this respect. An almost too-generous dollop of house-made lemon curd bursts from within with the first bite. A liberal dusting of caster sugar sands down the edges of this cheek-tightening tartness, creating a satisfying tug-o-war between the sweet and sour, but this bold sucker punch of flavours may be more than some breakfast-seekers bargain for. 5: Ham and Gruyere Croissant As mentioned above, balance is a hallmark of Lune's creations and this is certainly true of the first savoury bake in these rankings. Unlike the sandwich-style ham and cheese croissants you'll find in most high street cafes, Lune bakes the eponymous ingredients into the scroll, allowing the fat and salt of the ham and cheese to infuse the pastry with even greater depth of flavour. Because a croissant is already laden with fat from butter, the amount of Swiss gruyere and shaved leg ham used at Lune, both sourced from Melbourne's Hagens Organics, could seem a little on the stingy side. However, those fears are quickly assuaged once you take a bite, and the salty edge of the molten gruyere and tinge of sweetness from the ham meld with the rich, rounded finish of the puff. 4: Pain au Chocolat Another key to Lune's success is the uncompromising calibre of the ingredients used. One of just 15 official partners worldwide, Lune's pain au chocolat features Valrhona chocolate, sourced from France. Given its higher than average sugar content, not much chocolate is needed to flavour Lune's take on this popular breakfast treat. Whereas some lesser versions lean too heavily on the filling, creating more of a chocolat au pain, Lune is careful to keep the spotlight firmly fixed on its extraordinary pastry, with a subtler yet still essential use of chocolate. 3: Vegemite and Cheese Scroll Full disclosure: I am not a fan of Vegemite. So it was quite a surprise to not only tolerate this pastry but really love it. Again, this all comes down to the precision of flavour, which given the pungent extremes of Australia's national spread is no mean feat. Rather than slathering it on straight from the jar, Lune goes to the trouble of mellowing it with a béchamel sauce. The addition of the Swiss gruyere creates a flawless combination of saltiness, sweetness and umami that even the most ardent Vegemite hater will gladly gobble up. 2: Almond Croissant Twice baked to ensure the croissant isn't overly saturated by the almond frangipane, Lune's virtuosic take on the original Croissant aux Amandes uses the addition of almond meal and a punky mohawk of flaked almond slices to amp up the earthy, rich nuttiness that is so often overwhelmed by sweetness. The richness of the dough, the rustic quality of the frangipane and the expert balance of flavours make this, by quite some margin, the best almond croissant I've ever tasted. 1: Kouign Amann There's a good chance that you've never heard of this traditional pastry from the Bretagne region of France: a puff pastry wheel laminated with sugar and baked in a mould lined with butter, sugar and salt, until saturated and caramelised. I'll admit, before my trip to Lune, I hadn't either. However, this sticky, syrupy, disk of golden, glazed joy will be living rent-free in my mind for the foreseeable future. This is an example of how the simplest list of ingredients can be turned into something truly transformative in the right hands. It's sweet, but not overly saccharine, chewy but with a crème brûlée-esque outer shell, delicate yet rich — a magic trick that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Pro tips for visiting Lune Rosebery Expect to queue — no matter what day it is Even at 7.30am on a Wednesday, I had to wait in line for 45 minutes before reaching the counter, and that wait time considerably increases at the weekend peak. Almost as impressive as the pastries themselves is the rapid-fire yet always friendly service of the Lune team, who take turns taking orders in quick succession to keep things moving as swiftly as possible. It's a well-oiled machine, but lines at Lune are inevitable — sure, the Lune-acy in Sydney may be at its maximum right now, given how recently the bakery opened, but the lines that continue to snake down the street at Lune's Fitzroy outpost in Melbourne are a good indication that the Harbour City's croissant craze is unlikely to wane any time soon. Don't set your heart on anything While Lune produces croissants in their thousands every day, there is no guarantee that after your lengthy wait in line, the exact bake you're craving will be available. Fortunately, there isn't a dud among them so even if your first preference is sold out, you'll still be leaving with a world-class pastry in hand. Check out the seasonal bakes While the classics are a must-try collection, Lune's rotating seasonal varieties are some of their most creative, intriguing and delicious bakes. So be sure to save some room for them after you're done scoffing the signatures. If you need help choosing, just ask the staff The Lune service team are impressively well-versed in the provenance of the produce, the details of the cooking techniques and the history of the business, so if you have any burning questions, you'll find answers quickly and with a smile. Come for croissants, stay for the coffee With beans roasted by Marrickville's Ona, Lune brews a mean cup of joe. And nothing goes better with a freshly baked breakfast pastry than a good coffee. Find Lune Croissanterie at 115/151 Dunning Ave, Rosebery, open from December 7. For more details visit the Lune Rosebery website.
A bootery, a boarding house and an opium den. These are just a few of the past lives of 77–79 George Street, but The Doss House is the latest moniker for this heritage-listed building — and this time round, it'll focus on whisky. And we mean a lot of whisky — 150 bottles, to be exact. This enormous whisky collection is showcased in American oak cabinets throughout the venue and spans international regions from Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the States. Rare whiskies on offer include 30-year-old Hibiki and Glenglassaugh, as well Nikka 'Taketsuru' Fortune 80 and a GlenDronach bottle from 1994. Whisky flights will be introduced in the coming months so you can maximise your breadth of tastes. If you're not one to drink whisky neat, The Doss House has also got all the classic cocktails on offer, along with signatures like The Dusky Scotchman (Laphroaig 10-year, Branca Menta, honey and saline), a blackberry and lemon myrtle fizz (blackberry-infused Stolichnaya, lemon myrtle, fresh lemon and Cynar) and My Name Is Earl (earl grey-infused gin, peach aperitif, orange marmalade, fresh lemon and basil). For whisky-induced snacking, the kitchen is putting together share platters featuring a selection of pickles, chutney, cheese and meat, with the Aussie-themed platter specifically including emu prosciutto and kangaroo salami paired with native cheeses. Guinness and oyster pairings are on the horizon, too. The basement bar boasts five distinct spaces that each pay homage to a past tenant. The exposed sandstone walls and renewed original fireplaces are paired with brass fittings, antique mirrors, luxurious orange velvet banquettes and an antique chesterfield sofa. The custom-made leather armchairs in one room are offset by high bar stools in another, plus it's got a revitalised outdoor courtyard to boot. The soft lighting completes the vibe, giving off the dark and cosy feel of an old Irish pub. Which makes sense, considering the two owners, Colm O'Neill and Eoin Daniels (who's the founder of Top Knot Carpentry and Joinery), are Irish expats and childhood mates. Daniels boasts quite the Sydney resume — his carpentry business has fitted iconic venue interiors at Opera Bar, The Old Clare Hotel, The Clock Hotel and The Golden Sheaf. The duo is joined by local heavy hitters, including bar manager Alex O'Brien (Bar No. 5, Archie Rose) and Bobby Carey (Big Poppa's, Shady Pines, Riley Street Garage), who consulted on the menus. Images: Alana Dimou Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
Bangarra Dance Theatre is getting its flowers. In July, the leading First Nations performing arts company will be presented with the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale Danze 2026. The Golden Lion is presented for a lifetime achievement in dance and is a highly coveted honour that puts Bangarra's work firmly on the global stage. It's a major cultural moment not just for Bangarra as the first company and First Nations performers to receive the award, but for First Nations storytelling in general. Bangarra (which means "to make fire" in the Wiradjuri language) sparks important conversations and social change through its storytelling and cultural works, and from May, audiences back home will have the chance to see why the dance world is paying attention. Performing Arts to Watch Bangarra Dance Theatre draws on 65, 000 years of culture and storytelling. Through contemporary dance, the performers create works of theatre, music, poetry and design that share First Nations stories. Each dancer is professionally trained and has a proud Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. This winter, Bangarra Dance Theatre is once again sharing its powerful visual poetry with the country. Under Artistic Director Frances Rings, Sheltering is an intergenerational performance of contemporary works. Each piece offers a profound journey into the intricate bonds between people and place. Keeping Grounded is an exploration of our energetic connection to the earth and ancestral land, choreographed by Indjalandji-Dhidhanu and Alyewarre woman Glory Tuohy-Daniell. Brown Boys is a groundbreaking dance film by Gomeroi and Tongan man Daniel Mateo and Cass Mortimer Eipper that delves into the experiences of young Indigenous men, exploring identity, belonging, and cultural connection. Sheoak, choreographed by Mirning woman Frances Rings and set to music by renowned composer David Page, explores themes of resilience, connection to Country, and cultural identity. Over the course of 90 minutes, the three works engage with vital First Nations social and cultural issues and showcase the enduring connections between people, land, and spirit. Sheltering will begin its tour on Ngunnawal Country at the Canberra Theatre Centre in late May. This will then be followed by performances on Gadigal Country at the Sydney Opera House and on Wurundjeri Country at the Arts Centre Melbourne in June. Finally, from Thursday, July 9 until Saturday, July 18, Meanjin will host the final shows of Sheltering at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Through its work and performances, Bangarra Dance Theatre aims to create inspiring experiences that promote awareness and understanding of First Nations peoples and cultures. By celebrating the world's oldest storytellers, audiences can immerse themselves in First Nations experiences and identity. Earlier this year, Bangarra Dance Theatre joined forces with The Australian Ballet for Flora, a bold and powerful new dance collaboration. Bringing together 35 dancers from both companies, Flora marked the fourth time these two national powerhouses came together on stage. Opening to rave reviews, Flora took audiences on a journey through the evolution of Australian flora and traced the influence of historic and environmental events on the land and its people. It symbolised the resilience of both flora and First Nations people. From celebrating First Nations culture to progressing conversations around reconciliation, Bangarra Dance Theatre will leave you feeling connected, creatively inspired and with a deep appreciation for the country's performing arts and artists. Sheltering Tour Dates May 23–27 — Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngunnawal Country June 3–13 — Sydney Opera House, Gadigal Country June 8–27 — Arts Centre Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country July 9–18 — Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meanjin Purchase tickets to Sheltering.
