Fancy a little Parisian charm without leaving Sydney? Pioneering hidden bar Door Knock has just relaunched with a new concept that should pique your interest. Pairing a French-inspired neighbourhood bar with the vibe of an underground speakeasy, both the venue's decor and culinary offering have undergone a major transformation. Dark, sultry and subterranean, this glow-up certainly lives up to its European inspiration. Still hidden behind an unassuming entrance with nothing but a polished brass pineapple doorknocker to let you know you're in the right place, don't expect the Nordic decor that came before once you get inside. Now, the space has been adorned with vintage French mirrors, herringbone panelling, marble tables, leather seating and dimly lit lampshades. For those who've wandered Paris' streets, there's a good chance you've stumbled in somewhere similar. The menu is also rejuvenated to suit Door Knock's new mood. Led by head chef Joe Slakey (Flying Fajita Sistas), Mediterranean and North African-inspired dishes are made for sharing with your pals. Starters include made-from-scratch stracciatella, served with grape confit, crisp rosemary and sea salt lavosh ($16), as well as house-made dips ($18), grilled calamari ($15) and fried cauliflower with zaatar and spiced labneh ($10). There are also three larger plates to consider, including a 250g flank steak with red wine jus and Paris butter ($28), chermoula chicken ($24) and a Moroccan lamb cooked tagine-style for five hours and served with chickpeas, saffron rice and dukkah ($23). Meanwhile, sides like sweet potato fries with truffle oil and crisp sage ($12) are made for snacking on while sipping or feasting on a fully-fledged meal. Yet with a menu designed for seasonality, don't be surprised if things change between visits. The wine offering has also been rejigged, with an expanded menu highlighting drops from France, Italy and Australia. However, the venue's signature cocktails are staying put, with favourites like the Sunny Leone featuring a concoction of Don Julio Blanco, amaretto, lime juice, tropical citrus and pineapple oleo, passionfruit sparkling wine and absinthe spray. It's as extravagant as it sounds. "We're not trying to be a high-end restaurant, we've created an accessible and affordable menu, while not sacrificing on big, bold flavours," says owner John Grace. "It was important for us to pay homage to Door Knock's history, while also ushering in a new era, one which allows you to step off from Pitt St and into another world." Door Knock is open Monday–Thursday from 4pm–12am and Friday–Saturday from 4pm-1am at B2/70 Pitt St, Sydney. Head to the website for more information. Images: Trent van der Jagt.
Steak enthusiasts take note: Sydney's original wagyu omakase is back at Omakase by Prefecture 48, with renowned chef Takashi Yamamoto leading the show. Bringing even more fire-driven refinement to the experience, this opulent 12-course feast offers a complete exploration of wagyu and everything that makes it special. Featuring tantalising morsels served raw, grilled, braised and beyond, the evening takes unexpected detours as well. Think surprising seafood pairings, nostalgic nods and playful flourishes designed to elevate the experience to sky-high standards. Running for a strictly limited season from Tuesday, July 22–Sunday, August 17, expect the ambience to rise above expectations, too. Each night, two exclusive seatings invite guests into an intimate setting to embark on a wagyu-led journey filled with reverence for ingredients and precise technique. Taka-san, aka the Meat Otaku, boasts two decades of experience working in esteemed yakiniku and kaiseki traditions. His culinary leadership ensures that each dish resonates with quality, craft and inventiveness. While it won't come cheap, this wagyu omakase is the kind of experience that justifies a splurge.
Since 2020, fans of cowboy-themed ice cream have had two options: lick your way through a classic ol' Bubble O'Bill on a stick as you've always done, saving the bubblegum nose for last (of course), or tuck into a Bubble O'Bill tub. That's all well, good and tasty, but frozen desserts can't keep a lasso over the fictional, confectionery-based Old West figure — because Bubble O'Bill Easter eggs are now a sweet treat that truly exists. Set to hit the shelves at Woolworths on Wednesday, March 16, the 160-gram chocolate eggs aren't shaped like their namesake, however. They're regular old egg-shaped, but with swirls of strawberry marbling, pieces of caramel and chewy berry pieces mixed into the Chocolatier Australia chocolate. Love the gumball part of Bubble O'Bills? Of course you do. And they're still included in the Easter egg version, with five found inside once you crack open all that chocolate. Turning a beloved Streets ice cream into an Easter egg isn't just the domain of Bubble O'Bill, either. Returning to both Woolies and Coles this year is the Golden Gaytime Easter egg, which sports the same toffee flavour as the frosty dessert and comes coated in Golden Gaytime crumbs. And, it's available now. Yes, Easter is still more than a month away — hitting on Sunday, April 17 in 2022 — but that just means you've got plenty of time to stock up, or to mark the occasion for weeks in advance. Being an adult means eating Bubble O'Bill and Golden Gaytime Easter eggs whenever you like. Find Bubble O'Bill Easter eggs at Woolworths stores from Wednesday, March 16, costing $10 each. Golden Gaytime Easter eggs are available at both Woolies and Coles now.
For some, the best thing about winter is the cosy indoor opportunities to escape the cold. Who can deny the almost spiritual joy of snuggling down next to a wood fire or cuddling up inside thick sandstone walls while the weather outside seems a world away? And if there's a glass or two of vino going, so much the better. If this sounds like a heavenly way to spend a winter's day — and you're ready for a seasonal switch from tannin' to tannins — put these five exquisite Tasmanian wineries at the top of your winter to-do list. We've tracked down a winery from nearly every corner of Tassie that'll warm the cockles of your heart — whether you're after biodynamic and sustainable practices, premium tastes in heritage buildings or a glass of red with the comfort eats of an Italian osteria. You are about to fall in love with a whole cool-climate wine culture — you'll never sip a pinot noir the same way again. [caption id="attachment_719342" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Crerar.[/caption] MOORE'S HILL — TAMAR VALLEY How many wineries come with their very own dog? Well, Moore's Hill does; the loveable Otto is a regular fixture by the fireplace in winter. Located in the lush Tamar Valley, a 40-minute drive from Launceston, you'll come upon this boutique vino-producing estate that happens to be Tasmania's first 100-percent solar-powered winery. The fireplace at the cellar door is always lit for the chilly season, so you can drop by any day from 10am–5pm for a cosy guided tasting of current release wines (which are free for groups smaller than ten, too). Moore's Hill also offers a wine and chocolate tasting, as well as a whisky tasting, should you need a little something extra to really warm the soul. [caption id="attachment_719279" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Tasmania and Nick Osborne.[/caption] POOLEY WINES — COAL RIVER VALLEY Make sure to add Pooley Wines to your winter getaway. It's a vineyard with pedigree — three generations of winemakers have brought forth this nectar, producing some of the finest pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling on the island. Located in the Coal River Valley, it's proudly the first fully accredited environmentally sustainable vineyard in Tasmania. The cellar door (open 10am–5pm daily) is snuggled within the thick sandstone walls of the stately 19th-century Belmont House on the Butcher's Hill estate. With a swag of awards to its name, particularly for its pinot noir and riesling, Pooley will ensure you're sipping premium drop after premium drop. STEFANO LUBIANA — DERWENT VALLEY Stefano Lubiana Wines is an exceptional winery, being Tasmania's first and only biodynamic vineyard. This family-run winery opens its cellar door to wine-lovers from 11am–4pm Wednesday to Sunday. Sample the six-taste offering — including the bright and delightful Primavera pinot noir or a biodynamic reserve merlot — at $5 per person, or sit down for a structured tasting of exclusive museum and flagship wines for $35. The vineyard also distils its own grappa brandy, which is the perfect nip for a nippy Tassie winter. And then there's Stefano Lubiana's on-site Italian eatery, Osteria, that blends rustic food tradition with fine dining. The menu is fresh and seasonal, with locally sourced ingredients. Stay for an expertly paired meal and wine to taste the terroir and the country produce all in one go. [caption id="attachment_719278" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Harmsen.[/caption] DEVIL'S CORNER — EAST COAST For some seriously cool architecture to match your cool-climate wines and the surrounding cool temps, you'll have to hit the east coast and check out Devil's Corner. En route to Freycinet National Park, Devil's Corner is a winery with a wild edge. Looking down to Moulting Lagoon and the Hazards mountain range, the vines are exposed to the elements, which creates a unique, intense flavour. In the winter, the cellar door opens daily from 10am–4pm from June to September and tastings are free for groups of up to seven (larger groups pay $5 per person). With regular music sessions and both a seafood restaurant and pizza cafe, this is a winery that can keep you toasty warm as you enjoy views over the wintry landscape. And in even more reasons to visit, Tassie's Festival of Voices will host a gig at the winery on Sunday, June 30. FROGMORE CREEK — COAL RIVER VALLEY If you don't want to stray far from Hobart but yearn for that country vineyard experience, Frogmore Creek offers the best of both worlds. After just a 20-minute drive from the CBD, you'll reach a vineyard prestigious enough to draw celebrity visitors such as Margot Robbie. Within the expansive homestead of blue-grey timber, you'll find an award-winning cellar door experience. What's more, from July 1, the barrel room here features an open fire on weekends (and the occasional weekday) all throughout winter. Open from 10am–5pm daily, the cellar door offers samples from the different wine series for you to sip around the fire. The featured offering focuses on boutique harvests, reserve wines or minimal intervention drops. Away from the roaring fire, Frogmore Creek has spectacular grounds. But if it's too chilly for exploring, you can appreciate the sweeping valley vistas from the cellar door and restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows. Top image: Moore's Hill by Chris Crerar.
Surry Hills' handsome French brasserie Armorica is easing the pain of returning to reality with some very good news for meat lovers: its cult-favourite bottomless steak frites is now available Monday to Friday — but only for a strictly limited time. Usually a Monday-only affair, the much-loved special is now available every weekday until Friday, January 16. On the menu: unlimited servings of premium steak, endless golden fries and free-flowing French sauces. That means you can now indulge in as many rounds of béarnaise-dipped steak and shatteringly crispy chips as you like, five days a week, with Armorica's house sauces — including peppercorn and Café de Paris butter — flowing just as freely as the post-holiday chat. The $65-per-person deal has already proven wildly popular among Sydneysiders thanks to the city's long-running love affair with anything bottomless — and this is easily one of the more indulgent versions on offer. If you're looking to level things up even further, you can tack on starters like Sydney rock oysters or desserts like the show-stopping signature Chocolate Bar — an explosion of Valrhona chocolate mousse, salted caramel and choc chip cookie encased in a dark chocolate hard shell that resembles a jewel box. You can also pair your meal with a selection from Armorica's seriously impressive French wine list, which spans more than 400 bottles. Set within a grand, mood-lit space on Crown Street — think timber-detailed ceilings, European oak joinery and brass gantries — it's exactly the kind of weekday treat that makes easing back into the working year feel a little more manageable. Armorica's bottomless steak frites is available weekdays until Friday, January 16, for $65 per person. For more information, head to the venue's website.
The Stoned Crow has been a fixture of Willoughby Road for many years and, as such, has undergone several transformations in its time. Situated in the middle of a bustling restaurant district, this local favourite offers a slick interpretation of the classic local watering hole. The interior features long wooden tables and plenty of hanging plants in a dimly lit setting. Stop by for a beer — there's a great mix of entry-level craft brews, including jugs of Young Henrys for $20. The menu has staple pub feeds and includes $18 specials from Monday to Wednesday, including rump steak, schnitty and parmy respectively. An impressive cocktail list of in-house specials and classics is also available, with a cocktail happy hour available from 9–11pm Friday and Saturday nights. In the past there has been both live music and DJs and, COVID restrictions permitting, we will hopefully see them returning soon.
