Working from home has its undeniable perks. Your day begins in your own space, minus long crowded commutes, cramped office cubicles and strained water-cooler conversation. And if you feel like wearing pyjamas the whole damn day, there's no-one to judge. But this no-rules workplace can quickly become all too comfortable. Pot plants and pets can only go so far to providing stimulating companionship. Plus freedom and procrastination virtually go hand-in-hand. That's where the 'coffice' comes in. Work-friendly coffee shops give artists, writers and freelancers a change of pace from their solitary spaces. These ten are our favourite places to head when that mid-morning creativity slump kicks in. All are mostly quiet, relaxed enough to accommodate long sittings and have free Wi-Fi thrown in. 107 PROJECTS CAFE, REDFERN Nestled in the artist-run 107 Projects, the 107 Cafe feels more like a good mate's laidback living room that just happens to have a coffee machine tucked in the corner. Frequented by resident artists and locals looking for an excuse to get out of the house, the space features roomy, sun-drenched tables; indoor and outdoor seating; and the kind of shambolic interior design to get those creative juices flowing. BERKELOUW BOOKS' 1812 CAFE, PADDINGTON Surround yourself with stacks of intellectual inspiration at this cosy cafe bookstore space. With plenty of bar and table seating around, you'll be ticking boxes and meeting deadlines in no time. This place is a coffice classic; you'll notice your fellow patrons either tapping away at laptops or talking through low-key meetings. And if energy levels drop and hunger strikes, fear not. Their menu of homemade baked goods and healthy lunch dishes will keep you fuelled and firing all day long. COPO CAFE AND DINER, DRUMMOYNE Serving up South American-inspired eats just minutes from The Bay Run of Iron Cove, Copo Cafe and Diner is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon working away in the sun. Head to the terrace for a view of the surrounds, or tuck yourself away inside the cafe's laidback lower level. With lush greenery at every turn and spacious seating (so you'll never feel in the way), this is just the place for those needing a change of scenery to get their to-do list done. THE HILL EATERY, BONDI The Hill Eatery gives Bondi-goers the perfect blend of relaxed cafe dining and stunning beachside views. Their wholesome menu of locally sourced ingredients, with everything from egg and bacon rolls and hearty beef burgers to gourmet salads (plus an assortment of freshly baked treats), will keep you truly well fed. Nab a spot on their uber-comfy cushioned benches, or grab a table under their iconic curved window. If you can avoid daydreaming about the water, it's a killer spot to spend a chilled working afternoon. FLEETWOOD MACCHIATO, ERSKINEVILLE Tucked away in the leafy streets of the inner-west, Fleetwood Macchiato answers all your coffice needs. Brimming with tasty snacks and a team ready to deliver every coffee call, it's the perfect weekday space for creative folk and freelancers to set up camp. Their small tables make solo visits perfectly acceptable, but be warned, this isn’t a place to head during the busy weekend rush. Get the timing right, and you'll be greeted with a cosy little gem serving some pretty incredible seasonal dishes. Image by Sacha Fernandez. CLEVELAND'S, REDFERN Decked out with some of the cutest interiors around, Cleveland's is a barber meets coffee shop with a difference. Pumping out brews courtesy of beans sourced from The Little Marionette and whipping up feeds featuring locally sourced produce courtesy of Brickfields, Farmer Jo and Sticky Chai, it's no wonder this place is a well-loved Redfern favourite. A little exposed brick and quaint wooden seating produce the perfect aesthetic to get you working (or at least, make for some great 'gram backdrops). PARLOUR LANE ROASTERS, CBD For those stuck for a spot to work among the crowded inner-city streets, Parlour Lane is the perfect solution. Sure, it may be situated on one of the busiest Sydney CBD streets around, but somehow this nook-style cafe is always an oasis of calm. The dim lighting mightn't suit those with drowsiness-inducing work to do and the mobile reception is apparently patchy (a pro or a con, depending on your procrastination tendencies), but otherwise this art deco spot is a good one. And since Parlour Lane is also a bar, you'll be perfectly places to kick off post-work drinks come 5pm. AMPERSAND CAFE AND BOOKSTORE, PADDINGTON Laneway seating and books sprawled out in abundance. No folks, you don't have to travel to Melbourne for this. Paddington's beloved Ampersand Cafe is a tranquil oasis surrounded by some of the sweetest boutiques, galleries and bookstores around. Sequester yourself away in one of the nooks or tables dotted across four rickety levels, and when all that thinking leaves you peckish, tuck into a freshly made sandwich or gluten-free brownie. THREE WILLIAMS, REDFERN An easy stroll along to the quieter end of Elizabeth Street gets you to this warehouse-style coffice. Though the sound can bounce around a lot in the cavernous space, the ample table space, clean lines and a menu of hearty cafe eats will put you back in the work/study zone. There's also an all-day breakfast menu, for those late risers hanging for a bacon-and-egg fix to ensure an afternoon of productivity. MCA CAFE, THE ROCKS Hello, Sydney! Working or studying up on MCA's Sculpture Terrace is one surefire way to get into an inspiring headspace. Head to the roof for uninterrupted views of all the iconic Harbour sights. Plus, a bit of sun never hurt anyone's energy levels. They don't disappoint with the menu, either, whether a light lunch of salad or a hefty po'boy is your style. And when you begin to run out of steam, you're only a mere flight of stairs up from some of Australia's best contemporary art. Let your mind wander over it and who knows what it'll come up with?
Kittyhawk, from the team behind The Lobo Plantation, is a seductive bar and restaurant on Phillip Lane hiding in plain sight from the blur of corporate warriors and traffic that are customary for a location where the city and Circular Quay intersect. Taking its name from a US fighter jet, Kittyhawk takes you back to the historic French liberation, when US and French troops celebrated liberté, egalité and fraternité on the streets of Paris. Inside this generously sized but intimate feeling time capsule of a venue you'll find walls decorated with vintage wartime posters, gleaming leather banquettes, velvet chairs, and an impressive 12-metre-long handcrafted American oak bar across which a continuous output of smart cocktails and wine from an impressive cellar are served. The food is playful French fare where dishes with rustic tradition are delivered with dashes of contemporary luxury. Enduring classics like the duck liver pâté with cornichons and tawny port jelly or appellation oysters with mignonette are essential starters, and opulent mouthfuls of the Siberian caviar bump with frozen Grey Goose or the scallop crudo on blini with caviar and horseradish add some extra sex appeal to the table. The white anchovy tarte with caramelised onion is an exercise in perfectly executed simplicity, while the lunch-only steak sandwich with gruyere, onion jam and pickles is a flavour-packed flex. The menu options invite you to either stay and linger over several bottles of wine, or take in a quick pre-theatre or pre-gig snack with a martini (they take bookings for drinks seatings). The Kittyhawk drinks menu is presented as a pilot's flight operating manual and, like the real thing, it is a lengthy document: 32 pages of triumphant cocktails, a versatile and varied wine list, and spirits ranging from Australian whiskey to amaro. Can't decide what to drink when and with what? Leave it in the extremely capable hands of the floor and bar staff. Kittyhawk might be inconspicuously tucked away behind a deep-blue door on Phillip Lane, but those in the know are always treated to a very, very good time.
Need to do refresh your spring or summer wardrobe? Online vintage treasure trove Hawkeye Vintage will let you into its covetable virtual closet with a huge sale on bags, clothing and accessories. Held over on its Instagram on September 11–12 and 18–19, it'll feature 1000s of items from the 70s to the 90s, including the likes of Chanel bags and Gucci scarves. The pieces on offer will run from the affordable right up to the super expensive, but all will be going at a reduced price. Given some of the brands on offer — including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Chanel, YSL, Celine and Fendi — you'll be able to pick up some bargains, or opt for a few investment pieces. As the sale will be help on Instagram instead of in-store (unlike the brand's previous sales), the rules are a little different. There'll be no jostling over bags and boots at this one. You'll find all the nitty-gritty over on one of Hawkeye's Instagram Story highlights, but the short of it is this: when you see an item you like, DM sold with the item number and description, wait for a confirmation message and then you'll need to make a payment within 30 mins. There are a few different payment options available, too, including layby, and shipping is free across Australia. Hawkeye Vintage Marathon Live Designer Sale runs from 9am–5pm.
It's the film festival that gives German cinema fans a showcase of the European nation's latest and greatest movies without leaving Australia. It's a way to catch up on highlights from the Berlin International Film Festival from Down Under, too. And, it's where German-language flicks from beyond the obvious nation equally get their time to shine. Here's another description that fits: it's also where one of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's masterpieces is almost always on the bill. The event in question is the German Film Festival, which has a huge 2025 in store even just by the numbers. Making its way around Australia between Wednesday, April 30–Wednesday, May 28, this year's fest has 29 days of movies on offer across eight legs in nine places and 23 cinemas. Cinephiles in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Ballarat, Byron Bay and Ballina, get excited: 20 features, plus 14-part miniseries Berlin Alexanderplatz, are on their way across the festival's tour. Not every title is playing at every location, including the literally biggest of them all for 2025. Fassbinder's addition to this year's program only has dates with Sydney and Melbourne, playing on the silver screen across three weekends — but if you're a movie lover in either city, clearing your diary to see the page-to-screen great that is Berlin Alexanderplatz couldn't be more highly recommended. The German Film Festival's opening-night pick is showing at all legs of the event, however, with romantic comedy Long Story Short kicking off the celebration of cinema — and giving Australia the chance to see one of Germany's recent box-office smashes. Other highlights across the complete program include six flicks that first played at this year's Berlinale, spanning closing night's Mother's Baby, the Nina Hoss (Tár)-starring Cicadas and conspiracy thriller Hysteria, alongside Hildegard Knef-focused documentary I Want It All, comedy of manners What Marielle Knows and the family-friendly Circusboy. That strand of movies also demonstrates the fest's fondness for variety, and for veering from the amusing to the thrilling and the dramatic. Or, attendees can catch Anatomy of a Fall Oscar-nominee Sandra Hüller in heist comedy Two to One, which is based on real-life events in 1990; Lars Eidinger (Babylon Berlin) as an orchestra conductor in Dying; Sam Riley (Widow Clicquot) in biopic John Cranko, about the choreographer; the literary loving The Door-to-Door Bookstore, as fittingly based on the novel; or Winners, which picked up the 2024 German Film Award for Best Children's Film. With Fassbinder, Hoss, Hüller and Eidinger, 2025's GFF is packed with well-known names. Another comes courtesy of doco Riefenstahl. About Leni, the controversial director that shares its moniker, the movie stems from unparalleled access to her private estate as it unpacks the legacy of the helmer of Nazi propaganda film Triumph of the Will, and the fact that her work contradicts her denial of close ties to the party. German Film Festival 2025 Dates Wednesday, April 30–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Electric, Canberra Thursday, May 1–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central and Palace Moore Park, Sydney Friday, May 2–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, The Astor Theatre, Pentridge Cinema and Palace Penny Lane, Melbourne Friday, May 2–Wednesday, May 21 — Palace Regent Ballarat, Ballarat Wednesday, May 7–Wednesday, May 28 — Palace James St and Palace Barracks, Brisbane Wednesday, May 7–Wednesday, May 28 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas and Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, May 8–Wednesday, May 28 — Luna Leederville, Luna on SX and Palace Raine Square, Perth Thursday, May 8–Wednesday, May 28 — Palace Byron Bay and Ballina Fair Cinemas, Byron Bay and Ballina The 2025 German Film Festival tours Australia from the end of April and throughout May. For more information, visit the festival website.
Sydney's two-storey, 60-seat restaurant and mezcal bar Nu'u is all about flavour-packed southern Mexican food. The homely eatery comes to Glebe Point Road from the Oaxaca-born team behind Nativo in Pyrmont — Michelin-trained chef Manuel Diaz alongside his partner and agave expert Diana Farrera. While Nativo is a quick and simple takeaway-style spot, Nu'u focuses more on spotlighting Diaz's favourite dishes from his home country in an expansive dine-in lunch and dinner spot. Located within a Victorian-era terrace house, Nu'u welcomes patrons in with a large open kitchen out front where you'll see the team whipping up that night's creations. From there you'll either take your place in the terracotta-coloured dining room upstairs or out back where you'll find a charming al fresco area. The word Nu'u is used by the southern Mexican indigenous Mixtec group to mean land when referring to harvesting produce. This connection to land sits at the centre of the restaurant's menu of share plates, all of which draw inspiration from the Oaxacan region of south Mexico and lovingly incorporate native Australian ingredients. Expect big flavours from the vibrant guacamole; the cured prawn, salmon and snapper toloache ceviche; the pulpo escondido (grilled octopus on a bed of hand-ground chilli paste with huitlacoche and tostada) and the chile relleno (poblano chillis stuffed with shiitake picadillo and served over mole verde). A standout on the menu is the Memela Del Mercado, a grilled maize patty covered in bone marrow beans, pork shoulder and queso fesco. And, if you're for a hearty main to sit at the centre of the meal, the kitchen recommends the crispy pork belly or the roasted chicken with chipotle butter. Diaz's breadth of experience comes from working across some of the most renowned restaurants in Mexico, as well as the Michelin-starred La Chevre d'Or in France. Since moving to Australia, he's occupied kitchens across the Milpa Collective Group's collection of Mexican favourites like Sonora and Carbon, and headed up Bar Patron as the Executive Chef before opening Nativo last year. While the food is the star of the show, the drinks list is also impressive, with Farrera, a certified mezcologist, leading the charge. The lover of all things agave has been working with top bartenders from Oaxaca to create a cocktail menu that showcases artisanal small-batch mezcal. Each creation is named after famous Oaxacan women — from philanthropists to fictional figures — and each drink highlights a different flavour profile within the mezcal. The bold flavours emerging from the kitchen are complemented by bold pieces of art around the venue including wood-carved figures from San Martin Tilcajete by the Jacobo & Maria Angeles atelier, custom-made weaving artworks from Teotitlan del Valle, red clay pieces from Atzompa and a painting celebrating bush medicine plants from The Artery in Darlinghurst. Images: Nick de Lorenzo
Cousins-in-law George Kaldas and Ishac Soliman are the joint owner-operators of El Qahirah, the first Egyptian food truck to hit the streets of Sydney — aptly named after the Arabic word for Cairo. After years of cooking delicious street food for their family and friends, Kaldas and Soliman decided to literally take the show on the road. The simple, Egyptian menu at El Qahirah is made up three street food staple dishes — all with origins that date back to when the pharaohs were building pyramids, and Brendan Fraser was fighting mummys. Koshary is the Egyptian equivalent of our humble meat pie, served in every shop and on every street corner in Egypt. It combines lentils, noodles, and rice, and is topped with spiced tomato sauce, chickpeas and onions. The second option is taameya — a delicious fava bean and herb patty served in flatbread with cucumber, tomato, radish, and tahini. If that sounds familiar, it's because the Turkish appropriated the dish way back when, and they called it the falafel. The third option is fuul medames, a delicious flatbread filled with fava beans, spices, lemon juice, garlic, and onion. If you didn't notice, all three options are vegetarian, and the only drink option is a refreshing cup of cold hibiscus tea. The duo will be parking their bright, red, white and blue truck at some of Sydney's major breweries over the next few weekends, including Grifter Brewing Co. on the February 18 and 19, Batch Brewing Company on March 3, and Young Henrys on March 10. Prime opportunity to wash down a few beers with some delicious, nutritious Egyptian falafel.
International chef Frederic Colin is bringing the elegance and flavours of France to Chippendale. Set to open tonight, Thursday, March 17 on Kensington Street, Bistrot Gavroche will be Colin's first Australian endeavour, having previously trained in Michelin-starred Parisian restaurants and opening his own venue, Brasserie Gavroche, in Singapore. Not a bad resume. So what can we expect? For one thing, Bistrot Gavroche is going all out on the interior. Housed inside what was once an old rum warehouse, the restaurant space boasts high ceilings, amazing windows and furniture imported from Europe, including antique items such as a wood and marble bath cabinet and a four-metre table previously used by silk manufacturers in Lyon. The menu consists of traditional French cuisine, bolstered by a selection of French and Australian wines chosen by co-owner and sommelier Lionel Richard. Entrees include bone marrow on toasted sourdough with confit garlic, Burgundy snails baked in their shells with parsley and garlic butter, and Grandpa Henri's pork terrine, named after Colin's grandfather with whom he cooked as a child. Heartier fare includes shredded duck confit with crushed potatoes and bacon gratin, and pike fish quenelles with crayfish sauce, while desserts feature all the French favourites such as crêpes Suzette, profiteroles and tarte Tatin. Bistrot Gavroche is located at Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale. It will be open for dinner only for the rest of this week, and will open for both lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday from Monday, March 21. Sunday service will start from April 4. For more information, visit bistrotgavroche.com.au.