It pays to be curious on Clarence Street. By heading down a seemingly unremarkable laneway, you'll arrive in a courtyard where some of Sydney's best drinking can be found. Yet another surprise awaits through an unmarked backdoor and down a nondescript stairwell, where the jazzy, low-lit The Baxter Inn resides. There's also the understated rear entrance of the gin-soaked speakeasy, The Barber Shop. However, the third venue to call this courtyard home has nothing to hide. Named after the fellow who would go on to become King William IV, The Duke of Clarence wears its mock-Tudor heart on its sleeve. Styled as a ye olde British tavern, it's the kind of boozer where Charles Dickens might have penned Great Expectations over a couple of ales and a pork pie. The fit-out is not merely theatrical — it's also authentic. Everything from the floorboards to the leather couches and bar stools have been handpicked and shipped over from pubs and churches in the UK. The result is a cosy drinking den, complete with a library and a roaring fireplace, that feels like you're stepping back in time. Behind the bar you'll find cask ales, an extensive whiskey offering, over 500 spirits, numerous imported and local wines, and (in a rare deviation from the otherwise consummate pub-ness) a list of innovative signature cocktails. Like any gastropub worth its salt, the dining is as impressive as the drinking, with a food offering that is unmistakably British, yet elevated. The fish finger sandwich is a drastic improvement on the stodgy Birds Eye original, with fresh fish in a crisp batter coated in a light tartare sauce and served between pillowy fingers of white bread, crusts removed. Another Blighty classic, the scotch egg, retains a deliciously oozy centre, wrapped in a generous casing of pork and veal mince, spiked with fennel, chilli and punchy English mustard. Coming to The Duke of Clarence and not having the roast dinner with all the trimmings is a crime, especially as it's available every day and slathered in a lip-smacking slick of house-made gravy. Only have time for a quick bite? The ploughman's lunch — a board topped with vintage cheddar, a pork pie, freshly sliced leg ham, grilled bread, crackers and pickles — is a choose-your-own-adventure feed that is as quick as it is tasty. Image credit: Kitti Gould
Since Merivale's reincarnation of the Oxford Street pub, The Paddington has gone on to capture the hearts of patrons with a casual but slick atmosphere and delicious menu (more on that later). First things first, you'll need to plan ahead. Because when it's busy — which is often — you'll struggle to find a table to rest your beer or wine glass on. On a weeknight, it's not unusual to have most seats filled in the loosely defined dining areas with a consistent flow of customers at the public bar downstairs, as well as the cocktail bar up top. When it comes to the food, old-fashioned pub fare this is not. It's often smart to start simple, so why go past a warm baguette with whipped butter and half dozen Sydney rock oysters? Or you could go a little fancier with a spicy mayo-topped lobster spring roll. By now your cocktails will be in hand. You can go with a fizz, a spritz or a Mary, but we recommend starting off with a 'White Lotus' made with Merivale Midday Gin, native peach, jasmine, lemon myrtle, fizz. It's the perfect aperitif while you mull over what to order for a main... ... Which should be the chicken. Chef Ben Greeno famously installed three custom-built rotisseries for the job. His free-range Bannockburn chooks are brined and roasted on the spit and are really that good. They'll change how you see roast chicken on a menu (which, at The Paddington, is half or whole). The gravy, fries and side salad it's served with is just a bonus. That late-night menu available after 10.30pm also hits the mark. Those succulent roast chicken and bacon sandwiches will come in handy because the pub is open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights — the suburbs are well and truly back, you guys! Images: Byron Martin for PADDO(Collective)
Paski Vineria Popolare brings together three acclaimed Sydney hospitality mainstays for a two-storey bar and eatery with a love for wine. Italian wine importers Giorgio De Maria (Giorgio De Maria Fun Wines), Mattia Dicati (Vino Mito Wine Imports) and chef Enrico Tomelleri (Ragazzi, Alberto's Lounge, 10 William Street) are behind the Oxford Street spot that's found its home in the former digs of now-closed spritz bar This Must Be The Place. Paski Vineria Popolare is named after both De Maria's beloved dog and the Italian meaning of Popolare ("of the people"). Running with that mantra, it looks to bring rare and different wines to Sydneysiders in a welcoming way. Downstairs, you'll find a 25-30 seat wine bar with all wines available to enjoy on site or take home for a romantic evening in. Wine is also ordered by producer instead of style in order to spotlight the people behind these wines. Accompanying the extensive selection of wine is an array of pantry items and a reserved menu featuring charcuterie, cheeses, and small plates to enjoy with the wine of your choice. Upstairs, there's a heartier menu on offer with a focus on underrepresented Italian ingredients. Named Paski Sopra (translating to Paski Above), the 35-40 seat venue overlooks Oxford Street, pairing rare wines and a reserved Italian menu. All the snacks from downstairs are still available here, but if you're in need of a proper feed you can opt for the kingfish crudo with cucumber, shiso and chilli. On the horizon are wine tasting events and a range of collaborations with nearby bars and restaurants. De Maria and Dicati have plans to host weekly wine tastings in Paski Sopra where they'll take guests through their favourite wines and connect Sydneysiders to some of their favourite Italian producers. And, with Cafe Freda's and Dimitri's Pizza both close by, and Fabbrica Pasta Shop's production space is a few doors down, they're also planning some exciting team-ups with their popular neighbouring venues. Images: Nikki To Appears in: The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Baptist Street Rec. Club is no more. In its place: Vitelli's Upstairs, which brings late-night, New York-Italian energy to Redfern's Wunderlich Lane precinct. From House Made Hospitality — the team behind Hinchcliff House, Martinez and Etheus — the low-lit newcomer draws inspiration from New York's classic red-sauce restaurants, where portions, flavours and vibes are dialled up to 11. The crowd-pleasing menu by House Made Culinary Director Stephen Seckold and Executive Chef Elliot Pinn centres on nostalgic Italian-American classics made for sharing. Sauce-heavy pasta — made daily by the Grana team — anchors the offering, with staples like pork-and-fennel meatball spaghetti and vodka-sauced pipe rigate topped with chicken parmigiana sitting alongside seasonal dishes like baked rotolo with summer greens and ricotta, and tiger prawn gemelli spiked with Calabrian chilli. Elsewhere, a dedicated milanese section reinforces the comfort-food brief, as do snacks and starters like fried lasagne bites, porchetta-crusted ribs and parmesan-packed garlic bread with a punchy parm dipping sauce. [caption id="attachment_1072954" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] A 20-seat cocktail bar becomes the centre of gravity as the night unfolds, especially when DJs arrive on Friday and Saturday nights. The drinks list follows the same Italian logic as the food, with a program of aperitivo-friendly cocktails, amari, house-made cellos and Italian wines designed to pair with a late-night bar menu. On it, you'll find dishes like garlic, chilli and broccoli capelli, waffle fries aglio e olio and a Calabrian chilli and stracchino cheeseburger, all available until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. While the menu has undergone a complete overhaul, the space itself received a lighter touch. Dark timber tables and booth seating remain, now joined by burgundy walls, heavy velvet curtains and low-set pendant lighting above candlelit tables. Two new private dining rooms — including one with karaoke — add flexibility and intimacy for group gatherings. [caption id="attachment_1072944" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Top images: Steven Woodburn.
His hotel concierges are charismatic and committed, while his lobby boys are devoted and delightful. His foxes are nothing short of fantastic, and his dogs are as resourceful as they are adorable. Every time that he turns his attention to a family dynamic — be it siblings, strained parent-child relationships or friendships so close that they feel like bonds of blood — dysfunction always reigns supreme. And, when all of the above occurs, it does so within immaculately symmetrical yet immensely eccentric frames. Yes, we're talking about Wes Anderson, and the distinctive body of work that the American filmmaker has splashed across cinema screens over the past three decades. Usually chronicling some kind of caper, often featuring a retro 60s and 70s soundtrack, and styled so meticulously that each image could happily hang on anyone's wall (in fact, he's even curated museum exhibitions), his films are like no one else's. Often brought to life by a familiar cast of faces — Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Anjelica Huston, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Bob Balaban, Edward Norton, Scarlett Johansson and Benicio del Toro, to name a few — they firmly resonate on their own frequency. And, understandably so, they've amassed quite a following. But, from a filmography to-date that spans from Bottle Rocket to The Phoenician Scheme, which is the best? As always, that's a subjective question. Like ranking Studio Ghibli movies, it's also a task made all the more difficult by a simple fact: Wes Anderson has never made a bad film, not once. That said, while some are flatout masterpieces that will always stand the test of time, others are entertaining but don't necessarily demand multiple rewatches. That's what we found when we revisited the 13 features (well, 12 and four shorts packaged as an anthology film, which we're counting) currently on his resume, and soaked in his inimitable cinematic creations. And, here are the results: our rundown of Anderson's films from worst — again, not that there's any such thing as a terrible Anderson flick — to best. 13. Moonrise Kingdom By virtue of their format, a ranked list always requires something to come in last place. Moonrise Kingdom earns that honour on Wes Anderson's filmography — not because it isn't great, which it is, but because it's the movie on his resume that can stick in the mind the least. A bittersweet story about first love and finding a home, it's also the rare Anderson film that feels as much a part of its genre as part of the director's oeuvre. In other words, it's definitely an Anderson flick, but it also charts rather recognisable coming-of-age territory. Still, watching 12-year-olds Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward, Slayers) and Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman, Angry Neighbours) set the New England island of New Penzance aflutter when they run off in the name of romance is typically charming. Moonrise Kingdom streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. 