You can forget about cramped seats and other people's heads obscuring your view of the big screen when you next catch a flick, because Sydney has scored a new next-level movie-going experience. And it's from the same minds behind Gold Class, V-Max and the multi-sensory 4DX cinema. The latest luxe additions to Event Cinemas George Street, the two boutique theatres each boast their own unique design, the 'Paparazzi' auditorium inspired by red carpet glamour and sibling space 'The Library' celebrating the art of storytelling. They're intimate cinemas, with room for just 46 and 28 guests, respectively. Dubbed Event Boutique cinemas, they're decked out with luxurious recliner chairs, state-of-the-art sound technology, in-seat waiter service and a not-boring menu of food and drinks. [caption id="attachment_725804" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Library[/caption] Step inside and you're in for a premium experience, helped along by extra large screens featuring world-class laser projection. What's more, while you're kicking back watching a film, you'll also be tucking into a top-notch lineup of eats and drinks — delivered to your seat by a waiter, of course. Think platters of cheese and charcuterie courtesy of Vic's Meats, smashed avo, croissants and banana loaf from Sonoma Bakery, as well as wagyu beef burgers, braised brisket pies, reuben sandwiches and mini pizzas topped with the likes of mortadella and pumpkin and goat's cheese. For dessert, there are fried-to-order cinnamon doughnuts, pints of Magnum ice cream and popcorn-topped chocolate brownies, as well as all the candy bar classics. As an added bonus, each Event Boutique cinema is customisable, so they're primed for functions, special events and private screenings (if you wanna be that extra). It's just the latest luxe cinema experience to land in Aus, too, with Palace Cinemas also recently stepping things up a notch with its Palace Platinum offering, now available in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
Summer's gig guide was a huge one, with one long-awaited show set to round out the season. That was supposed to be Belgian techno superstar Charlotte de Witte, who was meant to bring her high-octane bangers to Sydney's Hordern Pavilion this March. However, with travel disruption out of Europe preventing the superstar DJ from making the trip, this headline show was cancelled at the last moment, along with her top-billed appearance at Pitch Music & Arts Festival. On the bright side, Untitled Group has just revealed the rescheduled dates for one of the most sought-after names in electronic music today. Now appearing at Hordern Pavilion on Friday, December 12, 2026, Charlotte de Witte's enormous Australian fanbase will get the chance to welcome her back to our shores. Touring in support of the release of her debut album, expect this huge venue to be filled with the same thunderous, high-energy performance that captured massive attention at local and international festivals, from Beyond The Valley to Tomorrowland. And for those hanging out for news about a rescheduled Melbourne show, stay tuned as the Untitled crew is working behind the scenes to hammer out the details, with an announcement coming soon. Head to the website for new ticketing information.
If you're a fan of Pedro Pascal (Gladiator II), 2025 is a busy year. The Last of Us is back for its long-awaited second season. Thanks to Materialists, he's in a rom-com from Past Lives' Celine Song. With Eddington, he's battling Joaquin Phoenix for Beau Is Afraid director Ari Aster. Then there's Pascal's leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The latter film arrives Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and sees the MCU finally get fantastic as it speeds towards notching up two decades of superhero movies and TV shows. As both the initial teaser trailer and just-dropped full sneak peek show, First Steps explores Mister Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Thing and The Human Torch's beginnings in the 1960s — family dinners, big life changes, the worries that come with that, facing stresses together and world-threatening foes all included. Slipping into Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm's shoes in First Steps: Pascal as stretchy group leader Richards; Vanessa Kirby (Napoleon), who is bending light as one of the Storm siblings; Joseph Quinn (Gladiator II) proving fiery as the other; and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), who is no one's cousin here, instead getting huge, rocky and super strong. Directed by WandaVision, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Succession's Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps pits Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrach against Ralph Ineson (Nosferatu) as space god Galactus and Julia Garner (Wolf Man) as the Silver Surfer — both of which pop up in the latest trailer. Also co-starring in the film: Paul Walter Hauser (Cobra Kai), John Malkovich (Ripley), Natasha Lyonne (Fantasmas) and Sarah Niles (Fallen). Pascal, Kirby, Quinn and Moss-Bachrach's characters aren't new to cinemas. Before there was a MCU, there were Fantastic Four movies. The first two to earn a big-screen release arrived in 2005 and 2007, with the latter hitting the year before Iron Man kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Deadpool and Wolverine did 2024's Deadpool and Wolverine, the Stan Lee- and Jack Kirby-created superhero quartet now join the list of characters who are being brought into the MCU fold, as has been on the cards ever since Disney bought 20th Century Fox. Pascal and company are taking over from two batches of past film takes on the superhero team. In the 2005 and 2007 flicks, Ioan Gruffudd (Bad Boys: Ride or Die), Jessica Alba (Trigger Warning), a pre-Captain America Chris Evans (Red One) and Michael Chiklis (Accused) starred. Then, in 2015, Chronicle filmmaker Josh Trank gave the group a spin — still outside of the MCU — with Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick), Kate Mara (Friendship), a pre-Black Panther Michael B Jordan (Sinners) and Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers). Check out the full trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps below: The Fantastic Four: First Steps releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Images: courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and 2025 MARVEL.
If you've ever wondered how variety can be the spice of life if simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication, it will do you good to head along to Sagra, one of Darlinghurst's most talked about Italian restaurants tucked inside a cute corner terrace on Stanley and Riley Street. With a juicy reputation in and around the eastern suburbs for unpretentious, humble Italian like Nonna used to make, on a menu that changes daily, you’ll soon understand how tasty this so-called paradox can be. Literally translating to 'festival' (of the small town variety), Sagra is owned and operated by head chef Nigel Ward (Lucio’s, Sean’s Panaroma and Trullo in London), and it’s safe to say the main attraction here, apart from the thoroughly inviting home-like and sparse-yet-still-cosy interior, is his philosophy of seasonally inspired food without the frills. Throw in traditional and cheeky Italian service with a genuine appreciation of the dishes in-hand, as well as knowledge of wines back home from The Boot, and you’ve got yourself plenty of reasons to nab a space at one of the 11 or 12 tables scattered inside. Luckily, you can book. When in Rome we began with a Negroni ($15) as we munched on the complimentary house-made bread and plump Sicilian green olives. Then one of the few long-term dishes made its way to our mouths: garlic soup (if, like on our visit, this isn’t displayed on the menu, definitely ask). Made from pureed Aussie cloves and olive oil, pepper, bread and cheese, this friendly little bowl packs a punch without any aftermath, smacking fellow diners in the face via your breath and their nostrils. The visible menu is divided between antipasti, primi (pasta) and secondi (main courses usually in the form of one meat and one fish). Skipping the antipasti in favour of the aforementioned favourite, we moved onto the pappardelle ($17) mingled with mascarpone, rocket and 'nduja (spreadable, spicy pork sausage) and some seriously good malfatti in sage butter (blob-like pasta balls literally meaning “badly formed”). Both dishes were perfectly proportioned, leaving plenty of room for the pork ($31), gemfish ($29) and rosemary potatoes ($7) that followed. The pig was tender and accompanied well with cabbage and verjuice salsa, while the thick white fish kept its natural flavour alongside cauliflower and heirloom carrots. Wine-wise our waiter helped us out with a powerful bottle of Italian Nebbiolo from the Piedmont region (also not on the menu). As we say here in Oz: too easy. At the end of the night and a little time poor, in search of something sweet we sadly had to substitute the house-made ice cream with a shot of thoroughly satisfying house-made lemoncello. But to be honest, after a couple of hours eating, drinking and generally being as merry as those fabulous Italians themselves, we’re not ashamed to admit “in search of something sweet” actually meant finding any excuse not to leave. Hey, simple variety. We love it.
One of the joys of exploring the inner west is stumbling upon niche speciality stores like Mineralism. Whether you identify as a gemstone person or not, this Glebe gem store is worth a visit. Opened in 2015, the shop is choc-a-block with precious stones, minerals, fossils and handmade jewellery gathered from all around the world. You'd be surprised just how excited the store's owners Jed Underwood and Jessa Lahoud can get when they talk about aquamarine, labradorite and larimar – and it's hard to not feel enthused about rocks yourself after a chat with the passionate owners. The business partners and couple have direct relationships with many miners and travel the world curating the in-store and online collection. It's a family affair, so expect to see Jessa's parents manning the till, whose knowledge as both jewellers and miners in Lightning Ridge help make Mineralism more than just another store. Images: Kitti Smallbone.
Arisun's CBD eatery has long been a late-night favourite for big, rowdy groups sharing their signature beer towers and Korean fried chicken sets. In 2018, it expanded to Cabramatta. It may not stay open as late, but it offers the same extensive menu. You'd be remiss to overlook the fried favourite, which is really perfected by the house-made sauces on offer — including spicy garlic, shallots and wasabi, sweet, sour and spicy options. Choose from boneless or bone in (all $32) and make sure to keep the beer flowing. There's just something special about tucking into a big bowl of fried chicken with a cold beer, and Arisun has perfected this.
Heading to Vivid Sydney this year? You can expect all the usual suspects: glowing light installations, huge crowds, immersive tunnels, pop-up bars – and one very sleek electric SUV stealing the spotlight. Kia is back for its fourth year as a major partner of Vivid, and in 2025, the brand is taking things up a notch. At the centre of this year's activation is the Kia Portal, which invites visitors of the festival to experience the Kia EV3, a cutting-edge, all-electric small SUV. Unlike usual car displays, this one isn't hiding behind velvet ropes or spinning on a showroom podium. You can watch as the body of the car transforms with synchronised waves of light, colour and playful motion. Positioned along the famous Vivid Light Walk at The Rocks, the activation feels like a science museum display combined with a music video. As you approach the glowing platform, you'll spot the EV3 GT-Line at its centre. A giant sweeping screen slides across the vehicle, revealing a surreal X-ray animation that peels back the car's exterior and gives you a rare look inside. Pulsing lights trace the EV's inner systems, including its panoramic display, spacious interior and smart cabin tech. Did we mention there's also a family of animated X-ray skeletons showcasing the EV3's features? The full 90-second experience loops continuously and is set to a cracking soundtrack from Kia Australia's latest zombie campaign, Wyclef Jean's 'We Trying To Stay Alive' ft. John Forté and Pras. It's entertaining, fun and definitely worth the stop as you stroll around the festival. Compact but seriously capable, the Kia EV3 is designed to bring high-end electric innovation into a more accessible, everyday package. The car's stylish design takes cues from its bigger sibling, the EV9, but reimagines it for tighter city streets and smaller garages. The car comes with loads of cool features. You can charge devices or run small appliances with its vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, handy for camping trips, remote work setups or just topping up your laptop on the go. And with up to 604 kilometres of driving range and ultra-fast charging, it's just as practical as it is good-looking. If you're keen to check out this all-electric SUV, the Kia Portal is the perfect way to do it. It's entertaining, creative, and just a little bit magical, making it feel right at home in Vivid. Find the Kia Portal at The Rocks, right along the Vivid Light Walk. The activation is free and open every night during Vivid Sydney 2025, from May 23 to June 14. Learn more about the EV3 or book a test drive here. By Jacque Kennedy
You live in Sydney, so walks on the beach probably aren't that out of the ordinary. But one that involves riding on top of a camel? Now we're talking. Oakfield Ranch runs camel rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekend throughout the year that start from Birubi Point, the northernmost point of Stockton Beach. No bookings are required for the standard 20-minute day rides, which cost a very reasonable $35 per person. But if you'd really like to lean into the experience, make a booking for one of the 60-minute sunset treks for $90 each. As you stroll along the water's edge with views out to the ocean on one side and the monstrous sand dunes on the other, you'll feel much further away from home than you actually are. Images: Destination NSW
There is only one way to enter the Darlinghurst dive bar, Shady Pines, through a shady-looking warehouse door down a Darlinghurst alley — super chill. As you descend the stairs adjust your eyes to the dark underground haze, stamping one boot on the peanut shells left dishevelled on the ground, and moving the other to the timeless twang of Johnny Cash, you then eye the bartender who is sporting a ten-gallon hat and a grand 'ol 'tashe and order some of the best whiskey in Sydney. Of course, there are other ways to enjoy this Nashville-inspired saloon and by that I mean there are other drinks worth tasting. Try from a range of boutique beers including Coopers Malt and Newcastle Brown then move up to a whiskey sour, or an old-fashioned. In between sips (or chugs) feast on the beer snacks and get comfortable in your bar stool as you let the learned bartenders regale you with stories of the perfect whiskey. If you are willing to try, prices go up to $25 a shot, but it's worth it. If you're more drawn towards a bargain, you're in luck — Shady Pines has a killer daily happy hour. Between 4–6pm, the bar mixes $10 margaritas and negronis and pours $5 wines and beers. The bar's don't-give-a-damn attitude coupled with its staff's expert liquor knowledge makes this a themed bar you will want to keep coming back to. Plus, there's country and Western music on Sundays. Appears in: Sydney's Best Underground Bars for 2023
Located a stone's throw from The Domain in the heart of Sydney's inner city sits the Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool. Known for post- and pre-work swims right by the harbour, as well as its bustling, recently revamped Oh Boy Cafe, it remains one of the Harbour City's most beloved public swimming pools — but it's about to be out of action for 16 months from this autumn. The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool will close for an extended temporary period from May (the pool's usual colder month shutdown period) and it's expected to reopen in September 2025. So that means you can count it out as a swim option during the 2024/25 spring and summer period. According to the City of Sydney, the shutdown will allow it to conduct "critical and extensive maintenance work". This will include transitioning the pool heating to electric heat pumps, an upgrade that will future-proof the pool and make it more climate-conscious. "The City is committed to tackling climate change, and we aim to reach our net zero goal by 2035," says a City of Sydney spokesperson. "All of our operations are powered by 100-percent renewable electricity and transitioning away from polluting fossil fuels will be crucial to reducing emissions in the City's operations." [caption id="attachment_826623" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DNSW[/caption] On top of this, the tiles and waterproof membrane in both the 50-metre and 20-metre pools will be replaced. Luckily, the pool will still be open for a few more months until it closes, so you can head over for harbour-front swims and poolside eats at the Oh Boy Cafe. While it lasts you can even book yourself in for a bottomless brunch featuring free-flowing mimosas, sparkling wine and rosé alongside a selection of choice dishes from the menu and some killer views. The Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is located at 1c Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney. It will close in May 2024 and is expected to open in September 2025. Find out more about the pool at the City of Sydney website.