Things got feisty and fearless at the Opera House when the fourth All About Women Festival took over on Sunday, March 6. Leading the prodigious, 30-speaker-strong program? None other than the inimitable Miranda July, Sleater Kinney's Carrie Brownstein, and Orange Is the New Black memoir author Piper Kerman — not to mention one of the best Women of Letters events we've ever been to. Sleater Kinney and Portlandia's legendary Brownstein talked about her October-released book Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl — before Sleater Kinney melted faces the same night at the Opera House. And Anne-Marie Slaughter, who worked as the director of policy planning at the US State Department when Hillary Clinton was running the show, argued that we can't have it all — well, at least not all at once, anyway. Emma Jane, Ruby Hamad, Michelle Arrow and Charlotte Wood unpacked 'The Women We Love to Hate', while Masha Gessen, Crystal Lameman, Mallory Ortberg, Ann Sherry, Anne- Marie Slaughter and Jenny Brockie attempted to change the world overnight. Didn't get a chance to head along to All About Women? You're in luck. Sydney Opera House's Ideas at the House team just released a whole bunch of free podcasts from the day via iTunes. We reckon you should start with 'The Boys Club' if you want to hear total boss Van Badham slam the gender dynamic in the Australian theatre industry and contemporary culture. Phwoar. Download Sydney Opera House's All About Women 2016 podcasts on iTunes for free here. Images: Yaya Stempler and Prudence Upton. By Jasmine Crittenden and Shannon Connellan.
You're at a dinner party. Chats are going strong, your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving has been deconstructed, Australia's latest novelty dessert trend raved about. Then someone brings out a new bottle of red. "Pinot noir?" your host casually offers. Sweat beads form, hearts race, eyes shift. Without warning, the pop culture fiends in the room explode. "CAVIAR." "MID-SIZED CAR." "SMOKE A CIGAR." "MYANMAR." The Kimmy Schmidt fans in the house have been unveiled — and if you're one of those, we've got some solid news for you. Ready? Tituss Burgess, well known as Kimmy's roommate Titus Andromedon in the highly popular series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, stole hearts worldwide with his unforgettable masterpiece of an "ode to black penis", 'Peeno Noir'. Now, Burgess is releasing his own pinot noir, an actual wine called Pinot by Tituss. Announced on Instagram this week, Pinot by Tituss will sell for US$24.99 a bottle online. Unfortunately they're only shipping to the US so far, but if you have American mates who could send it over, you can preorder the pinot noir and smoke a cigar right now. The bottles will be shipped after March 14. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt returns on April 15, and if you're drinking anything else, au revoir. Via Refinery29.
For most Australians, buying a kebab is like brushing your teeth. Everyone does it, most people have their own techniques or preferences but no one ever seems to talk about it — it’s just something that you do. But as commonplace as the mighty kebab is in this country, it’s odd that such a visible and popular part of our food culture has largely gone untold. Ufuk Bozoglu and his family have been making kebabs for more than 20 years. He started when he was seven in his mum and dad’s kebab shop in Westmead. Now he runs Oz Turk Jr, the offspring and namesake of the now defunct CBD kebabery which recently hosted SBS’s Kebab Kings documentary. As far as the kebab industry goes Bozoglu’s seen everything. “You have a lot of memories. I'm lucky a lot of my customers are regulars. Even the students after they finish, they come and visit me.” Bozoglu says most of his regular customers have his phone number. “Yesterday I had to go do something for SBS and I got all these calls, 'Why aren't you at work? Where are you? We came down, where are you? Are you coming tomorrow? We'll come this time, be there.'” It hasn’t all been happy memories though. He tells us about the death of one of the homeless men his family looked after, and another time where he chased a group of people down the street with kebab knives after they had king-hit an elderly man on the street. “I went and got the kebab knife, they were just there laughing. I said fucking wait for me I'm going to kill yous all. Mate, they started running,” he says with a chuckle. “The cops came and got me instead. ‘What are you doing with the kebab knife?’ ‘Oh I was cutting kebabs I forgot it in my hand’.” Then there’s New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras and St Patrick’s Day. “There were times me and mum worked 24 hours. It’s quiet then it hits one and you're smashed till nine. You can't breathe, you can't think, you’re sweating. We used to go through 60kg of just chicken in a couple of hours.” He has no regrets though. “People go, ‘Oh it's drunk food for when it's 3am’. I don't find it that way. Every kebab and every store is a little bit different,” he says. “I love the kebab industry. Hopefully I can stay as long as I can.” BOZOGLU’S PERFECT KEBAB: Bozoglu says the most important thing is freshness. The meat has to come in every morning, the hommus, garlic and chili sauces need to be homemade each day and nothing can be reheated, frozen or reused. The meat itself can’t be overcooked he says, to keep it tender and juicy “You have to be always be on it, cutting it, always cooking. It will take you three to four hours to cook a whole beef kebab.” Style-wise he likes to mix it up a bit but his all-time favourite is lamb. “I like lamb kebabs with lettuce, tomato, onion, chili and garlic sauce. I think you can't beat that.” Hommus he says is for falafel, lamb should be eaten the classic way. Bozoglu makes and toasts his own bread to order but he says toasting isn’t essential. Visit Oz Turks Jr at 245 Abercrombie Street, Redfern. Kebab Kings airs over three weeks, beginning Wednesday 25 November, 8.30pm on SBS.
Take the lift in Westfield Sydney up to level seven and you'll find this massive 1200-square-metre Middle Eastern restaurant and bar, Babylon, where an impressive calibre of hospitality vets are waiting to wine and dine you. Babylon Rooftop & Garden Bar has a cool 800-person capacity and a bustling kitchen producing hearty eats inspired by the street eats of Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus and Egypt. The extensive 20+ dish bar menu features the likes of lamb skewers, whole wood roasted chicken, spiced fried cauliflower and meze aplenty — including hummus with macadamias and dukkah; and harissa king prawn skewers. The restaurant centres on a custom-built mangal (Turkish grill) and two rotisseries. Expect both eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences on the menu here, with share plates split between flora, fauna and ocean. There's pan-roasted Murray cod with mussel saffron sauce and sorrel, and a huge slow-cooked lamb shoulder. Enjoy it all with the house-made bread, which comes paired with za'atar-spiced butter. There are numerous private dining spaces at Babylon Rooftop & Garden Bar, including the extremely opulent lantern room which can host 50 guests cocktail style and the dimly lit Larsa room with rich velvet curtains which is perfect for groups of up to twenty. The fit-out is the work of Queensland architects Hogg & Lamb and Woy Woy interior stylists Stewart + Highfield. As the venue's name suggests, it takes inspiration from the metropolis of old, with the rooftop terrace modelled on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its many opulent features include Italian travertine archways, velvet upholstery, spotted gum timber and marble finishes throughout — used in the dark gold bar, verde fusion tabletops and black stone terrace floor. Images: Steven Woodburn Appears in: The Best Bottomless Brunches in Sydney
Fancy a good glass of wine after a day at the beach? Coogee locals Tom Hardwick and Michelle Morales certainly do, and their new venue — Coogee Wine Room — lets you do just that. Taking cues from the bustling wine bars of Europe, Coogee Wine Room is a post-beach go-to for the eastern suburbs. It's opened along Coogee Bay Road, just one block up from the ocean. As to be expected, the team is taking its wine game very seriously. The 500-strong list has been expertly curated with years of experience. A list of that stature may seem overwhelming but the friendly staff will be sure to help you out to pick the perfect drop. In the kitchen, Head Chef Greg Humphry is plating up a succinct, Mediterranean-style menu. The food is seasonal with a focus on local produce, but some fan favourites remain constant like smoked hummus, pork sliders, and the iconic CWR steak rated one of the best steaks in Sydney. Local design studio Tom Mark Henry is behind the Coogee Wine Room fit-out, which spans two storeys and — as goes the trend — maintains an industrial vibe. Expect exposed brick walls, concrete floors and a black steel staircase, along with warm timber tones, wraparound banquettes and marble finishes. Downstairs, you'll find the causal front bar — perfect for post-beach wines — while the slightly larger upstairs dining room is primed for long lunches. Images: Steven Woodburn.
Hey Dad! Steve! Over here! Two of your favourites are playing Bluesfest this year! Let's go! Bluesfest Byron Bay's 2017 lineup came from somewhere back in our long ago, with two big mum and dad-friendly superstars being added to the lineup this morning: The Doobie Brothers and Santana. One of Australia's best festivals, the five-day Easter long weekend event has played to its core audience with their latest lineup additions. First up, the legend himself, groundbreaking, Grammy-nabbing, Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion king, nay, sultan Santana is coming to melt faces and throw down elongated solos like the melodic monarch he is. Expect 'Black Magic Woman'. Then, takin' it to the streets of Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, California's harmonising head honchos The Doobie Brothers will make their triumphant return to Bluesfest. The Doobies have some serious fans at Bluesfest — do not try and push in front of them. This big ol' announcement comes just a week after Bluesfest added superstar Mary J. Blige to already heaving lineup. THE THIRD 2017 BLUESFEST ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT: Santana The Doobie Brothers 2017 ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED: Zac Brown Band Patti Smith and her band perform Horses Mary J. Blige The Lumineers Buddy Guy (exclusive) Bonnie Raitt Mavis Staples (exclusive) Billy Bragg Jethro Tull Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Rickie Lee Jones Gregory Porter Snarky Puppy St. Paul and the Broken Bones Corinne Bailey Rae Michael Kiwanuka Nahko and Medicene for the People Gallant Beth Hart (exclusive) Laura Mvula Andrew Bird Booker T. presents The Stax Records Review Roy Ayers Joan Osborne Turin Brakes The Strumbellas Jake Shimabukuro Dumpstaphunk The Suffers Nikki Hill Irish Mythen Bluesfest returns to Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm just outside of Byron Bay over the Easter long weekend (April 13-17, 2017). More info on the Bluesfest website. Image: Andy Fraser.
It has been a tumultuous year for Sydney's hospitality scene. We've said farewell to some short-lived favourites — Bar Brosé, Eleven Bridge and The Antipodean to name a few — we've lamented the changes to the 457 visa and the hospitality sector's staff shortage and we continue to fight the lockout laws. But where there have been closures, innovative new ventures have risen from the ashes. We've seen the opening of a slew of new bars, restaurants, cafes, pubs, spaces and events — and they're not all from the big players, independent ventures are flourishing. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented vanguards pushing Sydney to be a better, braver city. And so, we are very pleased to announce Concrete Playground's Best of 2017 Awards. As we continue to attempt to define Australian cuisine, chefs continue to push the boundaries. We've seen (and tasted) black pudding curry in a Thai restaurant located in a renovated tea building, eaten delicate Japanese fare served behind a police station and downed hash browns and kimchi toasties at a Korean cafe. Bars continue to offer immersive, imaginative experiences that take you beyond their drinks lists — you can drink beer out of horns in viking dens, sip tiki cocktails at a Twin Peaks-themed bar and pair natural wine with Roe Boats. The cafe culture is stronger than ever, too, with new cafes not only guaranteeing a stellar cup of Joe, but also innovative lunch snacks and sleek interiors that'll really make you reconsider that desk sandwich. Pubs have defied the strangling lockout laws, kickstarting old favourites and coming together to raise up the city's ailing live music scene. They've hosted yes voting parties and sported controversial art, with the community rallying behind them. The bringing together of the art and food scene has expanded beyond pubs, with venues spending more time on their appearances, collaborating with local designers, architects and street artists to create stunning spaces. This prompted the creation of our new category, Best New Space. We've searched far and wide to find our favourite, visually stunning, innovative and sustainable spaces that are accessible to you — including shops, hotels, co-working hubs and public spaces. Event organisers have created smart and clever new events, celebrating the city's cultural ecosystem and bringing people together to eat cheese, look at innovative art and to support each other in times of hardship. This year, we will be awarding both a reader voted People's Choice and Overall award in each of the following six categories: Best New Restaurant Best New Bar Best New Cafe Best New Pub Best New Event Best New Space These 36 outstanding Sydney ventures have been handpicked by Concrete Playground for their combination of originality, innovation, creativity, approachability and sustainability. We straight-up love them. And the winners are.... BEST NEW RESTAURANT OVERALL WINNER: SASAKI This tiny, unassuming space in Sydney's CBD opened in April — but you'll need to make a reservation (a week in advance) if you plan on heading here for dinner. It's still busy, which is a testament to its consistently great food, warm service and attention to detail. Owner and head chef, Yu Sasaki (Cre Asion) pays homage to his hometown of Shimane, with dishes reflecting his fragmented memories of the Japanese countryside. The pint-sized, minimalist restaurant boasts a daily changing menu using the freshest Australian produce. The menu is completely driven by season and Sasaki only uses ingredients that have been harvested by his local suppliers and farmers, with whom he maintains a close personal relationship. Service is warm and attentive from the moment you're sat to the moment you're handed a sleek leaflet explaining the restaurant's ethos on your way out. Sasaki may not be making the noise other newcomers have been, but its consistency and and fast rise to a local favourite make it more than deserving of Overall Best New Restaurant. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: MJOLNER Named for Thor's hammer, the self-described 'Viking luxe' space is part-drinking den, part-fine dining restaurant. It may sound gimmicky, but it works — rather than going too hard on the schtick, Mjølner uses the Viking theme as tasteful inspiration. This is consistent throughout the whole venue; the animal-clad waitstaff and impressive fit-out contrast well with the R&B soundtrack and a modern Nordic menu. The leather-bound cocktail menu is extensive, but drinking is by no means the only reason to visit, with the open kitchen turning out a seriously impressive food menu. As expected, the menu is focused around meat, with bone marrow and spiced pig's head terrine making appearances. Both of these are expertly executed, with the bone marrow melting in your mouth and the terrine surprisingly light. It's fine dining in a pretty chill setting, which is hard to achieve and particularly well done at Mjølner. BEST NEW BAR OVERALL WINNER: DEAR SAINTE ÉLOISE Most of Lankelly Place is closed or empty on a Tuesday night, but it's another story altogether inside Dear Sainte Éloise. The warmly-lit wine bar is aglow with patrons and bustling staff — it's already a well-oiled machine. It's clear the Love, Tilly Devine crew — namely owner Matt Swieboda, head sommelier Nate Hatwell (Mercado), manager Jasmin Natterer and head chef Ben Abiad (co-founder Brickfields Bakery, ex-Sean's Panaroma and Mecca) — know what they're doing. The long, copper bar is adorned with racks upon racks of wine that showcase the bar's huge selection — all up, there's 350 plus bottles, which have been plucked from all over the world, from Austria to Portugal, South Africa and Georgia. While this is a wine bar above all else, the succinct selection of dishes serve well as wine nibbles or a full meal. The menu is printed daily and features wine bar staples like fresh oysters and burrata, and more — inventive little roe boats, bright orange fish roe sitting atop a little potato hash 'boat', fragrant and hearty stewed snake beans and delicate celery hearts with goat's curd and burnt onions. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: MONKEY'S CORNER Having already seduced us with their magnificent sugary creations, everyone's favourite culinary brothers (Reynold, Ronald, and Arnold Poernomo) have moved on to the next vice: alcohol. The trio is shaking up the Sydney cocktail scene with a cheeky Japanese bar called Monkey's Corner, right next to its dessert bar KOI in Chippendale — and it has already become a firm favourite. In the spirit of all things Japanese, the heritage-listed terrace venue is teeny tiny, with just ten seats inside and ten seats outside. Due to heritage restrictions, the trio are not allowed to actually cook in the kitchen. Food can only be steamed or served raw as no frying or grilling is permitted. But thanks to a trusty blowtorch and some clever culinary technique, you won't even notice — it's just another reason to be impressed by the trio. BEST NEW CAFE OVERALL WINNER AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: BABY COFFEE CO Strong branding with personality, an industrial design with splashes of neon and pastel and luxe junk food that's ready for its close-up. Baby Coffee Co, is really capitalising on current trends — and it's working. The cafe has been open for just over a month and it's already a strong local favourite. A hybrid venue, it's licensed and has a tight wine list, bottomless mimosas for brunch and a cheeky cocktail list with the likes of a 'Flick The Bean' made with rum, espresso, Falernum and lemonade. While a 'bacon' and egg roll gets a redo with pork belly, two fried eggs, capsicum jam and aioli. We're pretty keen on its espresso panna cotta for breakfast and cacio e pepe fries. If you still can't get enough Baby in your day, it's open for dinner — head in again for a healthy dose of pastel pink and Italian food. BEST NEW PUB OVERALL WINNER: THE LANSDOWNE The Lansdowne is back and it's safe to say it's sticking to its roots — with a mantra of "seedy nights, live music and cheap food" proudly sung by the legendary men behind the resurrection, Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham (Mary's Newtown and The Unicorn Hotel). The grungy feel of the space is definitely still in tact, with the old concrete floors and paint-peeling walls still peeping through. But the downstairs area is now home to a shiny new pool table and dart board, while the pokies room has been swapped for rock 'n' roll pinball machines, complete with a disco ball. Local artist Jessica Cochrane has given the space her own touch, complete with two Playboy wall collages, a candlelit shrine to the live music greats and pin-up girl covered bathrooms ceilings, aka "pisstine chapels". Live music is the hero here, and the entire top floor is dedicated to getting some of the best bands in the business. And that's one of the reasons why we've awarded The Lansdowne the Overall Best New Pub — it's dedication to live music is paramount in a city where it is, due to strangling legislation, ailing. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: THE FERNERY As you might expect, the venue is far from any old rooftop. Located above Mosman Club, it offers extraordinary views of, well, everything: the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, the heads and the city skyline. And you'll be gazing at them all while immersed in greenery. It's from the team behind North Sydney's The Greens and Camperdown's Acre. Interior designers Pony Design Co has transformed the main space into a greenhouse-inspired oasis. If you're up for a more intimate chinwag, head into the sleek gin room overlooking North Head. Also on the rooftop is a kitchen garden, cultivated by Adrian Baiada, the man responsible for Acre's urban farm. In addition to the gin room, where the focus is on Australian distillers, there's a bar devoted to rosé. And yes, it's very much pink. A handpicked selection of wines, served straight from the barrel, is on the drinks list, as is a collection of signature cocktails flavoured with just-picked herbs. BEST NEW EVENT OVERALL WINNER AND PEOPLE'S CHOICE: FESTIVAL FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY After the success of the Yes Rally, Sydney's activist collective Reclaim the Streets organised the a huge collective 'yes' voting event, with thousands rocking up at Prince Alfred Park on Saturday, September 23, to vote together. They knew people were going to put off voting 'til the last minute (and risk missing the deadline) and they wanted to prevent it. So they encouraged as many people as possible to put in their vote, en masse. Across from the Strawberry Hills Post Office they hosted a colourful nine-stage music festival. There were lots of rainbows, lots of signs, lots of music and a lot of yes votes. And they — along thousands of other tireless volunteers who called, knocked and handed out leaflets, everyone who marched and talked to their friends and family, and every Australian that voted yes — helped push through a yes vote. And now, it's cemented in law. BEST NEW SPACE OVERALL WINNER: UNYOKED There's getting away. And then there's disappearing to your own private, tiny house in the wilderness — miles from any sign of human interference. Meet Unyoked, a new Australian independent accommodation option that lets you do just that. Importantly, this is not a hotel. Founded and run by twins Cam and Chris Grant, the off-the-grid experience brings you the convenience and comforts of four solid walls, alongside the adventure, spontaneity and closeness-to-nature of camping. Here's how. With the help of designer and builder Alice Nivison and eco-consultant Richie Northcott from Sydney design studio Fresh Prince, the brothers have designed and built four tiny houses throughout New South Wales — both sustainable and solar-powered. They've been placed in secret patches of wilderness on private properties, in the middle of nowhere. Anytime you want to flee the city, disconnect and recharge, all you have to do is book one and jump in your car. And all houses are no more than three hours' drive from Sydney. PEOPLE'S CHOICE: MR LIQUOR'S DIRTY ITALIAN DISCO Merivale's newest venue Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco combines elements of taste and aesthetic to create a venue that's immersive in its narrative without forsaking the essentials: good food and great drinks. With disco tunes and Italian grub in a repurposed bottle shop, the venue is exactly what it says on the packet — and that's something to get excited about. This time round Merivale's got the crew from Pinbone on-board to take over the kitchen (read: drive-through bottle shop) at Mascot's Tennyson Hotel. Like the menu, the venue's design is pretty heavy on the Italian influences, with red and white checkered floors paying tribute to the homely vibe of Italian-American pasta restaurants, while the exposed ceiling beams, roller doors and massive disco ball complete the look. Behind the lively design is Kelvin Ho of Akin Creative, who worked closely with Sydney tattooist Rick Vaughn, aka Four Eyes, to bring the previously bare walls to life with a series of bespoke illustrations.