12. The Darjeeling Limited In Anderson's fifth film, three brothers take a train across India in the eponymous locomotive. During their trip, Francis (Owen Wilson, Loki), Jack (Jason Schwartzman, The Last Showgirl) and Peter (Adrien Brody, The Brutalist) work through their sibling baggage while literally carting around matching orange-hued, monogrammed baggage. It's been a year since they last crossed paths at their father's funeral, and life isn't treating any of them kindly — with Anderson and co-writers Schwartzman and Roman Coppola (Mozart in the Jungle) balancing the brothers' existential malaise with episodic antics both on the train and off. As stylish as any Anderson-directed feature, The Darjeeling Limited is served best by its performances, as well as its touching blend of sadness and humour. The Darjeeling Limited streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. 11. Bottle Rocket When Anderson made his feature directorial debut back in 1996, he did so with this crime-comedy caper about three friends planning a series of heists in the absence of any other direction in their lives. Based on a short film of the same name that he helmed two years prior, and co-written with Owen Wilson, who also stars, Bottle Rocket establishes many of the filmmaker's trademarks from the outset — including his penchant for witty interactions, as well as his love of dressing his characters in coordinated outfits. Owen Wilson plays Dignan, the driving force; however, as his recently voluntarily institutionalised best friend Anthony, this is Luke Wilson's (No Good Deed) time to shine. A third Wilson, their elder brother Andrew (Father Figures), also pops up, because of course he does. Bottle Rocket streams via YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. 10. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More It might've originally been released as four separate short films, led by Best Live-Action Short Oscar-winner The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, but this 2023 addition to Anderson's resume always made sense as an anthology. In its 39-minute namesake chapter, Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) plays Roald Dahl, who did indeed pen the tale that gives this suitably symmetrically shot affair its name — the book it's in, too. The account that the author spills to start is about a man who has learned to see without his eyes (Ben Kingsley, The King of Kings), the doctor (Dev Patel, Monkey Man) fascinated with him and the gambler (Benedict Cumberbatch, Eric) who wants to master the trick, and is one of several in a movie that enthusiastically makes Anderson's love of layers known in its playful structure as much as its faux set. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More streams via Netflix. Read our full review. 9. Isle of Dogs A literal underdog tale about scrappy canines, a plucky orphan and a pooch-hating politician with an evil scheme, Isle of Dogs is one of the most Wes Anderson-esque movies the filmmaker has ever made. Filled with heart, humour and witty dialogue, this doggone delight is constructed with the tail-wagging enthusiasm of man's best friend — and, as well as sporting all of the beloved Anderson traits (quirky quests, spirited characters, symmetrical compositions, a distinctive colour palette and a huge cast among them), it tells a stellar story. The setup: when his uncle, Megasaki City's mayor, bans all dogs to Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari (Koyu Rankin, Dead Boy Detectives) risks his life to follow his four-legged companion. At every moment, the director fills his narrative to the brim like an overflowing bowl of dog treats, spoiling viewers like he'd spoil his own animal companion. Isle of Dogs streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. 8. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou will always be Anderson's undersung gem. It's so quintessentially Anderson and, with its length, it's guilty of sprawling — but every absurdist moment is a marvel. The premise, casting Bill Murray (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) as a Jacques Cousteau-style oceanographer intent on getting revenge on the just-discovered jaguar shark that killed his best friend, is instantly amusing. Trapping a crew of offbeat folks at sea while Zissou pursues his quest provides plenty of comic as well as thoughtful moments, too. The soundtrack of David Bowie songs, including Portuguese-language covers by The Life Aquatic co-star Seu Jorge, sets the pitch-perfect mood. And, visually, Anderson's pans through a cross-section of the ship are always striking. Also, no one has ever watched this film and not immediately wanted a pair of Team Zissou sneakers. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. 7. Rushmore In Anderson's 1998 breakout film, there's nothing that Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) loves more than Rushmore Academy. As the director conveys so engagingly, his 15-year-old protagonist has spent the bulk of his life at the exclusive private school — mainly starting extra-curricular clubs, as well as annoying both the headmaster (Brian Cox, The Parenting) and his classmates with his enthusiasm, all while barely caring about his grades. Then, just as he befriends a wealthy company owner (Bill Murray), Max falls for the new first-grade teacher (Olivia Williams, Dune: Prophecy). One of the best of Anderson's coming-of-age films, Rushmore deploys both Schwartzman and Murray to perfection, while weaving a smart yet also often dark comedy about learning to adjust your dreams. Rushmore streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. 6. Fantastic Mr Fox Combine Anderson, a magnificent Roald Dahl-penned all-ages story and stunning stop-motion animation, and you get a match made in cinematic heaven. Dahl wrote the acclaimed 1970 children's novel about the canny and cunning titular fox, of course, while Anderson brings it to vibrant life with a voice cast that includes George Clooney (Wolfs), Meryl Streep (Only Murders in the Building), Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe (Nosferatu) and Owen Wilson (and via a script co-written with Frances Ha, Marriage Story and White Noise's Noah Baumbach, too). While Fantastic Mr Fox marked Anderson's first animated feature, he's a natural when it comes to witty comedy paired with playfulness and a whole lot of sight gags. As for the story, it follows Mr Fox's (Clooney) efforts to outsmart a trio of mean farmers — and it's told here with energy, personality and Anderson's usual flair. Fantastic Mr Fox streams via Disney+, Stan, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. 5. The French Dispatch Editors fictional and real may disagree — The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun's Arthur Howitzer Jr (Bill Murray) among them — but it's easy to use Wes Anderson's name as both an adjective and a verb. In a sentence that'd never get printed in this film's titular tome (and mightn't in The New Yorker, its inspiration, either), The French Dispatch is another one of the most Wes Anderson movies Wes Anderson has ever Wes Andersoned. It spins three main stories and a couple of delightful interludes like it's laying out pieces from its titular magazine, and it's as symmetrical, idiosyncratic and thoughtful as the writer/director's work has even been. Plus, the cast is packed, as well as glorious in offbeat performances as always, with Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door), Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown), Benicio del Toro (Reptile) and Jeffrey Wright (The Last of Us) among the standouts. The French Dispatch streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. 4. The Phoenician Scheme It'll always be a glaring oversight that Ralph Fiennes didn't win every award that he could for The Grand Budapest Hotel. Here's hoping that Benicio del Toro's efforts in The Phoenician Scheme aren't similarly overlooked. After the actor's sublime work for Anderson in one of The French Dispatch's segments, the Traffic Oscar-winner is again exceptional as Anatole 'Zsa-zsa' Korda, who starts this film in a plane crash, then trying to appoint his sole daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton, The Buccaneers), a trainee nun, to agree to be his heir. They give each other a trial period — as a father, and as the person who'll carry on Zsa-zsa's legacy. Their other key focus: attempting to enact the titular scheme. Both del Toro and Michael Cera, as a Norwegian tutor, couldn't be more at home in front of Anderson's lens. This is also one of his movies that cuts deep emotionally, and seamlessly shows how he's a master at his usual touches while also venturing into new territory. The Phoenician Scheme released in Australian cinemas on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Read our interview with Benicio del Toro and Michael Cera. 3. Asteroid City Asteroid City is Anderson's 11th movie, also a desert spot known for a hefty crater caused 5000 years ago and a play about said locale. As the film itself tells viewers direct to-camera, however, the latter two — the setting and the theatre show — definitely aren't real, even within the world of the feature itself. Anderson gets especially playful in this film about a Junior Stargazer convention, the motley crew of folks that it brings to town in September 1955 and the otherworldly interloper who causes chaos. Staging a play within a TV show within a movie, he gets as smart and moving as his work has ever been to contemplate art, authenticity, and the emotions found in and processed through works of creativity, too. As the closest thing that the ensemble piece has to leads, Jason Schwartzman and Scarlett Johansson (Fly Me to the Moon) are astronomically spectacular, as are the film's look, feel, insightful musings, sense of humour and crater-sized impact. Asteroid City streams via Paramount+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. 2. The Grand Budapest Hotel Many a well-known actor has graced Anderson's frames. Most have done so multiple times, with Bill Murray appearing in ten of his 13 films thus far. But no one has put in a performance quite like Ralph Fiennes as M. Gustave in The Grand Budapest Hotel. As the dedicated concierge at the titular holiday spot in the Republic of Zubrowka, he's a powerhouse — as amusing as he is charming, vibrant, confident, soulful, wily and determined. Indeed, it's no wonder that Anderson lets this layered tale of friendship, war, fascism and tragedy hang off his leading man. The rest of his ensemble cast works a treat, including Saoirse Ronan (Blitz) and then-newcomer Tony Revolori (Servant), and this is one of Anderson's most aesthetically stunning creations. Still, without Fiennes, it would've lacked quite a bit of its ample magic. The Grand Budapest Hotel streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. Read our full review. 1. The Royal Tenenbaums In his first two films, Anderson focused on characters striving for greatness, be it through pulling off heists in Bottle Rocket or tying their identity to their school in Rushmore. In The Royal Tenenbaums, the titular family's three children were all once great. In fact, they were child prodigies. But as adults, their lives have seen more disappointment and joy, a truth that stern widower and finance whiz Chas (Ben Stiller, Nutcrackers), fiercely private playwright Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow, The Politician) and ex-tennis star Richie (Luke Wilson) are forced to face just as their father (the now-late, great Gene Hackman, Welcome to Mooseport) resurfaces and their mother (Anjelica Huston, Towards Zero) prepares to get remarried. Although undeniably whimsical, it's the most melancholy, poignant and deeply felt of the director's features. And, in its visuals and its performances, it's also oh-so-rich with affecting detail. The Royal Tenenbaums streams via Disney+, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video.
