What would happen if you welded Nirvana and Bach together? You'd get classical with some serious sass. In fact, the result might come close to the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s electro-acoustic collective, specialising in covering an eclectic range of music. In this genre twist, classically trained musicians will swap the concert hall for the grimy rock cellar of Oxford Art Factory. With guest performers Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) and Jim MoginIe (Midnight Oil), expect a broad musical repertoire that will range from reimagined versions of Nine Inch Nails and Phil Spector through to contemporary homages to Igor Stravinsky and George Crumb. The operation is the brainchild of assistant leader of the ACO Satu Vänskä. Having spent her youth playing violin in German nightclubs, the fusion between high and low culture is not necessarily new terrain. For this one-off performance, she has also curated some pre-show goodies including an audiovisual installation by Lost Boy and a performance by punk-turned-shout poet Marcie. Last year the ACO Underground performed to a full house at The Standard, featuring a surprise appearance from Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. Jump on this unique musical mash-up before it sells out.
With its award-winning barrel-aged, bloody shiraz, rare dry, spiced negroni, Christmas and overproof gins, Four Pillars has won plenty of fans — and as of today, one big buyer. If you're keen on creative takes on juniper spirits, you might've snapped up plenty of the brand's coveted tipples, but only beer giant Lion has become the distillery's new partner. It's the first foray into the craft spirit market for the huge beverage company, which is owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings and boasts beer labels such as James Squire, Little Creatures, Furphy, White Rabbit, Hahn, Tooheys, James Boag's and XXXX to its name. Picking up a 50 percent stake in Four Pillars, it's clearly hoping to capitalise upon the gin outfit's growing popularity. According to the Australian Financial Review, the Healesville-based boozemakers are expected to sell half a million bottles this year. The sale comes little more than five years after Four Pillars was established by Stuart Gregor, Cameron Mackenzie and Matt Jones — and Gregor say it's "the start of a really exciting new chapter for our business". It's not the first time the trio has been approached by potential buyers, but when it came to pairing up with Lion, they liked "the fact we will be their first and most important craft spirit brand". Gregor, Mackenzie and Jones will still be running the show, and they'll still keep their existing Yarra Valley digs as their base. But Four Pillars aficionados can look forward to a few changes — including more small batch gin experiments, more attempts to push boundaries, when it comes to both distilling and botanicals, and more collaborations with renowned bartenders, chefs and other creatives. The company will also build a new hospitality and production space next to its current location, which'll give it the capacity to make and bottle more than one million bottles of gin a year. And, in good news for anyone who considers Bloody Shiraz Gin day the best day of the year, a new website that doesn't crash when each new batch goes on sale is also on the cards. If you're wondering, as it has previously, the much-loved variety will go on sale on June 1.
Molo at Manta is veering away from its usual Italian fare and reinventing itself as a New York steakhouse for one night. At 7pm on Thursday, May 27, the Woolloomooloo waterfront bar will be serving up a set menu full of tender meat, classic Sunday roast-style sides and a touch of fresh seafood. Co-owner Riccardo Bernabei dreamt up the idea from his love of steakhouses and his time living in New York. The set menu is designed to combine the tastes of a steakhouse with the classic Italian bistecca fiorentina. The centrepiece of the four-course menu will be one kilogram of said bistecca fiorentina served with Molo's house-made steak sauce. Accompanying the meat will be creamed spinach, roasted rosemary and garlic potatoes as well as an onion, tomato and caper salad. Before the meat even comes out however, diners will begin the night with crostini culatello and parmigiano, plus clams casino and oysters Rockefeller for starters. To cap off the meal, Molo will serve up pecan pie with whiskey vanilla homemade ice cream. The Molo team will create a cocktail and wine list that will complement the hearty set menu, however drinks are not included in the $145 per person price tag and must be purchased separately on the night. Images: Jiwon Kim
Advanced Style is a fashion documentary with a twist. Based on a blog by the same name, it is a movement away from thin models on catwalks and glossy magazine trends. The documentary focuses on the lives of older New York women who dress with flair and refuse to succumb to expectations of how older women should present themselves. The camera follows these women as they go about their daily lives, explaining how individual style and dressing up makes them feel. These characters were captured by street photographer Ari Seth Cohen, who wanted to gain an insight into the lives of women who he perceived as the caretakers of style. All the women spiritedly challenge established ideas about beauty and ageing in Western culture — one says dressing up is an "an exercise in creativity". Advanced Style is in cinemas on October 2. Thanks to Madman Entertainment we have ten double in-season passes to give away. One major prize winner will also get copies of The September Issue on DVD and the CR Fashion Book Issue 1. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=ccai-E36BfI
In the biggest shock extinction since Google Reader, Jurassic Lounge organisers have announced that the certainly not-obsolete event's next season will be its last. Having led the evolution of after-hours art parties in Sydney, Jurassic Lounge is now an icon of the Sydney scene we're sad to say goodbye to. That said, it's presence is felt in a helluva lot of places, including other events from The Festivalists team such as the Sydney Film Festival Hub, Possible Worlds and World Movies Secret Cinema. So goodbye isn't really goodbye. Here's the formula: every Tuesday night, the Australian Museum is swamped with a thousand punters partaking in drinks, live music, games and performance. The intelligently curated programs combine off-kilter stuff like slam poetry, alternative stand-up comedy, DJs from FBi Radio, dance lessons, science experiments, palm reading, and storytelling from emerging writers. For the last of its six seasons, running September 3 to November 5, Jurassic Lounge will host ten "outrageous end-of-the-world parties", culminating in the final night, the asteroid collision of fun times. Starting things off on September 3 is the Time Machine Party, a place where the Gatsby '20s and Clueless '90s are just one room apart. For the first five weeks of the season, all visitors will also be free to check out the Australian Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition with their Jurassic Lounge ticket.