Cafe Paci, the highly lauded Darlinghurst pop-up circa 2013, made its grand return in 2019. Award-winning Finnish chef Pasi Petänen (Quay, Four In Hand, Marque) opened the permanent iteration of the restaurant along one of Sydney's busiest strips — Newtown's King Street. "We always planned to reopen Cafe Paci and have been looking for a permanent spot since we closed," says Petänen. "I've lived in Newtown for 15 years, so the location is really good and we are lucky to also have good operators around us like Bella Brutta, Mapo gelato and Tandem wine bar." While the original pop-up was set-menu only, this interaction of Cafe Paci is instead a la carte — which Petänen feels will create a more casual, everyday restaurant vibe, as opposed to one that's just for special occasions. "I love to do a set menu but it narrows your clientele quite a lot, and I want [Cafe Paci] to be a place where you can just pop in anytime," says Petänen. Stop in for a quick bar snack and cocktail combo, or enjoy oysters with your glass of wine. But, for the full experience, nab a seat in the dining room. A few of the original fan-favourite menu items are still here — like the house potato and molasses bread and the liquorice cake with carrot sorbet and yoghurt mousse. A few standouts from the menu items introduced to the Newtown site include potato dumplings with trout XO sauce, tomato and mozzarella calzones and Skull Island king prawns with black pepper butter. The orange, chilli and olive oil-accompanied stracciatella is a clear Instagram favourite, too. While the pop-up had a bit of a Mexican flare — as a nod to the previous Darlinghurst tenant Cafe Pacifico — the permanent location is predominantly European, pulling inspiration from Italy, France and Nordic cuisine — although you will find ox tongue on a rye taco. For drinks, renowned sommelier Giorgio De Maria (Vini, 121BC) has created the wine list, which focuses on small producers while offering something for everyone, whether you're on the look out for a classic drop of red or a glass of something funky. The interior has been designed by George Livissianis, who also looked after other impressive fit-outs for The Dolphin Hotel, Chin Chin, The Apollo and Cho Cho San. At Cafe Paci, the space is that of a relaxed, neighbourhood joint. Expect 60 seats all up, with the bar reserved for walk-ins. "The fit-out looks very European, too, and could be set in Paris or Berlin or Helsinki," says Petänen. "It has a cosy wine bar feel, and we took the saying 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' as the design brief." Updated Tuesday, March 21 2023. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney
Bar Mammoni was the final piece to join Circular Quay's expansive multi-storey venue Hinchcliff House. Located one street over from the flagship venue, Mammoni is a 30-seat cafe and bar hidden within the Quay Quarter Lanes precinct. Offering coffee in the morning, cocktails in the afternoon and snacks throughout the day, it's a day-long winner. Tucked away on Loftus Lane, Bar Mammoni offers a more casual way of sampling the next-level pastries from Grana or the cocktail creations cooked up over at Apollonia. Items like pain au chocolat and almond croissants are baked overnight at Grana and walked across to the laneway venue each morning, where they're offered alongside breakfast options like toasted gingerbread, bacon and egg rolls and toast made with Grana's signature bread. Grana and all of the Hinchcliff House venues offer up sourdough milled in-house using the building's combi mill. Once the morning dew has settled, the lunchtime menu features pizza by the slice. The enticing toppings are always changing but have included pork, king prawn, octopus and roast fennel or stracciatella with golden bay baby beetroot and caramelised fennel. Alongside the pizza, you'll find daily salads and a whole heap of snacks. Think chicken liver parfait with pickles and charred ciabatta, Sydney rock oysters with mignonette and the Sicilian arancini of the day. All the available eats are available for takeaway or to be enjoyed with a drink on-site, including negronis, americanos, sbagliatos, boulevardiers and spritzes. Want to go in the opposite direction of Bar Mammoni's casual dining experience? Hit up Lana at the top floor of Hinchcliff House for Italian-influenced degustations and cocktails aplenty. Images: Steven Woodburn Appears in: Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Designed by Sydney's Pattern Studio, Glebe's new two-storey wine bar — No. 92 — is so opulent you'd never realise the building had previously been a boot factory — and a bank, a tailor, a pizzeria, a grocer and a private investigator's office. No 92 Glebe Point Road has quite the history. For its latest costume change, the building has been decked out with banquettes, gorgeous marble-topped tables, plush lounges, works by Taiwanese Australian artist Angie Pai on the walls and elaborate pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. The wine list expertly curated with a range of cocktails on offer. The No. 92 menu, created by head chef Galia Valadez, is inspired by authentic Mexican flavours but expect the unexpected. Lighter snacks include tacos and tostadas, like kingfish with smoked shoyu mayo, fermented chilli and shiso. For heartier option, go for the Mexican fried chicken with habanero mayo and togarashi. Or there is some inventive pasta dishes on offer, like the spaghetti chitarra with roasted poblano sauce, asparagus and zucchini flower. [caption id="attachment_759744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] T Pakioufakis[/caption] Images: T Pakioufakis
After months of anticipation, the revival of Chippendale's Old Clare Hotel has at long last been completed. Spearheaded by Singapore-based hotel and restaurant entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng of Unlisted Collection, the revamped watering hole as boutique hotel on Kensington Street is finally open for business — and it's spectacular. Reborn from the (metaphorical) ashes of the historic (and dearly beloved) Clare Hotel and adjoining Carlton United Brewery Administrative Building, the newly-opened hotel boasts 62 rooms and suites featuring high ceilings, heritage timber panelling and exposed brick walls, furnished with PSLAB pendant lighting, vintage furniture and cushions 'inspired by Australian flora and fauna'. Further hotel amenities include a rooftop pool and bar, private gym and a heritage meeting space, as well as a day spa expected to launch early next year. Guests can also take advantage of custom-made bicycles to explore the surrounding neighbourhood, or simply relax at the indoor bar near reception and enjoy the honest-to-god bespoke scent created by local perfumed candlers Maison Balzac. That being said, the biggest drawcard might be The Old Clare's three new high-end restaurants. Automata, the first solo venture from Momofuku Seiobo sous chef Clayton Wells, opened earlier this week, with a rotating five-course menu laden with such extravagances as storm clam with rosemary dashi, cream and dulse, and partridge with witlof, burnt apple and caper. Noma alumnus Sam Miller, meanwhile, opened Silvereye on September 22, offering short and long seasonal tasting menus featuring young coconut and mud crab, pumpkin with pomello, leeks with pig feet and white beer, and a plum and coffee tart. Last but not least, there's the Kensington Street Social, by Michelin-starred globetrotter Jason Atherton. Based on the competition, we have to assume they'll be bringing their A-game.
Bars where you can do more than just sit around and drink are really having a moment in Brisbane, and specifically in Fortitude Valley. In no small part, it's thanks to the ever-expanding empire of Funlab. The company is in charge of the ever-popular Strike, Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel. But despite all of these different venues being so successful, B. Lucky & Sons remains incredibly popular. It's a kidult-friendly bar-meets-arcade with some actually good pawn-shop prizes, instead of the usual plastic crap you get. Think vintage Chanel bags, classic cameras and rare vinyls, plus Playstation 4s. Yup, they've gone real old school-meets-new school with this one. The bar is open in the Valley's TCB Building — and it's hidden behind the facade of an old pawn shop, so expect something a little bit different. Like its Melbourne counterpart, the venue is also decked out with eclectic furnishings, from old-world casino chandeliers to neon-lit red octagonal booths. This East-meets-West fit-out extends to the food, where pizzas are topped with the likes of crispy wonton wrappers and bonito flakes or sausage, gravy and potato crisps. For drinks, B. Lucky & Sons' bar slings canned cocktails, alcoholic bubble teas and other creative concoctions — like the Passion Crackle (vodka, passion fruit and peach teas with apple flavoured pearls and jellies). The bar's games are clear throwbacks for the millennial generation — featuring everything from Mario Kart and Daytona to NBA Hoops. And although the venue is open to littluns during the day, it's strictly adults-only at night, so you don't have to worry about being laughed at by a ten-year-old when you fall off Rainbow Road for the 14th time.
Dining institution Mejico has been serving Sydney-siders some of the finest Mexican cuisine and tequila for over a decade now — and has been slinging some of the greatest tacos from its Melbourne restaurant since 2020. The Mejico space in Sydney remains much the same after so many years — lofty industrial ceiling, exposed brick walls and distressed concrete beams brightened by vivacious colours and bold geometric patterns. A sizeable bar that greets you upon entry is indicative of imminent revelry, and impressively offers one of the largest tequila selections in the city. The venue is buzzing with tables of young people in the mood for a fiesta of flavours and flowing tequila. The tequila at Mejico is all 100 per cent agave, with none of the nasty additives that give you a headache. We recommend treating the experience like you would a single malt whisky, where you sip, roll the tipple over the tongue and savour its unique flavour. For connoisseurs, a nip of the elite varieties, such as the Gran Centenario Gran Reserve, could set you back over $100. Choosing from over 250 tequila options is a daunting task. That's why Mejico introduced an ingenious invention: the Tequila Wheel. This nifty wooden contraption provides a tailored tequila recommendation as you turn the wheel to your preference for price, intensity and flavour. Let the fates decide what you'll be sipping on when visiting this haunt. But if shooting tequilas isn't your jam, there are a heap of variations on the classic margarita — with the team slinging $10 margaritas every Monday — as well as plenty of beers and wines. Food-wise, the signature guacamole adds some theatre to your meal, as the ingredients are smashed together tableside in a molcajete (Mexican pestle and mortar), with long, golden plantain chips as the perfect vehicle for dipping. Additional starters come in the form of corn ribs slathered in a chipotle lime glaze and dusted with pecorino cheese popcorn, as well as spicy jalapeño poppers. Regarding tacos, you can expect wagyu-, jackfruit-, tempura lobster- and salmon-filled delights alongside weekly specials. Larger dishes made to share include the lamb rump topped with gremolata salsa and yellow mole; barramundi with vera cruz salsa and capers; and succulent wagyu rump steak served with a guajillo puree and asparagus. The fresh, seasonal produce and modern yet authentic dishes at Mejico will challenge your expectations of Mexican food. And who knows, after experiencing tequila like a connoisseur, you might reconsider its wicked reputation.
A true Redfern stalwart, Arcadia Liquors has been doing the small bar scene proud for over seven years. Its high ceilings, golden fairy lights and exposed brick walls are reminiscent of the bars of Berlin, and the covered outdoor courtyard is well suited to those cooler winter months. The mostly Australian wine list is reasonably priced, with glasses of red, white and sparkling wine starting at just $8. Wine regions span from Orange and the Barossa Valley to Tasmania and the Yarra Valley. For brews, there are tinnies of Wayward, Grifter and Yulli's ($10–11), as well as a rotating tap lineup. The bar staff is ready to make any classic cocktail you fancy, too, and during the winter months, you'll find mulled wine — here, dubbed Gunther's Gluhwein — which is available for $10 a glass. The simple food menu focuses on carby, salty snacks (perfect paired with booze), including antipasto plates ($25) and four toasties (which change regularly). At the moment, the latter includes a classic ham and cheese with relish ($6); a chicken schnitty with swiss cheese and Sriracha ($12); and a vego one stuffed with haloumi, roasted peppers, olives, spinach and cheddar ($12). It's a place you'll want to return to again and again, with its lively vibes and a come-as-you-are attitude. Images: Kitti Gould.
Carving out some much-deserved 'me time' can be tricky but when you do it, the benefits are undeniable. Move your body and pamper yourself just a little and you'll feel strong, confident and ready to go after what you want — nay, deserve. To help you get those great weekend vibes going, Concrete Playground is hosting an intimate (and free) early-morning event on International Women's Day — Saturday, March 8 — in partnership with Revlon. Starting at 7.30am at Body by Berner in Bondi, Get Up and Glow will kick off with a 45-minute morning flow class led by owner Bernadette Fahy. Following your final Shavasana, the Breakfast Bar will serve smoothies, coffee and treats for you to refuel and a professional makeup artist will assist you in shade matching products from Revlon's Illuminance range. These products are packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, to hydrate and nourish the skin giving you that glam lit-from-within finish. You'll also get a gift bag filled with goodies from Revlon including the Illuminance Glow Filter, Illuminance Serum Concealer, Illuminance Glow Wands, Illuminance Glow Primer, Illuminance Balm Primer, a makeup brush and red nail varnish. This exclusive event is only open to 20 people (and their plus-ones). Click here to enter the draw and be in with a chance to get your name on the guest list.
This Turkish delight in Enmore serves mezze fit for a king. Come for the delicious suckling lamb, sizzling adana kebab grilled over charcoal and authentic woodfired pide. Start the meal with an assortment of dips in a rainbow of flavours, which includes parsley, jajik (garlic), chilli, beetroot, carrot, spinach, humous and babaganoush, accompanied by a slab of oven-baked Turkish bread. You'll also want to try the pides on offer, with the Sultan's Special featuring steam fried lamb, cheese and egg; while the spicy beef is packed full of donar meat, cheese and a spicy special sauce. Other dishes worth a look include the meatballs seasoned with special herbs and spices; the mixed grill with lamb, chicken skewers and chicken wings; the falafel snack pack; or the Turkish style ravioli with minced meat and yoghurt. Best part is that it's BYO — and they don't even charge corkage for the privilege. Finish with a strong, aromatic Turkish coffee and a syrupy baklava ($3) or head next door for arguably the world's best gelato at Cow and Moon. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Sydney's nightlife is in a bit of a weird spot at the moment, but you wouldn't be able to tell from the amount of bars opening. 2017's newbies have been diverse so far; as well as some top-notch Euro-leaning wine bars, we've had a vinyl-spinning lounge bar open alongside an all-out basement 'Viking luxe' bar mixing sorbet-filled and served-in-horn cocktails with details down to a tee. Yeah, there's just some things you can't recreate at home. With so many openings hitting the city in a six-month period, we whittled it down to our favourite newcomers raising the bar for Sydney's drinking scene. Well, our favourites so far — there's still another six months to go.