While not quite a true speakeasy (it's hard to claim secret status when there's a prominent sign pointing to your door), this secluded cocktail lounge behind the lobby of the Amora Hotel on Jamison Street still channels the Prohibition-era hedonism that made the 1920s roar. Parquet floors, marble countertops and deep-pile velvet upholstery. Chevrons, curves and polished wood finishes. A palette of corals, umbers, moss greens and midnight blues. Add them all together and Brooksy's opulent decor is a full-throated love song to the art deco and bauhaus movements, down to the last draped curtain and brushed-brass light fixture — a fitout so luxe, it could make a Gatsby blush. And yet, for all its OTT extravagance, this 70-seat venue is still compact enough to feel intimate. The cocktail list, designed by award-winning bartender Brendon Hill, is a tribute to the golden age of travel — when globetrotting socialites crossed continents in search of adventures. Each concoction marks a stop on a grand global tour, taking in Australia, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and even the Caribbean. Expect some theatrics too, when you order the Taishō, a Japanese-inspired mingle of yuzu sake, gin, strawberry, Calpico and miso served with a side of fruity bursting boba and a bubble of mist sitting on top, which pops to release a floral fragrance with your first sip. The Wilderness Symphony is inspired by the frozen tundras of Alaska, which blush pink at sunset when the sun's last rays dance across the fields of ice. Designed to share, this sparkling number sees vodka, elderflower liqueur, triple sec, prosecco and winter fruits added to a large glass bottle with an eerie skull design and flash-chilled with the addition of liquid nitrogen. A rush of mist erupts from the bottle, making it one of the biggest showstoppers on the menu. However, the top spot, as far as spectacle is concerned, goes to the Popcorn Blazer, a pyrotechnic fusion of Benriach 10-year-old whisky with a splash of Drambuie and a dash of walnut bitters, finished with popcorn-flavoured syrup before being ignited. Marvel as your bartender pours cascades of flaming liquid between copper cezve pots before serving your beverage in a brandy snifter, warm and steaming. If all that excitement has helped you work up an appetite, executive chef Hemant Dadlani's menu of bar snacks is at the ready. It also takes its cues from Hill's international concept, with yuzu scallops with zippy hits of ikura and wasabi, Glacier 51 toothfish served with shiro miso and cucumber salsa, and fiery Jamaican jerk chicken sliders among the dishes on offer.
Part of North Sydney's fine dining boom, Toki Bistro & Bar is a fusion of everything there is to love about French and Japanese cuisine in a space that looks as good as everything tastes. Sitting across from the colourful Miji Bar & Grill, with which it shares an owner, Toki feels like the yakitori joint's elegant sibling that spent a year abroad and came back home with impressive new skills. The space is designed after Parisian bistros, blending a marble bar, mahogany flooring and classic red seating with stone tables and vintage glass chandeliers. Park up in the public dining room for an à la carte meal or set dinner, or book one of the private dining rooms to enjoy the set menu to the fullest. Head Chef Jay Choy brings that same overseas-learned skillset to the kitchen, with Michelin-starred hours under his belt in the US and a top ten nomination from San Pellegrino's Young Chef Awards. Wines are of Australian, French and Asian varieties, and the cocktails are designed to accompany the menu. Said menu takes this union of culinary styles and applies it to a unique storytelling method: a multi-course journey through life's most significant moments. It works best in its set form as a chronological dinner, but can be ordered in parts à la carte and with extra sharing-size dishes. Highlights include the spatchcock with miso stew, corn and fried chicken; Marron Udon with beurre blanc and lobster bisque; and the Bone Marrow Custard with bacon jam, uni and ikura on a crumpet. Diners in the private rooms get the story from cover to cover. Chapter one opens with three courses signifying the early stages of life, including Sydney rock oysters topped with a citrus shiso mignonette and bluefin tuna in a sweet potato crisp. Chapter two is where one learns to embrace the complexities and challenges of life, with an Amaebi Tart with a zesty citrus cream and yuzu tamarind dressing, and the house signature Chicken Liver and Unagi. Chapter Three is the last main course, portraying the stage of life when you've (hopefully) got it all figured out. Dishes include marron served with al dente ravioli in a lobster bisque, plus a succulent eye fillet served with parsnip puree and beef jus. The tasting menu's final chapter symbolises when life slows down, with the likes of a strawberry sabayon topped with cardamon foam and a petit four.
Dessert fiends rejoice — Magnum is back to fill your every sweet tooth desire with the return of its Pleasure Store. Gone are the days when you had to make the painstaking decision between a Magnum Ego and a good ol' fashion almond one, too. The pop-up store, located within Westfield Sydney from Tuesday, July 16 until Saturday, September 7, is where you can design your own Magnum. You can get your vanilla ice cream dipped in white, milk, dark chocolate or indulge in the brand's new Double Dipped Duet, with milk and white chocolate. Then top your Magnum with luxurious delights like rose petals, dark chocolate shavings and gold feuilletine. Finish off the dessert with a chocolate drizzle of your choice. If there was ever a reason to indulge during your lunch break, this is it. And, if you're too busy to escape the office, the Pleasure Store can come to you as the ice creams will be available to order on UberEats within a 2-kilometre radius of the store. You can start planning your Magnum online here. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary additional topping by doing so. The Magnum Pleasure Store will be located at Level 2, Westfield Sydney and will be open every day, from Tuesday, July 16 until Saturday, September 7.
To celebrate its tenth year, Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery is hosting a massive four-month exhibition. Dubbed Then, the show is a deep dive into the gallery's past, showcasing important pieces that have graced White Rabbit's halls and walls. Launching on Wednesday, September 11 and running until January 2020, it'll will showcase more than 60 never-seen-before works alongside retrospective pieces. Standouts span Wang Zhiyuan's Object of Desire, which comments on the commodification of love by pairing a giant pair of pink fibreglass underpants with flashing lights and a soundtrack of 1930s Shanghai songs; as well as Chen Wenling's similarly satirical observation on China's emerging wealthy class, this time in the form of a porcine red car with an 11-metre gold tongue. You'll also find Jiao Xingtao's commentary-laden sculptures, plus Bu Hua's cigarette-smoking schoolgirl, Bingyi's Six Accounts of a Floating Life and Jin Nv's installation of starched children's clothing. There'll also be a theatrette program of Chinese video art. Images: Chen Yanyin. 1949 Young Pioneers of Communist China. 2010. bronze, paint. / White Rabbit Gallery.
When Shazam first hit mobile devices in 2008, it helped iPhone users solve a minor but common and often frustrating problem. By listening to a snippet of a song, the app identifies exactly what the tune is — so if you hear some music on TV, the radio or in the background but don't know what it is, you can easily find out. That's all well and good for songs that are playing somewhere around you, of course. But it doesn't help if you've got a ditty stuck in your head, have absolutely zero idea what it is and are becoming increasingly desperate to know what has wormed its way into your brain. We've all been there, and we've all been annoyed by it, too. Via a new addition to its search functions, however, Google has just announced a feature that resolves this very issue. If you want to find out what a specific tune is called, now all you need to do is hum, whistle or sing it — and Google will listen, then tell you what it is. The feature is available via mobile devices, through the Google app, the Google Search widget and Google Assistant. On the app and in the widget, you need to say "what's this song?" or click the "search a song" button before you start busting out a melody. With Google Assistant, you'll say "hey Google, what's this song?" first. It doesn't matter if you're not quite in tune (or nowhere near the right pitch), thankfully. After listening, Google will provide search responses that it thinks matches your song, so you can learn more about it, watch music videos, listen to the song itself, find the lyrics and more. The function uses Google's machine learning algorithm, building on work the company has been doing with artificial intelligence and music recognition technology — and it's now available in English on iOS, and in over 20 languages on Android, with plans to expand to other languages in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW61PpKJGm8&feature=emb_logo To use Google's new 'hum to search' feature, either visit the search engine on your mobile device or use Google Assistant. For further details, head to Google's blog.
Few winter treats warm those cockles quite like a hot, steamy pie. And no Aussie festival pays homage to this humble pastry dish, quite like Pie Time — a month-long pie celebration returning to NSW's Southern Highlands this June. Pie Time's 2019 edition features a bigger and tastier lineup than ever before. There'll be pies dished up by a swag of local bakeries — including Heatherbrae's new Ned Kelly creation — a pie-themed train trip between Sydney, Robertson and Moss Vale; various pie and wine trails; and even pie cycling tours. You can even unleash some creativity at Glass Cafe Mittagong's 'Pie, Pinot and Pie Sauce' painting sessions, or take a walk on the wild side with a zipline ride and post-fly pie at Illawarra Fly Tree Top Adventures. Just make sure you're at Bowral's Bong Bong Picnic Racecourse on June 29 and 30, for PieFest, where you'll enjoy cooking demos, browse market stalls and get a chance to taste the winning entries for the NSW/ACT Best Pie Competition. First image: Adam McGrath.