So, you read one of 2023's huge literary sensations. And, you engaged with one of TikTok's biggest memes. What comes next? Diving into them both at All About Women. Notching up 12 years when its 2024 edition takes place, this Sydney Opera House event enlists impressive talents to dig into gender, justice and equality, including by exploring the hits, trends and issues of the 12 months prior. Accordingly, naming Yellowface author Rebecca F Kuang and Roman Empire scholar Mary Beard for next year's one-day festival couldn't make more sense. Kuang will be heading to Sydney to chat about her satirical novel, which dives into cancel culture, cultural appropriation and diversity in the world of publishing, and has been a must-read since arriving on shelves in May. As for Beard, she's coming to the Harbour City fresh off the release of her latest book The Emperor of Rome, and will explore misogyny, power, murder and gossip in the ancient world — and its relevance to now. So, how often will All About Women think about the Roman Empire? At Beard's session, plenty. [caption id="attachment_929572" align="alignnone" width="1920"] John Packman[/caption] So far, Kuang and Beard are the first headliners on the 2024 event's program, with both getting talking in Australia for the first time. But they'll have company when the full lineup drops in January. All About Women brings together international and Australian artists, thinkers and storytellers to examine a broad variety of topics relevant to its main focus — so, to gender, justice and equality — via panels, conversations, workshops and performances. After expanding to two days in 2022 and then to three in 2023, Sydney Opera House's key feminist festival is running as a one-day event again in 2024. The date to mark in your diary: Sunday, March 10. Won't be in Sydney that day, because you'll be away or you live elsewhere? All About Women will also take place online again. "It will be such an honour to host both Rebecca F Kuang and Mary Beard on their first speaking tours in Australia. We look forward to announcing our fierce and fearless co-curators and the full lineup in the new year, and can't wait to welcome audiences back to the festival for its 12th year in March," said Sydney Opera House Head of Talks and Ideas Chip Rolley. 2024 marks the third year that the fest is enlisting a team of co-curators to put the program together. 2023's cohort gave audiences everyone from riot grrrl pioneers Bikini Kill to child actor-turned-I'm Glad My Mom Died author Jennette McCurdy. [caption id="attachment_837698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844647" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Prudence Upton[/caption] [caption id="attachment_844646" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] All About Women 2024 will take place on Sunday, March 10 at the Sydney Opera House, and also stream online. The full program will release on Tuesday, January 16, 2023 — check back here then for further details. Tickets for the just-announced first sessions go on sale at 9am on Thursday, December 7, with pre sales from 9am on Tuesday, December 5. Top image: Jacquie Manning.
It's ten years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Since then, a relatively unknown Gotye played in a basement, Chk Chk Chk ran across the Sydney College of the Arts rooftop, Lorde happened and Laneway became the very first Australian festival to migrate overseas. This year, the once quiet achiever of the Australian festival scene, Laneway Festival blows out the candles with one of its biggest (but not necessarily commercial) lineups yet. Kicking off in Singapore on Saturday, January 24 in The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, Laneway will run through seven dates, including Sydney's Sydney College of the Arts on February 1 and Melbourne's Footscray Community Arts Centre and River's Edge on February 7, finishing up at its new home in Fremantle's Esplanade Reserve and West End on Sunday, February 8. But where did Laneway all start (in case you're in the dark)? What did The Avalanches and a dare have to do with it? How did they manage to survive the festival circuit in the face of common Australian festival crash-and-burnery? Let's take a little saunter through the alleyways, warehouse lots and overseas ventures of Laneway — the Australian festival who settled into the country's infrastructure from the smallest of veins. Where it all hatched. St. Jerome's Laneway Festival was born in 2005, when Danny Rogers helped Jerome Borazio book music for his Melbourne laneway bar, St. Jerome's. The every-Sunday 'Summer Series' was born (where The Presets and Architecture in Helsinki played small sets) and the two decided to expand the idea into a Saturday night residency for their mates, The Avalanches. Said Avalanches challenged Rogers and Borazio to make a big ol' birthday shindig for St. Jerome's bar, which would have to close the whole lane. "We said ‘Why not throw a first birthday party for the bar?’ We got excited and then thought ‘Well why don’t we try and close this Laneway down?" recounts Borazio on the Laneway site. "After a few drinks with The Avalanches one night we asked, ‘If we closed this lane down would you guys play? They said ‘You won’t be able to close this lane. So if you do, we’ll play.’ About 1400 showed up and watched Architecture In Helsinki, Art of Fighting, Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set, The Dears, Eskimo Joe, Gersey and Ground Components and those jokey dare-makers The Avalanches play the very first Laneway. Sydney's turn. Keeping the fire stoked in Melbourne, the Laneway crew decided to expand the concept to Sydney after a chance meeting with super promoter Michael Chugg. "I bumped into Michael Chugg at a health retreat and said to him, 'We have this festival in Melbourne. Check it out, see what you think. He called the next day and got us up to Sydney," says Jerome Borazio on the Laneway website. Thanks to Chugg and his team, Sydney got the green light. Snuggled amongst Circular Quay's Macquarie Square, Reiby Place and The Basement, Laneway saw a rainy but successful run in Sydney that year. Headliners Broken Social Scene were the squealworthy element of the time, alongside Art of Fighting, Augie March, Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set, Cut Copy, Dane Tucquet, Darren Hanlon, Decoder Ring, Faker, Gersey, Jens Lekman, Les Savy Fav, Mercy Arms, Mountains in the Sky, New Buffalo, Pivot, Pretty Girls Make Graves, The Pop Frenzy Sound Unit, The Posies, The Raveonettes, The Temper Trap, Wolf & Cub and Youth Group over the two cities. Brisbane joins the crew. With Melbourne and Sydney's Laneway chapters under control, Brisbane's first Laneway was held in '07 behind the city's beloved venue, The Zoo. The lineup saw the likes of The Walkmen, Yo La Tengo, Camera Obscura, Peter Bjorn and John, Snowman, Archie Bronson Outfit, Bumblebeez, Casino Twilight Dogs, Dan Kelly, Dappled Cities Fly, Expatriate, Fionn Regan, Gerling, Gersey, Ground Components, Holly Throsby, Love Is All, Macromantics, Midnight Juggernauts, My Disco, The BellRays, The Crayon Fields, The Shaky Hands, The Sleepy Jackson, The Temper Trap and Youth Group play in the teeny laneway out the back — as well as Sydney and Melbourne's laneway set-ups. The Laneway Empire was growing. Oh hey, Adelaide. Heading south-west, Laneway 2008 saw Feist, Gotye, Dan Deacon, The Presets, Stars, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Panics, The Vasco Era and Okkervil River all smooshed themselves into Fowler's Live, all up in the North Terrace. They were joined by Violent Soho, The Cool Kids, The Holidays, Via Tania, Batrider, Bridezilla, Devastations, Little Red, Rudley Interrupted and The Brunettes. Meanwhile, the Melbourne festival expanded — out of Caledonian Lane to Drewery Lane and Londsdale Street. The times were a-changin'. Perth, you're up. Heading to Western Australia for the first time, Laneway 2009 found a new, additional home in the Perth Cultural Centre. Beats were the dominant force this year, with Girl Talk, Stereolab, Buraka Som Sistema, Pivot (with the vowels intact) and Four Tet sharing the stage with Tame Impala, Architecture In Helsinki, Born Ruffians, Canyons, Cut Off Your Hands, Daedelus, El Guincho, Holly Throsby, Jay Reatard, John Steel Singers, Mountains In The Sky, No Age, Port O’Brien, Still Flyin, Tame Impala, Tim Fite, The Drones, The Hold Steady and The Temper Trap. The Laneway crew talk of 2009 as the year of visible expansion in Perth of course, but particularly in the other citie. According to the Laneway website, "a rapidly expanded site, shifting regulations, wild hype and high temperatures contributed to the Melbourne show very suddenly (and publicly) outgrowing itself. Overcrowding and long queues soured an otherwise strong musical showing. And while a realignment of stages in Adelaide was deemed a success by the growing crowds, Sydney’s Macquarie Park location also began showing signs of its limitations." Woah, things got a little turbo-charged in 2010. With one of its biggest lineups yet, Laneway expanded their venues in several cities. Melbourne moved from its hallowed home to the riverside Footscray Community Arts Centre, while Sydney farewelled Circular Quay for Rozelle’s historic Sydney College of the Arts. With Mumford and Sons, Florence and the Machine, and The xx all making their Australian debut at Laneway (not too shabby), the venues were upsized to accommodate Bachelorette, Black Lips, Chris Knox and The Nothing, Cut Off Your Hands, Daniel Johnston, Dappled Cities, Dirty Three, Echo & the Bunnymen, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Hockey, Kid Sam, N.A.S.A., Midnight Juggernauts, Radioclit, Sarah Blasko, Street Chant, The 3Ds, The Middle East, The Naked and Famous, The Very Best, Warpaint, Whitley and Wild Beasts. But Laneway also made its first venture overseas, launching its first instalment in Auckland. According to Laneway, the crew teamed up with Chugg and New Zealand locals Ben Howe, Manolo Echave and Mark Kneebone to create the first Kiwi chapter of Laneway in Auckland's warehouse-dotted Britomart Quarter. And I mean, look at that bloody lineup, no wonder they had to find a bigger boat. Singapore, what's up. Held at Fort Canning Park, the first Singapore Laneway Festival was drenched in torrential rain — but that didn't douse the spirits of thousands of punters. Lineup-wise, goals were kicked yet again by the Laneway team: !!!, The Antlers, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Beach House, Bear in Heaven, Blonde Redhead, Cloud Control, Cut Copy, Deerhunter, Foals, Gotye, The Holidays, Holy Fuck, Jenny & Johnny, Les Savy Fav, Local Natives, Menomena, PVT, Rat Vs Possum, Stornoway, Two Door Cinema Club, Violent Soho, Warpaint, World's End Press and Yeasayer made their way to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Singapore and Auckland (who moved their camp from the Britomart Quarter to Aotea Square in 2011). Auckland finally bunkers down in Silo Park in the Wynard Quarter — its present home. This was a pretty big year for Laneway, steering the lineup toward top-of-the-alternative headliners: M83, SBTRKT live, John Talabot, Feist, Active Child and Jonti joined Anna Calvi, Austra, Bullion, Chairlift, Cults, The Drums, DZ Deathrays, EMA, Geoffrey O’Connor, Girls, Givers, Glasser, The Horrors, Husky, Laura Marling, Oneman, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Pajama Club, The Panics, Portugal. The Man, Toro y Moi, Total Control, Twin Shadow, Washed Out and Yuck. Detroit ahoy. Heading over to the US for their very first Detroit Laneway at Oakland University, the team capitalised on previously successful showcases as the likes of SXSW to bring in an American audience — making them the first Australian festival to migrate to the US. The likes of ADULT., AlunaGeorge, Beacon, Chet Faker, CHVRCHES, Deerhunter, The Dismemberment Plan, Flume, Frightened Rabbit, HAERTS, Heathered Pearls, Icona Pop, Matthew Dear, My Brightest Diamond, The National, Phosphorescent, Run the Jewels (El-P & Killer Mike), Savages, Shigeto, Sigur Ros, Solange, Warpaint, Washed Out and Youth Lagoon cranked out sets in Detroit — a huge undertaking for the Laneway crew. In Australalasia, the likes of alt-J, Flume, Jessie Ware, Chet Faker, Bat For Lashes, Divine Fits, El-P, Japandroids and Nicolas Jaar played alongside Alpine, Cloud Nothings, Henry Wagons & The Unwelcome Company, High Highs, Holy Other, Julia Holter, Kings of Convenience, MS MR, Nite Jewel, Of Monsters and Men, Perfume Genius, Poliça, Pond, Real Estate, Shlohmo, Snakadaktal, The Men, The Neighbourhood, The Rubens, Twerps and Yeasayer. A big ol' year. The year of our Lorde. Hitting #1 in the US, the NZ teenager cranked out memorable Pure Heroine sets at Laneway's most veering-toward-commercial year yet. The soon-to-be Grammy winner was joined by the likes of HAIM, Earl Sweatshirt, James Blake, King Krule, Warpaint, Run the Jewels (El-P & Killer Mike), Jaguar Ma and Vance Joy alongside Adalita, Autre Ne Veut, Cashmere Cat, Cass McCombs, CHVRCHES, Cloud Control, Danny Brown, Daughter, Dick Diver, Doprah, Drenge, Four Tet, Frightened Rabbit, GEMA, Ghost Wave, Jamie xx, Kirin J Callinan, Kurt Vile, Mount Kimbie, MT WARNING, Parquet Courts, PCP Eagles, Rackets, Savages, Scenic, The Growl, The Jezabels, The Observatory, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Vandetta, Watercolours, XXYYXX and Youth Lagoon. Epic. Here we are, ten years later and Laneway's making big moves to remain closer to the up-and-coming pulse than the superheadliners. As of this week, Laneway 2015 is upon us and the lineup is predictably kickass. Returning to the Australian touring circuit is UK on-repeat outfit Jungle, festival jaw-droppers Future Islands and Melbourne's lives-up-to-the-hype queen Courtney Barnett. Two of the biggest hypecards of the bunch, FKA Twigs and BANKS, will fight for the midnight hushed vocal crown. Then there's the ever-epic St. Vincent, punk-as-fuck UK band Eagulls, smooooooth king Flying Lotus, Harlem's top-of-the-game hip hop outfit Ratking and the triumphant returns of Rustie, Jon Hopkins, POND and crisp-as-blazes Caribou, alongside Andy Bull, Angel Olsen, Benjamin Booker, Caribou, Connan Mockasin, Dune Rats, Eves, Flight Facilities, Highasakite, Jesse Davidson, Jon Hopkins, Little Dragon, Mansionair, Perfect Pussy, Peter Bibby, Raury, Royal Blood, Seekae, Sohn, St Vincent and Vic Mensa. And last but not least, Mac DeMarco and his mum, Agnes. What a legend. Happy tenner, Laneway. Cheers to showing punters where the Good Music at, avoiding slapdash, off-brand superheadliners, keeping a finger on many overseas pulses and making onsite attention to detail a colossal priority. We're raising a plastic cup to another ten. Images: Laneway Festival - Simon Fergusson, Daniel Boud, Adrianna Polcyn, Alvin Ho, Nina Sandejas, Chris Schwegler, Annette Geneva, Yael Yaya Stempler.