People who live in Manly have always thought they had it all. It 'all' used to be the surf, the sand, the pub, a 18-minute alcohol-serving fast ferry into the city, and a home within walking distance to all these things. But things are changing in the north shore suburb — and it's giving locals even less reasons to leave the Manly bubble. And more reasons for you to see what it's like inside. Reason one: the food. It's not just Hugo's, Manly Wine and Papi Chulo anymore. If you haven't visited in a while, you might be surprised to find the Chica Bonita team have opened a Japanese joint, The Boathouse has settled at Shelley Beach, there's a whole bar dedicated to charcuterie and cheese (!!) and even a cafe dealing in fermented foods — and that's all happened in the last year months alone. Reason two is not a new one — it's the water. The surf isn't as life-threatening as Bondi, and Shelley Beach is prime for snorkelling on a clear day. If you want to explore past the esplanade (and you do), there's plenty of kilometres for you to walk and even a few hidden coves to discover. The best part about this Manly + weekend + you equation though is that it's right down the coast or across the harbour (if you don't already live there). Sure, it's only the north shore, but it's all surf, sand, spritzes and toned beach volleyballers — tell me that doesn't sound like a holiday, inner westsiders. So forget all those reasons you don't want to go to Manly; there's some seriously good, little-talked about tasty things going on here. And they shouldn't be ignored. FRIDAY NIGHT: DINNER AT SUNSET SABI Most destinations that aren't bed are a bit tough to get to on a Friday night, but not Manly. Knock off work, head straight for Circular Quay and you could be there before you can even finish a beer. Try it: the fast ferry only takes a very precise 18 minutes, and it has a bar on board — which everyone is most definitely taking advantage of on a Friday eve. For accommodation, there are plenty of Airbnb options, but if you want to stay right across from the beach, the Novotel Manly Pacific is your best bet. While watching the sun go down over the beach is highly recommended, stray away from the beachfront to Pittwater Road for a sunset of a different kind. At Sunset Sabi, food is done in an izakaya style, but it sure ain't tradition. Ingredients like jalapeños, bacon, parmesan and Kettle chips (the chilli kind) all make their way into sushi rolls and other bite-sized morsels. Make sure you try the teeth-gluing caramel miso popcorn, the deep fried rice balls and the sweet heat roll with spicy tuna, cucumber, green beans and avocado inside, and tuna, white onion, shallots, chilli roe with sabi'q sauce on the outside. Book in advance to ensure you get a seat — this place is busy. SATURDAY MORNING: BREAKFAST BOWLS AND A BIG WALK Healthy eating seems to be synonymous with beachside suburbs, but this ain't Bondi — well, not yet anyway. Manly does have its own little health hub though, with Pure Wholefoods, Ora and Bare Naked Bowls. A contender for the best breakfast bowls in Sydney, this hole-in-the-wall cafe does seven different acai bowls, along with oats, porridge and smoothies. Best to get there early as the post-yoga crowd fill it out quite quickly — or get it takeaway, get a coffee from Barefoot around the corner and eat it by the beach. After you've finished breakfast, pull your walking shoes on and join up with the Manly Scenic Walkway and head in the direction of North Head. The track will take you past Spring Cove, uphill to the North Head sanctuary, right out to the killer views at Fairfax Lookouts and back down the other side of the head to Shelley Beach (see map). All up, it's about nine kilometres. You might want to wear your bathers for a post-walk dip. [caption id="attachment_557644" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Boathouse[/caption] MIDDAY: LUNCH AT THE BOATHOUSE Every challenge must have its reward and after that hefty, hilly walk, your reward is this: lunch at The Boathouse. Securing the absolutely kickass location with frontage at pedestrian-only Shelley Beach, the newest Boathouse has really outdone itself. You can head in salty and sandy or recently showered in your crisp white linens — it doesn't matter here. Order seafood, perhaps in the form of the tuna crackers, the trout board (with sliced trout and trout pate) or the decadent seafood platter. The hectic 'order at the counter and find a table' system still stands, so come with both patience and an appetite. It's worth it. [caption id="attachment_560528" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Manly Kayak Centre[/caption] AFTERNOON: KAYAK TO STORE BEACH Manly Beach is great for a surfing lesson (see Sunday's activities) or a quick dip, but it's pretty busy and generally feels a bit hectic. So we suggest going somewhere a bit more secluded for the afternoon. Store Beach on Manly's North Head is accessible only by water, meaning its visitors are restricted to boat owners, stand-up paddleboarders and kayaks. Rent a kayak from Manly Kayak Centre at Manly Wharf, take in a few tips and paddle around the head to the small beach. It only takes about 30 minutes, and it's well worth it for this little patch of paradise. EVENING: BEER, WINE AND CHEESE Did you know that 4 Pines was named after the pine trees that line Manly beach? Did you even know Manly had pine trees? Well, you'll be able to get a good look at 'em from the 4 Pines Brewpub, which sits just across the road from the beach on the East Esplanade. Here you can try a pint of their pale ale or their stout, or give them all a go with a tasting rack. When you're feeling peckish, wander over to Cured, which sits in one of Manly's little laneways off the main mall (which, we're warning, you should probably avoid on a Saturday night). Cured has only been open since September, and it's a wonder nothing like this has been opened before. This small bar ticks all the small bar boxes with its triple threat offering of cheese, charcuterie and wine. They've got 18 meats — most of which come from a farm up at Byron Bay — and ten cheeses, which include an epic triple cream brie, a tasty blue and some seriously milky burrata. They'll also help you out with some chicken liver pate, an Aperol Spritz if you're so inclined, or some local beers from Dad & Dave's Brewing. Buy a bottle and settle in. SUNDAY MORNING: BREAKFAST AT ORA You've ticked breakfast bowls off your list, and at Ora you can cross off fermented foods as well. Ora have a long mission statement — of which is literally written on their walls — but here's the short of it: all their ingredients are organic, healthy and locally grown. Much of their menu is good for your gut too; the fermented oatmeal with carrots and spices may just be the thing to settle your wine-addled stomach. Their breakfast plate is much more satisfying though, with eggs fried in ghee, mushroom, greens, avo, sauerkraut and their seedy 'sai' bread. Naturally, they serve kombucha, as well as tumeric lattes (and, thankfully, normal lattes) and — for the really committed — cups of bone broth for $6. [caption id="attachment_561211" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Manly Surf School[/caption] MIDDAY: JOIN A SURFING LESSON As one of our best beaches to learn how to surf at, it would be remiss for you to spend a weekend in Manly without catching a wave. Book a lesson with the guys at Manly Surf School — they'll get you kitted out with a wetsuit and a board, and then take you out for two hours on the waves. Their groups are small, the instructors are literal pros, and they're very patient with even the most unpromising of surfing students. Lessons run for two hours and cost $70. Book in advance and hope for some sweet surf. Or, head along to the Australian Open of Surfing from February 27 to March 6 to watch instead. AFTERNOON: LUNCH AT THE HERRING ROOM There's just something about swimming in the ocean that inspires a tummy to rumble, and after two hours in the surf it's probable that yours will be absolutely roaring for something to eat. If you can manage to shower without wasting away with that empty stomach, know that lunch is going to be worth it at The Herring Room. Having opened in August last year in a renovated surf shop on a quiet part of Pittwater Road, it's away from all the hubbub of Manly's main drag and is an absolute delight. The space is cosy, bright and feels somewhat like a friend's home, making it perfect for Sunday lunch. Order a bottle of sparkling (or bring your own for $6 corkage per person) and tuck in. The salt and pepper squid are a must if you're dining post-surf, and the scallops with cauliflower puree and pancetta are top notch. Cut into the squid ink ravioli and watch it ooze with egg yolk, then eat it up with the crabmeat, salmon roe and lemon thyme buerre blanc it's served with. The service here is excellent, and it's the ultimate way to wind down your weekend in Manly. Lauren Vadnjal stayed as a guest of Destination NSW and Novotel.
A Chippendale mainstay, Ester pairs the best of Sydney's dining scene with the laidback energy of its Chippo surrounds. The space is simple and sparse — done in concrete tones and darkish wood. It's a (designer) vessel free of corny trends and all the tiring paraphernalia that comes with them, placing the food at the centre of your experience. Your first decision at Ester will be what wine to start your night with. The natural-leaning list presents a healthy array of white, sparkling, orange and red varieties available by the glass or carafe — alongside a range of sake and a selection of craft beers. If you're celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood to splurge, there are plenty of exciting and rare drops to be discovered from Ester's cellar ranging from $128–$649. The menu is driven (or fired) by a wood-burning oven which makes the house-made potato bread served with trout roe, dashi and kefir cream — a solid place to start. There are oysters aplenty on the menu as well, making them another must. Opt for a half dozen rock oysters with hot sauce and lemon, pearl oysters served with crudo and horseradish or roasted pacific oil brought to life with chicken fat butter. As you make your way down the menu at Ester, you'll make your next choice. There are four larger plates on offer — ricotta gnudi, Moreton Bay bug, ribeye steak and miso marinated Murray cod. Take your pick and pair your main with a smattering of sides from woodfired leek and button mushrooms to a classic Ester salad. Ester's dessert menu strays away from tradition, leaving chocolate behind in place of fresh creamy flavours. There's a bright mandarin sorbet for those looking to finish with a touch of zing, or denser options like bread and butter ice cream and crepe brulee if you still have room after your mains. If you're not one for decision-making, you can always put your trust in the chef and order the set menu which hits all of the Ester hallmarks for $125. Updated Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney
Sydney bakeries these days are in hot competition for your dough. There aren't many left just churning out simple loaves of white bread — now it's all about sourdough, fruit loaves, croissants, cronuts and cruffins. But not all of them rise to the occasion, so we're here to sort out which establishments you knead to visit, and which crumby ones you can be gluten-free of. It's the Concrete Playground Crust-See Sydney Bakery list — so use your loaf and follow it. BOURKE STREET BAKERY It's been written about, blogged about, hyped by almost every foodie and has queues out the door every single day — so is Bourke Street Bakery actually all that good? Um yes. Yes it is. One bite of their buttery and crisp ginger brulee tart and you'll be working out how you can schedule in a visit here every day of the week. The loaves of bread for sale are excellent — all the sourdoughs are solid and last for about a week, but the fig and cranberry is our favourite served toasted with butter or with ham and brie for an incredible sandwich. The beef brisket pie and lamb and harissa sausage rolls are so good you won't even need a squeezy packet of tomato sauce. Grab a dark chocolate and sour cherry cookie for later — you won't regret it. Various locations, but the original is 633 Bourke Street, Surry Hills IGGY'S BREAD There's a reason so many cafes around Sydney trumpet the fact that they use Iggy's bread on their menus. It's got an intensity of flavour, a solid crumb and a chewy density that somehow never feels too heavy. The queues spilling down the street will alert you to exactly where this humble shopfront is, though the staff are efficient and the wait is never all that long. The dark rye is our pick — malty and slightly sweet, it's perfect paired with fresh tomato, avocado and just a sprinkle of salt. The cranberry pecan rolls are also amazing warm with a dab of butter. Textbook croissants and legit bagels are perfect morning snacks, as you trot home with the weekend's bread wrapped snugly in your bag. 49 Belgrave Street, Bronte BREADFERN We like puns. We also like the smell of hot, fresh bread spreading through the streets of Redfern. Breadfern's ethical and organic approach to bread making also ticks a lot of boxes, as do their custard tarts and cheesy spinach rolls. In short, there is a whole lot to love at this corner bakery. Run by the legends at Tapeo (literally across the road, and yes they use their own bread in those legendary breakfasts that you've probably inhaled many times), all the loaves are made daily and onsite. Tuck a crusty olive sourdough under your arm to take home, but first grab a chicken pie and chocolate caramel tart to smash in the park that's also literally across the road. 308 Chalmers Street, Redfern OREGANO BAKERY It's like a sweet snowstorm. What seems like three kilos of icing sugar is somehow packed on top of the best cinnamon scroll you've ever tasted, all buttery gnarled layers coated in spicy deliciousness. The scrolls at Oregano Bakery may have made this place famous, but their pizzas are also mindblowingly good — try a 'meat pizza' with lamb, onion, tomato and herbs scattered across a traditional Lebanese-style pizza base. But you'll want to save room for those scrolls, whether you go for the cookies and cream, salted caramel or tahini and sesame you won't be disappointed. Grab a box to take home — they'll disappear in minutes. 56 Connells Point Road, South Hurstville GLENORIE BAKERY There's outdoor seating, a decent breakfast menu and award-winning pies but it's the quality of the bread that keeps us going back to the Glenorie Bakery. The seven-seed sourdough is golden brown, crusty and coated with seeds – hunks of it are perfect with a hearty winter soup. The ciabatta is great to take on a picnic with some sliced meats and cheeses. You may also get distracted here by the pastry counter – dozens of éclairs, tarts, cupcakes and other sweet treats vie for your attention. The quiches are also better than your average bakery, while the beefy meat pie has been voted Sydney's best in past years so try one to see if it makes your list. Shop 4, Old Northern Road, Glenorie GOOSE BAKERY It's the pastries that set this place apart. Croissants that are somehow dense with butter, yet light and flaky. Try one of them spiked on top with toasted coconut for a flavour combo you will want to come back for. The golden danishes and brioche studded with fruit are also worthy partners to the bracing cups of coffee served here. It will come as no surprise that the owners and bakers trained at Bourke Street Bakery — the cake counter and loaves of bread wordlessly attest to that. The only real shock is that this place doesn't yet have massive queues out the door, despite the incredible reasonably priced breakfast menu. 38 Ross Street, Forest Lodge SONOMA Another bread brand that Sydney restaurants and cafes boast on menus about stocking, Sonoma sourdough loaves are dense, chewy and delicious — reflecting the years of work that went into perfecting the recipe in the NSW country town of Bellata. The family-run business now has seven cafes spread across Sydney selling this bread, as well as treats like the signature 'Morning Bun' that's like a cronut on citrusy steroids. The cafes also take coffee super seriously, so make sure you grab a takeaway when you pop in for a morning loaf. Various locations including 32 Birmingham Street, Alexandria BAKEHOUSE ON WENTWORTH Maybe it's the cold mountain air, maybe it's the hike we just finished but the pies at Bakehouse on Wentworth are just totally irresistible. The beef and Guinness has crisp, short pastry and rich gravy as well as recognisable chunks of wonderful quality beef. The almond croissant is also worth a mention — it tastes of actual almond meal rather than artificial almond flavouring. Loaves of bread are also available for takeaway — the garlic loaf has whole cloves of caramelised garlic studded across the top. Keep the winter vibes going and rustle up a casserole to serve it alongside. 105 Wentworth Street, Blackheath ST HONORE Good French-style bread is surprisingly hard to find in Sydney. Finding a baguette with a light, moist crumb and chewy intensity of flavour is rare in this city of sourdough, but St Honore wears its Coeur on its sleeve, serving traditional, excellent loaves and breadsticks. The sourdough here is also excellent, with a starter that's been passed down so long that a baker tells me he's not quite sure exactly how old it is. Add in moist banana bread, creamy and moreish fruit tarts and a large variety of choux pastry treats and you're in for a French flavour explosion. 2/40 Miller Street, North Sydney KNAFEH It's a bakery, but not as you've ever seen it before. This pop-up bakery is inside a shipping crate, and moves locations every couple of days. You won't find loaves of sourdough inside – instead turn your attention to a plate of their namesake 'knafeh' dessert – pronounced ku-nah-feh – which is sort of like a baked cheese pudding with a crunchy coating. It's served piping hot and has a stretchy, oozing quality. You add your own sugar syrup so make it as sweet as you like – and don't even think about sharing because you'll want the plate all to yourself. It moves – check their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the latest location HONOURABLE MENTIONS Infinity Sourdough Luxe Bakery Wild Cockatoo Black Star Pastry Brickfields Top image: Oregano Bakery. All other images c/o venue except Breadfern (Shannon Connellan).