When Shabana Azeez says that "it's been wild", she's telling Concrete Playground about 2025 for her so far, and about being in the cast of The Pitt. Her words could equally apply to the 15-hour shift that the gripping medical drama's debut season follows, which happens to be the first day working in the emergency room for Azeez's character. In the exceptional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital-set series, the Australian actor plays Dr Victoria Javadi — a third-year medical student, and also a 20-year-old prodigy, who begins her ER rotation on what proves not only a chaotic and challenging but also a traumatic day. Between January and April, when the show was dropping its first season's episodes week to week, how that trial-by-fire initiation turned out for Javadi was appointment (and can't-look-away) viewing. "It's been really wild. I was actually travelling after we wrapped — which, I think when we were shooting, there were four episodes that came out, maybe more," Azeez continues. "And then I was in Berlin and I was in London and I was in Italy and in Texas for film festivals and stuff, and people were recognising me from The Pitt in a lot of places, which was strange. To have a show you made in one sound stage, in a little beautiful life, have an impact in multiple places — it's so, so surreal." The Pitt was always going to attract interest. With not one, not two, but three big names that helped make ER a hit involved, viewers were bound to tune in. The Pitt boasts actor, co-writer and executive producer Noah Wyle (Leverage: Redemption) leading the on-screen charge — and, behind the scenes, reuniting with director and executive producer John Wells (Shameless), plus this Max smash's creator, showrunner and writer R Scott Gemmill (NCIS: Los Angeles). Yes, it might take ER fans a second to get used to seeing Wyle in scrubs being called Dr Robby rather than Dr Carter, but it only takes a second. Yes, those in that camp will spot the symmetry of The Pitt kicking off on Javadi's first emergency-room day, and that of a few of her fellow medical students, as ER did with Wyle's beloved figure. Within mere moments of its premiere episode starting, The Pitt establishes its own intensity. The format — "15 episodes. 15 hours. 1 shift" is the tagline — helps set the tone, as does the dedication to realism that anyone who has spent time in a hospital will recognise. With attending physician Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch, senior residents Heather Collins (Tracey Ifeachor, Wonka) and Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball, Law & Order), charge nurse Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa, Daredevil: Born Again), third-year resident Samira Mohan (Supriya Ganesh, Grown-ish) and second-year resident Cassie McKay (Fiona Dourif, Chucky), plus Javadi and other Pittsburgh Trauma newcomers Mel King (Taylor Dearden, The Last Thing He Told Me), Trinity Santos (Isa Briones, Goosebumps) and Dennis Whitaker (Gerran Howell, Ludwig), the series chronicles a gig that'd be tough and hectic on a standard day, let alone when a mass-casualty event occurs in the city courtesy of a shooter at a festival. Azeez's task, then, is to portray a character who is trying to impress on such an unforgettable first shift, and endeavouring to provide excellent medical care to the many, many patients that need it — and, as someone only just out of her teens, attempting to fit in, too. Javadi has the weight of parental expectation bearing down, because she's followed in her parents' footsteps. She also tries to ask a colleague out on a date. It's only when the shift wraps up that she has her first-ever beer. Taking on the role meant Azeez moving across the world, attending boot camp with her co-stars and, as an Australian thankfully unaccustomed to the active-shooter situation depicted, researching gun violence. It also meant unpacking what Javadi is going through given her age and intelligence, what she's missed out on by speeding through school and college, and the pressure of her whole existence. Azeez can't speak highly enough about being welcomed into The Pitt's cast and crew to play Javadi, and what being one of the show's stars means to her. "I think I'm learning a lot from Noah," she advises. That's after she's already had quite the massive past year or so before The Pitt even started airing, became such a smash, had viewers around the globe hooked and was renewed for a second season. If you watched Apple Cider Vinegar, you should've spotted Azeez in an episode. In 2024, she was on the big screen in Australian thriller Birdeater. When Aussie animation Lesbian Space Princess won the Teddy award in Berlin this year — ahead of making its Down Under debut at the 2025 Sydney Film Festival — it did so with Azeez voicing its eponymous figure. We also chatted to the Adelaide talent about that path to The Pitt, alongside what appealed to her about stepping into Dr Javadi's shoes. Working among such an excellent ensemble, the show's impressive pedigree, being protective of the character, her research process: our discussion covered them all as well, among other topics. On How Azeez Feels About Her Huge Past Couple of Years, Not Only with The Pitt But Also Birdeater and Lesbian Space Princess "Who even knows? I really feel so lucky. But also it feels like, I don't know, The Pitt was so — it was seven months we shot, which is, for an Australian, kind of wild, right? Because Australia shoots fast. And so my longest gig before that would've been like six weeks. And so to pick up my life in Melbourne and move to LA for seven months, now it feels like my perception of time is so strange. Apple Cider Vinegar, I was just there for one day. And Birdeater shot in little pockets over a few years. And it's just very strange when things come out, because it's the combination of so much work when you're a film actor. And then often people are like 'oh, my god, this thing's coming out' and you're sitting at home unemployed alone. So it's very feast and famine, and very strange, but I'm so lucky and I'm having a great time." On What Appealed to Azeez About The Pitt and Portraying Dr Javadi "The team, obviously. We got the brief and it was like 'the people that made ER and The West Wing are making a new show' — that's a once-in-a-lifetime casting brief. And we knew the TV that they make goes on for a long time — these are really cultural moments, John Wells' productions, shows — and obviously that was a massive, massive selling point. Not that I was in a position to be choosy. I was just wanting to audition and that was exciting to me. Also, the script was insane. I don't know if the scripts are public at all or if anybody can see them, but they're novels, they're dense and they're incredible. I remember having to go out to get more highlighters in different colours to be able to track which character was who — because it was all surnames and I couldn't figure out who anybody was, and there were so many characters in that first episode. And sitting in my apartment trying to audition, figuring out who I'm talking to in my audition scene, took ages. It was a really cool audition. It was out-of-body — thinking about it now, I'm like 'god, who was I back then coming to this audition?'. And then for Javadi, I was so excited by her as a character. I think being a young woman, there's a massive variation in the types of auditions you can get. But there's not a single female character on the show that's sexualised — or the idea of something. Everybody's fully fleshed out. In a way, that's just so incredible to see. And I know it should be the standard, but the writing is amazing, and the female characters are so complicated and beautiful and incredible. And smart — like really smart — and not really existing for anybody else's character growth. We're all there for each other as an ensemble, and it doesn't seem like there's a lot of imbalance there. So it was so exciting to get a script with a big ensemble of interesting characters and be like 'oh, this young one' — especially being the youngest one. I'm kind of scrappy and I think we have a lot in common, except that she's really smart and a brilliant doctor, and I'm an actor. But she was just very interesting — I've never seen a brief like her before." On Juggling Javadi's Intelligence, Age, Nerves, New Job, Love Life and Attempts to Give Excellent Medical Care, All on a Traumatic 15-Hour Day "I think that was really — I don't want to say 'easy', but it was really served by the way we worked, in that we shot chronologically. So usually when you're shooting, you're shooting out of order, and so you're doing so much work to be like 'my character's experienced this crazy thing and this crazy thing and this crazy thing', and I have to, in my head and in my body, know all of those things and then shoot scene 75 before I shoot scene two. In this situation, we were building on what we've done. Except for Pittsburgh — we shot the exteriors in Pittsburgh over one week, and so that final scene of the entire show we shot before we'd even read past script nine, I want to say. So I hadn't read the mass shooting. I hadn't read a lot of it. And there was just a lot of putting trust in the editors and the directors and the producers, and knowing that they would treat all our characters with care. I'm very protective of Javadi. She's just so little, and she's just trying her hardest, but I knew I could trust them with her. She's our little baby. I think it was really nice, because it was written so organically that that's just how complicated real people are. It was like that thing, right — none of these characters are the idea of a trope. They are fully fleshed-out human beings. And you can be — in fact, most really smart people are, really, there is a deficit that balances out somewhere else in the character, right? So I think that her being really, really smart, it makes sense that she would also then be socially quite complicated and struggling, because she's growing up so lonely and so isolated. I remember R Scott Gemmill, in one of our first character meetings, said to me 'you know, her parents kind of used her as a party trick' — and it's really interesting to think about what that would do to a small child, to be valued for being impressive. The type of bravery it takes to be publicly, confidently bad at something — to ask a boy out, even though you've maybe never done it before and you're going to have to stay on the shift and see him, even if it goes badly — the bravery and the courage that it takes when you have been disproportionately valued for being special your whole life is something that I think I really want to explore with her more and give her credit for. I think, often for me, her worst behaviours or her least-impressive behaviours — or her most-cringey or -embarrassing behaviours — are the things for me that I love most about her, and they speak the most to her positive and beautiful character traits. Because I think to put yourself out there in that way is really brave. I don't know that I could do that, and I grew up with a lot of friends and not socially isolated in the way that she has been. It's really exciting also to see people react to her awkward moments and like it, and think that she's funny — it's really rewarding." On Working with a Stellar Ensemble While Diving Into Such an Intense Scenario "It's really lovely and really nice — it's so much background work on the show, and it's really immersive being on the show, and so it's like, yes, the cast, but also all the background we have, and all the crew are wearing scrubs all the time. And the amount of immersion you can get from every bit, being around everybody all day, and everybody giving it their all in that way — it's so special because it's so immersive. Usually, you're on set, and maybe you're crying and you're looking at a tennis ball or a line somebody's drawn on the wall, and these people wearing Dickies are all around you, holding lights to your face. Whereas in this situation, you fully are like 'no, I'm in a trauma situation. I'm in a surgery room'. The lights that we use are real. The level of immersion is so special, and it makes shooting seamless and fast. It's amazing. And the people are so great, and I think it's lovely to work with people who are great at their job, obviously, which everybody can see — but I also think everybody in the audience can see how wonderful the people are that we're working with, even if they're playing assholes, maybe. It's really funny watching people be like 'that girl must be so mean to you in real life', but Isa is a lovely, beautiful friend. So that's really lucky that everybody's kind and easy to work with as well." On Being Part of a Series with an Impressive Pedigree, and That Sits Among Fellow Great Medical Dramas "Honestly, I don't think I had time to be nervous. I did one self-tape — I sent in a tape — and then I did one zoom, and then we got the call that I booked it. And I had a month to move to America and be on the ground at Warner Bros. So I don't think I had time to panic about anything. I was panicked about getting a Social Security number and all the logistics of moving your life. And accents and medical research and all that stuff. And so for me, I was just so, so grateful to be there. I think that they really did the work to not make it nerve-racking for us younger ones, too, in that our casting process was really chill and relaxed and warm and safe. And so that energy, I think it ended up funnelling into experience on the set. And also we did a boot camp before we started acting, so for two weeks we got to know each other and get comfy with each other — and not just with the other actors, but also with John Wells and R Scott Gemmill. Obviously there was pressure and excitement to be working on such an incredible show with such an incredible team, but every single person on a personal level worked their asses off to make sure that they weren't creating pressure, they were creating warmth and safety. To the point of: we all spend time together, even with John and Scott, before we started, giving you enough about the job to combat all the natural pressure and scary feelings — and I'm so grateful for that. That level of skill — I think you can see the skill on the show, there's so much skill, there's so much writing skill, so much directing skill, so much producing skill, you can see that on the show. But the soft skills that come with being a creative, they were 10 out of 10, 100 percent all the time with all of that as well, and that's not really visible to the audience — and it's really special to get it." On the Research That Goes Into Playing Dr Javadi as an Australian in an American Medical Series "I did a lot of research on gun violence. And I ended up getting specific things from the writers, too — like 'which one did you base this on?' and 'what resources would you recommend to me?'. Then I also did specific things on Javadi's experience of guns — so growing up in Pittsburgh, what suburbs she would've grown up in? Things like that, picking a house on Google Maps. But also, she would have gone to school in this time — how many school-shooter drills were happening at this time? And what kind of school-shooter drills were they? A lot of resources were coming up that school-shooter drills, often kids don't know they're a drill — or they do know they're a drill, but they're simulating all these really scary things, so they can be traumatising in way that a shooting can be. And so figuring out where she sat on certain spectrums, and how long she was at school for, because she's sort of a savant and she graduated school at high school at 13 and started college really young. Also doing a lot of research into what it's like to be a kid genius and how lonely that is, and the experiences of being isolated from your peers and being really young around a lot older people. What does that do to you? Does it stunt you or do you meet them somewhere? What's the experience of doing American college with no alcohol? That sounds so silly, almost. But even in Australia, alcohol is a massive part of our culture, and obviously she's too young — and we see her have her first beer in the last episode of The Pitt at 20. So how does that isolate you if everybody's going to the pub after an exam, or going to a bar to decompress after a week? How does not being able to participate in any social thing affect your self-worth or your ability to build rapport? And so I think we see her be quite awkward in the show, and I did a lot of research into why she would be like that and how awkward to be, so hopefully that comes through. And that's really exciting stuff to do, because it's just so different to my experience of the world." On Azeez's Journey From Adelaide and Short Films to a Series-Regular Role on a Hit US TV Show "It means so much to me. Obviously growing up in Adelaide, LA is worlds and worlds away, and it was this fantasy that I didn't — and also LA is a fantasy even in American media. LA is just this strange sort of utopia for filmmakers, right? And it felt for a long time like that was just never going to happen to me — because how? How do you get from Adelaide to LA? I still don't really understand it even though it's happened to me, I guess because it seems so unlikely. And there's no obvious pathways when you're an actor. You really do have to cede control, in a way. So the fact that this thing that I've been convincing myself was not possible for so long — it's like 'temper my expectations', all of that — but the fact that I didn't have to temper my expectations and it happened is so lucky. I don't even know if 'lucky' is the word. It feels blessed. It's so crazy to me, and I don't know that I'll ever understand it or feel like — like how do you earn something like that? How do you earn being on The Pitt? I don't know. I just feel very lucky, and I'm not questioning it, lest somebody else with power question it. But for my career, I think Australia — there's this saying in Adelaide where if you want to work in Adelaide as an actor, you have to move to Melbourne and then come back, and then people in Adelaide will be like 'oh my god, they worked in Melbourne, they must be great'. And I think that just happens at every stage, except with The Pitt, where they didn't. They thought I lived in Adelaide, Australia, when they cast me in The Pitt. The did not care about where I came from or what my context was, they just wanted me for this role. And that level of freedom, creatively, where they didn't want me to have any sort of audience, they didn't need me to be famous, they didn't need me to bring anything to this project except myself, was so special to me. I don't know that I've ever experienced the confidence that they had in me as a creative, to just give some kid from Adelaide this series-regular role in their massive TV show. That means a lot as an artist, obviously. But it also is the blueprint for me going forward of how I want to be as an artist. I think I'm learning a lot from Noah. And to get to learn from these people and then bring that knowledge back to Adelaide or Melbourne or wherever I end up is so, so meaningful. I'm very grateful." The Pitt streams via Max in Australia and Neon in New Zealand.