Dimitri's Pizzeria and its eye-catching red-and-white sign had been a permanent fixture on Crown Street since the 70s; while it moved once (around 20 years ago), it had never left the strip — until this year. In July, the Surry Hills pizza stalwart uprooted its tables (literally) and relocated to Oxford Street, setting up shop in the building previously home to Hunky Dory Social Club. Right now, it's just operating on the ground floor, but it plans to occupy all three levels — meaning the pizzeria will eventually grow six times in size. On the ground floor, it's the pretty much the same old Dimitri's, but bigger and better. Owners Ken Williams and Drew Huston have finally gotten their hands on a woodfired pizza oven and are making the type of pizza they've been wanting to do for "a long time". "It's a massive improvement on the pizza we were serving before," says Williams. And Huston agrees: "We're cooking our ideal pizza right now, I reckon." The woodfired oven can get up to 150 degrees hotter than the restaurant's previous oven (meaning the pizzas only have to spend a third of the time inside) and the pair is also making a new 100-percent sourdough base that is fermented for much longer — a minimum of 48 hours. What does all this mean for you? The dough is lighter, easier to digest and a whole lot tastier (and the pizzas land on your table much quicker). The dough is similar to that of Neapolitan-style pizzas, but Williams is quick to point out that their pizzas are not 'traditional' Neapolitan. And while the dough itself is fairly traditional — despite its use of a blend of Australian organic stone-ground flour — the toppings certainly aren't. Expect to find brussels sprouts, honey (from Williams' mum's beehive), radicchio, rainbow chard and even corn atop the pies. As well as the necessary mozzarella, which is stretched daily in-house. The pair plan to alter the toppings with the seasons, too, making the most of short-season produce like pine mushrooms and truffles. You'll be eating all of this on the old Dimitri's tables — which have been repurposed by Williams' brother Lex, a furniture builder and designer — surrounded by exposed brick walls, art, fairy lights and the restaurant's namesake: a striking red neon Dimitri. With a total capacity of around 150 people, the top two levels will be home to "Dimitri's but in bar form", which means Grifter beer on tap and all-natural wines — including the likes of Das Juice, Gut Oggau and Delinquente — and a short and sharp cocktail list. Williams says to expect "really good quality drinks, a chilled atmosphere and good times". These good times will extend to the third-level open terrace, too, where you'll be able to drink looking out on the street below. And on the rooftop — yes, it keeps going — there'll be a garden, where Williams will be growing herbs and some veggies for super-fresh pizza toppings. Images: Kimberley Low. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney for 2023
Directly opposite from Ikea, Bikebug in Tempe has a huge range of cycles, parts and accessories from leading brands in its shop and adjoining warehouse. In the workshop, the team does everything from custom bike builds, restorations and wheel building right through to emergency puncture repairs. Its selection of commuter bikes includes Schwinn's Town Bikes and the Electra Cruiser. Whether you're looking for something off the rack, or gearing up to build the bike of your dreams, there is plenty of inspiration here — and many, many options for customising. [caption id="attachment_776889" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leigh Griffiths[/caption] Images: Leigh Griffiths
Franca is an upscale French-style brasserie that marries the country's famous cuisine with a coastal twist, from elegant digs in Potts Point. Supported by a steadfast dedication to the freshest seasonal ingredients, just as the name suggests, it won't take long to appreciate why the team views food as the universal language. There's no better example of this on the restaurant's menu than its Moreton Bay Bug. Served in-shell, this supremely tender feast is finished with house-made Café de Paris butter that brims with herbs, garlic and citrus notes. Yet the place isn't afraid to have a little fun with it. Available as a strictly limited creation, Franca's talented kitchen, guided by Head Chef Luke Davenport, is ready to unveil its Moreton Bay Bug Roll, a playful reimagining of their famed dish. Launching on Tuesday, June 3, it features decadent meat layered on a toasted brioche and served with Tabasco and potato chips. And for the first week only, guests who order this fine creation will receive a complimentary 10-gram serving of Oscietra caviar. While you're probably already planning your visit, understand that this unique dish is being prepared in exceedingly few numbers. Served specially from 5–6pm, only 10 guests have the chance to taste it per day, making it one of Sydney's most exclusive dining experiences. Ready to feast on this fancy invention? Franca's Moreton Bay Bug Roll is available for $28, while the 10-gram serving of caviar will cost $30 once the free add-on period ends on Sunday, June 8. Head along to score what is likely Sydney's most luxurious sandwich. The Moreton Bay Bug Roll is available from Tuesday, June 3 at Franca, Shop 2/81 Macleay Street, Potts Point. Head to the website for more information.
For almost 30 years, December 21 Down Under has been known as Gravy Day. The reason: Paul Kelly's 'How to Make Gravy', which released in 1996. The best way to mark the occasion, of course, has always included making gravy and listening to the song. But in 2024, there'll be another way to celebrate: watching the movie adapted from Kelly's tune. News that the flick was coming initially dropped in 2022, with musician Meg Washington and writer/director Nick Waterman announcing that they'd locked in the rights to make the song into a film. Then, Australian streaming platform Binge revealed that it's behind the movie, marking its first-ever original feature — and that it'd hit this year. Now, the movie version of How to Make Gravy has a release date, arriving on streaming on Sunday, December 1. How to Make Gravy, the film, also now boasts a trailer. So, if you've been wondering how a tune becomes a movie, here's a glimpse. The Royal Hotel co-stars Daniel Henshall (RFDS) and Hugo Weaving (Slow Horses) feature as Joe and Noel. The first hails from the song — he's the prisoner who writes to his brother Dan to kick things off — while Noel is a new addition. Also starring: Brenton Thwaites (Titans) as Dan, Kate Mulvany (The Clearing) as Joe's sister Stella and Damon Herriman (now that he's no longer playing Charles Manson in both Mindhunter and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) as her husband Roger. French actor Agathe Rousselle from Titane, who is making her first English-language film, also features as Joe's wife Rita. And yes, there's a Frank and a Dolly, aka Joe's twin daughters (newcomer Rose Statham and Christmas on the Farm's Izzy Westlake) — and an Angus, Joe's son (Jonah Wren Phillips, Sweet Tooth). Still on names from the music, Eloise Rothfield (Boy Swallows Universe) is Dan's daughter Mary, while Eugene Gilfedder (Babyteeth) and Kym Gyngell (The Artful Dodger) are brothers Gary and Murray. Kieran Darcy-Smith (Mr Inbetween) is also among the cast as new character Red — and with Washington one of the picture's driving forces, Adam Briggs, Brendan Maclean, Dallas Woods, Patience Hodgson and Zaachariaha Fielding are among the musicians with cameo roles. There's no word yet if Kelly pops up as the film tells of Joe's family's preparations to spend their first Christmas without him. Check out the trailer for How to Make Gravy below — and, because you've likely now got it stuck in your head, the music video for the song as well: How to Make Gravy will stream via Binge from Sunday, December 1, 2024. Images: Jasin Boland.
'Nduja, chestnut puree, Kakadu plum hand cream, red gum smoked salt — they're not the types of products you'd normally expect to find in a local grocer. But you can at this Surry Hills institution. The family owned store has been servicing the neighbourhood for over a decade. It prides itself on stocking gourmet varieties of some of your pantry staples, plus a few harder-to-find or rare items from local and international producers. It's only a small space on the corner of Crown and Foveaux Streets, but it certainly jams as much as possible in. You'll find everything from fresh fruit and veg, premade meals and Iggy's Bread to aisles of dry products — think pasta, sauces, tea and coffee. And in a cosy corner up the back is the deli, which stocks imported European cheeses and an impressive range of cured meats. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
A little further north in Narrabeen, Mexicano head chef Sean Prenter and his team showcase their fresh take on modern and street-style Mexican. Sean takes pride in sourcing fresh, quality and local produce so you can take comfort in your food being some of the tastiest and most authentic around. All the tortillas are traditionally hand rolled and pressed daily using wheat and corn masa flours. Must-try tacos are the Mexican fish taco, with battered local fish of the day and a spicy chipotle mayo ($16 for three) and the chipotle beef brisket ($16 for three) or for a hearty vegetarian option, go the roasted winter taco (pumpkin, eggplant, zucchini and local cheese, $13 for three). We also hear a little whisper that the owners are opening up a new taqueria-style venue, MX, in Mona Vale soon.
Walk any street of Bondi and you're sure to be met by adorable puppies, always pamper-fresh and ready for a pat. As dogs are somewhat of a beach-lifestyle must-have, so too is a trusted groomer. Head to the busier Oxford Street in Bondi Junction to find Dogue — a distinctly luxe puppy pampering palace. It offers gold tasting plates of New Zealand mussels, doggy-friendly shepherd's pie and the full scope of celebrity chef Pete Evans' dog food line, so they know how to treat pets like royalty. The store also offers puppy training and daycare facilities, plus an array of pet-related accessories — think collars, bedding and more toys than your puppy pal could ever need.
A quiet corner of Darlington is home to its very own roastery, courtesy of coffee enthusiast and former Australian Barista Championship judge Cedric Kim. The 32-seat cafe offers quality eats, backyard seating and, most importantly, bottomless coffee for all. Customers can choose from all-you-can-drink batch or cold brew for just $7 — a nearly unheard of perk on Sydney shores. To keep his offering constantly evolving, Kim sources fresh beans from Alexandria's Collective Roasting Solutions every week. "I want my customers to really get a sense of different characteristics of beans from all around the world," says Kim. Filtered, iced and pour over (using the high tech GINA) also make the menu. If you're not feeling like a coffee, there's also a house-blend brown sugar chai — steeped for 12 hours and brewed with almond milk — smoothies, gelato milkshakes and fresh juices on offer. In the kitchen, head chef Muhammad (Obi) Owais takes the freshness of his food very seriously — the cafe receives a daily delivery from a local supplier and uses only those ingredients on the day. You'll find the Ivy Bruschetta (sourdough toast rubbed with garlic and topped with multi-coloured cherry tomatoes, boconccini and basil) and the Roaster's Eggs (free-range poached eggs and chorizo in a house-made tomato sauce with sourdough), along with a smoked pulled pork burger, which has already become a neighbourhood favourite, according to Kim. "People lick the plate all the time," he says. For vegetarians, the polenta sounds especially tasty, served with a mix of wild mushrooms and a poached egg and drizzled with truffle oil. Set in the residential side of Darlington, Kim wasn't looking to draw a big crowd with this venture. "I didn't want a main road shop because I want people coming in bit-by-bit and seeing that we do things differently," says Kim. "I want to really focus on making the best possible coffee, and if we are crazy busy it just won't work." Images: Tanya Saint James.
When chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt of Bentley Restaurant Group transplanted their moody-chic mod-French wine bar-cum-bistro Monopole from Potts Point to the CBD in 2020, the move also ushered in a change of identity. The brooding intimacy, dark decor and wine-bottle-stacked walls of the OG Monopole were replaced with soaring ceilings, a vibrant vermillion colour scheme, abstract pendant fixtures and floods of light through wall-to-wall windows. The menu also brightened, shifting from riffs on French favourites to a broader-spectrum pan-European offering, with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and, oui, also French flourishes on the plate, alongside a thoroughly considered and impressively worldly wine list. But it seems a passion for all things Français has been a hard obsession to shake. Monopole has come full circle, reaffirming its French affinity but now as a fine-diner, narrowing its focus to a repertoire of classic gourmet cuisine with a firmly tricolore-centric wine, aperitif and digestif selection to match. To be clear, Monopole has not merely joined the ample ranks of Sydney's many casual bistros and brasseries. What Savage and Hildebrandt are offering exists in an elevated strata almost of its own, serving elegant, seldom-seen dishes — quenelles, millefeuilles, vol-au-vents, bisques. These are plates of extraordinary finesse and technical virtuosity — French fare at its very finest. "It's been something we've wanted to do for a while," Hildebrandt says of Monopole's French revolution. "Last year we opened King Clarence and the plan was always, after we've got that one up and running, we'll reimagine Monopole and bring together all the research and travel that has been inspiring us over the past few years." Fans of Monopole 2.0 will be pleased to hear that the fitout of the venue's third incarnation remains almost unchanged, save for the introduction of a heavy velvet curtain by the entrance, some culinary objet d'art, a few framed vintage wine posters, some antique sconces and paper shades for a more intimate lighting design and the addition of crisp, white, linen table cloths. Likewise, while the tone of the food now on offer may have shifted, Hildebrandt insists, the change is less wholesale than it might appear. "We've always been French, but in more of a neo-bistro type of way, like Septime in Paris — relaxed, unpretentious, less about tradition. That's what we've been doing for the past four years, essentially. But it feels like everyone's doing that now — even pubs are putting out modern French menus," he explains. "One of the big things we always ask ourselves in our business is how do we stay relevant? And if we just stuck to doing the same food that we've been doing for a decade, how is that keeping up with what's exciting diners, you know?" During recent trips to France to research new dishes and the wines that will best pair with them, both Hildebrandt and Savage were struck by one emergent dining trend. "We've really been inspired by a move back to traditional recipes, but reinvigorated and reinvented — served with a modern lens. They're dishes that require a lot of skill, a lot of technique, really staying true to these old and very respected recipes. There are a lot of really cool restaurants in Paris right now that are doing this and we just felt so inspired to bring that to Sydney and to really make the identity of this food clear," Hildebrandt shares. Indeed, clarity is a world that springs to mind as you dine at Monopole. A millefeuille d'anguille fume, exquisitely balances the sweet cellulose of a celeriac and apple remoulade with the velvet fattiness of smoked eel and a bite of horseradish, each carefully layered flavour corralled by the crisp counterpoint of three flakey layers of buttery pastry. Each bite is exact and precise — a crafted experience down to the last crumb. The quenelle de poisson offers a similar masterclass in precision, the lightness and subtlety of the steamed marron mousse offering the perfect foil for the bright sweetness of a rich, red, shellfish bisque and the fleshy bite of a grilled marron tail daubed with tarragon butter. Even the most familiar item on the menu — the burger de canard, which, just as it sounds, is a duck burger — is created with an elevated eye. Inspired by a snail burger Hildebrandt discovered on his Gallic travels, it is served with house-made pickles, comté cheese, hot sauce and a generous smear of light-as-a-feather duck liver parfait. Monopole's wine list has been largely French-leaning for a few years now, but the new list fully embraces this Francophilia with both arms, expertly paired upon request. A wide selection of the verdant herbal liqueur chartreuse, all French-made, also star behind the bar, as well as in one of the more revelatory desserts. Much like its faint green colouring, the chartreuse granita with vanilla ice cream and apple is nuanced and delicate. It charms you with a whisper rather than a shout. And therein lies the crucial difference between the common bistro and the rare French restaurant — this cuisine doesn't need to be loud and crowd-pleasing. It's an elegant ballet not a raucous Can-Can. Each has their place, and Sydney, a city with Bistros and Brasseries aplenty, deserves to have both.
Anyone who's visited the bright lights of Burwood Chinatown will know it's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the belly. That same neon-powered, eye-popping, multi-coloured aesthetic is also on display at Spicetown Leichhardt, the new multi-cultural dining destination by the Burwood Chinatown team in the Inner West. While the suburb has long been known as Sydney's unofficial Little Italy, Leichhardt will now be a major drawcard for diners with a more pan-global palate, thanks to this hawker-style food court that has reinvigorated the long-dormant Leichhardt Hotel on Norton Street. More than 20 vendors are serving up tasty bites from around the world, from Turkish kebabs to freshly steamed dumplings, Afghani appetisers to Japanese desserts. The former pub, which had been abandoned for more than a decade, is now unrecognisable, thanks to Spicetown's vibrant signature look, also on display at its pop-up market cousin, Spicetown Sefton. A feature unique to Leichhardt's Spicetown, however, is the Cosmos Bar, a mezzanine drinking den overlooking the hustle and bustle of the food court below. With Norton Street already under consideration to become one of Sydney's new Special Entertainment Precincts, the arrival of Spicetown Leichhardt, which operates until 11pm Thursday–Sunday, is a shot in the arm for the area's nightlife as well as its dining scene.
It can sometimes be hard for cafes to stand out in this city. With so many places peddling their wares, it's not the easiest thing for operators to find their niche — the one little difference that puts them before the rest. I mean, something as simple as geographic location is usually the clincher when I decide where to eat in the morning. At Sticky Fingers, which is nestled in the backstreets of Surry Hills, they've gone for a strongly Asian-influenced menu for both brunch and lunch that tends towards a sweet Sunday morning decadence. The fit-out in the café is a classic, semi-industrial chic that shows off the history of the building and the suburb. There's a communal table and plenty of space for a few groups, but the option for more intimate dining is there as well. It's a place that caters for everyone, and this is obvious from the menu, as well as the décor. Look out for breakfast items like the pulled pork Benedict, served on a soft bun and garnished with a forest of fried sweet potato shavings ($18). The pork itself is lovely, not too dry and not too salty, and the overall dish a massive undertaking — perfect for a hungover or famished patron. The lunch menu takes the Asian influence a bit more seriously, with the inclusion of dishes like a succulent duck stir fry ($17). The duck, which can be so easy to overcook, is soft and delicious; a sharp sauce with a subtle umami binds protein, rice and crisp vegetables together. As is the norm, the coffee rotates regularly (depending on how you take your Joe), and comes from Marrickville's Golden Cobra. It's tops and the Bloody Marys are incredible. All in all, it's a comfortable, welcoming joint with a varied menu that caters for everyone without ever compromising the cafe's brand.
This small nursery is absolute magic. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm — and a finely curated selection of plants, which includes everything from orchids to cacti. The staff are great and always ready to help when you can't figure out what you've done to make your indoor rubber tree look so sad. They understand that shoppers come from all levels of green experience, offering hard-to-kill Zanzibar Gems (the magic plant that thrives on neglect and only needs watering once every three months) to those with black thumbs, as well as being able to talk through the intricacies of garden layouts with the pros. Possibly the most welcoming feature, the Newtown Garden Market also has great standing deals meaning you can build your own flower bed or herb garden in one cheap trip.
If you'd like to explore Sydney a little differently, check out the small-group food and drink experiences by award-winning tour company Local Sauce Tours. Hop your way down Oxford Street's colourful haunts accompanied by a drag queen or discover the authentic Italian delis and restaurants of Five Dock. The tours have a maximum of 12 guests and no minimum number — great if you're travelling solo and want to get to know Sydney like a local. The guides blend the food and drink experiences with engaging stories of the city's history, culture, nightlife and art. One of the top experiences is the Secret Bar Crawl through YCK Laneways which takes place every Tuesday night. The guides weave stories of the neighbourhood while visiting the top-notch small bars that populate the precinct. Images: Justin Steele
Dramas and turmoil aside, there are indeed a few good things to have budded out of this year. And that includes Newtown's new haven of green, Plant Daddy. The foliage-filled Lennox Street studio is the latest project from this small local plant business — which began its life last summer slinging indoor plants and upcycled pots at markets across the city, then underwent a change with the pandemic hit. This year's COVID-19 restrictions saw founders Trent and Charlie Wu shift much of their Plant Daddy offering online, with the pair originally snapping up the Newtown site to use as a click-and-collect point. Now, with lockdowns eased and IRL shopping back on the cards, it has evolved into a proper pop-up store dedicated to all things plants. The Plant Daddy space showcases a carefully chosen range of top-quality indoor greenery, including a strong lineup of rare and collector varieties. This is a selection worth losing yourself in, featuring everything from succulents and snake plants through to Boston ferns and dragons tail. Whatever kind of living setup you've got, we bet there's a green thing here that'll suit. To match, Plant Daddy has a growing range of locally made pots and planters, in a variety of hues, finishes and sizes. The team is very keen to spread the love for their community, so expect to keep finding plenty of goodies from fellow small local businesses popping up on the shelves. What's more, you can ensure you keep those plant babies in tip top shape and looking good thanks to the store's curated range accessories — hello, macrame hangers — and plant care products. If you can't get there in person, Plant Daddy's online store remains up and running — offering deliveries across Sydney every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Find Plant Daddy HQ at 90 Lennox Street, Newtown. It's open from 11am–3pm Monday–Tuesday, and 10am–4pm Wednesday–Sunday.
In the former premises of The Sunshine Inn on Redfern Road, an awesome foursome of Bentley and Love Tilly alumni has managed to find some uncharted territory in Sydney's already-saturated Italian cuisine offering. A buzzy, Euro-leaning, "Italian-ish" pseudo-osteria, ATTENZIONE! Food and Wine is the passion project of Felix Colman, the part-owner and operator of Ragazzi and Fabbrica; former Yellow manager Toby Davis; Toby Stansfield of Lola's in Bondi; and Dexter Kim, an ex-Buffet Digital videographer. Before you jump to conclusions, the choice of name has nothing to do with online memes or pickpockets. It's actually a reference to an in-joke between the four partners regarding an Italian friend's mother, who, while visiting her daughter in Sydney, would cry out "Attenzione!" whenever a handsome—and potentially eligible—fella strolled past. Since then, shouting "Attenzione!" has become a go-to callback between the friends, so it quickly emerged as the obvious name for their first venture together. Italian pastas star on the menu, but the food offering is more of a broad-brush homage to the dining cultures of Continental Europe — with a few Asian riffs thrown in for good measure. "We've had some pretty memorable food and drink experiences in Europe," Colman says of the restaurant's melting pot of influences. "Tiny enotecas in Alba that spill out onto cobblestoned streets, noisy backstreet bistros in Paris and too many sunny aperitivos along the Med coast to count. ATTENZIONE! was created to be the buzz and vibe of all those experiences combined." While the menu will be dynamic and shuffle regularly, there will be a few tried-and-true staples fated to be house favourites, such as the pico XL: "an almost obscenely oversized version of pico pasta", according to Stansfield. These fat, juicy strands will be the vehicle for a range of classic sauces, including cacio e pepe and nduja crema with Kinkawooka mussels. Summoning the flavours of a French brasserie, dry-aged dairy cow steaks, courtesy of Emilio's Butcher in Rozelle, will be served with a house-made chopped green onion condiment, while charcoal-roasted free-range chicken with chicory and horseradish channels a more Teutonic energy. And because dessert should never be taken too seriously (sorry grand patissiers), there will be playful, dig-your-spoon-in, crowd-pleasing sweets to finish such as an apple baked in pastry and served with a rich tonka custard, and a pineapple, espresso cookie and whipped ganache sundae. Snacks will also be a specialty at ATTENZIONE!, with a similarly pan-European mingle of influences, such as locally smoked trout pate served with a chicken-skin crisp and a full loaf of fougasse flatbread spread with wildflower butter. Not to be outdone, the wine offering is as loud and wide-ranging as the food. Colman and Davis have compiled a 150-bottle cellar with plenty of homegrown drops but also an emphasis on the team's favourite Italian varietals, Nebbiolo, as well as pours from Barolo, Barbaresco and Piemonte. Expect a substantial by the glass selection, digestifs including grappas, armagnacs and amaros, a streamlined list of classic cocktails and even some funkier natural drops for those who enjoy low-intervention bottles. "Many of the producers we've chosen for our list have really inspired us over our years of enjoying and working in wine," Colman explains. "We're really proud to hero these great people and their incredible wines, they care for the land and the providence of their craft, looking to leave the earth better than when they found it which is very important to us." The fitout, by new Sydney-based interiors studio Coffeyhallet, boasts a vibrant mustard and aniseed palette as well as tactile leather banquettes, dark-stained Bentwood chairs and large mirrors to create a sense of space. The restaurant's decor is intended to be an extension of the lively, relaxed, welcoming vibes that the four owners hope ATTENZIONE! will be known for.