House Made Hospitality has made a habit of breathing new life into historic Sydney addresses — Hinchcliff House, Wunderlich Lane and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth among them. Now, the group has turned its attention to Bondi Pavilion with Etheus, a breezy Greek diner backed by postcard-ready views of Bondi Beach. Taking over the former Promenade dining room, Etheus swaps coastal crowd-pleasers for bold meze spreads and fire-backed Greek classics just steps from the surf. The menu, by Executive Chef Chris Benedet and Head Chef Stav Stavrou, leans into tradition — per Benedet: "we're not modernising anything for the sake of it". It's built for sharing across five sections, including a generous lineup of veggies. Start with meze like a roast fennel-backed tirokafteri, ouzo-doused saganaki or kataifi-wrapped king prawns, before moving to larger dishes from the charcoal oven — think kleftiko lamb shoulder, pork neck souvla or roast chicken with tomato butter and lemon-herb yoghurt. [caption id="attachment_1018635" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] There's a nice nod to home-style comfort, too — carbs include a bright spanakorizo with seasonal greens and mizithra, yemista in a creamy avgolemono and slow-cooked beef stifado lifted with clove and cinnamon pepper served over kritharaki. Stavrou's Cypriot heritage gets a shout out with the likes of a creamy tahini, a lentil, almond and pomegranate grain salad and charcoal-cooked sheftalies from The Souvlaki Shop in Brighton-Le-Sands. To drink, the wine list balances coastal Mediterranean producers — including a solid Greek showing — with Australian labels, including House Made's own NSW drops. Cocktails are sunny and beach-ready: the Sunshine of Socrates is a bright mix of Archie Rose White Cane rum, watermelon, guava, sesame and fresh lemon, while the Aristole Apero teams Widges gin with quince paste, thyme-infused honey, fresh lemon and thyme. Pair your pour with a spread of meze — or Stavrou's house-made yoghurt with honey and walnuts — for an ideal post-swim refuel. [caption id="attachment_1018633" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Images: Steven Woodburn.
The Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place in Armidale has two galleries featuring art and crafts from local and regional Indigenous creators, as well as a cosy cafe and gift shop. The centre is home to a permanent collection of donated artworks, a history section detailing the work of the centre and an archaeological room displaying a significant collection of wooden and stone artefacts. Tours through each collection can be organised so you can be given a more in-depth insight into the people, places and stories behind the items on display. And if you get in touch ahead of time, the centre can also organise workshops on Indigenous painting and cooking plus bush tucker walks. If you want to have a deeper, richer connection to the the history and culture of First Nations people, carve out time for a visit to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place on your next adventure to the Northern Tablelands region. Image credit: Visit NSW
Discreetly tucked away behind three heritage-listed buildings down a covered laneway just off Kent Street sits a secluded courtyard oasis decorated with artworks, murals and strings of bistro lights, where one of the city's longest-operating small bars calls home. Let's get the obvious out of the way: yes, the bar is named after the song by The Avalanches. "I liked the opening lyrics," says owner Nick White. "Watch the steps, get a drink, have a good time..." They're words that certainly fit the easygoing energy of this welcoming watering hole. Located in the heart of the Purple Flag-accredited YCK Laneways precinct, Since I Left You — SILY for short — is one of a clutch of secret bars, speakeasies and cocktail lounges in this corner of Sydney, offering the after-work crowd an alternative to the often packed and soulless CBD pubs. Since opening in 2011, SILY has settled into a comfortable zone between offering a relaxed neighbourhood bar atmosphere — with a largely Australian-sourced wine, beer and cider list — alongside a more elevated cocktail menu featuring a streamlined yet creative collection of signature drinks. From the simple (such as SILY's take on hard lemonade) to the sublime (don't miss the Shirazzle Dazzle, a tart yet refreshing mingle of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin, italicus bergamotto, lemon, apple and prosecco), there's something to suit every palate. SILY takes a similarly crowd-pleasing tack with its dining options. Gourmet toasties have been a faithful fixture on the menu for more than a decade. There are now seven variations to choose from, although The OG — SILY's original toastie packed with smoked ham, cheddar and caramelised onions — remains the reigning favourite. There are also classic bar snacks like corn chips with guac, house-marinated olives, and baked camembert served with garlic crackers all vying to be your beverage's tasty sidekick.
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we go to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort off the coast of Queensland, the spot we're putting up guests who book our Four-Day Turtle Hatching and Photography Adventure. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This award-winning retreat is the only accommodation on Lady Elliot Island, a small coral cay located at the south end of the Great Barrier Reef. And the beach — where you'll find wild turtles, manta rays and tropical fish swimming around colourful coral fields — is only ten metres away from many of the rooms. THE ROOMS Sustainability is at the core of everything at Lady Elliot Island Eco Retreat. The units, glamping tents and cabins are all designed to seamlessly sit within the natural environment, minimising the impact on local flora and fauna. In line with such an ethos, you won't find wifi, televisions nor radios in any of the rooms — only a limited wifi connection can be found in the restaurant. You go to this island to disconnect — put the phone away and go exploring IRL. But, it must be noted that this lack of signals and screens doesn't mean you'll be roughing it. All room types come with plush beds, charging points, an ensuite bathroom and ceiling fans for hot island nights. [caption id="attachment_889431" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fabrice Jaine[/caption] FOOD AND DRINK You're on a remote island, so you're not going to find a series of flash restaurants and bars. However, you do have a few casual places to eat and drink to choose from. First off, you have the laidback Beachfront Cafe — a lunch spot where you can get burgers, salads and some booze in the arvo. Next door you'll find The Lagoon Bar, where you can down a few cocktails, crush some beers or sip a vino after spending a big day out on the reef. The uninterrupted beach views don't hurt either. Lastly, there's the Beachfront Dining Room, where you'll find your included buffet breakfasts and dinners. You'll enjoy a variety of modern Australian cuisines here, set to fuel you up for more outdoor adventuring. THE LOCAL AREA Lady Elliot Island is about 80 kilometres northeast of Bundaberg — located roughly halfway between Fraser Island and Lady Musgrave Island. And even though it's the closest Great Barrier Reef island to Brisbane, it is never overcrowded — you won't find swarms of people or big boats full of tourists in these parts. What you will find is a flourishing marine sanctuary. Go snorkelling or diving around tropical sea life or take the easier route by hopping aboard a glass-bottom boat tour. You can also go on walks around the island (it's super flat, so it won't be difficult) or simply read your book on the beach or by the saltwater pool. You can be as active or relaxed as you want. THE EXTRAS While you can explore the land and water at your own leisure at Lady Elliot Island Eco Retreat, we recommend joining one (or a few) of the available tours. You'll have stacks to choose from, but we've teamed up with these guys to create an exclusive Four-Day Turtle Hatching and Photography Adventure that combines all the best experiences into one epic trip. This package includes return flights from Hervey Bay, snorkel tours, turtle-hatching experiences, a private boat trip around the island and photography classes led by Mark Fitz (an expert wildlife photographer). As well: all your breakfast and dinners will be sorted. It's the ultimate trip for nature and photography lovers. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
It's been a staple of the LGBTQIA+ community in Sydney and a bustling nightlife spot for decades. It even features in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. It's The Imperial Erskinville and now it has new owners. The storied pub has officially been sold, with Universal Hotels taking the reins. Universal Hotels is owned and operated by the Kospetas family. The group's footprint on Sydney's hospitality scene is significant, with venues like Newtown Hotel, Universal, Oxford Hotel, Civic Hotel, Hotel Downing, Bat and Ball Hotel, The Riley, Tempe Hotel and V Bar all falling under the group's portfolio. "The opportunity to transact on the Imperial was one in which we believed had great synergy with our group of venues. We have a strong connection with the LGBTQIA+ community and are very excited about the next chapter for the venue," said Universal Hotels in a statement to Concrete Playground. "To begin we will take some time to build relationships with the staff and community. We are attracted to the strong legacy of The Imperial and will endeavour to continually improve and evolve the venue." Since the group took over the venue, things have remained business as usual — so don't expect any radical changes to the beloved community venue. You can still pop into The Imperial for sweaty dance floors and singalongs on weekends, live drag Wednesday–Sunday, trivia on Wednesdays, bingo on Thursdays or for a feed at one of its dining rooms including Priscilla's and Carlotta's Rooftop. The Erskineville mainstay last closed in 2018 for a $6 million makeover. After an eight-month revamp it reopened with its current slate of dining and entertainment offerings including its vibrant new rooftop bar and basement party area. You'll find The Imperial Erskineville at 35 Erskineville Road, Erskineville. It's open 4pm–12am Wednesday–Thursday, 4pm–3am Friday, 12pm–4am Saturday and 12pm–12am Sunday.
Lottie, a buzzy new rooftop Mexican-leaning restaurant and mezcaleria, is set to open in early 2025 at The EVE. It will be the second venue at the luxury boutique stay created by hospitality mavens Liquid & Larder, the dining group behind top Sydney haunts Bistecca, The Gidley and The Rover, and the hotel's exclusive food and beverage partner. Located next to the leafy rooftop pool, Lottie is a lush urban oasis designed by George Livissianis with landscaping by Daniel Baffsky. The striking decor blends textured terracotta terrazzo, pink travertine, plush banquettes and colourful planting to create a lush retreat worthy of a tropical resort, despite being just a stone's throw from the CBD. The 107-seat dining terrace includes an eye-catching marble bar (with 27 seats for walk-ins), an open kitchen and a semi-private dining area for up to 28 guests. Overlooking the suburban streets of Surry Hills and Redfern, this al fresco dining space also features a retractable roof for year-round dining, rain or shine. On the plate, Lottie offers a fusion of culinary finesse with the rustic charm of Mexican street food, including house-made tortillas prepared on an imported tortilla press, alongside more refined main dishes and stellar signature cocktails. Executive Chef Pip Pratt and Group Bars Manager Ben Ingall have crafted a menu with dishes reaching gourmet heights far beyond those of your local high-street burrito joint. Expect delicate flavours like raw scallop with celery and apple, prawn aguachile, and a murray cod pibil baked in banana leaves. There are also some intriguing riffs on international dishes with a Mexican tilt, such as a classic beef tartare prepared as a tostada with sea urchin and a dry-aged beef chop served with burnt pepper and salsa picante. Behind the bar, the drinks menu, curated by Sommelier Kyle Poole, spotlights a rare selection of agave spirits, including tequilas, mezcal, sotol and raicilla. Guests can also enjoy seasonal cocktails and, unsurprisingly, three styles of margarita, perfect for a refreshing sip and dip by the pool or a sundowner before dinner, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list. Liquid & Larder co-founder, James Bradey, said of The EVE's new rooftop diner: "With only a small number of elevated Mexican restaurants in Australia, we have taken on the task of creating something exceptional at Lottie. Having recently spent time in Los Angeles, we were inspired by how LA approaches Mexican cuisine in a modern way and realised it was time to champion a cuisine that is commonly misrepresented in Australia. "We are excited to show Sydney what contemporary Mexican looks like to us in an unparalleled setting where you can escape the world below, soak up the heady scent of white copal mayan incense floating through the breeze, and transport yourself to where you'd rather be." Lottie opens at The EVE on Saturday, January 20 2025. Visit the Lottie website to make a booking.
Sydneysiders, summer is in full swing — and you would pity the fool who wasted these glorious days. While in winter we may huddle in dark corners, like underground bars, cradling a mulled wine and some form of hot comfort food, summer nights are about seasides and sunsets, cocktails and cool breezes. Whether you want to sip a spritz next to the beach or get into a bottle of something crisp by the Harbour, these are the best waterside bars to grab a cold one and settle in for a splendid summer afternoon or evening.