Bar Patron has undergone its fair share of evolution since launching in 2018. Originally opened by Neil Perry and the Rockpool Dining Group, the Mexican-inspired restaurant sat dormant for three years during COVID times before it was revamped under hospitality group Pacific Concepts, now rebranded as Hunter St. Hospitality (The Collective, El Camino Cantina, 24 York). Yet the world's only Patrón-dedicated tequila bar has decided to embrace its name, shifting away from its Mexican dining focus to become a fully-fledged tequila bar. From its airy home in Circular Quay, guests can now expect cocktails to be front and centre, while a tightened food menu complements, not overshadows, what's shaken and stirred behind the bar. The drinks list goes far beyond the basics. Led by Bar Manager Andori Sanchez (El Primo Sanchez) and Hunter St. Hospitality Beverage Director Ali Toghani, a thoughtfully assembled selection of seven signature cocktails draws from varied regions of Mexico, with each designed to showcase a specific area's standout produce and character. For instance, the El Mariachi draws inspiration from Jalisco — the birthplace of tequila — offering a zesty, tropical blend of Patrón Reposado, hibiscus, Campari, blood orange liqueur and mango. Oaxaca, the heartland of mezcal, sets the tone for La Llorona, featuring a smoky, spicy base balanced against pineapple sweetness — another regional staple. There's also El Cielo De Mayo, where the light agave flavours of Patrón El Cielo mix with fresh lime, pomegranate grenadine and apple juice to reflect Puebla's fertile farmland and citrus trees. While the new direction for Bar Patrón has reduced the focus on food, don't assume what remains lacks the same punch that came before. Overseen by Hunter St. Hospitality Culinary Director Santiago Aristizabal, each dish showcases regional Mexican touches and premium Australian produce, ensuring lunch or dinner remains a delight. Order a round of tacos to start, choosing from options like wagyu cheek, grilled prawn and pork barbacoa. Snacks like salty chicharrones and tuna tostada also won't go amiss. For something larger, favourites like Glacier 51 toothfish with adobo, and braised short rib birria are still on the menu. With long lunch specials and happy hours offered throughout the week, swing through Bar Patrón for a cocktail, a casual bite and front-row Sydney Harbour seats. Bar Patrón is open from Tuesday–Thursday from 12–10pm, Friday–Saturday from 12–11pm, and Sunday–Monday from 12–9pm at 2 Phillip Street, Sydney. Head to the website for more information. Images: Steven Woodburn.
Named after Evelyn Mulwray — the enigmatic femme fatale at the centre of Roman Polanski's 1974 classic Chinatown — this 50-seat Paddington bar draws on its cinematic namesake to set the tone: moody, intimate and refined. Set within the former Grand Pacific Blue Room — an it-nightclub of Y2K-era Sydney — The Mulwray joins sibling venues The Palomar and Jacob the Angel in London hospo crew Studio Paskin's stable at 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia. A neon silhouette of Mulwray herself at the entrance gives way to a room anchored in dark leather, rich velvet and heritage brick, with soft honeyed lighting that makes everything — and everyone — look a little more glamorous. Subtle brass floor inlays, menus handwritten on mirrors and warm, atmospheric lighting give the space its cinematic edge while still feeling intimate and lived-in. Behind the bar, Head of Beverage Roean Patawaran — whose CV includes Oncore by Clare Smyth, Firedoor and Woodcut — steers a cocktail program built on precision and restraint. Classics are the stars here, from martinis to french 75s, with just enough modern flair (see: the jalapeño-spiked Picante Margarita) to keep things interesting. Wine shares top billing with the cocktails. The ever-evolving 100-bin list by Head Sommelier Eleonore Wulf (Aalia, Nour, Joji) celebrates biodynamic, organic and sustainable producers, spotlighting lesser-known grapes and methods without drifting into esoterica. Food comes courtesy of Mitch Orr, who brings his big-swinging, flavour-forward approach to a sharp list of snacks. Expect fried zucchini flowers with green chilli yoghurt, Westholme wagyu tartare on toast and a scene-stealing fish finger sandwich. Service is unobtrusive and deeply knowledgeable — more dinner party at your stylish friend's house than stuffy hotel bar. It's an atmosphere that honours its namesake: enigmatic, elegant and designed to draw you in slowly. [caption id="attachment_1046056" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Justin Nicholas[/caption]
Head south of Sydney or north of Victoria and you're sure to find quaint towns complete with awe-inspiring national parks and world-class wineries. The NSW south coast and southern highlands provide just this, plus an idyllic mix of rolling hillsides and romantic beachside homes perfect for you and your partner's next getaway. If you're looking to get out of the big city, there is an abundance of secluded stays scattered across southern NSW ready to serve as your landing pad to unwind and explore some of the most beautiful landscapes the state has to offer. We've done the hard work for you and found these one-bedroom (or more — in case you wanted to bring your favourite couple, too) cabins, lakeside stays and bushland cottages so that you can live out all your rom-com fantasies surrounded by rustling trees and ocean breezes. Recommended reads: The Best Places to Go Glamping in NSW The Best Tiny Houses You Can Book Around NSW The Best Hotels in Sydney The Best Places to Stay in the Blue Mountains The Bower, Mount Kembla This two-story bungalow allows you to live among the trees for the period of your stay. Just fifteen minutes outside Wollongong, you can experience the slow-moving small-town lifestyle with the nearby comforts of the city. From $350 a night, sleeps five. Bawley Point Cottage, Bawley Point Combining the best of both worlds, this south coast stay is part bushy cottage, part beach house. You can use the provided kayaks and head on an action-packed trip or just sit and read among the trees. From $220 a night, sleeps four. Soul Wood, Termeil Wake up to views of the bushland from this wooden tiny house. The dreamy outdoor bathtub is surrounded by tall native trees that will have you feeling completely immersed in the natural surroundings. From $300 a night, sleeps two. Beachfront Glamping, Bawley Point To say you're going glamping is an insult to this luxury beachfront tent. Soak up the great outdoors from the tent-style bedroom while enjoying the luxuries of a private kitchen and bathroom from the attached unit. From $320 a night, sleeps two. The Lakeside Barn, Wildes Meadow An architectural gem on the south coast, this waterfront barn was created in the 90s from the wood of old Darling Harbour wharf buildings. The barn contains a modern bathroom and kitchen, spacious living areas and a top-floor bedroom that looks out onto the lake. From $333 a night, sleeps two. Creekside Tiny House, Foxground Wake to the sounds of the gurgling creek at this modern tiny house. Located just outside of Kiama and Gerringong, the quaint stay places you nearby a variety of local hiking trails and beaches. From $298 a night, sleeps two. Studio Barn, Nowra This transformed barn somehow packs in a spacious living and kitchen area, a bedroom, a newly fitted bathroom and a private garden out back. It's a cute and affordable spot for those looking to explore the natural wonders of Kangaroo Valley. From $300 a night, sleeps two. Fig Tree Cabin, Moruya This pet-friendly cabin welcomes all of your non-human friends with open arms. From the pugs to great danes and even horses, the property will save you paying any expensive kennel fees while on your romantic adventure. From $140 a night, sleeps two. Lyra, Kangaroo Valley Relax in style with this lush Kangaroo Valley house, overlooking the Barrengarry Mountain range. The house is built from locally sourced timber and rocks and is flooded with light thanks to the large front windows and glass roof panels, bringing as much of the surrounding rainforest into your stay as possible. From $690 a night, sleeps six. Buru, Pebbly Beach Buru is more of a group couples retreat than a solo getaway — so find a couple of other lovebirds and book out this stunning, secluded stay. The renovated 1960s house backs onto a idyllic white sand beach and contains both an indoor and outdoor fireplaces perfect for cosy nights after a day of swimming, surfing and exploring. From $1164 a night, sleeps eight. New Atlas, Meroo Meadow Gaze out onto Cambewarra Mountain from the back porch of this bright beachy home just outside of Berry and less than 20 minutes drive from Seven Mile Beach. From $309 a night, sleeps four. The Old Schoolhouse, Milton This sun-drenched one bedroom loft sits on farm land just a couple minutes outside of the rural town of Milton. Sip coffee from the balcony overlooking the farm or pay a little extra and take your relaxation up a notch by sending a masseuse to the loft thanks to the accommodation's Indulgence Package. From $316 a night, sleeps two. The Lazy Curl, Woodburn This minimalist cabin will provide you with a simple and serene stay in the heart of the south coast. Its eco-friendly design generates energy through solar and collects rainwater and its indoor fireplace will keep you feeling toasty even on cold winter nights. From $245 a night, sleeps four. Monga Mountain Retreat, Reidsdale Stay in Monga National Park while living out your cottage-core dreams at this lovely bushland cabin. Comfy chairs sit on a patterned rug and quaint appliances are scattered around the wood-laden kitchen. From $155 a night, sleeps two. Tawillah Luxury Retreat, Milton This countryside couples retreat has serene views of the Milton countryside and the nearby Budawang Range. Just a two minute drive from town, enjoy a seclude getaway with a beautiful deck, sun lounges and a fire pit. From $460 a night, sleeps two. All photos courtesy of Airbnb. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. 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After plenty of patience waiting for the doors to open, Grappa has just opened at 107-109 George Street in The Rocks. The beloved Leichhardt institution, which has operated since 1999, has opened its second outpost at the former Rockpool site, which has been vacant since 2022. Since Charlie Colosi and his father, Antonio, opened Grappa many decades ago, it has served classic Italian cuisine, a healthy selection of wines, and a cellar boasting over 300 bottles. No surprise, given its moniker, it has maintained a specialised focus on grappa, with over 100 varietals to sample. At its core has always been a strong emphasis on warm, welcoming and genuine hospitality. "We're all about old-school hospitality: making guests feel at home the second they walk in. In a way, hospitality is like inviting people into your own home, so that's how we want the guest experience to feel," says Charlie Colosi. They say if it ain't broke, don't fix it, so the menu at the new spot will stay true to the Leichhardt offering — classic Italian dishes of pastas, breads, pizza and dessert, all made in-house, showcasing premium Australian produce. Head Chef Adam Nicholls, who has worked with Colosi since 2001, will be joined by Pasta Chef Antonio Ruocco, hailing from just north of Naples, Pizza Chef Alessandro Penna, who brings an authentic Roman touch, and Pastry Chef Bonnie Hong. Expect signature Leichhardt classics such as the tuna carpaccio and the rock-salt-crusted snapper, alongside new additions such as White Rocks Veal and a creamy fior di latte soft serve with olive oil and salt. "I've always wanted a restaurant in the city, but it had to feel right. When we walked into this building, we felt it straight away — the bones, the history, the energy. It's an iconic space," says Colosi. Spanning 300 seats across the dining room, upper-level bar, private event spaces, and an outdoor terrace opening later this year, Grappa at The Rocks is set to be a bustling addition to the Sydney dining scene. Images: Steven Woodburn. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Sex stores aren't known for being particularly sexy — the neon lights, tinted windows stereotype doesn't exactly invite (or inspire) sexual freedom. But we've come a long way from perceiving adult stores and products as deviant or taboo, with today's generation finding liberation, health and empowerment in sexual wellness. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a couple wanting to experiment in the bedroom, or simply curious to explore your sexuality, Sydney has no shortage of elevated and curated sex stores to make you feel more comfortable in your skin (or at the very least, opening the door). The Pleasure Chest View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pleasure Chest Australia (@pleasurechestau) Like a fashion boutique, The Pleasure Chest leans into a more considered retail experience. The longtime city favourite has been pleasing Sydneysiders for decades, offering a treasure trove of kinky goods for all sexes and sexualities. You can purchase everything from porn to vibrators, sex toys, toy cleaners, lubricants, and even Dorcel Discreet Boxes (as it sounds, a private case to store your intimates) at this Haymarket space. And in case of erotic emergency, you can get same-day delivery or click-and-collect. Level 1/705 George St, Haymarket Max Black [caption id="attachment_1094585" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image courtesy of Max Black[/caption] It's all about classy fun here. Max Black (not to be confused with the Two Broke Girls lead character played by Kat Dennings) opened in 2005 to make intimate and pleasure products more accessible for females, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. The space is bright, white, and clean (no dimly lit, shabby interiors), items are curated and of high quality, and staff are warm and knowledgeable — no question is too dumb or awkward to ask. Same with budget — there's everything from luxury models housed in glass cases to affordable oils and lubes to play around with during pregnancy. Level 1/264 King St, Newtown Funtasia View this post on Instagram A post shared by FuntasiaTheAdultShop (@funtasiatheadultshop) Sourcing your intimates doesn't have to be an excursion. For those in or near West Ryde, Funtasia covers all bases with a wide-range of products at accessible price points. You'll find vibrating panties and double-ended dildos alongside erotic fiction, and massage oils. If you're a little further West, there's an outlet in Penrith, and even one in Wagga Wagga. And if you prefer shopping from the privacy of your own home, Funtasia offers same-day shipping — and two-hour Uber delivery. 1037A Victoria Rd, West Ryde The Tool Shed The name says it all. Find the right tool for your shed at this expansive Oxford Street spot, co-signed by Courtney Act. The drag diva recommends The Tool Shed's silicon-based lube for her "Courtney Act's Patented Lubing Technique." From app-controlled vibrators to glass dildos, and a well-stocked hen and bucks 'do section — you can easily pick up a few spicy items you'll wish you'd thought to buy earlier — preferably before you're already on your way to the party. Basement/191 Oxford St, Darlinghurst Lead image: Getty Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
The brick-and-mortar retail experience is ever-evolving, with experiential design now key to getting customers through the door. Yet, where some stores are leaning into a space that feels more art gallery than clothing boutique, others like LÈ BAUS are carving out a direction that evokes something closer to your most in-the-know friend's lounge room. Relaunched in February, the menswear brand has called this converted garage tucked in the backstreets of Paddington home since 2024. With this reimagined hybrid space combining the worlds of fashion, coffee, vinyl and art, LÈ BAUS founder Bayan Fanaeyan sought to reflect what he considers the inherent link between fashion and culture. Contrasting warm timber finishes with stainless steel and marble accents, a pair of vintage Danish chairs act as the centrepiece for this lounge-like space. Then, a vinyl listening bar encourages guests to flick through a record collection and spin whatever tunes pique their interest. Meanwhile, a custom-built coffee bar serves Diggy Doos' locally roasted beans. Of course, the garments displayed — designed in Australia and made in Portugal by a family-owned manufacturer — are no afterthought. However, Fanaeyan, who previously worked in tailoring and made-to-measure at Oscar Hunt and Tom Ford, didn't intend for fashion to dominate the space. Instead, the idea behind this flagship store is to conjure an ambience that speaks to the same sensibilities that inform what hangs from the racks. "The garments are made slowly and intentionally, so the space needed to reflect that same pace," says Fanaeyan. "It's about encouraging people to take their time — whether that's choosing a record to enjoy, having a conversation, or trying something on without pressure." Given the brand's name, meaning 'clothing' in Farsi, Fanaeyan has also included subtle touches as a homage to his Iranian heritage, as well as LÈ BAUS's close friends. Between lingering over garments or placing the needle on a record, you'll encounter a side table from his grandmother's home, a Persian-inspired backgammon and checkers board gifted to his wife, and travel photography from pals that are more than a pretty picture. LÈ BAUS is open Wednesday–Saturday from 10am–5pm and Sunday from 11am–4pm at 3A Victoria Street, Paddington. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Ansom Smart.
Sydney's Chinese regional dining scene just welcomed a bold and fiery newcomer with the arrival of 25 Spices, a visually striking new dining room dedicated to the layered, complex flavours of Hunan cuisine. Now open in Market City, the two-level restaurant is the latest venture from Vincent Wei, the chef behind cult-fave Newtown spot Pappa's Stew, and marks the chef's most ambitious chapter yet. Hailing from central China, Hunan (or Xiang) food is one of the country's eight great regional cuisines (八大菜系), and is known for its unapologetic heat, sourness and smokiness. After finding little Hunan representation in Sydney when he moved from China, Wei opened his first takeaway spot in 2016, which then led to Pappa's Stew. Now with 25 Spices, he's created what he calls "the restaurant I've dreamed of creating for many years". The menu showcases a range of Hunan signatures and explores the interplay between sour, smoke and heat. Highlights include Hunan-style chilli with eggplant and century egg, beef with pickled green chilli, and a winter-only slow-cooked lamb hot pot. It's not all firepower though — options like braised beef noodles with crunchy peanuts, tomato beef brisket pot, and wood-smoked pork belly with garlic sprouts cut back on the spice, but not the comfort. You can balance it all out with aromatic bi luo chun tea, a naturally sweet green tea from the Hunan mountains. "Hunan food isn't about numbing spice or sweetness — it's about deep heat, smoke, and soul," says Wei. "[This restaurant] represents my childhood and what I believe to be one of the most delicious Chinese cuisines." The sense of storytelling extends to the fitout — the work of Lily Zhang of Haymarket-based Latistudio. A palette of deep red and calming blue evokes both the fiery energy of Hunan and the soothing tones of Australia's coast. Walnut wood finishes throughout the space add warmth and texture, while also nodding to the Chinese tradition of wood representing stability and connection to nature. It's a fitting look for a restaurant that's just as much about cultural connection as it is about flavour. "This restaurant is about more than food," says Wei. "It's a space for anyone curious about a cuisine that's still underrepresented in Australia." 25 Spices in now open seven days a week, from 11.30am–3pm and 5–10pm. Find it on the ground floor of Market City, on the corner of Hay Street and Quay Street, Shop 1.01B, 9–13 Hay Street, Haymarket. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Boasting boutique accommodation, a poolside bar and an all-day bistro, Paddington's Oxford House added Bubsy's Wine and Record Bar to its offerings in 2023. It landed on Oxford Street with a P&V-curated wine list, Maybe Sammy leading the charge with the cocktails, Automata's Clayton Wells in charge of the food and a rotating list of special guests taking charge of the soundtrack. Soft lamp-lit ambience and velvety red carpets set the mood at the Paddington haunt, acting as a counterpoint to the venue's upbeat next-door neighbours, the bustling El Primo Sanchez, as well as the summer-ready Oxford House pool bar. With an intimate atmosphere and exciting drinks list, we're predicting Busby's will be an ongoing hit on Valentine's Day. Known for making eccentric drops more approachable, P&V's Mike Bennie has helped create an expansive wine list spanning bottles from Australia, France and Italy. [caption id="attachment_924013" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Maybe Sammy's Paolo Maffietti has similarly ensured the cocktail list isn't too intimidating, sticking to just five signature drinks that are designed to complement the minimal-intervention vino. Sip on an Abbey Road — a combination of citrus gin, vermouth blanco, Davidson plum and champagne — or opt for the tequila, grappa and ginger wine mix of the Megatone. Public Hospitality's Group Creative Culinary Director Clayton Wells rounds out the offerings at Busby's with a snack menu you'll find difficult to turn down. Sydney rock oysters are topped with blackberry vinegar and roasted kelp oil, while the chicken liver parfait is partnered with spiced pineapple and liquorice. Then, there's the other key component of this wine and record bar: the music. Inspired by tuned-filled haunts around the world, Busby's is known to host residencies from beloved figures of Sydney's music scene. Go there with high expectations and be delighted to have them met. [caption id="attachment_924014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Images: Parker Blain and Jonny Valiant.