I have many fond memories from the old East Village Hotel, so stepping inside the newly renovated pub made me wonder if my experience was going to be more like watching Mark Steven Johnson's Daredevil, or Christopher Nolan's Batman. Would the new venue simply be a continuation of the old venue? Or had the guys behind Goodtime Hospitality endeavoured to shine a fresh, new light on an old classic? The renovation really has resulted in a complete facelift for the Darlinghurst stalwart, with a sleek wine bar downstairs leading up to the plush and cosy Athletics Club, and finally winding upstairs to the coveted Terrace, where we set up shop for the evening. Just going by face value, I was definitely leaning more towards Christian Bale's husky performance than Ben Affleck's subdued and dulcet tones. The Terrace is surrounded by a veritable cornucopia of ferns and flowers, and simple, white furniture smattered around the place helps to instil the feeling of watching the sun set from a beachfront bar on the Mediterranean coast, or escaping to Mexico for a few moments. It's bright, breezy and welcoming — perfect for any upcoming summer shindigs. The menu on the Terrace (which is different to the public bar downstairs) is designed to be shared, with four dishes being the recommended serving size for two healthy adults. Not being healthy or entirely convinced I'm an adult, we ordered five dishes and pre-committed to dessert. But first, a cocktail to take the edge off. There's an extensive list on offer, with 13 drinks making the permanent menu. On top of that, there's a selection of four cocktails that rotate monthly, with each month having a themed holiday from which to draw inspiration. This month, it's a holiday in Mexico, so I treat myself to the Dryquiri, a mix of mezcal, bitters, passionfruit and lime ($19). The classic daiquiri is a drink that's super easy to make, but it's equally as easy to get very, very wrong. In this case, swapping rum out for mezcal pays off, lending a delicious smokiness that blends surprisingly well with the passionfruit, and the zest of the lime cuts through the cocktail to make a really balanced drink. Another notable inclusion on the list is the mango margarita, made with tequila, lime, mango and dressed with a chilli salt that will kick you in the teeth and demand that you say 'thank you'. Which you will, because manners. The first dish to arrive is the seared scallop salad, one of the night's specials made with fresh papaya and crab. Now, although it's a special dish and won't be on the menu again any time soon, this dish is worth mentioning because it just exemplifies how the chefs are able to deal with such a diverse menu with relative ease. This salad is incredible, with the scallops cooked to perfection, not overly seasoned, and each of the ingredients bringing a different texture to make a light, fresh and flavoursome salad that you could most definitely make friends with. For the lovers of meat and salty fish, the rare-grilled veal with anchovies and caperberries ($24) is a clear winner. Presented like a classic carpaccio, the thinly sliced veal lines the plate, with the extra goodies dotted artistically around it. The anchovies aren't overly salty, plus the caperberries provide a salty kick of their own; overall, the dish is very balanced. Some of this brininess, though, could have gone on the carpaccio of red and golden beetroot with quail eggs, watercress and horseradish ($22), which was a pleasing mix of colours and textures, but a little salt could have improved the flavour profile to no end. The final two savoury dishes really hit the spot, with an escabeche of seared fish ($24) and the salted cod croquettes ($15) rounding out the main portion of the meal like absolute champions. The Latin American-style of marinated fish is served with a slew of pickled veggies and a touch of saffron, both of which add a new dimension to a seared fillet of fish. The vinegar of the pickles slightly overpowers the distinct flavour of the fish, but not in a way that is unenjoyable — it's just a little different. Then, the croquettes. Most people who've ever tasted a croquette have subsequently acquired a deep love for them, and the Terrace's homage to the classic deep-fried, potato fish ball doesn't disappoint. They're crunchy on the outside, soft and crumbly on the inside, and the cod flavour is delicate and subtle, especially when paired with a zesty aioli. Ten out of ten would order again. When reopening a much loved venue, there are quite a few boxes you have to tick to get you locals back on side. Great décor that makes you feel like you're on a little mini-holiday? Check. Delicious food that fits the theme of the venue? Check. A varied drinks menu with a little something for everyone? Check. And, finally, floor staff that are friendly, efficient and attentive to every table, all at the same time? You'd better believe that's a check. It had been a long time since I'd visited the East Village and, as I sip the last few dregs of a crisp German Riesling and polish off the last of the hot donuts with cardamom, orange and honey ($10), I relinquish all cynicism and finally give in. The East Village is definitely Batman Begins. UPDATE, JUNE 24, 2018: For Sydneysiders looking for something different to do in the cold weather, East Village has transformed its rooftop terrace into a European-esque winter garden — complete with fairy lights brightening up the night, lambswool throws making the place cosy and a fireplace to sit around. Running for the duration of winter, it also features a monthly-changing menu, with hearty minestrone, stacked German-style bratwurst, gluhwein and an indulgent hot toddy currently on offer. The latter comes with Chivas 12 Jameson Black Barrel, Santis Malt Alpine Whiskey, bitters, sugar and smoke. Images: Brett Stevens.
Tita is a bustling Filipino cafe from the beloved Donut Papi team. The Illawarra Road spot brings hearty silogs and a contender for Sydney's best breakfast muffin to the Inner West. Kenneth Rodrigueza, Karen Rodrigueza-Labuni and Christopher Palamara created Tita (Filipino for aunt or aunty as) a homely love letter to Filipino breakfast, with a fun colourful fit-out and more of the Donut Papi crew's signature sweet treats. The core of the Tita menu is the silogs, a classic Filipino breakfast plate made up of sinangag (garlic fried rice), a fried egg, pickled green papaya and mixed veggies with your choice of protein. There's the longsilog featuring the spiced Filipino longganisa sausage; the tapsilog, which pairs the rice with soy and garlic-marinated beef strips, and tocilog; bringing a sweet char siu-style pork belly to the fold. If the silogs are the star of the show, the breakfast sandwiches are a standout supporting cast. In place of your standard English muffin, the Tita team has made their muffins from pandesal, a sweeter bread reminiscent of a dinner roll. This is paired with a range of fillings including the longganisa which returns on the signature sambo alongside egg, cheese, banana ketchup and mayo. There's also a deluxe spam muffin and an egg, cheese and hashbrown variety for the non-meat eaters. Plus, you'll find sides like cheesy chismosa chips, queso chicken nuggets and pork spring rolls. Then there's the doughnuts and other sweet treats. Tita is the only spot in Marrickville where you'll find bibngka basque cheesecake wrapped in banana leaves, or pandalisa filled with Tuyo (dried herring) and topped with Everything Bagel seasoning. There's plenty of ube to be found on the menu as well, including ube soft serve, ube cheesecake, ube lamingtons and and ube affogato. Gabrielle Coffee is providing the beans behind the more traditional brews, which are served alongside a couple of Filipino-inspired drinks like the Manila latte — a mix of iced vanilla latte and condensed milk.
Attention all cheesecake lovers: you need to add this Japanese dessert spot to your must-try list. Japan's most viral cheesecake brand, LeTAO, is dishing its decadent desserts from a sleek Sydney store inside the Regent Place precinct. Residing alongside the likes of Uncle Testu, Tenkomori and Dopa Donburi and Milkbar, the flagship store celebrates Japanese ingredients and scenery through desserts created with an ethos of blending nostalgia with modernism. LeTAO achieves this by creating cheesecakes that are reminiscent of the classics but draw inspiration from Japan's gorgeous natural landscapes, featuring the flavours, texture and presentation of modern dining. This viral dessert brand began slinging its much-loved cheesecakes throughout Japan in 1998 — and the desserts first reached Australian shores in 2022 in Melbourne — before finally hitting up Sydney with its heavily sought-after sweet treats. The George Street store dons a moody aesthetic with museum-style interiors. Curated by K. Holland architects, LeTAO's stone-grey walls, mirrored ceilings and textured granite benches draw inspiration from Hokkaido's mountains. Inside you'll find a display case containing the famed goods sitting in the centre of the intimate space. Plus, there are dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing its sweet treats to citygoers passing by. As for the menu, there's a rotating selection of seasonal specials — usually fruit-centric flavours like the Niagra Grape Double — available alongside LeTAO's beloved signature range. Take your pick from six permanent flavours, including the iconic Fromage Double featuring Hokkaido cream, Italian mascarpone and Australian cream cheese, and the indulgent Chocolat Double using 66-percent cacao Spanish chocolate and a chocolate crumb. Rounding out the selection is an Aussie-exclusive creamy mousse cheesecake. This decadent snow cake is a celebratory dessert curated to reflect the Japanese snow and launched in honour of the flagship Sydney store. And the dessert range does not end there — LeTAO also offers a jersey milk swiss roll, chocolate truffles infused with Darjeeling tea, and cheese and chocolate cookies — all of which can be purchased in-store or online. To top things off, in-store-only items like fresh dairy directly from Hokkaido and the exclusive ice cream sundae and soft serve selection are also on offer.
From Asian-inspired wine bars to avant-garde dumpling houses and Korean restaurants bringing the soul of Seoul to Sydney, our hearts are all aflutter with the extraordinary contemporary Asian dining options currently gracing our fine city. Whether it's sashimi sorbet, green tea soft-serve or a burnt butter bibimbap you're after, we've got you covered. Welcome to our guide to the ten best modern Asian restaurants in Sydney. KIM RESTAURANT If you haven't yet indulged in the modern Korean trend that's sweeping Sydney, now is the time to start. Kim's consistent menu spans from small, punchy options like a flavour-packed seafood and shallot pancake ($14) to more substantial dishes like the vibrant ssam, which has you stuffing crispy barbecued chicken, chive kimchi and pickles into lettuce cups ($26). With its cute alleyway feel, intriguing traditional Korean drinks and an old school hip-hop sound track that would bring us here on its own, Kim Restaurant brings the spirit of Seoul to the heart of Sydney. 24-30 Springfield Avenue, Potts Point BAR H Power couple Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines continue to dazzle us at their gorgeous little wine bar in Surry Hills. The Japanese-sprinkled Chinese-fusion menu throws one punch after another with its clever, Asian-inspired bar food. Pull leaves of crispy battered saltbush off their branches and dunk them into a creamy chilli mayo ($14), enjoy silky strips of sashimi snapper brought to life by a trippy powdering of wasabi snow ($19) or take a moment to admit to yourself how delicious sea urchin custard is. The kitchen's commitment to clean, sustainable produce sings from every plate, and also from a gratifying wine and sake list focused on small producers and pure methods. 80 Campbell Street, Surry Hills SPICE TEMPLE Behind the mysterious billowing silk that marks Spice Temple's iconic entrance is a shrine to the chilli to which every lover of the sweet burn must make pilgrimage. Dark, dramatic and undeniably sexy, the underground dining room is host to Neil Perry's modern spin on regional Chinese cuisine and a list of exactly 100 wines hand-picked to match. The food is theatrical and striking in both flavour and aesthetic, from the "hot and numbing" crispy dry Wagyu ($22) to leatherjacket fillets bathing in a pool of heaven-facing chillies and Sichuan peppercorns ($39). Cooling desserts and clever digestifs complete an experience you won't soon forget. 10 Bligh Street, Sydney LOTUS DUMPLING BAR If we had to pin down humankind's two greatest inventions, they'd have to be cocktails and dumplings. So you can imagine our enthusiasm about the lively intersection of our two favourite things at beautifully designed Lotus Dumpling Bar on Hickson Road. Though you'll be competing for space with the pre-theatre crowd, the wait (or the foresight to book) is certainly worth it: from colourful xiao long bao ($12.80) to prawns encased in spinach rice dough ($13.80), the slippery little bundles of goodness are consistently top-notch, and should be accompanied by a bowl of piquant fried rice with duck and asparagus ($16). The cocktails are as great an attraction as the food, with a well-stocked bar and knowledgeable bartender making for a mouth-watering list. 3/16 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay JIMMY LIKS Jimmy Liks is an intimate place. With its glimmering lantern-light, sunset-coloured silks, rich wooden tables and tactile sharing plates, the Potts Point institution is a romantic space enlivened with the hum of close conversation and a sleek, jazzy soundtrack. The flavours are dynamic and authentic, with a distinctly modern edge: here, son-in-law eggs are of the free range duck variety ($8.50), while the chicken is served crispy-skinned in a split green curry spiked with wild ginger ($29). Be seduced by a vibrant, Asian-inspired cocktail list sprinkled liberally with pandan, kaffir lime, ginger and lemongrass, and complete your night with a delectable dessert platter for two. 186-188 Victoria Street, Potts Point STREET MARKET Take the stairway past the bountiful hessian sacks that overflow with pretty star anise, dehydrated mushrooms and an intriguing assortment of pulses and spices, and make your way into the sensory celebration that is Street Market. Golden pieces of crispy fried chicken are paired with a creamy kimchi dipping sauce ($13) in a dish that’s a bang-on doppelganger for the best served in the pubs of Seoul, while the sticky hoisin sauce that hugs the charcoal-grilled lamb ribs ($17) makes it difficult to stop before the plate is clean. With a long, varied and consistent menu, Street Market is the kind of place you can keep coming back to. 3/12 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli NIJI RESTAURANT AND BAR Pretty, thatched lanterns suspended over an intricate wood-panelled entryway and a welcoming committee of friendly bartenders shaking Asian-inspired cocktails are the first hints that Niji is not your usual Double Bay establishment. The cocktail list is abuzz with curious Japanese ingredients like green tea sorbet, sparkling sake and celery-infused shochu, while the menu plays creatively with Japanese cuisine while maintaining its integrity and flavour. The 'salmon sorbet' ($19) is a well-executed and slightly mind-bending dish of cured salmon, nashi pear, wasabi sorbet and ponzu, and we can't go past the miso-marinated duck ($27), smoked over mesquite and alder woods and served in fine slices over a cradle of robata-grilled asparagus. 21 Bay Street, Double Bay LONGRAIN When Longrain's new head chef Louis Tikaram won the SMH Good Food Guide's 2014 Young Chef of the Year Award, he described his kitchen philosophy in one word: 'tastiness'. It's a philosophy that reigns supreme at Longrain, where Tikaram's Thai cuisine delivers consistent knockouts from your first bite of pomelo, coconut and chilli jam wrapped in betel leaf ($6), through dynamic favourites like stir-fried beef with Thai basil ($34), to your final spoonful of the iconic 'Longrain layered dessert'. A treasure trove of interesting wines and a broad, international beer list mean you'll have no trouble finding the ideal accompaniment to your meal. 85 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills CHO CHO SAN With shareable contemporary food, culinary pedigree and a coolly minimal room, Cho Cho San is perfectly Sydney. Utilising traditional hibachi grilling and steaming, the menu is relatively light and healthy — a nice deviation in the present restaurant landscape. Ironically, the best dishes are those that sound the least appealing. The grilled kingfish head (a bargain at $14, since you're saving it from the bin) is surprisingly full of succulent, full-flavoured meat, and the side of raw, seasoned radishes with a pat of mild butter ($11) is an inexplicable taste sensation. Then there's that green tea soft-serve ($6). When you have a transcendent meal out of what sounds like World War II rations, you know you've had a special night. 73 Macleay Street, Potts Point MOON PARK The Korean restaurant hidden away in an upper story of an unmarked block in Redfern offers Korean food that's so modern it sometimes barely resembles the original, but for lovers of the contemporary it's certainly worth a visit. Brought to life by the team from Claude's, Moon Park is a low-key, minimalist space with an intriguing menu — the bibimbap ($26) features the unusual additions of walnuts and burnt butter, while the cucumber kimchi is a simple but punchy win of a dish. The desserts are kooky and wholly delectable, creating pretty pictures out of interesting elements like yuzu curd, burnt honey and shaved milk ice. 34 Redfern Street, Redfern View all Sydney Restaurants.