15 years after the original, and 12 years after the first sequel, is anyone really clamouring for a third xXx? Probably not, but then again, there was also a time where nobody was all that interested in a new Fast and the Furious movie either, and now it's one of the most popular film series' in the world. xXx: Return of Xander Cage has a lot in common with the recent films in the automotive franchise, beyond the chrome dome and cocky attitude of their shared leading man. In an age where so many Hollywood action flicks are bogged down by pomposity and existential angst, these Vin Diesel vehicles offer dumb fun at its absolute finest. The major difference between the two franchises is that, while the Fast and Furious films play fast and loose with the laws of physics, Return of Xander Cage scarcely bothers with them at all. In reintroducing extreme athlete turn super spy Xander Cage (Diesel) by having him ski – yes, ski – through a Dominican rainforest, director D.J. Caruso and screenwriter F. Scott Frazier make it abundantly clear they have little interest in telling a story set in the real world. Frankly, that's fine by us. This isn't Jackie, damnit, this is xXx! It's hard to imagine anyone in the audience will actually care why a cabal of super crims want to steal a piece of hardware capable of turning satellites into projectiles. The important thing is that Cage is out to stop them, and he's going to look dope while he does it. Diesel is joined by an outstanding set of supporting players, each sexier and seemingly less suited to the world of international espionage than the last. Hong Kong and Thai martial art stars Donnie Yen and Tony Jaa, Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone, and Australia's own Ruby Rose are just a few of the names on the roster – and while their roles are thin and their dialogue often painfully cheesy, the cast never seems anything less than 100 per cent committed. The same can also be said for Toni Collette as a tough-as-nails CIA handler. Nothing the character does makes a modicum of sense, but we'll be damned if Collette doesn't make her entertaining to watch. If nothing else, Return of Xander Cage deserves considerable credit for the diversity of its cast. It's hard to think of a recent ensemble blockbuster that featured fewer white men – and while part of that probably has to do with the involvement of Chinese investors behind the scenes, it also fits in nicely with the film's political throughline. There's no flag waving here – indeed, an attempt by the CIA to appeal to our hero's sense of patriotism is met with a quip: "there are no more patriots, just rebels and tyrants." Outsiders all, Cage and his fellow daredevils have no time for authority, or the overreach of a system that puts security before civil liberty. And while it's a stretch to call the film a reaction to a Trump presidency, his ascension makes the film's rebellious spirit and multicultural flavour that much more appealing. Having said that, no one is buying a ticket to the new xXx movie to get a hot take on global politics. They're buying it to see things go boom – and go boom they certainly do. Caruso and co. deliver big time on the action, crafting set-pieces that (mostly) manage to toe the line between knowingly silly and genuinely exhilarating. It's hard to think too hard about the gaping holes in the plot when Vin Diesel is riding a motorbike underwater. And who said cinema was dead? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQEFmHsseaU
It's pretty difficult to make a bad film with Paris as your backdrop, but it's nigh on impossible when that backdrop is Paris in the 1920s and the city is brimming with creative royalty like Hemingway and Picasso. Throw Woody Allen into the mix and you're pretty much guaranteed a witty, artfully shot piece of cinematic brilliance. Allen's latest, Midnight in Paris, offers a snapshot of the world's most adored city in its glory days, where avant-garde intersected with the everyday at the height of the Modernist movement. After opening the Cannes film festival in May, this blend of history and fantasy is finally being brought to Australian screens. The film's protagonist, Gil, is played by Owen Wilson, potentially an unlikely candidate for a Woody Allen film since findinga place in mainstream films since his Wes Anderson years. But like your typical Allen protagonist, Gil is utterly dissatisfied with his charmed life. His successful career in Hollywood, his trip to Paris and the beautiful woman on his arm, Inez (played by Rachel McAdams), all offer little pleasure to this jaded writer, yearning to produce a novel to match the literary works of masters gone by. One Parisian night, Gil's fantasy is indulged when he is picked up by a vintage car conveniently doubling as a time machine. The film follows Gil's adventures in the intellectual treasure trove that was Paris in the Roaring Twenties, rubbing shoulders with the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, T. S. Eliot and Salvador Dali. Midnight in Paris will take you on a journey into the Paris of the past - one we all wish we could visit - with cinematography to show off the City of Light as it stands today. To win one of ten single passes to see Midnight in Paris, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email your name and postal address through to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=dL95WR4Jzhc
Some venues thrive by nailing their niche, while others achieve crowd-pleaser status by presenting a few different offerings. Double Bay's Bartiga is the latter, functioning as both a bustling wine bar and a flavour-packed diner. Nab a table out of Bay Street with some friends on a Saturday afternoon, and it's an ideal spot for a glass of wine and a next-level snack. The drinks list has plenty of top drops by the glass, and there's a little something for everyone when it comes to the cocktails on offer. Our picks of the bunch: the Ben Haines Amber Semillon Blend, or the Skyfall which blends whisky, amaretto, macadamia liqueur and Aztec bitters. There's also a banana and vanilla-infused espresso martini for a kick of caffeine, and an extensive list of wine by the bottle split into 'Timeless Drops' and 'Future Classics'. If you're in for a short stopover, you can tide your hunger with a few choice snacks, including thinly sliced wagyu beef sliders with a red curry pesto, or prawn toast served with lettuce leaves to wrap the toast in, plus fresh chilli and a lemon and chilli sauce. You can also settle in for a heftier meal courtesy of Head Chef Faheem Noor, who brings experience from Tetsuya's, Empire Lounge and Gordon Ramsay's Maze to the Bartiga kitchen. Noor and the team have created a menu inspired by Southeast Asian classics that they describe as "modern yet not defined". Comfort foods from across the globe collide with the barbecued prawn tom yum spaghetti, while other signature menu items to keep an eye out for include the MB4 scotch fillet topped with an Asian herb chimichurri and crispy onions, beef rendang sausage rolls and XO pipi linguine. The relaxed interior rides the line between cosy charm and all-out elegance, allowing Bartiga to facilitate both casual catch-ups and romantic date nights. It's a welcome addition to Bay Street during an exciting time for the east Sydney thoroughfare.
Sydney has some of the best markets around, ranging from vintage clothes to artisan wares to breakfasts cooked by Kylie Kwong. Whatever you're interested in, and whatever your budget, there is always something exciting to be found or something special to be discovered. With the weather mostly always ripe for long and leisurely wandering, it's always a prime time to check out the city's outdoor marketplaces. Thus, we present to you our pick of Sydney's best markets. ROZELLE MARKETS When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 3pm. You know how second-hand shopping was always supposed to be about digging out the awesome things from the junk, but now everybody just hands it to you on a plate? Rozelle Markets is the authentic experience, presenting you with the best balance of vintage, antique and old tat. Framed embroidered flowers, owl figurines, ash trays, books, records and piles of clothing; Rozelle has been one of Sydney's most exciting and inspiring markets for a few years now. Not many markets have stayed true to the flea-market tradition, but Rozelle has, and that's partly why it's so special. While other markets - Glebe and Paddington, for example - have tarted themselves up and succumbed to commercial vintage and mass-produced hipster chic, Rozelle is still the place you'll find the truly unique and make the trash of others' your treasure. SURRY HILLS MARKETS When: First Saturday of each month, 7am - 4pm. Surry Hills is more casual than most markets, yet at the same time it's the market you're most likely to run into a street-fashion photographer. It really is a particularly well-dressed crowd. Yet Surry Hills is also where you'll dig up some of the greatest things. Held on the first Saturday of every month at Shannon Reserve on Crown Street, it's a mix of emerging designers, specially-sourced vintage and people hocking their old junk. The stall-holders really put in the effort here. Someone will offer you the history of your $10 skirt as you're rifling around for cash, while others will be happy to knock up a customised pair of earrings for you on the spot, and one nice man once helped my friend carry a pile of old '60s suitcases to the car. BONDI MARKETS When: Every Sunday, 10am - 4pm. When I was four years old my father took me to Bondi Markets and bought me a hat with a multi-coloured propellor on it. Bondi Markets won my allegiance that day, and it has never failed to disappoint since. Held every Sunday in the grounds of Bondi Primary School, it's not as bohemian as Glebe nor as hip as Surry Hills, but adjacent to Australia's most famous beach, it's perhaps Sydney's most quintessential market experience. It's the kind of place you can pick up some vintage wares, spot a collection of semi-famous folk, people watch, buy something cute, barter over an old clock radio and then pop down to the beach for a beer. GLEBE MARKETS When: Every Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Glebe is a funny mix of factory seconds, emerging designers, vintage fashion and second hand books and records, and has an adorably inner-west 'alternative' vibe. You're always pretty certain to find some relaxed music playing, with people stretched out on the grass, soaking up the sun, eating gozleme and watching the world pass by. Unlike the other markets listed here, you're likely to be bailed up by a member of the Socialist Alternative blocking the roasted chestnut van, and you're also more likely to have a long conversation about Bob Dylan's back catalogue with a guy selling used records. There's always someone wanting to chat. Despite hanging out at Glebe for many years, a friend and I recently discovered that it's actually worthwhile getting there earlier in the morning - it's quiter, more relaxed, and my friend managed to score herself an entire Duckie outfit before lunchtime. KIRRIBILLI MARKETS When: Last Saturday of every month, 8.30am - 3 pm. Kirribilli Markets were a complete revelation to me when I discovered them. With most of Sydney's markets scattered around the Inner West and East, venturing to the northern side of the bridge to rifle through milk crates is something that has never ceased to be novel. Held on the second Sunday of every month, right across the road from Milsons Point Station, the market boasts vintage, new and recycled fashion, homewares and collectibles. Concurrent with the fashion market is the art and design market, held in Burton Street tunnel. Once you're there you'll find it hard to distinguish between the two, but we assure they are completely seperate markets. Incidentally, if you show up on the fourth Saturday of the month to the general market you'll be able to score yourself some radishes. BALMAIN MARKETS When: Every Saturday, 8.30am - 4pm. Sydney's third oldest market, Balmain Markets is sometimes unfortunately confused with Rozelle, but can be found in the grounds of St Andrew's Congregational Church down the far end of Darling Street every Saturday of the month. This is less a clothing market and more about arts and crafts and local vegetables, although you'll still find the odd brooch or two. Inside the church itself is where you'll find the edible items, while the bric-a-brac and hand-made candles are squeezed into the church grounds. While not the best or the biggest market in Sydney, Balmain is well worth a look, particularly if you've already made the trip to Rozelle up the road. PADDINGTON MARKETS When: Every Saturday from 10am - 4 pm. Paddington Markets is a Sydney institution. Rain or shine, every Saturday since 1973, Paddington has drawn the best of Sydney's emerging designers, and has been the launching pad for designers including Lisa Ho, Bracewell and Dinosaur Designs. The 250-stall mecca of marketing is all about the new and the exciting, so you'll find less vintage fare here than you will at the other markets included on this list. I have distinct childhood memories of being dragged around Paddington of a Saturday as my mother tinkered with Afghani necklaces, whinging until I was bought a fairy dress. And maybe it's because nothing quite beats your childhood memories, but it feels like Paddington has become a little less exciting over the past few years. There was always a man who sold lip balm in walnut shells, who'd sprinkle glitter around your eyes and give you a butterfly sticker. But he's not there anymore. People like him were what made Paddington so special, but ever so slowly they've disappeared.
For almost five years, Daisy's Milkbar was an homage to rockabilly and retro diner-style meals. But you'll no longer find tattoo-covered inner westies sitting in its pink booths sippin' Iced Vovo milkshakes or diggin' into banana splits — the Petersham stalwart has shut up shop. For good. Owners Jess and Jake de Varine-Bohan announced the closure in a Facebook post last week, saying they'd made the hard decision to "not reopen Daisy's in 2020". "Daisy's has been an incredible experience," Jess and Jake said in the post. "We've collaborated with so many amazing people and other businesses, hosted weddings and special events, had the space used for filming and photo shoots, done some fun pop ups and best of all met so many great people and made some of our closest friends through the cafe." https://www.facebook.com/daisysmilkbar/photos/a.1498607127046339/2493783160862059/?type=3&theater While the Petersham shop has closed forever — and the space is now up for lease — Jess and Jake have kept the business name, Daisy's Milkbar, and haven't ruled out opening another version of the retro milkbar in the near future. "I'm really going to miss so much about having the cafe," Jess said in the post. "But for Jake, Veronica [the couple's baby] and I now is the right time to finish up this chapter - I'm nervous and excited for whatever will come next!" We'll let you know if and when a new Daisy's Milkbar is announced. Daisy's Milkbar in Petersham is now closed.