Snuggled between the dramatic Illawarra escarpment and the mighty Pacific Ocean, Thirroul is blissfully trapped. Where so many Aussie coastal villages must fight relentlessly against development, geography stops the sprawl in this tiny town. It lies just 70 kilometres south of Sydney and 13 kilometres north of Wollongong, but, with its vast beach and wild bush lands, feels more like a remote retreat than a satellite suburb. That's why D.H. Lawrence's images still hold true, though he came up with them 93 years ago. In 1922, he lived in Thirroul for ten weeks, writing his novel Kangaroo, in which he describes the "long green rollers" and "huge rhythmic Pacific" and rockpools, "full of brilliantly clear water and delicately-coloured shells and tiny, crimson anemones." What has changed is the number of human-made adventures to be had — from ocean pools and cycle paths to antique shops and cosy cafes. Here's your guide to day tripping Thirroul. Avoid tomato-fication by taking your sunnies, hat and sunscreen with you, Australia's UV rays will sneak up on you. SEE AND DO Sydney's beachgoers have been visiting Thirroul's one-kilometre strip of golden sand since the late 1880s. In 1909, 2000 people rocked up to cheer on the South Coast's first ever surf carnival. These days, the waves are still cracking, rolling in at 1-1.5 metres on most days. To show 'em what you're made of, hire a surf board at Illawarra Surf Academy for 30 bucks a day or enrol in surfing lessons, which cater to everyone, from beginners to semi-pros. Pack your rashie or rent a wetsuit, also available at the Academy. Swimmers can take a dip between the flags under the experienced eye of the Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club. Having saved lives since 1908, it's one of New South Wales's oldest SLSCs outside of Sydney. Alternatively, bob about in the free-to-enter, Olympic-sized ocean pool, carved into the rocks in the 1930s. Behind the beach, a huge, grassy park provides oodles of space for picnicking, throwing a Frisbee or kicking back in the shade. If you're keen to get active, whack on some sunscreen, grab a bike and take on the southbound cycle way, which hugs the waterfront pretty much all the way to Wollongong. The Council is hatching ambitious plans to extend the path south to Lake Illawarra and north to the southern edge of the Royal National Park. In the meantime, you can explore by car, travelling along the Grand Pacific Drive, which takes in the string of villages and epic scenery between Thirroul and Stanwell Park. If a more sedate adventure is on your agenda, wander a few hundred metres to reach the independent shops and cafes that make up Thirroul village. For a satisfying second-hand rummage, there's Retrowombat Recycle and Reuse Foundation (228 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4267 1322) and, for interior design, visit Nest Emporium (287 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4267 2122) and No Chintz (243 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 4962). Get arty at part-studio, part-gallery and part-record store Black Gold (shop 2/269 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, above Finbox; info@black-gold.co), Egg & Dart (shop 2/1-3 Raymond Road; (02) 4268 3885) and Martin Place Gallery (345 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 0666). You'll find D.H. Lawrence's one-time home, a red brick cottage named Wyewurk, at 3 Craig Street. However, it's now privately owned, so there's no going inside. What you can do is contemplate the views that inspired him in the mini-park at the end of the street, D.H. Lawrence Reserve. Lawrence's powerful depictions of Thirroul have since motivated other creative geniuses to visit. In the early '70s, Whiteley and painter Garry Shead briefly popped into Wyewurk and, on the verandah of the house next door, painted a diptych, Lawrence, Wyewurk and Thirroul (1975). 17 years later, Whiteley, aged 53, tragically died of a heroin overdose in Room Four of the Thirroul Beach Motel (then known as the Oral Eagle). EAT AND DRINK For a town of just 5620 people, Thirroul is home to a surprisingly large number of quality cafes. Campos addicts will find their fix at Honest Don's (2a McCauley St; (02) 4268 1881), which also does a mean iced rooibos tea with lemongrass and ginger, and a spectacular bacon and egg roll (just 10 bucks with coffee). Day tripping with your doggy companion? Treat him/her to Don's puppycino: frothy milk and liver treats f0r $4, $1 of which goes to Wollongong Animal Rescue. More premium coffee is brewing at Gidget's Café (Shop 303/303-307 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; 0400 226 148). The fresh, creative breakfast and lunch menu changes frequently, reflecting seasonal availability of produce. Examples of spring deliciousness include savoury French toast with bacon, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini spaghetti and spiced relish ($17); smoked salmon with kale poached eggs, avocado creme and noodle cake ($19); and pulled pork damper with fennel and radish mustard slaw and caramelised apple rings ($17). Should a good session in the surf leave you hankering for old-school fish and chips, make a beeline for Bergies Fish Café (216 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 6008). It's owned by Fishing Addiction's Mark Berg, whose grandfather opened one of Holland's first fish shops in the 1940s. All the seafood comes from Aussie or Kiwi waters, and for less fishy types, there are burgers and wraps and fajitas. Take your spoils back to the beach or hang out in the garden. In October, Bergies opened its own bar, with a menu offering summery cocktails like the lemon and lime breeze with vodka and fresh mint ($10). To get a bit posh with some fine dining, make a reservation at Samuels, where one dessert option is a box of chocolate cigars, accompanied by an edible ashtray. There's also The Postmans Quarter (258 Lawrence Hargrave Drive; (02) 4268 5546), housed in Thirroul's former post office. It opened in September 2014 after a classic 1900s-inspired reno, complete with burgundy drapes, chevron oak parquetry flooring and pendant lighting. GETTING THERE AND AWAY Thirroul is an hour and fifteen minutes' drive south of Sydney CBD. Turn off the Princes Highway at Waterfall to arrive via the aforementioned Grand Pacific Drive or exit just after the Southern Gateway Centre and travel down the Bulli Pass. Alternatively, trains run directly from Central Station, taking about an hour-and-a-half. Images: Black Gold Records, Vanessa Pike-Russell (Flickr), Honest Don's, Bergie's Fish Cafe, Rod Kashubin (Flickr).
With its open countryside, rustic laneways and scores of cellar doors, the Hunter Valley offers acres of bike-friendly terrain. Last year, the icing hit the cake when a new cycleway opened, connecting more than a dozen wineries. Whether you're content to explore just one such patch or hope to cover as much ground (and as many wineries) as possible, our guide will take you where two wheels work best. OPTION ONE: CONQUER THE HUNTER VALLEY CYCLEWAY In August 2017, cyclists scored a win when the ribbon was cut on the new Hunter Valley Cycleway. This multi-million dollar, 10.6-kilometre adventure travels alongside Hermitage Road, from the New England Highway intersection in the north to Broke Road in the south. Electric bike hire is available at the nearby Sutton Estate. Whichever direction you choose to travel, start or finish with a wine and cheese flight at De Iuliis' stunning cellar door, designed by architect Lionel Glendenning. While gazing through floor-to-ceiling windows over landscaped gardens, you'll be feasting on divine local cheeses, matched with expressive small-batch drops. Another boutique stop en route is Peter Drayton, a fifth generation wine maker, where you can taste tyrian, a hybrid variety created by the CSIRO. There's a microbrewery onsite, too, offering seasonal brews, such as Black Forest Stout and Hazelnut Brown Ale, as well as woodfired pizzas. Then, at Mistletoe Wines, you'll be sipping sparkling rose while wandering through a sculpture garden, and, at Tintilla, sampling sangiovese overlooking an olive grove. Come lunchtime, settle in at Restaurant Botanica, within Spicers Vineyards Estate. Every morning, head chef Matthew Bremerkamp picks produce from the kitchen garden and transforms it into refined dishes. Start with a beef carpaccio served with roasted artichoke, porcini cream and parmesan, before moving onto a pistachio- and cumin-crusted lamb with asparagus and pomegranate. Or commit to the tasting menu, which lets you taste your way through five courses ($110), with optional matching wines ($155). WHERE TO STAY: Cyclists need their rest. For a stay that combines everything good about Hunter sleepovers – beautifully-designed things, vineyards, gumtrees and kangaroos at dusk – while keeping crowds at a distance, book a designer villa at Ironbark Hill. It's located right on the Hunter Valley Cycleway. You'll be soothing your tired muscles in your own spa, losing yourself in mountain views from your private deck and getting snug before a roaring log fire in your open lounge room, before collapsing into a kingsized bed. Picture windows let in loads of light, plus there's a spacious kitchen (with Nespresso machine), massive TV and BBQ. [caption id="attachment_683134" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Spicers Vineyards Estate[/caption] OPTION TWO: GLIDE DOWN POKOLBIN MOUNTAIN To cycle around secret territory, head to Grapemobile Bicycle Hire, at Pokolbin Brothers Wines. Once you're fixed up with a bike, you'll be handed a map, which guides you to boutique wineries via off-road trails and private vineyards. Work your way through Calais Estate's extensive wine list, surround yourself with rural panoramas at Waverley Estate and sink into a leather lounge in an art gallery at Gemelli Estate. Should you work up an appetite, you'll find tapas backdropped by mountains at The Verandah Restaurant, as well as cheese platters and gourmet picnic hampers at several cellar doors. For a more extensive adventure – and an adrenalin rush – go for a Grapemobile Mountain Ride. The team will drive you to Pokolbin Mountain Lookout, where you'll get a complimentary morning tea, while taking in epic vistas of the Hunter Valley, before beginning your descent. Cruise at your own pace down Pokolbin Mountains Road, passing bushland, farms and gorgeous rest stops. Bike hire continues until 6pm, so rushing isn't necessary. Be sure to pop into Nanna Kerr's Kitchen, which you'll find at number 16. Here, Matthew Kerr (yep, brother of the famous Miranda) and his husband, Jimmy, serve home-style, mostly-organic fare, very close to where their nan was born. If all the cycling has you ravenous, dig into Nanna's Got A Sore Head: three tiers loaded with fritters, spicy chorizo, beef sausage, bacon, roast tomato, marinated mushrooms, OMG potatoes, scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, Kerr's Organic Chutney, relish and jam. There's also a generous high tea, crowded with beef brisket sliders, soup shots, double choc brownies, panna cotta and other delights. If you're a vegetarian, paleos or celiac, you can count on being well looked after. WHERE TO STAY: If all that cycling has you dreaming of soft sheets and massages, a luxurious option is the tranquil hideaway of Spicers Vineyards Estate, surrounded by vineyards on one side and bushland on the other. Every room features soothing natural colours, a spa and an open fireplace, while communal facilities include an outdoor pool and a day spa. OPTION THREE: CHOOSE YOUR OWN ROUTE Cyclists who like to free range can hire a bicycle from Crowne Plaza and take themselves on their own adventure. Do be careful: some of the Hunter's roads are rather narrow. Just 15 minutes' ride from the Crowne, at 86 Halls Road, you'll find Pepper Tree Wines. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the picturesque cellar door or go straight for a tasting, working your way through several multi-award winning drops. Another 15 minutes will get you to The Cellar Restaurant, housed in a magnificent sandstone and glass building with an enormous fireplace indoors and a wisteria-draped courtyard outdoors. Among the indulgent, European-influenced offerings are braised Milly Hill lamb shank with shepherd's pie, spinach and gremolata, and duck confit with shallot tarte tatin, chestnut puree and cavolo nero. Once you've eaten to your heart's content, explore the Hunter Valley Gardens, before moving on to nearby cellar doors, which include McGuigan, Brokenwood, Tempus Two and Tamburlaine Organic. WHERE TO STAY: You can hire a bike from Crowne Plaza, so it's a convenient choice of accommodation. You'll have every activity imaginable on your doorstep, including tennis courts, basketball hoops, a Ubika Spa and a golf course. It's a good solution for groups. Jasmine Crittenden travelled to the Hunter Valley as a guest of Destination NSW.
On September 25, 1981, Sydneysiders got their first look at the revolving restaurants inside Sydney Tower. Exactly 39 years later, the restaurants have reopened after a $12-million renovation, with new looks, A-plus cocktails and a star cast of Sydney hospitality elite. The tower's dining precinct is split into three levels: 70s-inspired Bar 83, opulent fine-diner Infinity and casual buffet restaurant Sky Feast. Each space has a unique design by Loopcreative, pulling inspiration from the likes of space odysseys, Aussie backyard pools and bygone Kings Cross bars. Part-retro, part-futuristic with circular red and white lounges, gold lights and striking mirrors, Bar 83 is officially Sydney's highest bar. Some have suggested the bar looks as if it was pulled straight from an episode of The Jetsons, but Loopcreative director Rod Faucheux says the design is a nod to the building's history and Sydney bars from the 70s and 80s, such as Baron's in the Cross. [caption id="attachment_786071" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Robert Walsh[/caption] As the name suggests, it's towering above the city on level 83, with views across to the edges of the suburbs. While there's no denying the bar's main drawcard is the views, the cocktails are equally impressive. Award-winning bartender Jenna Hemsworth (Restaurant Hubert, The Baxter Inn) has stepped in as venue manager, and is stirring up outstanding cocktails including Pain Pleasure Principle (with cognac, cacao and lemon myrtle) and the Ignore All Rules (tequila, sherry, tomato and basil). Snacks don't push the boundaries too much (oysters, bread and olives, roasted nuts) but you're not here for the food — that's all happening on the levels below. That said, it'd be remiss not to order at least one of the lamb and harissa sausage rolls while you're there. Images: Robert Walsh
An impressive 300-seat restaurant, offering hearty breakfast and vibrant lunch dishes from 8am until 3pm, six days a week (closed on Monday), has become a staple in Parramatta Park. Misc. comes from a trio of Sydney mainstays — Executive Chef Sebastian Geray, Menu Collaborator Joel Bennetts and Restaurateur Jad Nehmetallah, the last of which you may recognise from Gogglebox. Together, they've created an all-day menu inspired by Mediterranean dishes and flavours. Misc. Parramatta offers a one-stop shop for your morning coffee, or afternoon drink, as well as an event space that seats between 40 and 150 guests (with canapé cocktail options for up to 300 people). Boasting both indoor and al fresco dining, plus a bright white beachy fit-out, the glossy Western Sydney restaurant brings a beachy European energy to Parramatta. "Western Sydney has been waiting for a spot to proudly call their own. At Misc., we offer an unmatched dining experience, partly due to our wine cocktail list never seen before in the western suburbs, as well as a beautiful retail section with curated products from local and international providers alike. So, if you desire a picnic in the park or bottomless brunch, Misc. can make it happen," says Nehmetallah. Whether you're here for breakfast or lunch, the team highly recommends starting with bread. The house-made focaccia with rosemary oil ($8) is a star of the breakfast menu, ready to be paired with dips like smoked labneh with ezme salsa and chives ($8). Join sides like sujuk spiced lamb sausage ($6) and mushroom zhoug salsa ($6), or soak up the glistening liquid in a plate of village tomatoes carpaccio with basil oil ($6). For something more substantial (that won't leave you feeling sluggish, should you decide to follow up your feast with a stroll in Parramatta Park), try the gluten-free green bowl, featuring fresh greens, black rice and tangy vinaigrette ($24), with the option to add hot smoked trout ($10). You'll also find plenty of shared starters that support Misc's a bit of this, a bit of that ethos to pick from on the lunch menu. These include oysters with pomegranate mignonette dressing ($5 each), beef tartare with flatbread crisps ($24), burrata with lime leaf oil and black pepper ($15) and the restaurant's signature wood-fired pita bread ($8). Add in "a bit more" through the likes of king prawns with confit tomato, ginger and tahini ($36), barramundi with salsa verde, fennel salad and lemon ($38), and angus striploin with a green pepper sauce ($60). Then finish with something "a bit sweet" such as creme caramel with jersey milk and wattleseed ($16) or the affogato ice cream sandwich made with hazelnut parfait and dipped in chocolate ($16). "The focus is on the food and what it means to different people," Nehmetallah continues. "It's in my blood to bring people together; to create family, fun and full stomachs. Now I'm doing it on a larger scale."
Sydney sunrises and sunsets are pretty damn special. You'll see Instagram lose its collective mind every time there's a clear day with a marmaladey sunset to be snapped. But you've never seen a sunset like the panoramic mindbender from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one only accessible by personally climbing the bridge itself. Luckily, the adventure-seeking crew at BridgeClimb will happily take you all the way to the top, with their extra pretty dawn and twilight climbs. Like many Sydneysiders, we hadn't climbed the Harbour Bridge before (except the time we sent CP's Tom Glasson up the bridge for a special Vivid climb). But we can't stress this enough: it's something all locals should try to do at least once — it makes a damn great Christmas present too. You'll see your city from a completely different angle, and remember why we're lucky jerks to live here. You'll find the BridgeClimb centre just up the road from the Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks — and you'll want to remember that libation-happy location for when you come back down to earth. Twilight climbs run for around three hours, so make sure you snack before you start. After using the bathroom about twenty times, we're headed into the pre-climb area. You'll be breathalysed — don't go on a bender and decide to climb the bridge — and if you pass, you'll be given your slammin' BridgeClimb onesie to change into. If you wear spectacles, you'll get to wear a super groove-o glasses attachment (suck it, jocks, we cool). Then it's time to meet your Climb Leader. We had the pleasure of climbing with wildly funny and incredibly knowledgable climber Brett, who has been climbing for 13 years. He hasn't counted, but reckons it's anywhere between 2000 and 3000 climbs. Your Climb Leader will help you suit up with a radio headset, heaps cool cap, handkerchief, fleece, headlamp and importantly, hair ties. Then you're off for a quick trial climb indoors and we're headed for the bridge. Not going to lie, this editor was bloody scared to be climbing this colossal bridge. But your team has your back and your Climb Leader is there to keep you going (and to tell you not to look down). Only three people have ever turned back on Brett's climbs — over 13 years. You'll make your way along underneath the Bradfield Highway, as trains roar above you and the Park Hyatt guests swan around beneath you. Give a high five to the hand-chipped granite pylons and head up the ladders, past zooming cars, to the main bridge climb. Once you're past the initial stage of the climb, the actual ascent to the summit is super, super easy and straight-up one of the most beautiful views in the world. Brett weaves stories about the history of The Rocks, the poorly designed nature of Fort Denison and the origins of White Australia in Campbell's Cove. He'll tell you the origins of Kirribilli as an Aboriginal fishing spot of choice (derived from the Aboriginal word Kiarabilli, which means 'good fishing spot'). Fun facts: Sydney Harbour's shoreline is 317kms around. Another fun fact: There have been 4000 proposals on the bridge, and 26 weddings (they give the bride a little mini-veil). One more fun fact: Paul Hogan used to be a worker on the bridge (without any kind of rope support) and his mates dared him to enter a talent quest, which he won. One more? The granite pylons are unnecessary — the bridge could actually stand up without them. Being a twilight climb, the whole ascent and descent is timed around the sunset — climb up with the sun on the Opera House, climb down as the sun sets behind Western Sydney, behind Anzac Bridge. There's something incredibly pride-instilling about being on the top of such a feat of modern engineering and problem-solving as the sun goes down (before the bridge was built, it took a whole day to horse and cart from Sydney's CBD to North Sydney, over five bridges). Heading back to solid ground, with our headlamps necessary for the last little section, you can't deny this newfound adoration for this crazily clean, beautiful, peaceful city we very often take for granted (and rather enjoy complaining about tiny things like coffee prices over). Although climbing during the day or nighttime would have an undoubtedly similar jaw-dropping effect, adding a little bit more dosh to your ticket and climbing the bridge at dawn or twilight adds that extra gobsmacking element you could need to stop yearning for Sydney to be anything else but Sydney. BridgeClimb runs day, night, dawn and twilight tours every day. Book in your climb from BridgeClimb's website — they also make an excellent Christmas pressie.