If you're more of an indoor thrill-seeker or fantasy is the realm that really gets your heart pumping, you need to scoot to FREAK VR in Penrith — stat. Here, you'll experience the next generation of computer gameplay. If you've got a gang of four, get ready to choose your own adventure. As a quartet, you can roam freely in the arena, exploring your new reality at your leisure. Will you fight, dance, play laser tag, explore different worlds, solve mysteries, take on hordes of undead or hunt ghosts in an immersive experience of heart-stopping suspense? If you're more puzzle-inclined, choose the VR escape room and race against the clock in a vivid expansive realm that could include mysteries involving pirates, Egyptian tombs or even spaceships. For lovers of classic arcade games, book in for a solo session at the Virtual Arcade and take your pick from more than 30 of the most universally adored games. There's everything from Fruit Ninja to first-person shooters and fantasy archery — and the range is being updated constantly, so you're sure to find a winner. If you've got a need for speed, hop into the racing simulators in FREAK Drive, which are complete with hyper-realistic cars and real-world tracks.
Press pause on Red Dead Redemption 2, relinquish the Playstation or Xbox controller and head to a Tokyo-style gaming mecca instead. Situated in the heart of Haymarket, the Capitol Square gaming arcade is one of Australia's largest entertainment centres based on the Purikura games machines of Japan. The arcade, all bright lights and flashing screens, looks as though it belongs on the neon-lit streets of Akihabara (a technopolis in Tokyo famous for its many electronics shops). Try your hand at the claw machines and score a plush Pikachu or coveted Gundam figurine. If skill testers aren't your thing, head to the photobooths of Photoland and spend the arvo taking selfies with friends. Print your pics on stickers and walk away with a super kawaii souvenir. Once you've had your gaming fill and worked up an appetite, make a b-line for the eateries which sit below. Keep the Japanese theme in full swing and hit up Yumei Japanese Restaurant for some top-notch okonomiyaki ($16.50) and beef tataki salad ($15).
If you like your fashion to come with an eco-tick of approval and a social conscience to match, you may already know about National Op Shop Week, organised by DoSomething! and the National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO). Joining them again this year, the Salvos will be celebrating the all too important role charity shops play in supporting those less fortunate by bringing a pop-up op shop to Martin Place. Drop by early for a free breakfast bap before browsing the select range of recycled clothes from local Salvos Stores. Plus, TV fashion commentator and eco-fashion blogger Faye De Lanty will be curating the pop-up's fashion show, designed to showcase different ways to wear vintage and recycled pieces and demonstrate that style doesn't have to come with a three-figure price tag. Proceeds from the pop-up, as with all Salvos Stores, will go towards running vital community support programs. Retail therapy has never felt so good. The Salvos' pop-up op shop will be at Martin Place on Monday, August 25, from 7.30am to 3.30pm. National Op Shop Week continues from August 24-31.
Zach Cregger knows how to keep audiences guessing. The films that viewers think they're sitting down to see when he's behind the lens as a solo director aren't the movies that end up unfurling across the screen — in the most-thrilling way possible. Perhaps that element of surprise is fitting, given that Cregger's career has also enjoyed its own big twist. Before he wrote and directed 2022's Barbarian and now 2025's Weapons, he started out as an actor, debuting in an episode of Homicide: Life on the Street. Next, he helped form comic troupe Whitest Kids U' Know, which took its sketches to TV for five seasons. Comedy flicks College, Miss March and The Civil War on Drugs, the latter two of which he co-helmed and co-penned with fellow WKUK founder Trevor Moore, are also on his resume, as are Love & Air Sex and Date and Switch. Ahead of making two of the 2020s' best horror movies so far, Cregger also featured in sitcoms Friends with Benefits, Guys with Kids, About a Boy and Wrecked. He doesn't necessarily agree that Weapons fits that surprise setup, however. "Is that true? I don't know," Cregger tells Concrete Playground. "Definitely, I understand that for Barbarian, but I think I take issue with that for Weapons. I think Weapons is a relatively consistent movie. It's just we don't know what the answer is, but it never really seems to change to me." He continues: "to me, it does seem like it maintains a tone throughout. We just don't know where it's going to go". The mastermind behind the enthralling Josh Brolin (Outer Range)- and Julia Garner (Fantastic Four: The First Steps)-starring film — which deserves to be one of this year's most-talked about trips to the cinema — notes that Weapons "doesn't radically shift genres or anything like that, does it?". He's spot on. But even audiences that've seen the movie's trailers, obsessed over them thanks to their Barbarian affection and know the opening premise won't predict where this wild horror ride takes its story. "Well, it's a mystery. That should be the case," says Cregger, smiling. Sending viewers on an unexpected trip is exactly his aim as a filmmaker. In both Weapons' sneak peek and the film itself, a child's voice sets the scene. "This is a true story," it starts with, although this is a fictional tale. Those youthful tones and that five-word phrase are where Cregger himself began writing — and also with the idea of a kid telling a campfire story. Initially, he too didn't know where the narrative would then venture. The rundown from that voice, as told with unnerving calm: "so this one Wednesday is like a normal day for the whole school, but the day was different. Every other class had all their kids, but Mrs Gandy's room was totally empty. And do you know why? Because the night before at 2.17 in the morning, every kid woke up, got out of bed, walked downstairs and into the dark — and they never came back". In her second horror flick of 2025 after Wolf Man, Garner plays Justine, the Maybrook Elementary teacher mentioned. When 17 children in her class disappear, blame comes her way — both fast and furiously. Brolin portrays Archer Gaff, the angry father of one of the missing kids, who is desperate for answers, quick to embrace the catharsis of pointing fingers wherever he can and also a constant presence at the local police station, because he's adamant that not enough is being done on the investigation. From there, Weapons' cast also spans Alden Ehrenreich (Ironheart) as Paul, one of the small town's cops, who has a link to Justine; Benedict Wong (Bad Genius) as Marcus, the school principal; Cary Christopher (Days of Our Lives) as Alex, the only child in the class in question who doesn't run out into the night; and Austin Abrams (Wolfs) as the looking-for-a-fix James. Each one, like Justine and Archer, earns their own chapter. As he did in Barbarian, Cregger demonstrates a strong, engaging and devilishly clever command of Weapons' disquieting tone from its first moment till its last, including through its imagery. He's astute and smart about interrogating humanity's suspicious nature as well — of anyone we can hold responsible for our misfortune, or who doesn't meet our societal standards; of strangers; of anyone who calls us out — as he also was in his debut horror movie. He's also sharp and probing about weaponising mistrust. That digging also shines through in his ensemble's excellent array of performances. And, while he's made another picture dripping with unease, that rattles nerves and unsettles — a mood that bubbles up immediately and simmers constantly from there — he also splashes in moments of humour. There's an element of the Lynchian to Weapons, too, as it takes its can't-look-away journey. We also spoke with Cregger about a number of these aspects of the movie — and chatted with him about the film's inspiration, following the death of Moore, but not just adding another grief- and trauma-fuelled entry to the horror genre. If you've spotted that Barbarian began with strangers discovering something distressing in someone else's house, while Weapons commences with 17 children fleeing their own homes, we also talked with him about that swerve, alongside scaling up from one film to the next. On Whether Veering From Sinister Events Happening in Other People's Houses in Barbarian to 17 Children Leaving Their Own Homes in Weapons was a Purposeful Move "No. No, I try not to do anything purposefully when I'm writing, honestly. It's just for me, writing is a process of discovery, and I try and be as careless as possible. And so no, I certainly don't think about what I did before or anything like that when I'm writing." On the Inspiration for Weapons, After the Writing Process Started with the First Sentence Heard in the Film and with a Child Telling Audiences a Story "Well, I was dealing with grief. A very, very dear friend of mine died. And so I was feeling the absence of someone dear to me. And so the idea of writing about a community that is reckoning with the absence of something precious felt easy for me to access. And I was able to of funnel a lot of the emotion into these characters and let them just speak authentically. And so that's where it comes in. By the way, that was not like a conscious thought — like 'oh, I miss my friend, and so I'll [do this]'. It's just that's what subconsciously wanted to come out. And so my whole job as a writer, honestly, is to try to just turn my brain off as much as I can and become an antenna to my subconscious, and let it out and try to stay out of the way. And so this is the story that came out." On Loss, Grief and Mortality Being Common in Horror — But Using Them as a Starting Point Instead "It's so boring. Genuinely — it's like I'm so tired of horror movies as a metaphor for trauma and grief. It's just like 'can we turn the page already and make a horror movie that's just fun?', you know? And hopefully, that's what Weapons is supposed to be. It's just a fun rollercoaster ride. I do not have anything new to say about grief and trauma, and I don't pretend to. That's just the jumping off point." On Making Horror Films That Are Also Mysteries — and If Taking Audiences on a Ride and Keeping Them Guessing Is Important to Cregger "I don't know. It's not if it's important to me or not. It's about — I write only for an audience of one: for me. So I'm writing, my process is 'can I entertain myself?'. Because I am so ADD, and I'm so bored all the time. Especially when I'm watching movies, I'm so frequently bored. It's hard for me to finish any movie, mostly, because I just bail. So I want to write something that's going to hold my attention. And so I never — that's why I like to write not knowing where it's going to go and what's going to happen, and I try and keep myself engaged. So that, to me, is my only kind of barometer. I think I sounded a little asshole-ish when I just said that, but I don't mean to be throwing shade on other movies." On Whether Cregger Is Particularly Interested in the Weaponisation of Suspicion and Mistrust — Especially If Someone Else Can Be Blamed for Our Misfortunes "I suppose so. That's definitely human nature, right? We other-ise so easily. And I'm sure I've been on both sides of that many, many times in my life — and it's fertile ground for conflict, misreading other people and all of the all of the sabre-rattling that we see in modern culture, especially in America. It seems like all we do is just get worked up about other people that we don't understand, so I think that's very accessible as a writer." On What Inspires Cregger's Haunting, Lingering Horror Imagery "I have no idea what inspires it. I wish I had a good answer for that because I'd be able to do it more often, but I don't know. It's a case-by-case thing. It's a circumstantial thing. I have to think of something in the moment for what the character is facing. So I don't have any catalogue of creepy shit that I'm able to access — I just kind of, as the scene requires, try to do my best to think of what would be the scariest thing there. There's the people sitting on the couch not moving, which I think it's just bizarre that they would hear the sound — then who sits on their couch in the living room with the lights off? It's just — something's wrong. So that felt fun. The kids running with their arms out — it just feels like anytime you can just do something simple that implies there's a screw loose, that's fun to do. You want to create the maximum disconnect with the least amount of effort. But yeah, I don't know — I wish understood where those things can come from better, because I think I'd be a better writer." On Layering Humour Into a Film That Is Expertly Disquieting From Start to Finish "I think the lesson I learned in Weapons is that there are a few jokes I wrote in there that I thought were really funny. I wrote them in. And they didn't work. When I let the characters have their authentic reaction to bizarre situations, sometimes the humour just naturally appears. And that's what I try to encourage. But I've learned on this never to try to be clever and write a joke, because they're all on the cutting room floor and nobody liked them. So I guess that's my only kind of philosophy, is 'let it come from a real place. Don't try and be funny'. For me, by the way — that's just for me." On Working with a Cast That Includes Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong and More "I feel like a kid on Christmas every day. Watching these people who are so extremely good at what they do, leaning into making this story — I can't believe how lucky I am. Honestly, once I cast them, I really don't have a whole lot of credit to take. I kind of stand back and let them just do their thing. I just try to make sure that we're all making the same movie. They're so talented, they can go anywhere, and my job is to just make sure that we all have the same parameters. But yeah, I have had an amazing stroke of luck with everyone in this movie. They're all great." On Scaling Up From Barbarian to Weapons "Well, you never feel like you're on easy street. And I think if the budget was $200 million for this movie, I still would have felt the pinch. Because 'the lizard will grow to the size of its cave' is that an expression someone said to me once that I really like — where you just never feel like you have enough time and enough money to make it the way it wants to be made. And I think that's just filmmaking. I don't think that's unique to me. So, as fun as it was to be able to take a bigger swing and shoot bigger setpieces and have more stars in the movie — and all of that's great — you're still panicked that you're not going to get the shot before the sun goes down. That's just inevitable. And I don't mean to complain. I felt the bigger scale, don't get me wrong. But you still always feel like your back is against the wall." Weapons screens in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Melbourne's bubble tea franchise Gotcha Fresh Tea is rapidly expanding — into Sydney. Having already opened one in Chinatown's Dixon Street, it's just launched a second store in World Square. Its eye-catching neon purple and pastel pink hues make it easy to spot among the shopping centre's many other offerings. Gotcha also stands out from the pack thanks to its teas, which are all exclusively grown and hand-picked on the Gotcha plantation in Taiwan — the country where bubble tea originated, mind you. The extensive menu goes deeper than your average bubble tea shop, too. Milk teas come in red bean, bamboo charcoal, taro and durian flavours. Fruit teas come with sliced fresh fruit, including lychee, passionfruit, cumquat and mango. They all range from $5.20–18. There are also teas available with cheese, salted egg or tiramisu foams; a range of 'healthy' collagen teas in bamboo, aloe vera and mulberry flavours; and a menu of macchiatos, lattes, health teas and smoothies to choose from. Of course, you can add pearls and jelly to any and all flavour combinations. Gotcha's expansion is no where near slowing, either, with over 15 stores slated to open in 2019.