"I never want a guest to walk away hungry — ample sauce is a must." This is the mantra of chef Hamish Ingham when it comes to his Redfern eatery Redbird. Ingham met his partner in crime Rebecca Lines while they were working at Billy Kwong. And now, the hospitality power couple behind the likes of Bar H, Banksii and Tequila Daisy has brought the skills they learnt back in the Crown Street kitchen to this Redfern Street venue. Redbird presents simple and fresh takes on classic modern Chinese dishes using local and native ingredients. Sydney rock oysters ($6–6.50) and steamed ginger Murray cod ($49) make an appearance on the menu, alongside sticky caramelised pork belly ($34.50), prawn toasts ($18) and Sichuan-braised eggplant ($18.50). "I also want them to experience that perfect meeting of salty, sweet and sour that has kept me coming back to this style of cooking for 22 years and counting," says Ingham. The signature dish on the menu is the eponymous red bird (market price). Which bird just happens to be the subject of this dish will change regularly, ranging from chicken to pigeon to duck. But what stays the same is the treatment, the poultry poached in an aromatic Cantonese red braise. Other highlights on the menu include chilli-spiced lotus root chips ($7.50), five spice tofu salad ($18.50), pork and scallop wontons ($18), and stir-fried beef fillet ($65). For dessert, you can opt for the lighter strawberry and Sichuan spice sorbet ($15), or double down on the indulgence by ordering the jasmine custard with verjuice caramel ($13.50), or perhaps some Sichuan caramel chocolate truffles ($8). There's also a hefty cocktail menu here at Redbird, featuring sips like the Redfern sour ($19) — a mix of Bacardi Blanca, Pernod, osmanthus syrup, mint and lime leaf — and a jasmine margarita ($23) made with Patron Reposado, yuzushu, jasmine syrup, and a smoke and salt bitter. The inviting dining room is defined by exposed brick, recycled timber and terrazzo tiles, while a 20-seat al fresco dining area out on Redfern Street provides a perfect people-watching vantage point.
You don't need an excuse to visit Bali — the endless sun, world-class beaches and enchanting cuisine are easily enough reasons to head straight to the airport. Yet add one more to the list as Lyvin Melasti, a new boutique collection of villas and suites, has opened its doors. Sure, there's no shortage of luxury stays on the island, but this refined take on barefoot luxury is more thoughtful — and plush — than most. Perched on three lush acres above the white sands of Melasti Beach, think minimalist architecture, sweeping ocean views and non-stop relaxation. Tucked into the limestone hills of Bali's Bukit Peninsula, 18 ocean-facing villas with private pools dot four cliffside levels drenched in greenery. Designed to integrate with the landscape, each villa's green roof is a terrace for the accom above, while pathways through the stay flow with the coast's contours. Inside each villa, the finishes combine Scandinavian and Balinese design philosophies. Chosen for their inherent calmness and textural quality, you'll find locally sourced Sulawesi marble floors, custom teak furniture, soft neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling windows inviting stellar Indian Ocean views. "We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive — a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection," says Lyvin Properities Co-Founder and Product Director Victoria Sokovykh. "Everything is intentional, but never overdone. It's a place to breathe." While already appealing, this luxe addition to Bali's accommodation scene is set to get even better. The stay will launch 20 ocean-view suites in December, with plans for a signature restaurant and wellness spa to open in the near future. Lyvin Melasti is now open in the Uluwatu region of Bali. Head to Instagram for more information.
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. Sweden has a lot going on for a small country shrouded in darkness and snow for most of the year. Take a look around at the headliners of music festivals, at the clothes you’re wearing and the cider you’re drinking. You may have more in common with the sauna-loving nation than you’d think. Here are ten elements that define Swedish cool, compiled by Laura Phillips, editor of Mr Wolf Magazine, the journal of Nordic style. Raised in Melbourne, she was lured to the north with a promise of attractive men and affordable smoked salmon. Kanken backpacks Launched in 1978 in response to Swedish school children experiencing back problems, the Kånken is as minimal in design as you get. It’s everything a backpack should be — nothing more, nothing less. The weight of the pack is distributed evenly, its handles make it easy to hold as a handbag, its one front pocket and single internal compartment allow you to organise your keys and your notebook respectively. The fabric, sourced from yacht sail manufacturers in Japan, shifts from crisp to soft and glossed over time, commonly remaining a faithful companion to a Swede for 40 or so years. Saunas If sweating naked in a room full of strangers before plunging into a pool of ice doesn’t sound like you, Sweden will change your mind. Surprisingly relaxing and without doubt refreshing, the sauna is the place to make friends and bond with your fellow Swede. Some saunas, such as the Bjärred Saltsjöbad in southern Sweden, add stunning waterside views and rooftop sun bathing platforms for your cleansing enjoyment. Weekday Denim Forget the US, Sweden is the irrefutable capital of denim. For Swedes, denim is a way of life. No school uniforms and a year-round cool climate has nurtured a national attachment to jeans. It’s no wonder that the leading denim brands are all Swedish owned: H&M, Nudie Jeans, ACNE, Dr. Denim, to name a few. Weekday, responsible for the Cheap Monday label, has designed a jean for everyday of the week, perfect for the daily life of a Swede. Rekorderlig Cider Rekorderlig has captivated the globe with its cult of cider. Its tag line, 'Beautifully Swedish', has converted even the most staunch beer drinker and wine connoisseur to join the cider bandwagon. Savouring the feeling of fresh air, the woods and the comfortable welfare state, Rekorderlig (pronounced re-core-deer-lig) is the ideal accomplice for your induction into the Swedish way of life. Little Dragon Sweden’s recent electro music success is enough to believe the likes of Lykke Li, Robyn, The Knife, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Adrian Lux and Rebecca & Fiona all hang out with each other, and swap industry tips over fika (see no.7). Groups such as Little Dragon, however, have developed an international following with records characterised by smoothly evocative lyrics. Their self-proclaimed ‘global sound’ is experimental and consistently enjoyable. Their latest album, Nubuma Rubberband, is absolutely worth a listen. Way Out West Festival Every August Sweden’s second biggest city, Gothenburg, plays host to Way Out West, a staple of the Scandinavian summer festival circuit. Swedes are lured outside by the warm weather to dance through the night, dress so well it hurts and keep ahead of the next international Swedish music sensation. Johan & Nystrom Specialty Coffee Concept Store, Stockholm How do Swedes function on winter days with two hours of sunshine? It’s all in the coffee. This is epitomised in the cultural establishment of fika (pronounced fee-ka). A Swede is known to fika multiple times in the day. It’s a ritual of sitting down with a coffee and a cinnamon bun to take a break and socialise with colleges, family and friends. The specialty coffee movement in Stockholm is elevating the quality of the standard cup in Sweden; Stockholm’s Johan & Nyström in particular offer patient education on the art of coffee. ACNE The only kind of acne you want all over you, the Swedish fashion retailer epitomises Swedish minimalism. From its block colours to its clean branding, ACNE sells the composed self-assurance at the essence of Swedish cool. ACNE makes no frills look good. With a legion of loyalists from New York to Melbourne willing to renounce all things obnoxious and studded in the name of Swedish design, it’s onto something. If in doubt, dress head to toe in black and paint your apartment white; you’ve got Swedish minimalism in the bag. Restaurant Tusen at Ramundberget Ski Resort If you could generalise contemporary Swedish architecture at all, an attachment to nature would be the common ingredient. To understand a Swede, you must appreciate a deep connection with the environment. Sweden’s seasons occupy both extremes. As well as the temperature, their year is dictated by serious variation in light, fluctuating between complete darkness in the north during winter and 24 hours on sunlight during the summer. The built environment hence must accommodate for the extremes and adjust for the inhabitants within. Using natural materials and neutral colours such as blond wood and white walls keeps interiors adaptive and simple, allowing the transition from outdoors in to be seamless. The Restauant Tusen at Ramundberget Ski Resport by Hans Murman Arkitekter is a magnificent example. Dads with prams A progressive approach to paternity leave is the cornerstone of Sweden’s culture of gender equality. The result: a lot of dads with prams. Strolling through Stockholm’s hipster haunt, Södermalm, the packs of fathers-with-child would drive the most cynical bachelor to jealousy. No wonder Sweden is in a baby boom. Top image by Rekorderlig ambassador Agnes Thor.
No stranger to luxe French dining, restaurateur Andrew Becher (Franca, Parlar) is opening his second foray into Parisian cuisine. Armorica, a grand European brasserie, is coming to Surry Hills in April. The 150-seat restaurant is setting up shop in the former home of Toko, which moved to an expansive new omakase-focused outpost late in 2022. Under the guidance of Becher, the Japanese joint's old digs have been transformed into a lavish French-influenced dining space with timber detailed ceilings, European oak joinery, brass gantries and an open kitchen centred around a custom-built grill. "Armorica is a Parisian brasserie that embraces the timeless charm of classic French dining. We want to bring the fun, energy and excitement of dining in the city of light right here on Crown Street," says Becher. The grill will be put to full use here, with plenty of fire-heavy dishes that utilise top Australian produce to create classic northern French feeds. Expect steak frites, grilled seafood and chops made with the highest quality Gundagai lamb. [caption id="attachment_638769" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The site when it was Toko[/caption] Away from the grill, you'll be able to sprinkle your table with some vibrant delights from the sea and land. There will be coral trout crudo, foie gras torchon, and an outlandish seafood tower featuring oysters, prawn cocktails, octopus roulade and rock lobster. All of this top-notch produce needs to be matched by an equally high-quality wine list, of course, and Armorica is coming to the table with a 400-strong vino list focused on traditional winemakers creating exceptionally drinkable drops. Rounding out the interior design from Steel and Stitch and custom joinery from Contempo and Co is a series of original artworks that American illustrator David Plunkert has created in collaboration with Becher. If you want to be one of the first to experience this luxurious dining experience, reservations are now open at the Armorica website. Armorica will open on Thursday, April 20 at 490 Crown Steet, Surry Hills. It will be open for lunch Friday–Sunday and dinner Tuesday–Sunday.
Banchō Bar, from the team behind Surry Hills' much-loved yakitori bar Tokyo Bird, brings an acclaimed cocktail roster to Haymarket with its 100-seat laneway space. It reminds Sydney that the small bar scene isn't limited to the Inner West or CBD, but rather extends to Haymarket and beyond. That's done with Suntory spirit-based cocktails, an array of whiskies and pan-Asian bar snacks. Cocktails are at the forefront of Banchō's menu and feature Asian ingredients sourced from Chinatown's nearby grocers and markets. The list is extensive — split into five categories with 12 cocktails in all — and specifically takes influence from China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. Seasonal cocktails include the Dragon's Tears (Koyomi Shochu, jasmine tea, finger lime and apple) and the fiery Smoked Whaler (Hennessy VS Cognac, Woodford Reserve Rye, sweet vermouth, honey water, bitters and applewood smoke). One of the most complex house specialties is likely the Okinawa Vice, which mixes Herradura Plata Tequila, coconut rum, pineapple, aged port, lime, sencha tea, strawberry and kaffir lime foam before clarifying the lot with milk. Beyond the main variety of cocktails is a real love for highballs, with a build your own approach taking centre stage. Simply choose one of six sodas and one of three whiskies, or saké, chochu or cognac, and you're off to the races. Like at Tokyo Bird, a long list of whiskies is on offer, expanding from Japanese to Scotch, Taiwanese and Australian varieties, along with independent distillers. One very special drop on the list is Suntory's extremely rare Hibiki 30 Year Old. For repeat offenders, the bar also offers over 30 bottle lockers for storage in-between visits. A menu of bar snacks accompanies the drinks, like pork crackling or soft shell crab bao and potato croquettes with mixed veg and tonkatsu mayo. For cocktail-induced nibbling, there's also the requisite edamame, pork crackling and rice crackers. Images: Jeremy Plaisance.