When you catch yourself daydreaming about a seaside wellness escape, you're probably picturing Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia. Yet Cambodia's Song Saa Private Island is one such dreamy destination where the idea of wellbeing has been baked in from the very beginning. Founded by Melita Koulmandas and Rory Hunter, the idea to transform the island began in 2006, when the pair came across its rubbish-covered shores while sailing an old fishing boat. Now, 20 years later, this award-winning resort lives and breathes its holistic philosophy amid the Koh Rong Archipelago. Situated within a protected marine reserve — the work of Koulmandas and Hunter's Song Saa Foundation — guests are drawn to the resort's diverse collection of immersive, water-connected rituals that deliver immense relaxation and rejuvenation. The cuisine is equally considered, highlighting seasonal Khmer flavours across multiple restaurants and bars. And with dinner served in a different spot every night, you can experience them all. Spanning two tiny islands — Koh Ouen and Koh Bong — the former is home to 24 scenic villas, each offering its own vistas. For instance, some perch above the pristine waterfront, where others have stunning ocean or jungle views. Plus, there's a single Royal Villa, an expansive two-bedroom stay complete with a breezy terrace, a kitchen, a spacious dining area and unmatched Gulf of Thailand views. Off-grid seclusion? You might just happen to lose your return ticket. Yet where Song Saa rises above is its commitment to wellness. Crossing the footbridge to Koh Bong, this speck is dotted with myriad tranquil corners, hosting all manner of restorative experiences. Taking place in sanctuaries such as an over-water sala, a treehouse retreat, a jungle-side gym, a herbarium and a wellness centre, the selection of bathing rituals and Buddhist-inspired signature treatments includes salt room sound therapy, Khmer herbal steam and shirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic practice. These relaxing endeavours extend to Song Saa's curated adventures, with the islands and their surrounding waters ripe for roaming. On the most peaceful end of the spectrum, experiences like morning yoga, private meditation and massages are unmissable. Yet it's also possible to get the blood pumping slightly faster by snorkelling the island's coral reef, taking a PADI-certified scuba diving trip or hopping aboard a bioluminescence boat journey that invites guests to discover phosphorescent plankton. There are also thoughtful ways to get immersed in the local culture. Guests are welcome to join the Song Saa Foundation's team as they visit the neighbouring Prek Svay Village or take part in a mission to deliver medical goods and supplies to people throughout the archipelago. With the resort heavily involved in uplifting the lives of locals — 95 percent of the team is Khmer — this luxury experience is not only a stellar high-end escape but also helps empower the local community through Song Saa's enduring conservation initiatives and education programs. Song Saa Private Island is now available for bookings, situated a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville Port. Head to the website for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.
When it comes to orchestrating a first date, the suggestion of 'we could go grab a drink somewhere' is conventional but lacks creativity. The bar as a venue for first-date small talk is the 20-30-40-50-plus-somethings dating default. It's non-committal and virtually foolproof. But as a date concept, the classic 'grabbing a drink' milieu isn't exactly memorable. So, if you feel it's time to spice up your game, here are some ideas to get you started. From budget-friendly daytime spots to revamped tried-and-true classics, this is your guide to Sydney date ideas, providing an alternative to your regular rotation of bars. [caption id="attachment_722294" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Vic161015 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] BYO Picnic at Wendy's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay In a city as spectacular as Sydney, why wouldn't you want to head outdoors? There's something uniquely romantic about a sunset picnic by the water in a garden created by a local cultural icon. Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden is a leafy haven with history, hidden artworks and harbour views. And it is just as suitable for a leisurely stroll as it is for flinging out the rug and having a couple of beers. It's scenic and, importantly, as budget-friendly as you want it to be. Check out our favourite Sydney picnic spots if all goes well and you're up for a second date. [caption id="attachment_779829" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] See a Cult Classic Film at Golden Age Cinema Before you groan in protest at the idea of a movie as a date option, think again. Golden Age is more than your average movie theatre. Hidden underneath one of the best hotels in Sydney at Surry Hills' Paramount House, this venue brings back the romance and nostalgia of cinema in its heyday. Screening beloved cult classics plus a thoughtfully selected program of recent releases, Golden Age's intimate session sizes make this spot perfect for taking someone special. Best of all, you'll be sipping some of Sydney's best cocktails and stellar snacks like the ever-changing selection of popcorn flavours and a cheese or charcuterie board. If the vibes are high and you're looking for a spot to break down what you just saw with your plus one, head to one of the bars and restaurants nearby. Our picks would be Poly or the sleek lobby bar at the Ace Hotel. Paddleboard or Kayak Your Way Across Sydney Don't let the tourists have all the fun. For those who like a date designed around an outdoor activity, this one's just for you. Navigate the waters of the harbour like a pro by taking a stand-up paddleboarding lesson from the crew at Rose Bay Aquatic Hire. Or do it yourself and check out one of our five other favourite SUP spots around the city. There'll be possible spills and embarrassment, but this has to be one of the best ways to experience Sydney's sparkling scenic spots and, besides, water is just a naturally flirty medium. Otherwise, if balance isn't your strong suit, how about kayaking? Get Active Indoors If Sydney's unpredictable weather serves up a downpour or you're looking to add some healthy competition into your romantic endeavours, check out Sydney's indoor bouldering scene at either 9 Degrees in Waterloo or Blochaus. Both have multiple levels of difficulty, so they're perfect for beginners and pros alike. [caption id="attachment_885771" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sam Manchester[/caption] Stay After Hours at the Gallery Live music, drinks and the city's best art. No, this isn't the opening of the hottest new night-time venue. On Wednesdays throughout the year, the Art Gallery of NSW keeps its doors open late to bring together Sydney's art-loving community for Art After Hours. Each iteration features the likes of live music, talks, workshops and access to the gallery's latest exhibition. [caption id="attachment_797676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Learn Some Culinary Skills with a Cooking Class New year, new chance to learn new skills. For most of us, that's how every January starts — but once February, March and April roll around, it's easy to let that plan fall by the wayside. Enter Cornersmith, the cooking school run by the beloved cafe crew at the FoodLab Kitchen in Strathfield will load you up with new know-how. The organisation's hands-on workshops cover a range of topics but focus largely on the likes of pickling, preserving and fermenting. Always wanted to know how to make your own tofu? Fancy making your own bottled tomatoes? Desperate to create and perfect your own signature hot sauce? Head along, and you'll learn everything you need to. If seafood is more up your alley than making marmalade, check out the Sydney Seafood School's culinary classes. Located above the current Sydney Fish Market site, the school has been a staple for top-notch cooking classes for over 30 years. And pasta lovers can check out Paddington's Italian eatery Barbetta, where you can up your in-kitchen game thanks to its regular (and super popular) pasta-making classes. Running regularly throughout the week, the classes let you get your hands dirty while you learn to roll out the likes of gnocchi, lasagna, fettuccine, orecchiette and strozzapreti. Level up with Arcade Games, Dodgems and Bowling If the couple that hits the arcade together stays together, then this town of ours has a few options to help your relationship keep going strong. From the moment you walk into Redfern's Beercade, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time with rows of classic arcade games, pinball machines, darts and pool. Plus, as the name suggests, beer, cocktails, wine and non-alc options, so you and your date can hit flippers, smash buttons and pass go. Otherwise, you can head over to B. Lucky and Sons to shoot hoops, show off your dance game skills and race through Mario Kart, all while drinking boozy bubble cups; get weird at Hijinx Hotel for a series of larger-than-life activities and escape rooms; or head west to Sydney's largest indoor fun park. [caption id="attachment_712468" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Expedition Escape Rooms[/caption] Try to Escape from a Locked Room (For Fun) By now, we've all heard about escape rooms. They've been a big thing in adult puzzles for a few years now, so much so that Brooklyn Nine-Nine even based one of its storylines around the concept. And, they've popped up all around Sydney, so you can choose between an eerie Australian outback-themed room in Redfern, a 1940s espionage mission in Newtown and a version set in a haunted toy shop in St Peters that is truly cursed but also fun. Trying to find your way out of a confined space is a great bonding activity as well as a good way to stress-test compatibility. [caption id="attachment_701146" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Boud[/caption] Lean into the Romance and Catch Some Jazz It may be a cliché, but it's a cliché for a reason: jazz is horny. There are plenty of places around Sydney where you can integrate jazz into a date each week. On the more opulent side of things, you can head to Restaurant Hubert — one of the best restaurants in Sydney for our money — which hosts daily live jazz with a luxurious side of magnificent French cuisine. If you're looking for a more relaxed spot to catch a wailing sax or silky piano, local favourites like LazyBones and Yulli's Brews host regular free jazz nights, too. Take Home a Memory from Your Date at a Pottery Class If you're eager to pick up a new skill but cooking isn't your preferred use of your hands, head to Clay Sydney for a pottery class. Catering to beginners and more seasoned pottery enthusiasts, the studio runs a variety of workshops that will have you getting messy and flexing your creative muscles. You can choose to make a keep cup, dinner set or teapot; opt for a wine and clay night where you can enjoy your favourite pét-nat or craft beer during the class; or there are even date-night specific packages if you want to really lean into the romance. Top image: Golden Age by Cassandra Hannagan
Back in 2018, Chatswood scored a big infusion of contemporary Chinese flavour in elegant newcomer Mama Mulan. Located in The Concourse, the 180-seater made quite the impression, with its restaurant, bar and private dining areas boasting striking interiors by creative agency DS17. To match the polished, modern aesthetic, the kitchen is dishing up a culinary exploration of China, delivered through a mix of traditional techniques and new-school flair. The chefs have pulled together an approachable menu full of tightly executed dishes from a range of Chinese provinces. Wok-fried lobster is dressed in the restaurant's secret Szechuan sauce, dandan noodle soup is made with noodles hand-pulled before your eyes and roasted lamb ribs are cooked Mongolian style. The addition of duck drives a san choi bao into modern territory, while the Mama Mulan fried rice is supercharged with asparagus, wagyu beef and XO sauce. If you decide to look to the tanks for inspiration, pick out a live mud (or snow) crab and order it typhoon shelter-style, piled high with dried chilli and black beans. Headlining the dessert offering is a range of signature fried ice cream flavours, created in collaboration with Sydney's famed dessert masters, Duo Duo. A hefty selection of Chinese booze, clever cocktails and international beer rounds out the fun. If you're coming for a special event then be sure to book out the private dining room. With polished floorboards, floor to ceiling linen curtains and a curved, steel-grey interior, the room is sophisticated and fun, elegant without being overbearing. They can seat over fifteen guests so you can kick back and relax while the professional staff take care of your evening.