It's a nightmare on Hunter Street with Halloween at Frankie's. First thing's first (and surely this goes without saying): no costume, no entry. Everyone's favourite late-night dive bar is teaming up with New Zealand-based brewery Garage Project as part of Sydney Beer Week to put on a scarily good time with their un-boo-lievable brews. All taps at Frankie's will be pouring Garage Project goodies the likes of Block Party 9 (single-origin hopped IPA), Hatsukoi (neo-Tokyo lager) and West Coast Ultra (an ultra dry IPA), as well as some new, never-tasted-before beers. As expected, the rock 'n' roll haven will be showcasing some of Sydney's best banger-heavy bands from 8:30pm, with all eyes on the headlining act, riot pop girl group RACKETT. Bow down, witches. All drinks are $3 from 4-6pm and there are some fab prizes up for grabs for the "Worst Dressed" including credit on the Garage Project online store, VIP access to Sydney's Cheers Beer Festival the following weekend and a $50 booze/$50 pizza voucher at Frankie's itself. Yes, it might be mid-week, but go on. Trick or treat yo' self. Image: Katje Ford
Upstairs Belvoir has transformed, and not just because of the blizzard happening inside. There’s some serious Christmas magic going on in that place. Pre-show, audience members dusted themselves with snow and took selfies with their friends while their children took more immediate joy in simply hurling handfuls of the stuff at each other. Post-show, Belvoir’s foyer was a sea of revellers wishing each other the best of the season, despite it being mid-November. This iteration of Dickens' yuletide celebration is daggy, fun and touching. Director Anne-Louise Sarks and Benedict Hardie haven't strayed far from the original with their adaptation. Ebenezer Scrooge (Robert Menzies) puts the miser in miserable, as he begrudgingly grants his clerk’s request to spend Christmas Day with his family. He, on the other hand, prepares to weather another December 25 alone in a house that is kept cold and dark and empty. Having just settled in for a long winter's nap, Scrooge is disturbed by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and three other spirits of Christmas, determined to show him the error of his ways. The set (designed by Michael Hankin) is black, stark and sharply raked, a collection of jagged angles that suggest the action is taking place on a giant lump of coal. Thanks to an array of trap doors, moving platforms and some clever lighting from Benjamin Cisterne, the show has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. The moment when Scrooge suddenly finds himself in a graveyard is particularly well executed and chilling. Menzies is a wonderful grump, but he also extracts a great deal of humour from some of Scrooge’s most heartless material. Steve Rodgers is dolefully funny and very gentle as Bob Cratchit, the loving father who can't bring himself to hate his monstrous boss. Kate Box’s Ghost of Christmas Present feels almost bigger than the space as she revels in merriment, while Peter Carroll does a fine job of balancing the comedic and macabre aspects of Marley's ghost (although it is his extraterrestrial wanderings which are the real highlight). The modern era makes it almost impossible not to be plagued by some ghost of Christmas, whether it be trees appearing in shop windows from late August or the pressure of corralling large numbers of relatives into a festive atmosphere without the familiar bloodshed. Belvoir’s A Christmas Carol is a rare chance for adults and children to see past the mutant behemoth that Christmas has become and instead be pleasantly haunted by the ghosts of another era — the traditional spirit of the season.