The Hive is a short amble away from the King Street strip and well worth the extra footsteps. One of the only bars to challenge the reign of the neighbouring Rose of Australia pub and survive, the Hive is now one of the most buzzing (pun intended) spots on the Erskineville Road strip. Locals, at all times of the day, can be seen locked in animated conversation at the wide bi-fold windows, chilling on the footpath or propping up the bar. The decor is of your standard recycled, mismatched variety, complemented by graffitied walls and local art installations. The venue's love of all things analogue is showcased every Wednesday when they host BYO vinyl nights. The wine list and cocktail menu have a local, seasonal focus, and you're well advised to sample the beers on tap - the E'ville Pilsner and Green Star Lager come direct from the St Peters Brewery. There's also a good selection of food on offer, including share plates, burgers and pizzas, with many of the ingredients sourced from the Erskineville Community Garden just up the road. Unusually, The Hive is the kind of local bar you hear about Sydneysiders wanting and needing, but which very rarely fails to materialise — a cool and comfortable home away from home. Images: Andy Lawrence.
In recent years, there's been a growing perception that Australian nightlife is in decline, as rising cost-of-living pressures push more people to stay in and "enjoy their rent." With social habits shifting, particularly among younger generations, more than a quarter of nightclubs have closed since the pandemic. At the same time, Gen Z is increasingly being described as the "sober curious" generation, with drinking rates continuing to fall. All of these factors have resulted in quieter streets, restaurants that close earlier, and fewer people spending money in bars and clubs. The Visa Vibe Economy report, commissioned by Visa and conducted by McCrindle, surveyed Australians to learn how we spend our evenings (and how much cash we splash on a night out). It turns out that there are still a number of Australians getting out and about after dark. [caption id="attachment_1032801" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Getty Images Maskot[/caption] What's prompting Australians to get out? It should come as no surprise that we are a nation of foodies, with the research revealing the main reason we leave our homes after dark is to go out for dinner. With our major cities having thousands of world-class restaurants to choose from, it's no wonder that seven in ten Australians put food at the top of the list when deciding on a night out. Next on the list was the quality of entertainment, and interestingly, whether or not you can grab a pint at a night-time venue is low on Aussies' priority list. Only 28 percent of people surveyed felt that alcohol availability was necessary when choosing where to spend a night out. Aussies are heading out after dark for more than just a good time with mates—though that's still a big part of it. Half say they're hitting the streets to unwind and shake off the day, while many are keen to break the routine and discover something new. The call for fresh nighttime experiences is loud and clear, with over 50 percent of people wanting more night markets, festivals and late-night culture in their neighbourhoods. Of course, the cost of living also plays a crucial role, with 52 percent of us looking for more affordable options for a night out. With restaurants charging premiums due to the price of produce and the cost of living not seeming to slow down anytime soon, people's leisure budgets are clearly taking a hit. On average, 81 percent of Australians spend up to $120 per person on a night out, and cost was the most significant barrier for people not getting out and about in the evening. Who's getting out of the house the most frequently? The Visa Australia Night-time Index 2025, a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, and venues open after dark, found Melburnians are the cohort spending the most evenings away from the couch, with the city being crowned as the number one night-time hotspot in the country. From the city's CBD laneway restaurants to the pubs in Brunswick and Fitzroy, Chapel Street's nightlife strip and St Kilda's live music scene, Melburnians have a number of precincts to choose from, all with a high standard of food, drink, and atmosphere. After the Victorian capital, Sydney was next on the list of Australian nightlife hotspots. The city and Inner South, Eastern suburbs, Parramatta, Inner South West, Inner West and North Sydney were all locations that saw the most spending after dark. Although you may feel your friends are staying in more than usual, the report finds that almost half of Australians go out in the evening at least once a week. Not bad. And despite their sober curious nature, Gen Z is leading that charge with 73 percent of the cohort getting out once or more a week. On average, the generation is spending 9.4 nights out per month, and boosting the economy at the same time. [caption id="attachment_1032802" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Getty Images Klaus Vedfelt[/caption] Where to next? Australians clearly love a night out. While we might not be hitting the clubs at the same rate as a few decades ago, the night-time economy is still contributing a lot to our way of life. So, get out there and try new restaurants, head to a night market you've not been to, and cheers to enjoying your city after dark. Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: Getty Images Thomas Barwick
If you're on the hunt for a spot to watch the big game among other fans with the commentary coming through loud and clear, Sydney's got some top spots (see: our list of the best pubs and bars to watch sport). One such standout is the pint-sized Inner West bar The Magpie, a charming micro-pub that's pairing viewings of The Matildas, The Eels, The Swans and the UFC with a retro fit-out and a crowd-pleasing roster of beers. Sporting a name that acts as both a piece of the Australiana tinge that permeates through the bar and a nod to the Western Suburbs Magpies rugby league team, The Magpie comes to Enmore from the team behind Earl's Juke Joint and Jacoby Tiki Bar. You'll find it sitting proudly right next door to The Trocadero Room, the intimate 150-person live music venue from the same team. Together, the two venues are running hand-in-hand. The Magpie is designed to be a "local's local" — a place where you to drop in for a quick catch-up over a beer or a reliable spot that you know will be playing your favourite footy team's clash with their cross-town rivals. When there's no sport on, you'll find a roster of classic films playing on the mounted televisions that will transport you back to the days of walking through the aisles at your local Video Ezy (RIP). On tap, there's a few of your favourite Inner West breweries pouring, including a special Magpie Old brew that Grifter has whipped up, plus Guinness for good measure. Images: Christopher Pearce
There once was a time when Sydney's luxury hotels wouldn't even entertain the idea of letting your pets stay the night. But the winds of change have been blowing strong these past few years, resulting in countless dog-friendly hotels popping up all over the city. And the latest addition to this growing group of accommodations is the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney — bring on the pet puns. Their new Pet Paw-fection package includes putting you and your pooch up in rooms made specifically for your needs. Each fur-tunate pup gets its own plush bedding, dog toys, bath amenities, outdoor water bowls and specialty treats — Bone Appetit. They've also partnered with Outback Tails, a family-run company who partner with Indigenous art centres to create specially-designed dog beds, in order to provide an extra special space for your doggo to rest their head. The concierge is also brimming with knowledge about Sydney's best dog-friendly places and activities. They'll direct your pooch and you all around the city. You can check out the best dog-friendly parks, cafes and bars with your four-legged friend. But if you need a break from the little one, these guys will even organise a dog-sitter for you and take them out for walks. Just be sure to book ahead of time — perhaps timed so you can relax at the hotel's in-house spa, treating yourself to a cheeky massage or facial. The Four Seasons' Pet Paw-fection package is also available all year round, so you won't have to deal with those sad puppy eyes every time you run away on holiday. No need for begging friends to take your dog for the weekend, or to send your pup away to a kennel either. But do note that, if you're thinking of planning an indulgent getaway with your pooch, you'll need to make sure your four-legged pal weighs less than 11.5 kilograms. For more information about Four Seasons Hotel Sydney's Pet Paw-fection packages — and to book a stay — visit the Four Seasons website.
Humans have made a pastime of staring up at the night sky for as long as history can tell us. Unfortunately, the amount of excess light that our big cities leak into the sky makes for pretty poor stargazing conditions on an average night in the inner city. With that in mind, we've scoped out the spots all around Australia where it's still possible to use one's telescope for its intended purpose. Stargazing, that is — not trying to peek at what your neighbours keep behind their curtains. So, find the closest stargazing spot (or book a flight ASAP) and take part in this time-honoured tradition. Sydney Observatory, NSW In terms of physical proximity to the night sky, Sydney Observatory is a pretty good starting point. One of the highest accessible points overlooking Sydney Harbour, its building houses three telescopes — including the oldest working telescope in Australia, which was acquired for the 1874 transit of Venus. The other two are a 42-centimetre computer-controlled lens and, for those of you who prefer gazing at the star closest to us, a telescope that lets you look at the sun. You can get a glimpse through the onsite telescopes on a ticketed guided tour. Otherwise, the Observatory is free to visit and open Wednesday–Saturday from 12–6pm. This is definitely the first step for every would-be Galileo. [caption id="attachment_730726" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marc Aragnou via ASNSW[/caption] Wiruna, Blue Mountains, NSW Wiruna is the Astronomical Society of NSW's best-kept secret — if you go to its website, you'll see what we mean. Located on the outskirts of Wollemi National Park in the Blue Mountains, Wiruna is basically 107 acres of astronomy Christmas. Starry season's greetings, sky-lovers. The ASNSW holds a number of stargazing sessions on weekends throughout the year, and encourages amateurs and old hands alike to come and use the incredible array of equipment they've got stashed up there. The easiest way to get involved is to become a member of the ASNSW — it's a process that requires payments and applications — but allows you to visit this site and others with the group or on your own once you're accredited. [caption id="attachment_730730" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Warrumbungle National Park, Coonabarabran, NSW Warrumbungle National Park is a proper hike (read: a five or six hour drive from Sydney), but it's also a proper dark sky site. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has dedicated funds to limiting light pollution in and around the park and, with these measures in place, Warrumbungle joins the likes of Death Valley National Park in the US and Galloway Forest Park in Scotland as an official dark sky park — that is, one of the top places on the planet to revel in galactic goings-on. Warrumbungle does have its own observatory, but scientists and astronomers have the run of the place after sundown. Amateur astronomy in Warrumbungle is best performed the old-fashioned way, with the humble eyeball (and optional pince-nez). [caption id="attachment_730745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Graham Hosking via the City of Greater Bendigo[/caption] Leon Mow Dark Sky Site, Heathcote, VIC Located just 1.5 hours drive north of Melbourne, the town of Heathcote boasts some incredibly beautiful skies — and heaps of bush walks, reserves and national parks from which to see it at night. If you take your astronomy very seriously, you can head to Heathcote's Leon Mow Dark Sky Site. The country estate is available for use by Astronomical Society of Victoria members at any time, and they're even welcomed to camp out overnight. Membership will set you back $80 a year or, for non-members, the site is open to the public for free during annual events and meet-ups (just check the website for details). You can BYO telescope or binoculars, or just gaze up — there's plenty of beauty to be seen by the naked eye. [caption id="attachment_730556" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, VIC The breathtaking views to be had on any trip along the Great Ocean Road are hard to beat. But we bet you haven't considered taking this trip after dark. Turns out that the routes along these many rock formations offer a stunning view at night, too. This is especially true at the road's all-star site, the Twelve Apostles. On a clear night, the stargazing is truly awe-inspiring. It won't be the view of these golden cliffs and crumbling pillars that you're used to seeing in photos, but it offers something else altogether — and that a lot of people haven't seen. Look up, listen to the lapping waves and enjoy the rare peace and quiet here. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mt Coot-Tha, QLD Named after the soldier and astronomer who gave Brisbane its name, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium has been a favourite school tour spot since 1978. If you're a Queenslander, you've definitely been — and it's definitely worth another visit, even if you're well out of class. But unlike school, staring into space here is not only acceptable, it's mandatory. The Cosmic Skydome is the main attraction, under which you'll lean back and send your eyes skywards as informative films tell of black holes, the dark universe, moons and cosmic collisions. Once you've toured the stars, return to earth with a walk through the surrounding Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. [caption id="attachment_730557" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] The Jump-Up Dark Sky Sanctuary, Winton, Queensland The sleepy town of Winton in northwest Queensland is perhaps the number-one stargazing destination in all of Australia — as of April 2019, the town received Australia's first of seven international certifications for a Dark Sky Sanctuary. There are only 22 certified sites worldwide, so it's a particularly impressive win for Aussie shores. The sanctuary is set within the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum at its Jump-Up facility, which is free and open all year round. Here, you can view the spirals of the Milky Way and Orion Arm, as well as the collapse of nebulae and the birth of new stars. Bring along a telescope, binoculars and a picnic — you'll want to stick around for a while. [caption id="attachment_730555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism and Events Queensland[/caption] Charleville Cosmos Centre, Charleville, QLD The tiny town of Charleville — situated a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane — is home to one of the few observatories where you can stargaze both day and night. When the sun is up, you can attend a range of astronomy tours at the Cosmos Centre, including the sun viewing, which uses a special telescope to let you gaze directly at the surface of our planet's closest star. At night, experiences range from $45 for an Aboriginal night sky story session, up to $130 for personal astronomy tours. Check out clusters, planets, nebulae and, on a good night, the Milky Way. Inside the centre, there are heaps of tours and events going on each day, plus some seriously impressive equipment to boot.