Who doesn't love a happy hour? Throughout August and September three of Sydney's classiest restaurants are getting in on the action with the launch of Golden Hours. Bistecca, The Rover and The Gidley will all be serving up their own deals across the two months featuring martinis, steak and burgers aplenty. Let's start at Bistecca. The acclaimed Dalley Street spot has created "Sydney's best steak sandwich". Usually you have to book well in advance to get a spot in Bistecca's dining room but, as part of Golden Hours, you'll be able to order the kitchen's renowned eats in the walk-in-only bar area. Available for $20 from 6–8pm every Monday–Saturday throughout the promotion, the steak sandwich will feature a cut of sirloin, Tuscan white bean paste, pickled onions and spicy salsa verde on a potato bun — and it'll be available to just 20 customers per night. Alongside the sambo, Bistecca will also be offering $15 aperol spritzes, $15 negronis and $10 amaro highballs. Over at The Rover, the happy hour will have a classic pairing on offer. Head to Surry Hills between 5–6pm Tuesday–Saturday and you can score yourself $2 oysters and $10 martinis - an absolute steal. Rounding out the deals is The Gidley's famous cheeseburger which is on offer for $20 (or $22 with the inclusion of a fried egg). A great deal for one of Sydney's best burgers which stars succulent double beef patties, melted cheese and house pickles. You can also pick up any bottle of champagne for 30% off or nab yourself a $20 Old Fashioned. Both of The Gidley's Golden Hour deals are on offer from 8–10.30pm every Monday–Saturday throughout August and September. Top image: Bistecca, Dominic Loneragan
From the hand-built furniture to the beef cheek with beetroot and black sesame to the extensive wine list, EXP Restaurant in the Hunter Valley is about all things local and carefully handcrafted. You'll find it tucked away in Oakvale, a family-owned and run winery in Pokolbin with a focus on drops made with minimal intervention. Head chef Frank Fawkner is a local. He started out at Mount Broke Wines, before training at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, then moving to London, where he became sous chef at Tom Aikens's Tom's Kitchen. On returning, he joined the team at the two-hatted Muse Restaurant. To sample as many of Fawkner's creations as possible, settle in for a tasting ($90). The current multi-course menu offers slipper lobster, and Hunter wagyu beef with pumpkin and pepita. For dessert, there's myrtle gum with wattleseed, chocolate and caramel, among other delights. Add matching wines for $65. Most of the drops on the list come from nearby, with Oakvale getting a good look in, as well as Tyrell's, Margan, Keith Tulloch and Tinklers. Fawkner worked with a bunch of other creatives to give EXP. its handcrafted yet sleek interior. Expect to be immersed in woodwork by Mark Aylward, crockery by Helen Stronach and sculptures by Bloodwood Botanica.
Established in 2002 by twin brothers Brian and Vincent Wu, this now-stalwart multi-brand boutique has stuck to its original guns — curating and showcasing luxe men's and women's clothing from around the world, in window displays drool worthy in their sleek simplicity. Stocking a mix of high-end and high street brands like Karen Walker, Nike, A.P.C. and Vanishing Elephant, Incu's become a sort of empire, expanding to new territory across Sydney and the country. The flagship Galeries store is well worth a heart-eyed browse — for its open spaces, clean lines and oozing-of-cool atmosphere, as much as the clothes on its racks.
Pulling inspiration from Dashiell Hammett's novel The Thin Man and its fictional sleuthing duo Nick and Nora Charles, this sophisticated rooftop bar is an homage to the roaring 20s and legendary parties thrown by these characters. Among Nick & Nora's features: an opulent fit-out, lavish art deco touches and a whole lot of Champagne. It has room for an impressive 300 people, complete with a sprawling terrace boasting views of Sydney from the heart of Parramatta. But it's not all flash and no substance here. The back bar selection runs to a hefty 900 spirits while climate-controlled fridges are stocked with over 50 Champagnes from the world's most celebrated houses. The cocktail offering is also as tight as you'd expect from these pros, with a 30-strong list featuring multiple variations of martinis, sours and Champagne-infused sips. Plus, there's more delicious mischief in store thanks to the bar's liquid nitrogen stations. Bring on the theatrics. As for the food, expect an offering that holds its own against the plush vibe and ritzy drinks lineup — fine cheese and charcuterie, top-quality oysters and some of the world's best caviar promise an all-round opulent affair. The bar is brainchild of the Speakeasy Group, the owners of cocktail classic Eau de Vie, Viking luxe bar Mjølner, the whisky-serving Boilermaker House and the Nick & Nora's down in Melbourne. The team has perfected this glamorous style of drinking and dining — with this sky-high location, located up on the 26th floor of the V by Crown development, one of their greatest. Don your finest evening wear and splurge on all the most expensive, top-quality tipples up here. Live the roaring 20's fantasy before riding the elevator back down to the street, reluctantly returning to reality. Images: Jiwon Kim. Updated Monday, March 13, 2023.
For the second year, Pyrmont Bay Park will transform itself into a pop-up food festival of Asian cuisine for 11 nights. Wander through over 20 food stalls, featuring Night Noodle Market regulars like Hoy Pinoy, Everybody Loves Ramen (selling their famous ramen fried chicken) and the insanely popular Bao Stop. Black Star Pastry and N2 Extreme Gelato are teaming up to create the mighty 'Gong Xi Fai Cai Cake Smash': strawberry watermelon cake smash with fire crackers, and the 'Hipster Cookies and Cream': almond and pineapple gelato with almond sesame cookie. Paired with live music and roaming performers, this is the perfect Chinese New year date. Mon-Wed 5-9pm, Thurs-Fri 5-10pm, Sat 4-10pm, Sun 4-9pm.
Bloody Marys have the honour of being one of two cocktails that you can drink before midday without being judged (the other is the mimosa, obviously). They're that friend you have that slaps you in the face when you're hungover and yells at you to get up and stop feeling sorry for yourself, in cocktail form. But there's something about the tomato juice/celery/vodka combo that feels almost medicinal — maybe it's the fact that it contains vegetables and therefore you can kid yourself it's healthy, even when accompanied by miscellaneous fried things. Not to mention there's something distinctly Mad Men about them. Healthy or not, they're a classic, and we've got some excellent ones right here in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_546290" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] Diana Scalfati[/caption] MARY'S, NEWTOWN When you think about it, celery is a pretty weird garnish. Who has ever woken up after a big night and thought "Man, I could really go for a loud, crunchy vegetable right now"? It makes sense that Mary's, makers of some of the best hangover food in Sydney, a place whose motto is "Get fat", would be the ones to dispense with this tradition. At Mary's, if you order a Bloody Mary, you get a drink with a slice of plastic cheese blowtorched over the top, garnished with an onion and a slice of their famous trashcan bacon (named for the vessel they cure it in; don't worry, it's clean). THE NORFOLK, SURRY HILLS The Drink 'n' Dine team make consistently amazing Bloody Marys across all their venues. They're exactly as they should be — dense, pulpy and spicy enough to cure the fiercest of hangovers. The Norfolk is no exception. Here, they come come in a few different incarnations, all served in recycled tomato sauce cans, but our pick is the Bloody Asado ($16) with gin and chimichurri. EAU DE VIE, DARLINGHURST This one actually won the Best Bloody Mary title in a competition held by Ketel One vodka last year, and it's not hard to see why. On the menu it goes by the name Ernest's New Tomato Cocktail ($19), named for 1930s hotelier Ernest Byfield, whose venue The Pump Room is credited with making the cocktail famous. It's a pretty straightforward recipe: salt-cured tomato juice, pickled onion puree, house spice mix and sherry (which means it's one of the few that actually make you feel a little buzzed afterwards).The tabasco sauce comes on the side in an adorable mini bottle so you can make it as hot as you want. BLOODY MARY'S, DARLINGHURST These guys have the honour of being Sydney's only bar dedicated entirely to Bloody Marys. You've probably already seen photos of their crazy concoctions going viral on social media. And we really do mean that in the plural — as well as the Classic, they also make Bloody-pretty-much-anything-else-you-can-think-of, each with a different quirky garnish like bacon or prawn. And if you want to invent your own Bloody cocktail, you can just order a shot of your choice and come up to the bar to have them mix it for you. But you cannot visit this place without trying the Bloody Hell ($25) at least once — most likely named for the first words out of your mouth when you see it. As well as the obligatory celery, it comes garnished with a buffalo wing, a prawn and a slider on skewers poking out of the top. The drink itself substitutes Tabasco sauce with chilli-infused vodka. [caption id="attachment_546302" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Diana Scalfati[/caption] NEIGHBOURHOOD, BONDI The Neighbourhood Mary ($17) is made with beef master-stock infused Mary mix, 'secret sauce' and garlic salt, with the stock giving it a soupy, vaguely meaty flavour. Team it with the Royale with Cheese ($21) for the breakfast of champions. [caption id="attachment_546304" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Diana Scalfati[/caption] BILLS, SURRY HILLS It's no exaggeration to say that Bill Granger is the man who invented brunch as we know it. His ricotta hotcakes, scrambled eggs and corn fritters may be what made him famous, but he doesn't disappoint on the cocktail front either. Bills' Spiced Bloody Mary ($18.50) puts an Asian twist on the classic recipe, using Clamato juice (clam and tomato juice — technically making it a Bloody Caesar), Korean chilli, coriander, lime and a cucumber. CRANE BAR, POTTS POINT Most Bloody Marys are on the thicker side, similar in texture to gazpacho. But the Umami Mary is at the other end of the spectrum. It's more like a delicately flavoured Asian broth — light, tangy and easy to drink, with a pleasant, mushroomy aftertaste. EATHOUSE DINER, REDFERN The Bloody Hell, as the name would suggest, is not for the faint-hearted. Although they do make a traditional version with vodka, we recommend the chilli-infused tequila if you want to kick it up a notch from 'spicy' to 'burny'. It makes your eyes water and your nose run, but in the best possible way. PORCH, NORTH BONDI The first thing you notice about the Porch Bloody Mary ($16) is that it's an amazing colour — deep ruby red as opposed to the orangey-pinky-red colour that you usually see. Like the rest of the menu, it's refreshing and not too heavy, less spicy and more citrusy. Have it with the Green Breaky Bowl if you want to attempt being healthy, or the Devil's Breakfast if you just don't care any more. Be warned though, this place is extremely popular and there's usually a waiting list on weekends.