The first hand-made ocean pool in New South Wales was the work of convicts. In 1819, Newcastle's Commandant Morisset decided he wanted his own private swimming spot, so he ordered a bunch of resident prisoners to start digging and, after several months of hard labour, the Bogey Hole was created. Cut to 2024, and over 100 ocean pools line the NSW coast — and Sydney is home to some of the most dramatic and fun among them. Unlike Morisset's private splash palace, all of them are used widely and (mostly) freely by the public and have become as much a part of Sydney's beach culture as the surf and sand. Now winter is behind us and spring has most definitely sprung, we've picked out the ten best ocean pools in Sydney where you can swim some laps between the coast and the mighty Pacific, without the risk of rips (or sharks). Recommended reads: The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Waterfalls Near Sydney That You Can Swim Under The Best Ocean Pools Near Sydney The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney [caption id="attachment_663536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paros Huckstepp[/caption] Bronte Baths, Bronte Opened in 1887, Bronte Baths is one of the oldest and most photographed ocean pools in Sydney. Its best known regular was Evelyn Whillier, who at 18 competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and at 20 won gold in the 1938 British Empire Games. In the 1990s — in her late 70s — she'd head to Bronte at 5am every day to squeeze in a few kilometres. You'll meet all kinds of swimmers here — from similarly serious lappers to kids in floaties. There's ample room on the surrounding rocks for lazing about. It's also lit up after dark so consider a night swim on balmy evenings. [caption id="attachment_754006" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Fairy Bower Pool, Manly The enchanting, triangular Fairy Bower Pool was built by locals, for locals, in 1929. It's located alongside Marine Parade, between Manly and Fairy Bower beaches. Adding to the magic are sculptor Helen Leete's Oceanides (also known as the 'Manly Sea Nymphs'), two curving creatures on the Sydney ocean pool's edge. When the surf's up, they look a bit like dancing aquatic spirits. Try taking a dip at sunrise or sunset for maximum effect, then hit up some local Manly cafes and restaurants or independent stores to keep it the good times going. [caption id="attachment_703447" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Mahon Pool, Maroubra Mahon Pool's intertidal position makes it subject to fierce doses of Pacific swell. Drop by when the water's high and the wind's a-blowing for the biggest waves and most adrenaline-fuelled fun (just be careful getting in and out). The pool lies at the northern end of Maroubra Beach. It's hard to spot from above, but make your way down the staircase from Marine Parade car park, and you'll soon spy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney among exposed rocky outcrops. Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Members of Sydney's toughest swimming club, The Icebergs, have been proving their mettle here since 1929. To stay in the gang, you must meet every Sunday throughout winter and swim at least one lap of the pool, regardless of icy temperatures or inclement weather. If that sounds too traumatic for you, you can join the masses and stick to summer visits. One of the best equipped Sydney ocean pools on the list, the Icebergs comes with a sauna, gym, masseuse, yoga lessons and cafe. Entry is $9. [caption id="attachment_663542" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paros Huckstepp[/caption] Bigola Rockpool, Bigola Bilgola Beach forms the floor of a steep coastal valley. It's one of the northern beaches' most secluded spots, and one of the best beaches in all of Sydney. For an adventurous walk in, take the South Bilgola Headland Walk, which starts at Newport Beach, winding its way through tea trees, bottlebrushes, paperbarks, casuarinas and cabbage tree palms. Alternatively, park just off The Serpentine. You'll find the eight-lane, 50-metre Sydney rockpool at the beach's southern end, affording spectacular views of the 60-metre-high Bilgola North Headland. McIver's Baths, Coogee Boys, butt out. McIver's is the only coastal pool in Australia for ladies only. It's been that way since 1922, when the Randwick and Coogee Ladies Swimming Club took over the lease from the McIver family. In 93 years, nothing much has changed — the ocean views are still extraordinary and only women and children are allowed in. Entry is $2.50, to be paid to the baths' volunteers upon entry. [caption id="attachment_754009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Wylie's Baths, Coogee Found just south of McIver's Baths, Wylie's welcomes people of all genders. The 50-metre Sydney ocean pool offers 180-degree panoramas of the ocean, including views of Wedding Cake Island (inspiration for Midnight Oil's instrumental rock hit of the same name). Like Bondi's Icebergs, Wylie's by Coogee Beach has all the facilities — from yoga lessons to massage sessions. Entry is $6. It's a great spot for a cool-off along the Bondi to Maroubra walk. [caption id="attachment_754159" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] North Curl Curl Rockpool Curl Curl's exposed, east-southeast position makes it one of Sydney's most exciting but dangerous beaches. The southerly swell surges in, driving waves to heights of 1.5 metres or more and powering hazardous rips. Lap up all the action from the safety of the North Curl Curl Rock Pool. Carved out in the mid-1930s, the Sydney ocean pool has a natural floor and rocky platforms for sunbaking (slip, slop, slap, please). At high tide, access is only available via the coastal walkway. Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla Cronulla's main ocean pool lies in the 300 metres of rocky platforms dividing South Cronulla Beach from North Cronulla. Opened in 1932, the Sydney ocean pool first served as a training facility for local lifeguards. These days, it's still an optimum spot for lapping and/or casual dipping, offering vast, uninterrupted vistas over Bate Bay. The Council made some upgrades in 2016, adding handrails and stairs and non-slip surfaces — helping cement its place in this list of Sydney's best ocean pools. [caption id="attachment_703770" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Adam JWC via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Malabar Ocean Pool, Malabar For smaller crowds and a laidback, local feel, head to Malabar Ocean Pool. Created in the 1890s, it was closed down by the 1970s (as was surrounding Long Bay) due to pollution. But, in 1997, NSW Premier Bob Carr and the local MP pooled funds for a clean-up and re-vamp. These days, the water at this stunning Sydney ocean swimming pool is crystal clear and the views dreamy, especially at dawn and dusk. You can find Abbott's Bakery products at all major supermarkets — and discover more tasty Sandwich recipes at Abbotts.com/recipes. Image: Wylie's Baths via Destination NSW.
"I've never been to school, but I can read and write." Penny Penny takes a moment to chat from Limpopo, the northern South African province where he grew up. Born Giyani Kulain in 1962, the cult musician was just four years old when his father passed away; a local doctor who left behind his 25 wives and 68 children. "After that, we started to suffer a lot," Penny says. "I taught myself [literacy], because I suffered so much. In 1968, I started working on a farm, then I worked in a mine, then I went to the village and sold vegetables and then I worked in a restaurant... Everything I've done, I've done it myself." For the 52-year-old dubbed "the next Rodriguez" by Rolling Stone, this independent drive lead him to singing — except that it didn't involve so much arduous autodidacticism. "I never learned to sing," he says. "Singing just happened." In 1994, while working as a cleaner in a Johannesburg music studio, Penny approached producer Joseph Shirimani, who related the meeting in a 2013 Rolling Stone interview. "I said, 'Can you sing?'. [Penny] didn't say yes — he just sang a song for me. And that's when I heard this unusual voice and those melodies." The resulting collaboration led to the recording of the song 'Shaka Bundu'. Its infectious combination of traditional melody, Tsonga disco and contemporary dance pop sold 250,000 copies, turning the odd jobs man into a national star. "'Shaka Bundu' means 'bad guy', trouble," Penny explains. "I had a girlfriend for more than eight years. After I lost my job, she dumped me. And one of my friends, who used to come to my house, he proposed to her. That's where the song comes from, you see." He breaks off the story in favour of singing the chorus down the phone. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Blk2nsFCt8I Several subsequent albums continued to keep the fans dancing in South Africa, but (like the music of Rodriguez) didn't receive much international attention. That was until a few years ago, when a Penny Penny cassette landed on the desk of DJ and Awesome Tapes from Africa blogger Brian Shimkovitz. "It took a bit of time to track down the busy politician, humanitarian and stadium-filling musician," Shimkovitz wrote. But track him down he did, releasing 'Shaka Bundu' worldwide on November 12 last year. "People like it a lot in Africa," Penny says. "Then I find out that they like it in Australia — and that makes me happy. I've seen Australia on television; I've read about it on the news. I never believed that I would come to meet you, on that side. I think I'll kiss the soil when I land there." He's sorry though, that he won't get the chance to meet Yothu Yindi. "I heard that he passed away recently. He is one of my favourite Australian musicians. That song [he starts singing 'Treaty'] was very big in Africa. I though maybe I'd see him one day, but no." Like Yothu Yindi, Penny is an activist. In fact, in 2011 he became an African National Congress (ANC) Council Member — the first African musician to do so. "I just want to give something back to the community," he says. "Politics is fine, but my heartbeat is music." When he plays VIVID as part of Goodgod's Tin Pan Alley, he'll be bringing a ten-piece band along for the ride. "You can expect to see me dancing up there. When I see people on the dance floor — 75,000 people, 90,000 people — if more people want to come, I say let them come! I've been asking myself, 'How to introduce my style of dancing to Australia?' I want to leave the country dancing my style, with my spirit. I want to leave my mark." Penny Penny will headline Good God Small Club's Tin Pan Alley in the Joan Sutherland Theatre on Friday May 30 for Vivid LIVE. He'll be joined by Bart Willoughby of seminal indigenous band No Fixed Address, ever theatrical Royal Headache frontman Shogun flying solo, Melbourne soft rockers Montero and Sydney's indescribable Donny Benét. Head here for more details.
Fred's in Paddington is a venue that offers us three unique experiences wrapped up into one wholesome night of farm-to-table fun amid a genuinely lovely setting. Entering on street level you're greeted by an industrial-meets-vintage cocktail bar with marble aplenty. The dining room is slick and cosy. The setting emulates the warmth at the heart of a charming country homestead — oversized kitchen islands and freestanding Tuscan grills do away with a traditional restaurant set-up where a custom-made hearth emits a soft glow while the kitchen calmly moves between pans and plates. Originally conceived by superstar Head Chef Danielle Alvarez (who honed her skills at Napa Valley's famed The French Laundry) the focus for the menu has always been about sustainable produce from the people who farm it served by an enthusiastic team passionate about elevating your dining experience. Alvarez may have moved on, but the sentiment toward food and service remains in tact at Fred's. Examining the lunch and dinner menu the best approach is getting on board with your co-diners and filling the table with a spread of food, feasting rather than neatly settling for three courses each. You'll find simple starters such as fougasse with butter and olive oil and refreshing smaller plates like beef tartare with black pepper, anchovies and buckwheat crackers, or the rather special cucumber with poached lobster and crème fraiche. Then there's hearty wood oven dishes and bigger protein-forward items off the grill including a woodfired bass grouper, the Milly Hill lamb or the rib eye steak executed at a very high level. Tipples-wise, the full wine list should satisfy any palate with its 26 pages of options; there's also a strong beer and cider selection and enough spirits to drown a European oligarch. When it comes to cocktails, the signature offering is stellar, but we recommend saving your cocktail drinking for the jazz-inspired hidey hole Charlie Parker's in the basement under Fred's. You should definitely make a stop down here, but it's up top where you'll really enjoy the show. Images: Byron Martin for PADDO(Collective)