Pumping iron in a dark, dank basement simply doesn't cut it for many anymore. That's why 'superboutique' gyms like One Playground are on the rise. Having just launched a brand new flagship location in Haymarket, this cutting-edge gym will help usher in a fresh era of fitness, where next-level design and luxurious wellness spaces foster an unbeatable workout. Spanning an incredible 2,600 square metres across three levels, expect elevated design from top to bottom. As the fifth One Playground location since the brand arrived on the scene in 2014, this gym is the most impressive yet. Best of all, the premium facilities and high-end aesthetics are still available at an accessible price. "The goal was never to build another gym – it was to create a fitness experience unlike anything else in the world," says One Playground Co-Founder and CEO Justin Ashley. "We pushed the boundaries with an ambitious design that blurs the line between fitness and fashion, while giving members everything they could ever wish for – in one place, with one membership." Ambitious design almost undersells it; the foyer alone welcomes gym-goers with triple-height ceilings, marble floors and a sweeping gold staircase. Meanwhile, designer furnishings make it easy to chill before, during or after your workout. On the second level, a wellness lounge features T2 tea, sparkling water and intimate seating areas, while dynamic lighting in the corridors guides guests to the upper level where the action takes place. Here, there are multiple high-performance strength and cardio zones filled with state-of-the-art gym equipment, including 50 pin-and-plate loaded machines. Meanwhile, five futuristic fitness studios have dedicated space for various workouts, from rejuvenating yoga to high-intensity spin classes. For those keen to work with a personal trainer, the in-house coaches undergo 200 hours of annual training with the company's private academy, so trust you're getting an informed workout. When you're keen to mix things up, there are over 200 group classes on the schedule every week, so keeping your body and mind fresh is made easy. Then, once you've finished smashing your workout for the day, members are welcome to relax with a complimentary sauna or get a little work done in the lounge. With options for every fitness journey, checking out this flagship gym might just be the motivation you need to reach your fitness goals. One Playground Haymarket is now open at 815 George Street, Haymarket. Head to the website for more information.
Can't stop, addicted to the shindig? Then you'll be excited about the latest huge music tour heading to Sydney. Get ready to give it away, give it away, give it away now, too — your money, obviously, to see Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Los Angeles-based rockers are bringing their new global stadium tour our way, with Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante singing songs to you beneath the marquee at Accor Stadium on Thursday, February 2 and Saturday, February 4. The band's dreams of Californication are zipping around the planet as part of a hefty tour that kicked off in June 2022 in Spain, and also includes stops in London, Paris, Dublin, LA, Chicago, New York and more alongside its Down Under leg. And yes, the Chili Peppers have a record to plug in the process, aka Unlimited Love — their 12th studio album, which dropped back in April last year. [caption id="attachment_859838" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Clara Balzary[/caption] Both Unlimited Love and the tour mark the return of guitarist Frusciante, who left the Chilis back in 2009, then rejoined the band in 2019. And, the tour will see the group head to this part of the world for the first time since 2019, too — and playing plenty of hits from their almost four-decade run so far, obviously. There's a hefty number of songs to choose from. Since their self-titled first EP in 1984, the band has sold more than 80 million albums, won six Grammys and entered the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. They've also released tracks spanning 'Under the Bridge', 'Scar Tissue', 'Breaking the Girl', 'By the Way' and 'The Zephyr Song', as well as 'Otherside', 'Soul to Squeeze', 'Around the World', 'My Friends' and 'Suck My Kiss'. Red Hot Chili Peppers will be joined Down Under by someone else who's sold just as many records: Post Malone. Yes, it's a two-for-the-price-of-one kind of tour — two massive music names, that is. Post Malone heads our way fresh from releasing his fourth studio album Twelve Carat Toothache in June 2022. Images: Pavel Suslov
A non-profit cultural organisation, the Japan Foundation promotes cultural exchange between Japan and other countries — and we're lucky enough to have the Australian chapter right here in Sydney. Located in Central Park, the space offers a huge range of events and programs, spanning not only exhibitions and talks, but also Japanese language courses and grant programs. The Sydney outpost of the foundation boasts three distinct departments: arts and culture, Japanese language education and Japanese studies. On the art side of things, the gallery exhibits both traditional and contemporary Japanese art, while the library houses over 18,000 Japanese publications. The Japan Foundation's office is open 9am–5pm Monday–Friday, while its library is open 10am–6pm. During exhibitions, the gallery is open 10am–6pm Monday–Friday and 10–4pm on Saturdays. Image: Brett Boardman
Stay tuned. More info on its way.
There's not long to go until much-loved Australian beauty retailer Adore Beauty opens its debut Sydney store, with the big reveal scheduled for 10am on Thursday, August 21. Yet the brand isn't settling for just giving the first 300 shoppers in line a goodie bag filled with full-sized products, though that might encourage you to battle the crowds. Instead, Adore Beauty has something a little more extravagant planned. Held on Wednesday, August 20, the team will host a scavenger hunt throughout Sydney, with over $50,000 worth of beauty prizes hidden around the city's most iconic landmarks. Most importantly, three golden tickets worth $500 each are up for grabs. With a golden ticket in hand, you're welcome to head along to Adore Beauty's opening day and spend it all. Plus, this prize means you can skip the (probably very long) queue and experience the new store's private treatment room ahead of almost everyone else. You might say these golden tickets offer the ultimate glow-up. "We could not be more excited about opening our first store in Sydney — one of the most vibrant, knowledgeable and diverse beauty markets in the world — right in the heart of the city's dynamic Broadway precinct," says Sacha Laing, Adore Beauty's CEO. There's no shortage of treatments available at the Broadway store. Sit for a free skin consultation with an expert dermal therapist, get a gratifying facial or rejuvenate your skin with LED light therapy. What's more, admired skincare brand Dermalogica will serve as the private treatment room's first 'In Residence' brand, with rotating labels set to host this monthly spotlight. "Customers can expect all the hits: our famous range of skincare, professional haircare, the world's leading fragrances, and a private treatment room with," says Laing. "Of course, Tim Tams will come with every single purchase, too!" Adore Beauty's $50,000 Scavenger Hunt is happening across Sydney on Wednesday, August 20, with Adore Beauty Broadway opening at 10am on Thursday, August 21. Head to the website for more information.
Chocolate filled with pinot noir ganache, black sesame with almond praline and a moreish mandarin-flavoured dark chocolate are just a few of the decadent delights that line the shelves of Petersham's Belle Fleur Fine Chocolates. Made by hand daily, the delicious and diverse range of chocolates offers the perfect pick-me-up treat. Though you can bet these beauties won't last long on your shelves at home. The pre-packed boxes, which range from $20 to $146, are great for gifting. Looking for something extra special? The lovely chocolatiers will chat you through (and let you sample) the collection until you make the right choice.
Even with all the specialty bars in town, Champagne has not yet had its chance in the spotlight. Does it have the dedicated Sydney fan base to carry the show? Or will we get confused drinking it with no nuptials to toast or New Year to welcome? All questions will be answered with the opening of the Champagne Room, coming to The Winery's upper floor in late September. Visitors will be able to enjoy city skyline views while sipping on their flute of Perrier-Jouet's Belle Epoque 2006, which will only be available by the glass in Sydney at this venue (and which would ordinarily set you back a cool $200 a bottle). A bevy of other choices from luxury Champagne producers will also be available, alongside cocktails and Australian and international wines. "Surry Hills nightlife is about to house one of the most exciting new bars in Sydney," says Paul Schulte, creative director of the Keystone Group. "We've created a seeming synthesis of comfort and a unique escape for Sydney's champagne lovers." Inside, the bar will be fitted with private booths with 'Champagne bells' which light up whenever you need your drink refilled, forgoing the torturous process of always trying to catch the waiter's eye. While the Champagne Room will come with The Winery's usual food options, on the weekends visitors are invited to splurge on a seafood brunch, including freshly shucked oysters, Harvey Bay scallops and Cloudy Bay prawns. Bless my poor wallet. The Champagne Room will be open every evening 5pm until late and from 11am on weekends.
Straight up: MOLO is turning out some of the best Italian fare we've had in Sydney. Located on the wharf at Woolloomooloo, the new aperitivo wine bar is part of fine diner Manta — it's technically a pop-up, but one that's meant to stick around long-term. The small bar is set outdoors, but with heaters to keep guests cosy on the impending winter nights. The entire operation is gloriously simple, from the tables and chairs to the stemless wine glasses and the food on offer. The cicchetti are a great example of this — think next-level provolone and spicy pimento peppers with thin slices of Australian-produced prosciutto that bests any co-owner Riccardo Bernabei found in Italy. He's looking to continue to source more and more produce from Australia; their bread is already specially made for the restaurant by Tramsheds' Dust Bakery. Though MOLO shares Manta's executive chef Daniel Hughes and head chef Steve Hetherington, the menu is a distinct departure from the restaurant next door in that it is not only a seasonal one but is also very specifically dictated by available produce. On our visit, we are lucky enough to be two of three people to try some extremely rare wild-grown porcini mushrooms that have been foraged in Adelaide that same morning. The chef serves these delicate, soft mushrooms on crostini with parmigiana and just-pressed, still-cloudy olive oil. This simple combo is a prime example of how MOLO's dishes let the produce speak for itself; along with the central element, they tend to only contain three to four other ingredients, with the requisite salt, pepper and olive oil making regular appearances. Though the idea is to drop by for a bite and a drink, the menu is certainly substantial enough to serve as a full meal, especially for those who like to pick from a variety of dishes. Order the impossibly creamy buffalo burrata topped with Swedish caviar ($32) and Cantabrian sardines served with Italian butter and extra olive oil for drizzle ($18). The ricotta with zucchini and Sicilian anchovy ($17) is a truly balanced dish — the incredibly fresh cheese is punched up by the salty anchovy, then finished off with a spicy-sweet hit of paper-thin zucchini that's then topped with house-made chilli flakes. The current menu also features a dish of shaved Venetian white asparagus ($19) that's only in season until June — it's worth rushing to MOLO just to try this. But this is a bar, after all, and the wine list is expertly curated by Mario Mondo, who really knows how to pair the list with the ever-changing food menu. Specialty wines include a Franciacorta — similar to Champagne in that it is certified to only be produced in a specific region — and an extremely exclusive wine from Salina. This tiny Aeolian Island wine region produces volcanic wine that has a dry, mineral characteristic on the nose and palate and pairs beautifully with the sardines. The mentality at MOLO is that "the produce will write the menu" and — much like their food — this simple concept says a lot with little. We just hope this pop-up turns into something permanent.
The NSW Government might be forking out the big bucks for Sydney's rail transport overhaul, but the new fleet of trains it's introducing will be missing one of its best elements: flip seats. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, Transport for NSW has opted to ditch the seats — which can be reversed to face either forwards or backwards, to awkwardly knock knees with strangers or look at the back of their heads — in the new intercity trains, even though the body's own research shows that they're the kind preferred by most of the city's commuters. Instead, the 512 double-decker carriages that are being bought for a cool $2.3 billion will feature only fixed seating, apparently due to safety reasons and heftier costs. An internal document for Transport Minister Andrew Constance states that even though flip seats scored a big thumbs up from the passengers, they're heavier, require more maintenance and could pose a greater fire risk due to the materials used. Many of the manufacturers originally bidding for the trains also claimed that reversible seating would push up the building cost of each carriage and reduce seating capacity overall. And while the transport agency has revealed it's listened to customer feedback elsewhere, incorporating wider seats and armrests, and device charging outlets on the new trains, many are slamming the seat choice, which could see some passengers forced to sit backwards for train rides of up to three hours. Services for the first of these new trains on the Central Coast and Newcastle lines will kick off late 2019, with the view to place them on the Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Wollongong and South Coast lines in the following years. Metropolitan trains will continue to have flip seats, but this decision certainly seems like they will be phased out in time. Via The Sydney Morning Herald. Image: Wykymania via Wikimedia Commons.