Looking for holiday accommodation with a little more oomph? Ever considered staying on a raft? With a sauna? In the town of Joensuu in eastern Finland, a bunch of mates have put their considerable DIY skills to good use. They've built a lake-worthy, multi-level raft with a sauna, named 'Saunalautta'. And next time you're in the mood for a floating holiday, you're welcome to rent it. This vessel is the ultimate year-round destination. Come winter (which, in Finland, means -20 degree temperatures), hang out in the sauna. Up to 15 people can warm up in there at once. Come summer, sprawl out on the upper deck. There's even a few hammocks, so you can get comfy with a book, and a viewing booth, affording 360 degree views. Not interested in lying around? Spend your break perfecting your 2 1/2 front flip from the dedicated, 5.7-metre high diving tower. Wondering how this Huckleberry Finn-esque contraption stays afloat? It's built on top of a series of recycled plastic drums. And what about going somewhere? A small outboard motor gets you moving. Both seasons, there's bunk space for five passengers to stay the night, a barbecue, a hot shower, a refrigerator and a sound system: basically everything you need to turn pirate for life. Hire isn't as expensive as you might think, starting at $410 a day. Head over here for more info, after you check out a few more snappies: Via Inhabitat.
Like many Australian artists, Sydney's Holly Greenwood draws the majority of her influence from her environment. Whether it's an arid and imposing outback region, or the innocuous confines of an inner city townhouse, Greenwood's pieces tend to reflect the character of the space around her. Even Dungog Pub. Whether slathered on canvas or organic materials like bark, Greenwood's painting is a distinctly Australian take on post-impressionism, with deliberate brushstrokes and a limited colour palette creating an artwork that actively captures the atmosphere of the realm she paints, rather than recreating space photorealistic-style. Faded Lands, Greenwood's latest exhibition, will be on show at the new Saint Cloche gallery in Paddington. The gallery has taken the mission of providing an art space that supports established artists, but also newer, upcoming talent the rare opportunity to display their works. Greenwood, a COFA graduate who has studied under a number of contemporary art heavyweights, will be showing her newest works from February 1 to 12. Images: Supplied.
Set in an old yoghurt factory opposite Wicks Park, Philter Brewing is very well placed — it's just down the block from Batch and close walking distance to Sauce, Wildflower, Grifter and Willie The Boatman. Yeah, it has turned into one massive brewery crawl indeed. The brewpub pays homage to the building's 1960s heritage, as well as the 1980s Australiana vibe of Philter's can design. Expect "suburban pub nostalgia" aplenty, like hanging Tiffany lamps, hand-painted signage and a handmade tile bar with a bar top that's been rescued from a local pub. Plus, a black chesterfield sofa and simple round tables and chairs. The somewhat kitschy, old school fit-out certainly suits the brand well. The public bar overlooks the brewery and boasts a viewing deck with bar stools, so punters can watch the brewers in action while they sip fresh-as drops. Philter Brewing produces over one million litres of beer annually, heaps of which will end up on the bar's taps. First launched back in 2017, the gypsy brewery has become well-recognised for its retro tinnie branding and sessionable styles. It's led by one of Australia's first female brewers (and former Young Henrys head brewer) Samara Füss — who is, fittingly, a bit of a legend in the local beer scene — and Marrickville neighbours and beer lovers Stefan Constantoulas and Michael Neil. The public bar is open five days per week, and the kitchen produces dishes such as southern fried chicken wings, classic burgers and a range of pizzas. Images: Liz Ham Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
Art has prevailed in the battle to fill a Melbourne rooftop with naked people. In the latest development surrounding Spencer Tunick's newest work, the New York artist has been given permission to hold a nude photoshoot on top of the Prahran Woolworths car park — just over a week after the store said no. It was announced in May that Tunick would be returning to Australia in July to stage another of his famed mass nude photos, all as part of Chapel Street Precinct's Provocaré Festival of the Arts. Seventeen years after assembling 4500 naked volunteers for a snap near Federation Square as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival, the polarising artist plans to amass another contingent of naked (and pretty brave) folk for a work titled Return of the Nude While Tunick has photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, snapped the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK, his initial attempt to craft his latest piece against a Melbourne skyline backdrop was knocked back by Woolworths. A petition spearheaded by the Chapel Street Precinct Association (CSPA), the festival's host organisation, in response —and due to community pressure, the store has decided to let the shoot go ahead. A spokesperson for the supermarket giant advised, "in further discussions with the festival organisers they indicated a willingness to be flexible with dates and times to ensure the shoot could happen without inconveniencing our customers during busy weekend trading. As a result, we're now able to accommodate the request to temporarily clear the rooftop for Spencer Tunick's group shot on a Monday morning during a traditionally slow trading period." The shoot will take place on Monday, July 9, with Tunick given an hour to complete his vision. And if you'd like to participate — anyone over the age of 18 can git their kit off and get involved — there's still time to register. Participants each get a print of the photograph and, we're sure, a big boost of body confidence. Provocaré will take place across the Chapel Street Precinct from July 5–15, with Return of the Nude being shot over one hour on July 9.
There's no shortage of Italian fare in Abbotsford. But, as of last 2018, the inner west riverside suburb has been home to a pizzeria that's doing things a little differently. Donny's Pizza takeaway joint is offering an authentic menu, house-made everything and a self-professed Big Poppa's-inspired hip-hop backdrop. The rustic 60 seater boasts a trattoria-style fit-out with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors and stripped-back furnishings. While the atmosphere aims to cater toward modern Sydney sensibilities, the Italian authenticity can be found in the quality of the ingredients — which are both imported and locally sourced. Impressively, everything is made in-house. To this end, the team is using all high quality Italian flour with a 48-hour rise time to create classics like margheritas, capricciosas and supremes. Though the pizzas may sound like your average styles, the difference is in the toppings. For example, the Meatlovers uses house-made sausage and smoked brisket, while the Pineapple Express uses maple-glazed bacon instead of deli ham to take the stock-standard Hawaiian up a notch. There's also the Trufflemen up for grabs, topped with fior di latte, mushroom, truffle, prosciutto and Sardinian pecorino. All pastas are made in-house every day, too — think fettuccine or lasagna with six-hour braised pork and veal ragu, or the gnocchi with creamy gorgonzola sauce. For shared starters, there are polenta chips and traditional pork and veal meatballs. For the time being, Donny's is BYO wine only — and will continue to be even after a liquor licence is secured. Once the licence is in place, though, expect Italian offerings aplenty, including imported beers and spritzes.
Supergroups pop up every so often, from Broken Social Scene to The Postal Service, Empire of the Sun to Atoms for Peace. The rhyme or reason behind such team-ups varies, from longtime mates Doing a Thing to visionaries wanting to branch out from their superstar band. Now, a new supergroup has formed, dubbed Mind Gamers. Picture this: French producer Sebastien Tellier, John Kirby (Blood Orange, Norah Jones, Cypress Hill) and Daniel Stricker (Midnight Juggernauts, Kirin J Callinan). Expect some trippy, out-of-this-world business. What the heck does that mean? You'll just have to find out at MoVement Sydney, where Mind Gamers will make their very first live appearance as a group. They'll be supported by Shags Chamberlain (Ariel Pink) Presents: The Crystal Machine, breakthrough talent Zuri Akoko and Siberia DJs. [competition]594526[/competition]
The masterminds behind Devon Cafe and Devon on Danks have just opened their next venture in Darlinghurst. Meet Lazy Suzie, a Malaysian, hawker-style bar and restaurant. Located in the former IconPark crowdfunding space, owners Derek Puah and Zacharay Tan are serving up Penang street food from morning till night in an intimate setting. Tan (who has helmed the kitchen at both Devon cafes) will also serve as executive chef, and has created a menu of the street food he grew up with using local ingredients. "I spent a month last year in Malaysia eating and drinking in Penang to research the street food by hawkers who have been perfecting their craft for years," says Tan. "There was a gap in Sydney food for Malaysian hawker food where people could go to eat and drink in a casual space, and Lazy Suzie includes many traditional dishes but using native Australian produce." Signature dishes include Penang char koay teow, Hainan-style silken tofu with Australian succulents and an unusual bubur cha cha dessert served with shaved blue pea flower ice and taro ice cream. On the bar side of things, bar manager Marco Oscar Oshiro Giron is whipping up Malaysian-style drinks, drawing his inspiration from Malay kopitiams (coffee shops) and mamak stalls; think cocktails infused with pandan, jasmine and lemongrass. The Rama-Rama Spritz will combine gin, blue pea flower, jasmine and dandelion, while the Kopi Tiam is a concoction of cognac, cold drip coffee liqueur, coconut, cardamom and espresso. Come the weekend, Devon's signature brunches will also be available at Lazy Suzie, but, like in their Surry Hills and Waterloo cafes, they'll be served with a twist. Expect dishes like a roti B.E.L.T and buttermilk pancakes topped with banana and roasted coconut ice cream. As for the interior, Lazy Suzie exudes a "deliberately moody atmosphere" and features a load of local, recycled materials, from fire-charred timber to oxidised copper. Whatever the fit-out, we're excited to dig in to these bright, playful plates and cocktails that look as tasty as they are beautiful. Seriously, that purple ice cream. Lazy Suzie is located at 78 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst. It's open Tuesday to Friday from noon to midnight, Saturday 10am to midnight and Sunday 10am to 3pm. For more info, check out their Instagram.
Camperdown's catacombs got a major dose of cool when the Wayward Brewing Company opened its public brewery way back in 2015. Walk into one of the many white-walled warehouses down the hidden Gehrig Lane, and you'll find yourself in a mysterious cave with serious mood lighting and rooms that seem to stretch on indefinitely. Wayward Brewing is not your standard brewery and better resembles the building's roots — a wine cellar since the early 1900s. The Wayward team have maintained the softly illuminated waxed and wine-spattered walls, making the place feel more like an underground speakeasy than a craft beer haven. This covert laneway location was purposefully chosen as it perfectly complements the meaning behind Wayward: "to be lost on purpose". Owner Peter Philip and Head Brewer Shaun Blissett worked tirelessly to ensure the brewery epitomises this quote at every turn. The gloriously mounted motorcycle and 'carpe bierum' artwork don't hurt this image, either. [caption id="attachment_811810" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wayward Brewing[/caption] This traveller's mentality isn't just present in the brewery's decor though — it's also been built into Wayward's beers. Across the board, the award-winning beer is full-flavoured but approachable, and always inventive; the Wayward Brewing Co crew are "not afraid to go off the beaten track" when it comes to their brews. And there's certainly nothing standard about the Wayward core four: the Everyday Ale, Everyday Lager , a Hazy IPA and the India Pale Ale. The imaginative range doesn't stop there, either — Philip and Blissett are turning out even wackier brews, like the Raspberry Berliner Weisse that is hot pink in colour and tart as can be. The rooms themselves are furnished with repurposed material, from the vintage, 70s-style couches and tables to the theatre seating and keg lamps hanging from the ceiling. Each upcycled item comes with a story, much like the building itself. If the dimly lit interior has you fooled, the open brew room will remind you what you're really here for. The bright, Wayward yellow floors and modern equipment contrast the relaxed atmosphere of the cellar door. The Wayward Brewing Co crew love to throw a good party, too, from themed holiday events to brewhouse yoga and their first inaugural laneway festival. Along with works by a local artist and three rotating guest taps for local brewers, this is a community hangout through and through. So go ahead and carpe bierum. Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
What started out as a humble hunt for the perfect pilsner took head brewer Mike Beresford Jones on a decade-long quest. This brought him from making a home brewing kit and going on a beer-making journey through The Netherlands to creating a brewery in his own garage. Then word got out about just how bloody good his beers were during a crowdfunding and recruitment drive, and he decided to finally open 7th Day Brewing — a brewery bar deep in the Northern Beaches. The result of all this is a venue that is all about community, sustainability and damn fine beer. These days, 7th Day is firmly entrenched in the community and churns out beers like the Mango Hazy IPA, Pacific Ales, Raspberry Sour Cider, XPAs and the famous pilsner. The taps rotate regularly but rest assured, plenty of fine drops are available at all times. The brewery's atmosphere is friendly, unpretentious, and almost entirely recycled. Timber stairs that once adorned the brewery's front suddenly became a beautiful wooden bar, while the fence out the back is made from old timber palates. Blokes relieve themselves against recycled kegs (in the urinals) while disused surfboards create the signage and chandelier above the hot-yellow pool table. There's a hydroponic plant wall, which we're guessing also does a lot of good, sustainable stuff. It's open Wednesday to Sunday with plenty of shenanigans all week —think pizzas and trivia on Wednesdays, food specials on Thursdays, cheap pints on Fridays, DJ sets and a dance floor on Saturdays and live music on Sundays. If you're a Northern Beaches local, get there as soon as possible. And if you're not, be sure to set aside a weekend and make a mission of it. The vibe from the beaches is hard to replicate, but the 7th Day Brewery crew has it sorted. And it all started with a home brew kit and a garage brewery.