Sydney doesn't have a huge number of rooftop bars, but the ones we do have are something to be glad about. When the days and the nights get hotter, a hard-earned thirst is best quenched in the great outdoors, preferably on a roof, pretending that commuters on the streets below are tiny ants. We've put together a list of bars and pubs that have put their rooftop real estate to good use. There are old faces, newcomers and places that we might have forgotten — read on, and take your drinks to the sky. COOGEE PAVILION ROOFTOP With a perimeter balcony overlooking spectacular beachside views, the rooftop at the Coogee Pavilion marks a new height in sophistication from the Merivale clan. No expense was spared in this elaborate reinvention of the former Beach Palace Hotel site. For the design concept, Justin Hemmes and his team drew inspiration from a fictional character they created, an eccentric botanist called 'Wylie' who entertained on his private rooftop conservatory. The story is brought to life with lush overflowing greenery, sketches of exotic birds and indoor greenhouse structures. EAST VILLAGE HOTEL One of the newest rooftops to be added to the Sydney's skyline is at the refurbished East Village Hotel. The Terrace is where you want to be on a warm night — surrounded by a veritable cornucopia of ferns and flowers, and simple, white furniture smattered around the place helps to instil the feeling of watching the sun set from a beachfront bar on the Mediterranean coast, or escaping to Mexico for a few moments. It's bright, breezy and welcoming — perfect for any upcoming summer shindigs. UNTIED Untied and its sweeping views over Darling Harbour gloriously joined Barangaroo as the precinct's first rooftop venue in January 2017. Opened by Dixon Hospitality (The Norfolk, The Forresters, The Rook), the 260-seater, indoor-outdoor bar pays homage to the tropical northern Queensland rainforest, with a brightly coloured fit-out full of lush greenery. The food menu features barbecue share plates among all the requisite rooftop bar snacks. HENRY DEANE Millers Point's swanky, panoramic sky bar, Henry Deane, overlooks the Sydney Harbour in all it's glittering glory and offers one of the best sunset views in the city. Located on the top two levels of the historic Hotel Palisade, the bar boasts a 1920s Hollywood glamour with pink leather lounges, luxe copper furnishings and marble tabletops and walls. DOT'S ROOFTOP AT HOTEL SWEENEY'S Don't be scared to walk the seemingly endless flights of stairs up through the dingy Hotel Sweeney's, there's a pleasant surprise waiting for you at the top. The eight-table Dot's Rooftop is one of the best places to grab a cosy beer in the city. The space is popular with the after-work crowd, as well as anyone who's looking for a rooftop haven from the busy Town Hall below. THE ROOK The Rook feels far removed from the madness of York Street, like an oasis from city. Despite the bar's casual vibe and eclectic, recycled interior, the drinks and eats are dedicated to the finer things, like lobster. Eating lobster in an laid-back Australian bar may seem strange, but the crustacean is super-fresh, delicious with a few casual drinks and well worth the price. The Rook has been open since 2013, but it still stands as one of the best rooftop bars in the inner city. CORRIDOR Corridor is Newtown's best kept secret. The aptly named small bar is surprisingly not just one busy room, but is cleverly composed of an assortment of nooks: a private table at the front, stools clustered under the stairs, the upstairs 'lounge' room or the upstairs courtyard — take your pick. It's a fairly small wooden rooftop deck, but it's worth it for the drinks, the live jazz (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and the unpretentious local crowd. LIGHT BRIGADE HOTEL Woollahra's Light Brigade Hotel is one of the many recent changes inflicted on Woollahra's beloved Oxford Street hotel. In November 2016, the pub reopened after an extensive renovation and came out the other side a whole lot fancier. They've since added a rooftop as part of the four-storey hangout, offering pub-goers a lush space above Oxford Street. The rooftop functions as a combination space for drinking and dining, and is designed to feel 'as casual as a neighbour's terrace'. It has a circular bar that fans around the terrace, a wood-fired pizza oven and views of the Paddington rooftops and Sydney harbour skyline. THE LOCAL TAPHOUSE, DARLINGHURST Located at the intersection of South Dowling and Flinders Streets in Darlinghurst, The Local Taphouse can go slightly unnoticed. With 1920s-inspired decor and a garden-like roof, the Local is anyone's wonderland. The beer haven is the brainchild of Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone, two beer enthusiasts who conceived the inspired idea of opening a taphouse for all those budding beer buffs. They offer beer pairings to their exceptional food options, most of which incorporate beer in the cooking process. THE GLENMORE The Glenmore is hardly new, but it certainly has a new lease of life. The much loved local's-style pub remains on ground level, but as you head up the stairs towards the first level and rooftop terrace, you can see just how much this oldie has been spruced up. It has one of the best views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, and the retractable roof is a great addition, along with the rustic style wooden benches and red industrial chairs. Top image: Alana Dimou.
In days gone by, the humble cheese plate was always that conspicuous option on the dessert menu nestled between chocolate cake and the creme brulee. As a child we would never consider opting for anything remotely cheese-themed on a dessert menu, because it was something that only adults ordered as they hate delicious things like chocolate cake because they're dead inside. But now, as only partially dead inside adults, we can admit that as children we were wrong about cheese plates. That's not to say we should ever forgo chocolate cake for a plate of cheese, but rather, being adults means we can have our cake and eat a cheese plate too. Not all cheese plates are crafted with equal levels of finesse, however; there are so many factors that can make or break the perfect cheese board. The sheer amount of cheese, obviously, is the most important factor. The less visibly uncheesed board the better. As for the cracker situation, rustic is always good, and an array of textures is key. These bars and restaurants have mastered the art, so your next sensuous cheese night is covered. THE STINKING BISHOPS, ENMORE If cheese were a religion, The Stinking Bishops would be its Mecca. Upon entering, you'll spy an entire blackboard devoted to all the different types of cheese, categorised according to hardness and milk type. You can curate your own two, three or four cheese platters ($21, $29 or $37, respectively) from their selection of over 30 cheeses, but we suggest you rely on the cheese connoisseurs' thoughtful guidance. All plates are served with a basket of various ribbons of lavosh, crusty bread and the most perfectly smooth quince paste. Behind the counter, there's a glorious closet packed with what looks like several thousand dollars worth of cheese, and we'll admit, it has crossed our minds several times to jump the counter, fill our pockets with as many wheels of triple cream brie as they can hold and hightail it out of there. CURED, MANLY With bottles of wine lining one wall, a picklery in the corner and cured meats hanging from the ceiling, Cured has a simple concept — who doesn't like wine and cheese? — but their offering isn't something that can be replicated at home. None of the wines on their menu can be found in bottle shops and the Dad & Dave's beer is from an up-and-comer brewed locally in Brookvale. Cured may not have a commercial kitchen, but they do have a chef who is on hand to help you select meats and cheeses that will complement one another. Every board comes with sourdough, olives and pickles — then it's up to you how far you take it. If you're not quite ready to commit, you could grab a glass of wine and share an aged cloth cheddar and bresaola. And for a bit of extra sweetness, throw some honeycomb into the mix. But if you really want to heat things up, try their habaneros. Go all-in with a mix — perhaps a truffle triple cream brie, burrata and a hunk of Al Malto D'Orzo whisky ($13-15), a semi-hard cheese that's been soaked in a whisky barrel for three months. For the ultimate pairing, save this for dessert and wash it down with a glass of Lagavulin single malt ($15). [caption id="attachment_526146" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Bodhi Liggett[/caption] MV BISTRO, SURRY HILLS If you needed another reason to hit up MV Bistro (which was until recently Mille Vini), aside from their daily specials, it's their cheese plate (two cheeses for $19, three for $25, all four for $30). Choose as many cheeses as you can handle from their selection of blue, French brie, Comte gruyere and goat's cheese. They come served with Iggy's bread, rose-soaked figs and a respectable amount of crackers. We recommend you arrive early so you can lazily make your way through their extensive wine list and still remember your name when you go home. THE POTTING SHED, ALEXANDRIA It's worth the trip to The Potting Shed just for The Shed Platter: a plank of wood handsomely laden with internationally sourced cheeses, piles of cured meats, fruits, marinated vegetables and a basket of daily baked breads. They offer an epic platter for $54, which should feed four to six people. But it feels like the bar staff wouldn't judge you too harshly if you said you were dining with cheese-loving ghosts to round out the numbers. Plus, the al fresco dining area, nestled among planter boxes and a hanging garden adorned with fairy lights, is the perfect location for spending some quality time drinking wine and catching up with old friends (and ghost friends). DONNY'S BAR, MANLY If you've got a hankering for cheese northside, Donny's Bar has got your back. The industrial warehouse conversion with copper fixtures and low lighting feels like it's been cut and pasted straight out of a coffee table book on cool Brooklyn haunts. The cheese plate ($24) at Donny's Bar is particularly handsome, consisting of manchego, San Simon and Cabra Pimento served with marinated olives, chilli peanuts, chillies and crackers. And once you've polished that off, you can then venture upstairs for some deliciously strong cocktails and cheese-fuelled dancing. [caption id="attachment_526154" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Formaggi Ocello.[/caption] FORMAGGI OCELLO, SURRY HILLS Formaggi Ocello is a cheese lover's heaven. There's monthly cheese and wine tasting events and a glass cabinet filled with over 200 types of cheese, and they even make tiered cheese wedding cakes to order. Hailing from Spain, France and Italy as well as locally, the flooring selection is available for purchase to eat in the privacy of your own home, or you can curate your own cheese board, sip on one of their many wines and soak up the dappled sun while feeling sorry for all the suckers in the Bourke Street bike lane who aren't eating cheese. THE THEATRE BAR AT THE END OF THE WHARF, WALSH BAY The only thing better than looking at the best view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is looking at the best view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a cheese-laden cracker en route to your mouth. The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf the perfect place to spend time before or after seeing a production from the Sydney Theatre Company (or just skip the show and spend your money on cocktails). Their cheese plate ($28) is classic: three cheeses served with quince paste, grapes and lavosh. It's also the perfect place to take a friend from out of town if you want to gloat about how nice Sydney is. [caption id="attachment_635660" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford[/caption] THE RIO, SUMMER HILL For decades, The Rio was the coolest spot in Summer Hill, doling out sweets and soft drinks to cinemagoers and late-night drifters. It fell out of fashion more recently, but owner George Poulos (known as 'The General' to locals), never deviated from the old-school formula and kept dishing up the finest milkshakes in town, always immaculately dressed in a suit and tie. His shop was a labour of love, and he literally worked in the store until the day he died. Now, everything old is new again and a new team including owner Tess Robens (Newtown's Corridor) has re-opened the gem of a site as a small bar, retaining the name and paying loving homage to the venue's past life. There are, of course, some milkshakes on the drinks list, but we're there for the platters ($36 for two people, $52 for four), which arrive on a plank piled appealingly with creamy blue cheese, cornichons, salami, prosciutto and crackers. GPO CHEESE AND WINE ROOM, CBD The GPO Cheese and Wine Room is dealing in some serious cheese business. Stocking between 80 and 100 cheeses, this cosy little nook, tucked away in the depths of Martin Place, is the perfect place for post-dinner treats. As expected, the cheese board is a real triumph, served on a large piece of wood that wouldn't look out of place on a Game of Thrones set. You can curate your own plate, but we recommend you rely on the in-house cheese masters to fashion you up the perfect platter and offer pairings with over 250 wines ($30–44). The cheese portions are generous, served with impressive charcuterie and accompaniments, and they've perfected the cracker-to-cheese ratio, so you're never left eating dry, cheeseless crackers like a barbarian. Updated: October 2, 2017.
After a year full of lockdowns and restrictions, travelling around Australia is finally possible again. Now, the bumper-to-bumper summer season of the country's top galleries is within reach to out-of-town art lovers too. We've pulled together a taster of major exhibitions that span both new and recognisable art and will encourage reflection on this crazy year. Each state is offering something unique, from an expansive all-women artist exhibition in Canberra to shows revealing the diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from across the country. Join us in celebrating culture and open borders with an Australian summer full of art, performance, community talks and tours.
Back in 2018, Sydney's fine dining scene sported a Quay-shaped hole, as the legendary restaurant temporary closed up shop and underwent some pretty hefty renovations. But the harbourside restaurant came back with a bang, showing off a complete, head-to-toe transformation — of the design, food menu and drinks, no less. This second incarnation saw Quay embrace a more interactive, individualised dining experience and dished up plenty of surprises along the way. So what was different? Pretty much everything. While the dining room lost 20 seats, the whole space gained an impressive fitout by acclaimed architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the team behind the design of some of the Fink Group's other establishments, Bennelong and OTTO Brisbane. The restaurant, now divided into smaller, more intimate dining spaces, was rejigged to face both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Referencing Executive Chef Peter Gilmore's nature-driven cooking, the space embraces the organic, with elements including ocean-like blue carpets, tabletops crafted from sustainable solid spotted gum, and stone detailing that conjures images of cracked bark. Above, bespoke timber work complements the existing ceiling by original designer George Freedman. Meanwhile, art-lovers will also find plenty to swoon over, including the inspiration behind Quay's logo, Bronwyn Oliver's Tide, which presides over the entrance. The white tablecloths of yesteryear have been given the boot, in favour of showing off those tabletops — and the custom-built 'Quay Chair', by Australian designer Adam Goodrum, whose design references the pattern on the Opera House shells. As always, the Quay experience extends beyond the food to the design beneath. This time around, Gilmore has worked closely with ceramicists Paul Davies and Jacqueline Clayton (from Red Shed Studio Jam), Malcolm Greenwood and Ben Richardson on a stunning new range of bespoke tableware. Each piece has been carefully designed to best showcase a particular dish. While the menu is entirely new, it's grounded in Gilmore's passion for showcasing rare and beautiful ingredients. A eight-course tasting menu best captures the journey, though an abbreviated six-course menu is also on offer. As with the restaurant's previous menu, Gilmore has worked closely with farmers, fishermen and artisans to source ingredients — many of whom grow, forage and create items specifically for the acclaimed chef. Newcastle Greens, for example, grew red speckled peas for Gilmore, and you'll find them on the menu served alongside miso and anchovy. Gilmore has continued to go above and beyond with his plating and creation of dishes — which is prevalent most clearly in his recreation of the humble oyster. It's an innovative dish of oyster cream, oyster frill crackling and Ossetra caviar, served in a hand-crafted ceramic shell and eaten with a mother of pearl spoon. This dish was particularly close to Gilmore's heart as he himself dislikes the texture of oyster, and wanted to recreate the mollusc with exactly the same flavours, but a significantly different bite. As expected, the famed Snow Egg dessert has taken its final bow, though the koshihikari rice with sea urchin replacing it has the makings of yet another cult favourite. While this was on the menu at time of publication, dishes do change and evolve, so check the menu online before you head in. The drinks list is long and you'll have to navigate the 500-strong wine collection (backed up by 20 cocktails, nonetheless). But you won't be alone — one of the wine aficionados will be on hand to (kindly and patiently) guide you through. If you're planning an event or you're looking for a more private affair, then the private dining rooms have you covered. Overlooking the Opera House and with lush blue carpeting, the dining room is suitable for up to ten guests. With thoughtful details, such as fabric veils in the colours of Australian gum leaves, this warm and enticing room is the perfect space for any occasion. [caption id="attachment_677793" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Images: Nikki To
Two Chaps is one of the best things you'll find behind a garage roller door in Sydney. The Chapel Street cafe has a strong following among vegetarians and pastry lovers, and for good reason — everything on the menu is vego and the kitchen bakes all its own bread and pastries. Plus, almost everything can be done vegan or gluten-free. There are two menus on offer, the day menu and the Two Chaps night menu. The day menu features pastries, brioche burgers — such as the spiced pumpkin version with onion jam, mint coconut yogurt, and pickled beetroot — as well as a seasonal salad bowl and eggs on sourdough. For drinks, there are a range of coffees and teas to choose from and an array of cold drinks, including smoothies, cold brew and a fruity frappe, if you're feeling fancy. You can drop by and purchase the aforementioned baked goods each day — along with one of three daily sandwich options — or sit in for what is one of Sydney's best brunches. Keep in mind — the cafe kitchen closes at 2:30pm daily. Alternatively, the night menu features a set dinner menu, alongside vegan and gluten-free alterations. Think stracciatella with grilled radicchio; handmade polenta with porcini sauce and rosemary oil; and cauliflower gratin with confit leek and pangrattato. For dessert, the roast banana mille-feullie and the mandarin granita are the perfect way to end a satisfying meal. For vegan and gluten free alternatives the friendly staff will guide you through the ever changing options. The set menu requires reservations, so make sure to book either the 6pm or 8:15pm time slots. There is also a BYO policy with a small corkage fee. Images: Alana Dimou. Appears in: The Best Degustations Under $100 in Sydney The Best Cafes in Sydney Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Sydney
Back in 2022, a new venue from Sydney hospitality giant Merivale arrived in its Ivy precinct. MuMu was the latest venture from beloved local chef Dan Hong (Ms G's, Mr Wong), serving up south-east Asian street food-inspired dishes. The restaurant pulls ideas from trips Hong, Merrivale CEO Justin Hemmes and Head Chef Oliver Hua took through Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam. Open for lunch at midday and staying open until late in the evening, MuMu offers an all-day selection of south-east Asian eats alongside wine, cocktails and two hefty banquet menus. On the food menu, Hong recommends the selection of house-made sambals, the king prawns cooked in white pepper with leek and coriander and the pork spare ribs with a tamarind glaze and Vietnamese mint. The set menus are available for groups of four and will get you the king prawns, lamb cutlets, nasi goreng and a collection of sides and starters. If you're coming with a group, be sure to book your banquet for one of the two private dining rooms, that have been elegantly designed to complement the South-East Asian menu, with ambient lighting, bright and fun furniture and eccentric artworks. Glancing over the drinks menu, Hong's popular yuzu slushies immediately jump out, but once you've started with a fun icy beverage you can turn your attention to something more serious. Opt for one of the inventive cocktails on offer like the Riot Rose spritz with blood orange, rhubarb and passionfruit, or the Suntory Highball with Suntory Toki, yuzu, ginger and fizz. The music and the lights are bright at MuMu, with Hong looking to create a vibrant venue for any time of the day. The restaurant combines the inner-city dining experience of neighbour Bar Totti's, while complementing the precinct's late-night spots like Ivy and Jimmy's Falafel. Top image: Jiwon Kim
Surry Hills' latest wine bar may be small in size and servings – with 20-or-so seats, a snacky menu of delicate share plates and a carefully curated wine list — but Bar Copains is big on many things. Think flavour, heart and coolness (in a way that isn't intimidating). 'Copains' means 'friends' in French, and fittingly so. It was born from a friendship between chefs Morgan McGlone and Nathan Sasi – and now it continues to thrive as a neighbourhood joint where friendships bloom over a glass of natural wine and some seriously delicious snacks. For some of us (with more generous spirits) the influx of share-plate menus has been welcomed with open arms. At Bar Copains you can try a Pigs Head Fritti with a zippy gribiche (kind of like a combination of tartar and egg salad) then move on to some stracciatella with truffle honey, perfectly balanced on a crunchy rye cracker. Then, why not a bite of salty anchovy and olive on a bed of puff pastry? Finish it off with a rich lamb ragu pappardelle followed by some fresh sweet peaches with meringue and cream. The menu changes regularly but one thing is constant, sharing is caring. And here you will want to, and can try it all. The venue sits on an unassuming corner on Albion street, offering an elevated yet laid-back neighbourhood charm. You can sit out on the leafy street or head inside where the walls are proudly lined with McGlone and Sasi's wine collection. The decor is paired back but with an intimate and cosy vibe that steers clear of any stuffy pretentiousness. It's a place to bring a special date or reunite with an old friend, but it's not the best spot for a big group — intimacy is key here. So yes, Sydney's Bar Copains may be small, but that is exactly how we like it.