Eating out is one of Sydney's great joys, but having someone else cook for you can be expensive — unless you know where to go. Well, never fear as Concrete Playground is here. We believe that enjoying a meal with your mates, family or significant other shouldn't leave you stressing over your savings, so we have hunted down the best culinary bargains for every day of the week. MONDAY $4 MINI BURGERS - THE NORFOLK, SURRY HILLS The Norfolk will give you a burger and some change from your $5 note. Even if one of their mini burgers doesn't fill you up you, can buy another and still have spent less than $10. Then you can pop some coins in the piggy bank for next Monday. $5 STEAK - THE FORRESTERS, SURRY HILLS What better way to start your week than by handing over the smallest of all the monetary notes and receiving a delicious chunk of red meat? Well the friendly folk at Forresters will let you do exactly that and will even throw in some sides just to sweeten the bargain. $10 DINNER - THE TOXTETH HOTEL, GLEBE The Toxteth understands that you might not be able to decide exactly what you want to eat with your $10, so they are offering four separate meals on their $10 Monday menu. Take your pick from the rump steak, chicken schnitzel, fish and chips and penne puttanesca. $10 MEATBALLS - THE CARRINGTON, SURRY HILLS Head to the Carrington for the meatballiest pasta a Monday can serve up. Just like Momma used to make, if your Momma used to make meatballs. $15 RACK OF RIBS - SWEETHEARTS ROOFTOP BARBEQUE, POTTS POINT A delicious full rack of ribs is tough to come by. A cheap and delicious full rack of ribs? Well that is a rarity. Thankfully, Sweethearts Rooftop Barbeque is offering that excellent package deal, so tuck in, and wear those loose pants. TUESDAY DOLLAR DOGS - THE SODA FACTORY, SURRY HILLS The new darling of the Sydney bar scene offers Tuesday revellers gourmet hot dogs for just a single dollar, completely defying business logic. Use those dollars you saved from Monday's meal and grab yourself the cheapest hot dog in town. $3 TACOS AND TEQUILAS - FLYING FAJITA SISTAS, GLEBE Yes, you read correctly, every taco on a Tuesday at Flying Fajita Sistas is only $3. You can even wash it down with a shot of tequila that also sells at just $3. The brilliance of this bargain speaks for itself. $6 FRIED CHICKEN - MS. G'S, POTTS POINT If you have a hankering for fried chicken, then the Merivale-owned Ms. G's is the place to be on a Tuesday evening. With four pieces only setting you back $6, and with five flavours to choose from, this is the cheapest chicken on offer. 2 FOR 1 MEALS - CLOCK HOTEL, SURRY HILLS Most people like to eat with someone, and thanks to the Clock Hotel you can do it for cheap. They are offering two meals for the price of one, so take a friend, or meet one there, and bond over a belly full of delicious. $14 LASAGNE – VASCO In my opinion, lasagna is the greatest culinary creation of all time. You may disagree, but you can’t disagree with the price Vasco are offering for their delectable dish. Who knows, by the end of it you may think just as fondly of lasagna as I do. WEDNESDAY $3 TACOS - THE WORKERS, BALMAIN If you chose to go somewhere other than Flying Fajita Sistas on Tuesday, or went and want some more Mexican in your mouth, then the Workers is the spot to be. Hand over a few gold coins and they'll hand you a meat-filled tortilla. I'd say you definitely win that trade. $4 SLIDERS - THE PASSAGE, DARLINGHURST The Passage is serving up some sliders you can salivate over whilst saving. Mix it with a cider and you have a rhyming feast that won't break the bank. $10 SHARED MENU - THE LONDON HOTEL, PADDINGTON Wednesday sees the London slash their shared menu prices to an even $10 for everything. Now you grab those wings, onion rings or even calamari and share them with that person at the bar. 1 KILOGRAM OF MUSSELS FOR $13 - EAST VILLAGE HOTEL, BALMAIN Remember that time you said "I really want to try eating a kilogram of mussels"? Well luckily for you, East Village Hotel in Balmain is giving you a bucket of mussels for half price. Cost of one kilogram of mussels: $13. Living your dream: priceless. THURSDAY ROTI - MAMAK, HAYMARKET Mamak is that restaurant in Haymarket that has queues around the corner until the early hours of the morning. The reason? They have delectable roti starting at only $6.50. So line up early and order yourself the roti bawang. $5 LOBSTER ROLLS - THE PASSAGE, DARLINGHURST Feel rich eating Lobster for just $5. No your eyes aren't deceiving you, this is real and is all part of The Passage's Gin Club Thursday evenings. Advantage should be taken of this excellent offer. $10 SCHNITZEL – CHAMBERLAIN HOTEL, CITY Walk in, order and hand over your $10. When it arrives you can feel free to gleefully yell out 'schnitty!' as loud as possible before tucking in. $10 STEAK - THE ROXBURY HOTEL, GLEBE If Thursday night is steak night in your life, then look no further than the Roxbury Hotel. A healthy-sized steak with your choice of sides is worth the $10 you will pay, and you can watch a show or listen to some live music whilst eating. $12 PIZZA - THE LIGHT BRIGADE, PADDINGTON Ten inches of some of the best pizza in Paddington for only $12. Sold. FRIDAY 1 KILOGRAM OF CHICKEN WINGS FOR $10 - THE ABERCROMBIE HOTEL, CHIPPENDALE Fuel your body for the Friday evening ahead and grab a bucket of chicken wings. For $10 and you will get an entire kilogram of them. We suggest bringing some friends to help out. 50 CENT CHICKEN WINGS - THE TOXTETH HOTEL, GLEBE If $10 proves to be too expensive for you, the Toxteth offers wings for only 50 cents. Either way, it seems that chicken wings are the way to go on a Friday evening. $10 PIZZA - BAR100, THE ROCKS If chicken wings aren't for you, though, do not fret, there are plenty of alternatives. One of those is being served up at Bar100, with all pizzas being sold for just $10. RAMEN - RYO'S, NORTH SYDNEY Ryo's is one of the best ramen restaurants in Sydney. The North Sydney cookery serves up an enormous bowl of the Japanese favourite for around $12. If you have somehow missed Ryo's so far, then head there this Friday for an end-of-the-working-week ramen reward. $12 SCHNITZEL - SACKVILLE HOTEL, BALMAIN Balmain is always bubbling on a Friday night and the Sackville is one of the most popular pubs in the area. Their schnitzel is well sized, especially for only $12, so tuck in. SATURDAY PIE - PIE TIN, NEWTOWN Pie Tin serves the best pie in Newtown. With a wide selection of savoury and sweet pies you wouldn't find in most pie shops, you will find the pie that suits you. Each gourmet pie is cheap as chips and can be combined with sides. If you can fit it in, give "the pie that ate Newtown" a go. $5 FOR 5 DUMPLINGS - THE ROXBURY HOTEL, GLEBE Five dumplings for $5 is an excellent deal so take a few friends, spend a few fivers and get a feast of delicious dumplings to devour over a few well-earned weekend drinks. $6 TACOS - SLIP INN, CITY Slip into Slip Inn and slip out with stomach full of Mexican. Their $6 tacos are served up by El Loco and are well worth a taste, especially at this price. $9.90 MEALS - PONTOON BAR, DARLING HARBOUR Pontoon Bar are offering beef burgers, steak sandwiches, salads and much more for less than $10. So sit down, have a feed and enjoy the sights of Darling Harbour. $12.50 MEALS - SHAKESPEARE HOTEL, SURRY HILLS Every meal at the Shakespeare Hotel is $12.50. So grab whatever you want, smile over how little you had to pay for it and enjoy a delicious dinner. SUNDAY $30 SUNDAY BARBECOA - THE NORFOLK, SURRY HILLS The Norfolk serves up the perfect Spanish-themed Sunday barbeque. Meat straight from the coals, salsa, sauces, tacos are available all day long and $30 will serve two or three people, so it works out to be only $10 or $15 for a whole barbeque. Split the bill and everyone is happy, especially your bank balance. $4 SLIDER AND CIDER - THE WORKERS, BALMAIN Round out the week atop the Workers with a slider in one hand and a cider in the other. Thanks to how cost effective this plan is, your hands can stay full all day. $10 SUNDAY ROAST - P. J. O'BRIENS, CITY The traditional Sunday roast has slowly disappeared from many households. Thankfully P. J. O'Briens are still offering the family feast, and for only $10, consider Sunday dinner organised. $10 BURGER - BAR100, THE ROCKS After a long week, why should anyone have to use a fork and knife? Grab a burger from Bar 100 and tuck in. Forks and knives may be used, but isn't a burger just that much better when it's making a mess? HAVELI THALI - LITTLE HAVELI, GLEBE The haveli thali that Little Haveli serve up is how Indian food should be enjoyed. Hand over $12.90 and receive three curries, rice, salad and so much more. WINdian.
Drink West is the fresh-to-the-scene brewery and brewpub backed by Sydney UFC legends Tai Tuivasa and Tyson Pedro plus Penrith Panthers' Nathan Cleary. The sell? "The first beer made out here, and the first beer made for us." The range of crisp west-born frothies include the flagship lager, which according to the owners "pairs perfectly with a fresh pair of TNs and tall stories about how your old man nearly played for Penrith". Luckily, it also pairs with the loaded hotdogs and burgers. If lager doesn't tickle your fancy, there's also a nitro stout, oat cream XPA, pale, pils and hibiscus lime gose — plus a zero-carb mid. From Wednesday to Sunday, you can swing by or book a table in the huge brewery space (complete with a staggering mural of the players and black and yellow team colours), catch some live music, cheer on the big game or just hang out on the lawns beneath the palms. Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
The Australian Open 2024 is set to serve up a lot more than world-class tennis, which is pretty ace if you ask us. Expect a food lover's dream, showcasing a smorgasbord of cuisines from across the planet and catering to every palate. One of the hottest seats will be Bar Atrium with its Yarra and city skyline views — the perfect backdrop to a three-course, Lebanese-inspired brunch curated by Melbourne's own Tom Sarafian. Then, as the sun sets, the venue transforms into an 'After Eight' experience, featuring bar snacks by Sarafian and cocktails from The Everleigh. Meanwhile, at John Cain Arena's Fusion Feast, you'll find dishes from beloved chefs like Ross Magnaye of Serai and Jessi Singh of Daughter-In-Law. But that's just the beginning. Enjoy tastes of Italia at Garden Square with Lygon Street Italian. Iconic Melbourne joints King & Godfree, D.O.C, and Brunetti Classico will serve up classic Italian dishes from pizza al taglio to delish porchetta rolls. Seafood lovers can head to the AO Courtside Bar, where Bondi's Fish Shop will be serving bar bites. Fishbowl will also make another appearance at Grand Slam Oval, serving items from its new Street Food concept menu. And for a taste of Spain, visit Abel Lusa's Cambio de Tercio for traditional and modern tapas. Not far away, the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar offers a touch of fancy, perfect for sipping champagne while watching the matches. For those looking for salvation amid the Aussie summer heat, don't miss the signature Peach Melbourne soft serve at AO Ballpark. Or head to the returning Peroni Bar for ice-cold respite. Canadian Club's Cabana Bar, Terrazza Aperol and Squealing Pig Wine Terrace will also be on hand to provide tournament goers with some quality watering hole options. Rockpool Bar and Grill, Penfolds Restaurant and Stokehouse will be returning to next year's event, as will the much loved Rod Laver Arena Superboxes by Shane Delia's Maha and Nick and Nora's. So, with all that being said, our tip for next year's Australian Open? Wear loose pants. Catch the Australian Open from Sunday, January 14, 2024, to Sunday, January 28, 2024.