Sunburnt settlers didn't build this city by the sea just so you could stay on land and pavement. If you always did that, you'd miss out on the joy of salt spray, the harbour wind in your hair. Whether setting sail (well, boarding a vessel) from Circular Quay, or hopping the plank at Palm Beach in the north or Cronulla in the south, there are plenty of adventures to be had in Sydney where — bar having your own boat — only a ferry can rightly take you. Pack a picnic with your squad, strap your hikers on and explore the wide reaches of this bush-clad city and beyond. [caption id="attachment_653083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO SHARK ISLAND Shark Island is the 1.5-hectare picnic oasis of your dreams that sits in the Sydney Harbour National Park, close to Rose Bay and Point Piper. Directions: Captain Cook Cruises steers the service, which on weekdays leaves from Circular Quay (Wharf Six) and Barangaroo (Wharf Two) five times daily. It takes between 20–25 minutes, although with this sparkling route you'll be wishing it would slow the hell down. Please note that services will resume on January 4, 2020. Cost: $20 return. Book here. What to do when you get there: There's grass, shade and 360-degree views of sexy seaside Sydney. Get that first ferry and bolt for the one 30-person gazebo if you're throwing a shindig (and book your ferry tickets in advance if you're bringing a squad of pals). Despite the name, few sharks swing their fangs by here these days, but you can spot tide pool critters in the grottos and inlets by the shore. There are toilets, water and picnic tables, but no shops — so bring all your kit in a good 'ol fashioned picnic basket. [caption id="attachment_653084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CRONULLA TO BUNDEENA Bundeena is a nature-filled waterside suburb with rustic charm that hugs the Royal National Park. The 20-minute route leaves from Cronulla and crosses the Port Hacking River, where you'll go a little nuts with envy over the water-lapping properties. Don't worry though — the nature on the other side will calm you back down. Directions: The ferry departs from Tonkin Wharf in Gunnamutta Bay, a five-minute walk from Cronulla Station. Cost: $6.80 each way. You just pay on-board. Info here. What to do when you get there: Strap on the old hikers and get thee to the Royal National Park. The 26-kilometre Coast Track begins at Jibbon Beach and weaves past small sandy inlets (Little Jibbon Beach is used as a nude beach if you really want to take your trip back to nature), cliffsides and bushland, not to mention a series of rock carvings from the Dharawal people who lived here for thousands of years. Walk as far as your nature-loving heart desires; Wottamolla, Burning Palms, Garie and Wedding Cake Rock are all doable in a day trip if you leave early. Back in Bundeena, grab a coffee and fish and chips on the deck of Passionfruit Cafe, or sink your toes in the sand as you wait for the return ferry to Cronulla. [caption id="attachment_653085" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nick Rains/Destination NSW[/caption] PALM BEACH TO ETTALONG This stunning half-hour journey takes in four waterways — Pittwater, Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury River and Box Head — and makes a brief pit-stop at Wagstaffe. You may even luck out and see some wildlife like seals, turtles or even penguins along the way. Directions: Catch the Fantasea-run ferry from Palm Beach Wharf on Barrenjoey Road. Cost: $12.20 one way. You can book over the phone or just pay on-board. Info here. What to do when you get there: Only 30 minutes from Palmy and you're suddenly in the Central Coast. At Ettalong Beach you can try your hand at fishing, hire a kayak from beachfront Anderson's kayaks, or lazily park your bum on the sand. Bush wanderers can jump on the Great North Walk path into the Brisbane Waters National Park from Patonga to Pearl Beach, ducking uphill to the Warrah Lookout for some spectacular views. Hungry daytrippers can soak up the sights at The Box on the Water, grab some gourmet grub from their kiosk, or head for the Cinema Paradiso complex where Bar Toto does pizza by the slice as well as charcuterie and cheese. [caption id="attachment_653087" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ethan Rohloff/Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO COCKATOO ISLAND Find Cockatoo Island at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has a pretty hectic past, as an air raid shelter, convict colony, gaol and even graving dock. Directions: From Circular Quay, the ferry swings past Balmain, Greenwich Point and Woolwich, which is why it takes a half hour despite being close to town. There are also services from Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Cost: $6.12 each way using your Opal or credit card. What to do when you get there: If you're here for the history, take an audio or guided tour, or veer past the vids in the Dog Leg Tunnel. Exercise fiends will be beside themselves over the harbour views of the basketball court. Hell, there's even giant chess. Cockatoo Island also has the right look for Hollywood, having been the setting of a Wolverine escape scene and a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in Angelina Jolie's Unbroken (of which you can see snippets in the screening room). The Harbour Trust also runs glamping, spooky haunted tours and sometimes live music sessions at sunset. [caption id="attachment_653023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] MickeyMoo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] CHURCH POINT TO SCOTLAND ISLAND In the far northern reaches of Sydney, Scotland Island houses history and spotted gums galore, and is just the ticket for a rustic getaway on the western foreshore of the Pittwater, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Directions: The ferry sets off from Church Point wharf hourly on the half hour and makes multiple stops on Scotland Island, including Morning Bay, Lovett Bay and Elvina Bay. It takes 20–25 minutes depending on where you hop off. Cost: $9.40 one-way or $15 return. What to do when you get there: Scotland Island was made famous by author Susan Duncan's Salvation Creek, in which she shacks up in Tarrangaua House built for poet Dorothea Mackellar in 1925. Author Di Morrissey also grew up here, and bad-arse femme fatale Tilly Devine had a retreat from her city shenanigans as well. Take a trek up Flagstaff Hill for some epic views of the Pittwater, or settle in for a BBQ at the picnic tables by Tennis Court Wharf. If you fancy doing an overnighter, there's a YHA with a big deck that presents tidy vistas over the island. [caption id="attachment_653088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO CREMORNE If time is of the essence but you still want to bask in the sun-kissed beauty that is Sydney, this short jaunt to Cremorne Point is just the trick. Bring your swimmers. Directions: From Circular Quay Wharf Four, this ten-minute trip across the harbour takes you past Kirribilli and Kurraba Point on to Cremorne Point Wharf. After a short walk, you can return from Mosman Bay Wharf, which will take 20 minutes. Cost: $6.12 each way (whether you return from Cremorne Point Wharf or Mosman Bay Wharf). What to do when you get there: Wander into Cremorne Reserve to gush over the sweetest darn lighthouse in Sydney at Robertson Point. Spin back past the ferry wharf and onto Maccallum Pool, a little picket-fence (free!) swimming oasis with million dollaroonie views. The walk between Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay wharves will take around 45 minutes (plus your dip), and takes in some grande ol' houses, pristine views, and the Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens, planted in the 1950s. [caption id="attachment_653090" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] CIRCULAR QUAY TO MANLY Despite being a Sydney icon since 1855, few south of the bridge would dispute that the Manly ferry is transport of choice for reaching sunny Manly. Directions: From Circular Quay (Wharf Three), the Manly Ferry turns east past Kirribilli, heads towards the headlands and through Middle and North harbours, and cruises on to Manly Cove in 30 minutes. If you're in a rush, the private Manly Fast Ferry service shaves off around ten minutes (but costs a tad more). Cost: $7.65 each way with your Opal card, or $9.70 on the Manly Fast Ferry. What to do when you get there: We hope you brought your towel and cossies, because you'll be beckoned by the beaches at every turn. Head straight on down the Corso for a spot of shopping and, when you reach the water, chuck a left along the esplanade until you hit Shelly Beach, a sheltered little oasis. Grab a lazy, seaside lunch at The Boathouse beside the sand, take a tipple on the balcony at Manly institution The Steyne, or dine with a daiquiri at Hemingway's. The more adventurous can take the stairs behind Shelly for a hike to Manly Heads or hire a surfboard and taste some salt water or maybe even catch a wave.
Manly's cafe scene gained massive bragging rights back in 2018 when Bo Hinzack (of local coffee shop Showbox Coffee Brewers and Mosman's Penny Royal) and James Sideris (Butter Boy Bake) teamed up to bring Rollers Bakehouse to life, located along Rialto Lane, just steps from the beach. While this is the duo's first collaboration, Sideris has been regularly supplying Hinzack's cafes with baked goods for years. If you've ever come across his giant cookies, brownie sandwiches and custard-filled muffins — they're regularly stocked at Showbox and Penny Royal, as well as cafes like Regiment, Skittle Lane and Bloodhound — you've probably been on a mission to track them down ever since. And now you know exactly where to head — Rollers. The shop was five years in the making for Sideris, whose love of baking goes all the way back to high school. "The concept came from both our loves for places in the US, with just coffee and pastries done really well," he says. Patrons can expect a mix of sweet and savoury items that changes daily. Some potentials include the mushroom and taleggio quiche ($10.50), iced vovo twice baked ($11) and mortadella danishes ($12). If you prefer a bit more certainty in your life, in-house signatures like sausage rolls ($12) and cinnamon scrolls ($8.50) are always on offer be on offer alongside the house granola ($17) and the bakery's specialty, croissants, which come in a wide variety of flavours but are always perfectly buttery and flaky. There is also a range of coffee on offer, alongside teas, hot chocolate ($6) and house soda ($7.50). On the coffee side of things, they're using beans from pro-roaster Aaron Wood of Melbourne's Wood and Co. This means you can expect some serious batch brews, along with cold drip and coffee classics done really well. The space emits poolside Palm Springs vibes, with breeze blocks, succulents and a courtyard and appropriate 90s music vibes — it's spring-ready in July. Images: Kitti Gould. Appears in: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Bakeries in Sydney for 2023
When National Tim Tam Day hit earlier this year, biscuit brand Arnott's gave Australians something we didn't know we wanted: the opportunity to smell like Tim Tams all day long. That chocolate biscuit-scented perfume was a limited-time-only affair, however, but there's now an option for your home, too — or for your mum's, because this a Mother's Day special. To mark 2022's celebration of mums, Arnott's doesn't simply want you to simply give your mother Tim Tams — although it clearly does still want you to do exactly that. To really get everyone's tastebuds in a tizzy, the biscuit brand has also just launched gift packs filled with Tim Tam-smelling candles and diffusers. Try getting a whiff of that and not having instant bikkie cravings. Yes, if Victoria Bitter can make a fragrance inspired by beer, The Louvre can drop perfumes that take their cues from its famous artworks and Messina can release gelato-scented candles, then making the air around you smell like Tim Tams really isn't that outlandish at all. It's the aroma that'll make you hungry all day, and features not only cocoa notes, but also caramel, tonka bean and a hint of sandalwood as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tim Tam (@timtam) The Melbourne-made, cruelty-free and vegan packs cost $100 a pop and are only on sale until Thursday, April 28, and include a 200-millilitre Tim Tam-scented reed diffuser and a 300-gram Tim Tam-scented candle, as well as packs of original and salted caramel brownie Tim Tams. So, if you're buying this as a gift, that means you won't need to take a dessert along to Mother's Day lunch. And if you're purchasing it for yourself instead, well, you're only human. Stocks are limited, though — but delivery is free Australia-wide. The Tim Tam Mother's Day gift boxes are available to purchase until Thursday, April 28.
A more traditional-style Taiwanese bubble tea shop, Yifang hails from Taiwan and is now popular worldwide, with shops in Sydney's Burwood, Eastwood and the CBD. It sources its tea from local farmers across 140 hectares in Mingjian, Lugu and Sun Moon Lake. Yifang also sources its fruits seasonally from Taiwan, whether its pineapples from Guanmiao, kumquat from Ilangreen or green plums from Xinyi Township. And its fresh milk comes from Tainan dairy farms — they never use milk powder or creamers here. Some of the summery flavours on the menu at the moment include kiwi, lemon grapefruit and pineapple.
Any vegetarian or vegan can tell you just how difficult it can be to find affordable, convenient and delicious food to fit their diet. Laurie's ticks all of those boxes, earning it a religious following in Bondi. The menu consistently features six hot dishes and five salads, which you can mix-and-match to take away or to dine on at one of the limited in-house tables. Though the venue is tiny, Laurie's retains a community feel. One whole wall is plastered in community event posters, and the fact that the majority of customers are regulars is immediately evident. Today's hot dishes (which rarely vary) include lasagne, pasta, mild chickpea curry, Mexican beans, lentil casserole and roast veggies. The salad list is comprised of cajun tofu, persian rice, two green salads and a cous cous salad. All of the options are vegetarian and all but two (the lasagne and pasta) are vegan. Other available dishes on the menu include vego burgers, empanadas, pies, baked potatoes...the list goes on. I decide to go for a take-away combination of the chickpea curry, roast veggies and cous cous salad. I try the curry dish first, and am pleased by the homemade, soul-food flavour. It's a combination of spicy and sweet - delicious, but not to be outdone by the roast vegetables. These taste as though they just came out of my home oven, savoury and filling. The cous cous isn't necessarily a stand-out dish, but tasty nonetheless. Eating all of this on the lawn by Bondi Beach, I am struck by just how convenient Laurie's has made good, vegetarian food. The restaurant fare itself isn't particularly earth-shattering but it is indeed delicious. And who can argue with a solid, take-away meal for next to nothing? Move over, McDonald's.
Remember how it rained all last winter? Well get set for another rainy season, folks: as I write this I'm looking out on to a rain-sodden Oxford Street. What with Sydney being all about beaches and carousing in the sun, we seem to cope less well with the wet and the cold. But there's so much this city has to offer, and in particular when it's miserable out and the nights get too cold to venture outdoors, one of the nicest things to do is hang out with a book. Or better yet, hang out in one of Sydney's lovely independent bookshops, which we should all be supporting. With this in mind, we present to you our pick of Sydney's ten best bookstores. 1. Gertrude & Alice Where: 46 Hall St, Bondi Beach Wall to wall books. Books from ceiling to floor, interspersed with communal tables. Gertrude & Alice is what Shakespeare's is to Paris, and provides a welcome haven amongst the surfers and backpackers of Bondi Beach. The food served is fresh and universally excellent, and it's one of the best places to go if you're feeling a bit lonesome, because the welcoming communal tables ensure that you'll always feel at home. Named after Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, the famous expat American couple who encouraged the careers of Hemingway and Henry Miller, amongst others, there's a lot of heart to this place, as well as lovely velvet sofas and delicious chai. They also boast a Hemingway room, quieter and lined with reference books and the perfect place to woo another attractive bookworm. 2. Better Read Than Dead Where: 265 King Street, Newtown I have spent a lot of money in this place. I only realised how many times I was in there over the summer when one of the sales girls said to me "You're in here all the time, and I've always wanted to say I really like your dresses." Which was lovely to hear, because the rest of my scanty budget goes towards dresses. Better Read Than Dead have one of the best staff recommendation systems around, and they'll often hook you up with things you'll love forever which you'd never find on your own. Everyone working there is incredibly helpful and chatty if you engage with them, but they'll otherwise leave you to your own devices. Close to Camperdown Memorial Park, one of the nicest things to do when it's sunny is to get yourself a book and find a tree to lie under and read. 3. Berkelouw Books Where: 19 Oxford Street, Paddington, 8 O'Connell Street, Newtown, 70 Norton Street Leichhardt and 708 New South Head Road, Rose Bay Berkelouw are kind of everywhere right now - seriously, there's one adjacent to a carpark in Cronulla. But each of them feels individual, and each of them are awesome. The better branches of Berkelouw are the older ones: Paddington and Leichhardt, as well as the newer, but adorable, Newtown branch. Berkelouw comes with a cafe and comfy leather couches for you to squish up in and read for hours, and there's also a separate second hand section which is always worth a look. I would personally recommend the Newtown Berkelouw, if only because of its close proximity to T2 and Guzman y Gomez, it's welcome student discount, and the fact that the first time I went in they were playing The Smiths. 4. Gould's Book Arcade Where: 37 King St, Newtown You cannot argue with this place. It is the undisputed king of second-hand books in Sydney. You could disappear into this place and never come out again. I would wager you could find a gateway to Narnia in Gould's. With a liberally relaxed policy when it comes to organisation, you'll find Marxist histories of industrial labour sitting side by side with a 1996 travel guide to Slovakia. But stick around for a couple of hours (and you can, it's open until midnight, after all) you'll find treasure for a pittance. At the centre of the store was, until his death in May of 2011, Bob Gould himself, the silvery-bearded stalwart of Sydney's sixties counter-culture who was once arrested for his anti-Vietnam and anti-establishment activities. 5. Kinokuniya Where: Level 2 The Galleries, 500 George Street, Sydney Kinokniuya is the only big chainstore included on the list, but this list would be nothing without it. The Japanese bookstore giant believes in promoting art and culture, not just hocking the best-selling pulp-literary tat to people, and has been one of the most welcome additions to the city in the past few years. Kinokuniya is awesome - it has everything, the stuff you can't find anywhere else, ever. You can spend hours hanging out in the light-filled building which overlooks the criss-crossing pedestrian traffic of the George and Park Street intersection. It boasts an entire Japanese section, the best range of graphic novels and manga and an incredible range of art and design books, as well as every kind of fiction under the sun. Kinokuniya also features an in-store gallery to showcase emerging artists. 6. Gleebooks Where: 49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, 536 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill and 191 Glebe Point Road, Glebe (Antiquarian & Second-Hand) Gleebooks is a Sydney institution. The city's most reliable independent bookseller for many years, they stock an unbelievably vast range of books; fiction and non-fiction alike, and often play host to talks by international and national figures, including The Chaser boys. When they talk about independent booksellers being in peril, you know that Gleebooks will be the last to go. Its second-hand and children's sections are located further up Glebe Point Road, and are completely worth the walk up the hill. Also, a Dulwich Hill branch recently opened up which is a very welcome addition to an often neglected portion of the Inner West. 7. Ariel Books Where: 42 Oxford St, Paddington and 103 George Street, The Rocks Ariel have a fantastic selection of art, architecture and design books adorning their shelves. The shop's interior is open and clean, although there are some delightful lanterns which pretty up the place, and it has the benefit of being open until midnight. Mostly it's the awesome range of books and the atmosphere of the place which makes Ariel so nice, but you can also get yourself a Moleskine, some Mexican kitsch ornaments or some chocolate, if they take your fancy. A stone's throw away from the College of Fine Arts and on the edge of the city's hipster quarters, the place is filled with a mix of spaced-out locals, art school kids and some very attractive bookish types. 8. Sappho Books, Cafe & Wine Bar Where: 51 Glebe Point Road, Glebe Sappho's is a cafe and wine bar as well as a second-hand bookshop, and has the loyal custom of many of the local Sydney University students. The pokey little shop has a huge range of books on every subject matter and has been hosting regular poetry nights for the last couple of years. You're always certain to find what you're looking for, and often in really nice editions: some of the copies from the '50s and '60s you'll find are so nice you'll want to frame them. This is also the only place on this list where you can sit with a book and a glass of wine, or a jug of sangria, until the wee hours under the shade of the jasmine and banana trees. 9. Ampersand Cafe Bookstore Where: 78 Oxford St, Paddington So easy to miss amongst the tumultuous crowds on Oxford Street, Ampersand is bigger than it looks from the street and a haven away from the city and the crowds. With a good range of second-hand books tucked away across three floors and offering amazing, cheap first-edition copies of books like The Master & Margarita and The Human Stain, Ampersand also wins on the coffee front - it is truly excellent. Downstairs is a communal table if you feel like making some friends, or you're perfectly welcome to hang out on your own. 10. Journeys Bookstore & Cafe Where: 127 Trafalgar Street, Annandale Journeys is another very cute bookstore and cafe, housed in a converted terrace, where you're invited to flip through the pages of books while sipping some tea. The titles are all handpicked, and there'a seriously good travel section. Upstairs is the best bit, a bright airy room decked out with comfy couches, and surrounded by seven bookcases. Each case represents a region of the world, and you'll find travel guides, history, fiction and travel literature to match every country in that part of the world. If you wish you were elsewhere there's no better place to imagine it.
Because nobody should have to deny themselves their favourite foods, Nourished have created healthy versions of comfort staples like nachos, burgers and breakfast burritos. Proving that they're looking out for our best interests, they've even helped out with the justification by giving an explanation of why their meals are good for you. Their spicy bean and corn nachos are packed with fibre, protein and iron, which helps cut cholesterol and provides sustainable energy. Take that, diet. The menu is sizeable, and given that it's within walking distance to the beach, it's great that such a big chunk is also offered as takeaway. They've got an ever-changing selection of juices and smoothies and the Campos coffee they serve is one of their biggest drawcards.
Fried chicken lovers: start drooling. KFC is set to unveil a brand new burger inspired by the flavours in Peking duck, but there's a catch: the only place you can get your hands on it will be at their new music festival on Cockatoo Island. The Colonel is throwing the music festival in the iconic Sydney Harbour spot with an all-star local lineup on Sunday, March 13, and yes, all tickets include free KFC Peking Cluk burgers. As for the headliners at the festival — it's Peking Duk, of course. The rowdy DJ duo are stepping up to help the Colonel as KFC's official burger spokespeople, and will be performing at the festival alongside beloved Yolngu rapper Baker Boy and Sydney favourite Thandi Phoenix. Attendees will be treated to Peking Duk's brand-new live show that they created over the last two years. The show has only been seen a few times at the likes of Field Day and features big party energy, remixes of previous material and plenty of synthesisers. "We've been in the bunker making the live set totally different, totally unique. It's going to be fun and it's going to be an experience that nobody's had before," Peking Duk's Reuben Styles told Concrete Playground. Adam Hyde of the duo put it more succinctly: "Get clucked, go cluck yourself, cluck off and have a clucking great time on Cockatoo Island with the boys."
The iconic Sydney Fish Market is still gearing up for its grand reopening, but we know more and more about what to expect as every day goes by. The latest reveal? The market will be adding new guest tours to its offering come January, before the first cultural festival arrives with a celebration for the Lunar New Year. Visitors to the new Sydney Fish Market will have four new ways to explore it with a guide. The Behind the Scenes Tour will take you into the market's inner workings and see the famous auction in action, the Sydney Fish Market Discovery Tour will take you from wharf to newly renovated auction floor, the Tastes of the Sydney Fish Market tour will get you sampling the goods — and the Sunsets on the Wharf Tour focuses on the fishing aspect, and follows the fish from wharf to auction with drinks and canapès to finish by the water. Less than a month after opening, Sydney Fish Market will go all-out for the Lunar New Year, with celebrations and special offers to be found in every section of the market from Monday, February 16 to Sunday, February 22. Welcoming the Year of the Horse, Sydney Fish Market will be hosting cultural celebrations, including traditional lion dancers, while market retailers will be serving special LNY dishes like whole steamed fish, noodles, dumplings and other treats from Sydney's leading seafood chefs. Up in the Sydney Seafood School, there'll be guest appearances from Junda Khoo (Ho Jiak), Nat Thaipun (Vue de monde), Luke Bourke (Felons Seafood), and Somer Sivrioglu (Anason) alongside an expanded program of hands-on classes and specialty workshops for chefs of all experience levels. And as a part of the opening week celebrations, coinciding with LNY, the market will host a twilight Community Day on Friday, February 20, with free hosted tours, family-friendly activities, and more to be announced in the coming weeks. The Sydney Fish Market can be found on the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road and Bank Street, Pyrmont. For more information, visit the website.
In order to empower at-risk children, Spanish organisation Aid to Children and Adolescents at Risk Foundation has launched an anti-abuse advertising campaign embedded with a secret message. When the average adult views the bus stop billboard, they will only perceive a disheartened boy with the words "Sometimes, child abuse is only visible to the child suffering it." However, when viewed from below the height of the average 10-year-old, the boy's face appears bruised and the text now reads, "If somebody hurts you, phone us and we'll help you," alongside the number for their anti-abuse helpline. This feat of eye magic is achieved through a lenticular top layer, which displays different images at varying angles. While it is chilling to ponder that ANAR is targeting children travelling with their abusers, it is also inspiring that such innovation is stemming from the non-profit sector. And, thus, that the campaign aims to empower children, rather than sell them hamburgers or new phones. However, some fear that this will trigger new advertising strategies aiming to sell from the waist down — targeting kids into asking for specific brands upon seeing messages their parents have missed. As Gizmodo's Andrew Liszewski asks, "how long will it be before toy companies start doing to the same thing to hawk their products directly at kids?" (We give them three months.) It's still not as much of a worry as the Minority-Report-esque interactive billboards that IBM are reportedly developing. Apparently they could scream out our kid's name to tell them they could use a Guinness. Eeek.
There are 11,761 beaches in Australia. So it goes without saying that choosing the nation's most epic stretches of sand is no easy feat. Still, we've taken on the challenge. And, having considered the entire coastline, we've teamed up with Jim Beam to come up with ten of the best beaches in Australia so you can book a group holiday — from South Australia's sweeping Coorong Beach, which is one of the longest beaches in the world, to Queensland's Whitehaven Beach, which is famous for its incredible beauty, rather than its length. Remote and not close to major cities, these are not your local favourites — these are the top beaches in Australia. Get your bucket list ready, hit up the group chat (because every beach adventure is best enjoyed together) and start planning your next waterside getaway to at least one of them. Recommended reads: The Best Coastal Spots for Whale Watching Across Australia The Best Islands to Visit in Australia The Best Beaches in Sydney The Best Glamping Sites in Australia [caption id="attachment_694321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] NINETY MILE BEACH, VICTORIA Sometimes, size does matter. That's true in the case of Ninety Mile Beach, which is actually 94 miles — or 151 kilometres — long, making it one of the longest beaches in the world. It runs along the state's northeastern coastline, parallel to the (also epic) Gippsland Lakes. And there are all kinds of adventures on offer. Spend days (and days) wandering along the sand, uninterrupted by rocks or headlands while soaking up the surf and looking out for whales. Visit Ninety Mile's cute seaside towns, like Woodside, Seaspray and Golden Beach. And, if you're a camper who's happy to swap creature comforts for serenity, pitch your tent at Emu Bight, on the shores of Lake Victoria within The Lakes National Park, and use this guide to explore the water. Editors note: Emu Bight is currently closed due to bushfires in the nearby area. Check the government's Emu Bight site for more updated info. [caption id="attachment_743661" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] RED ROCK BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES Some beaches are epic, not only for themselves, but for what surrounds them. Take Red Rock, 30 minutes' drive north of Coffs Harbour. The Australian beach takes its name from its stunning headland, a 20-metre-high formation of 300-million-year-old jasper, also known as red quartz. Much of the sand is backdropped by national park and keen hikers should conquer the 65-kilometre multi-day Yuraygir Coastal Walk — or at least a section of it. If you find yourself needing human civilisation, visit the tiny coastal community of Corindi, where you can camp or stay in a cabin at Reflections Holiday Park. Take your time exploring the area and Red Rock Beach, one of the best beaches in Australia. [caption id="attachment_743607" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] WHITEHAVEN BEACH, QUEENSLAND Whitehaven Beach was famous for its looks even before Instagram existed. Located on Whitsunday Island, this seven-kilometre-long wonder is known for its sand, which, made of silica, is among the whitest, brightest and purest on the planet. To visit, you'll need to climb aboard a tour from Airlie Beach — be it by yacht, powerboat, ferry or seaplane. You'll be sorely tempted to take a dip in the crystal clear waters when visiting Whitehaven Beach, easily one of the best beaches in Australia. And, for extraordinary views of the beach, island and surrounds, get yourself to Tongue Point Lookout. If you'd like to stay overnight, there are several campsites nearby. [caption id="attachment_743612" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] CAPE TRIBULATION BEACH, QUEENSLAND Cape Tribulation in Queensland's Far North is where two Heritage-listed wildernesses — the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest — come together. Cape Tribulation Beach is the first one north of the cape, around two hours' drive north of Port Douglas. Begin your adventures at Kulki with a ten-minute stroll to Cape Tribulation Lookout, which looks north over Cape Tribulation Beach, backdropped by mountains. And to add a second sandy spot to your itinerary, take the one-hour Cape Tribulation to Mason's Store walk, for views of Myall Beach. [caption id="attachment_743652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] COORONG BEACH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA This breathtaking stretch of sand forms the southwestern border of Coorong National Park, on South Australia's southeast coast. It runs for around 220 kilometres, between Port Elliot in the north and Cape Jaffa in the south — and it's considered the longest beach in Australia. It's also where the Murray River meets the sea, after a 2500-kilometre journey from the Australian Alps. Just behind Coorong Beach are the Coorong Wetlands, where the original Storm Boy (1977) film was shot. Consider a paddling tour along one of the best beaches in Australia, be it a three-hour sunset fling or a multi-day expedition. Keep your eyes peeled for threatened species, including the orange-bellied parrot, freckled duck and southern bell frog. [caption id="attachment_743610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] 75 MILE BEACH, QUEENSLAND Another beach that's legendary for its awesome size is 75 Mile Beach on K'gari. This sandy behemoth forms most of the east coast of the island — which is the world's biggest sand island — and lies just off the coast, around six hours' drive north of Brisbane. The attractions here aren't just endless sea and sky, but also multicoloured and adventurous. Yes, there are sharks in the water and dingos on land, but the main attraction here is the length of the beach. Consequently, one of the most popular ways to travel 75 Mile Beach is by 4WD tour. That said, you can also go exploring on foot and camp or glamp at the dedicated Beach Camp Fraser Island. And be sure to stop off at Nudey Beach, which was named the best beach in Australia for 2018. [caption id="attachment_743683" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Charles Hill, Tourism Tasmania[/caption] WINEGLASS BAY, TASMANIA Like Queensland's Whitehaven Beach, Tasmania's Wineglass Bay is known all over the world for its good looks. As you've no doubt guessed, the bay gets its name from its smooth curves, which resemble a wine glass. You'll find one of the beast beaches in Australia on on Tassie's east coast, within Freycinet National Park. To get some perspective, follow the three-kilometre walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout from Wineglass Bay car park. An even more epic adventure is the full-day Hazards Beach to Wineglass Bay Circuit, an 11-kilometre hike that takes in two beaches, wilderness and pretty views. [caption id="attachment_743719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Western Australia[/caption] CABLE BEACH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA Cable Beach, on the edge of Broome, is best known for its camel rides. Every evening, the humped beasts traipse along the shoreline, delivering tourists to some of the most beautiful sunsets in Australia, if not the world. It's hard to think of a better way to experience Cable Beach. But, if that's not your thing, you can hire a bike and cycle along the sand. Alternatively, settle for relaxing on the sand, swimming or sipping cocktails when visiting one of the best beaches in Australia. As well as its white sand, Cable Beach is famous for its rich red ochre cliffs, which create a striking contrast with the blue, blue sky. [caption id="attachment_743663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Stanley via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] COSSIES BEACH, COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS Add a bit of island hopping to your beachy bucket list chasing with a quick getaway to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. These magical wonderlands of coral are in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a 4.5-hour flight west of Perth — which is pretty far-flung, but they're still considered an Australian territory. There's no shortage of gorgeous beaches, but one of the most magnificent is Cossies, on Direction Island, which beach expert Brad Farmer named Australia's best beach in his book 101 Best Beaches 2017. Keen snorkellers should definitely spend some time at the Rip, a haven of colourful corals, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, reef sharks and other intriguing underwater creatures. And if you're looking for a place to stay when visiting one of the best beaches in Australia, try nabbing a room at Cocos Seaview. [caption id="attachment_743664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Linear77 via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] EIGHTY MILE BEACH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA One of the best things about Western Australia's many beaches is that they come with sunsets. And, on Eighty Mile Beach — which sprawls between Port Hedland and Broome — you get 220 kilometres of them. It's also a marine park, so you can count on plenty of sea life, including dugongs, dolphins, sawfish and flatback turtles, that come here to nest. Spend your time looking out for these and other wondrous creatures, or get into some strolling, swimming or fishing. There are spots to camp, too, including Cape Keraudren Coastal Reserve. Like Jim Beam, surfing and other outdoor adventures are all about bringing people together, so get out there this summer and find your tribe in the great outdoors. Top images: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.