When Wollongong's Yours and Owls last took place back in April 2021, it ticked a couple of huge pandemic-era boxes. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, it was the first major music festival that New South Wales had seen in over a year — and it was the first to allow dancing as well. The following year, however, the fest was forced to cancel when La Niña flooded Stuart Park in 2022. So, you could say it's been a real rollercoaster for the beloved musical gathering. But in 2023, we're set for a classic Yours and Owls good time — and the festival just dropped its lineup. [caption id="attachment_579492" align="alignnone" width="1279"] Golden Features, Aleksandar Jason[/caption] Taking place between Saturday, October 14–Sunday, October 15, the two-day shindig affectionately labelled Gong Christmas will be arriving at a new home, the University of Wollongong (UOW) campus, with over 60 local and international acts spanning all range of genres. Topping the bill: Descendents for their first Australian tour since 2017, alongside Oliver Tree, Chet Faker, Hilltop Hoods, Earl Sweatshirt, Golden Features and Ocean Alley. Talk about a mix of sounds. US drill star Lil Tjay is another notable addition to the lineup, boasting billions of streams and over 18-million monthly listeners on Spotify. Plus, you can also catch Vera Blue, Meg Mac, Peach Pit, Bakar, Safia, Broods, Hobo Johnson, Masego, RVG, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Royal Otis and Sorry among the festival's heavy hitters. [caption id="attachment_906398" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Oliver Tree[/caption] A few names from the SXSW Sydney music lineup have made their way over to the Yours and Owls program, with the two events sharing dates. Wallice, Ekkstacy, Dice, Go-Jo, Phoebe Go and Rum Jungle will all be appearing at both events. The south coast festival's dance music stage Das Shmelthaus is also returning, and is sure to make the most of the new UOW home. On its lineup of electronic tastemakers: Club Angel, DJ PGZ, Sam Alfred, Mike Who and Lauren Hansom. [caption id="attachment_906426" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ruby Bowland[/caption] UOW and the festival have inked a three-year partnership, with the all-weather solutions available at the campus cited as one of the driving factors behind the team-up — plus the university's picturesque green spaces and a mutual commitment towards carbon-emission reduction. You can expect stages to pop up across the expansive space, with Yours and Owls promising to activate grounds, ovals and laneways. Yep, that's your October plans sorted — and because you're here for the full lineup, you can check out the details below. [caption id="attachment_901329" align="alignnone" width="1920"] University of Wollongong[/caption] YOURS AND OWLS 2023 LINEUP: Bakar Broods Chet Faker Descendents Earl Sweatshirt Golden Features Hilltop Hoods Hobo Johnson Lil Tjay Masego Meg Mac Ocean Alley Oliver Tree Peach Pit Safia Vera Blue Angel Du$t Big Wett Daily J Dice Ekkstacy Fazerdaze Forest Claudette James Marriott King Mala Old Mervs Pacific Avenue Phony Ppl Redhook Royal Otis RVG Shagrock Sorry Teen Jesus And The Jean Teasers Teenage Dads The Grogans The Rions The Terrys The Vanns Tia Gostelow Wallice Babyface Mal Billy Otto Full Flower Moon Band Girl And Girl Go-Jo Lazywax Phoebe Go Possehot Rum Jungle Stevan Stumps These New South Whales Towns YB Wiigz Das Shmelthaus: Object Blue b2b TSVI Cleo Club Angel DJ PGZ Kornél Kovács Lauren Hansom b2b Mike Who Luca Lozano Sam Alfred Seb Wildblood Skatebard Tangela Yours and Owls 2023 will return from Saturday, October 14–Sunday, October 15 at its new home at the University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong. Ticket pre-sales will kick off at 8am AEDT on Wednesday, June 28, with general tickets on sale at 8am on Thursday, June 29. Top Image: Jess Gleeson
There are some big, green changes afoot in the ACT, with the nation's capital today — Wednesday, September 25 — legalising the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use. The ACT Parliament gave a green light to the bill put forward by Labor backbencher Michael Pettersson, called Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Bill 2018, which allows residents over the age of 18 to possess up to 50 grams of dry cannabis (or 150 grams of wet) and to have two cannabis plants growing at their house, with a maximum of four per household. The new laws, which are set to come into effect from January 31, 2020, aren't clearcut, however. You still won't be able to buy, sell, give or even share marijuana under the new laws — which means your only option is to grow your own. The ACT's Chief Police Officer Ray Johnson told the ABC Radio earlier today (via The Canberra Times), that even sharing a joint would be considered 'drug supply'. "If there's evidence that someone is providing cannabis to someone else, that's supply and that's an offence," Johnson said. Cannabis will still remain an illegal drug under Commonwealth law, which means that Canberrans risk fines and prison time for possessing the drug. At the moment, it's unsure how ACT police offers will react, as they have the ability to enforce both ACT and Commonwealth laws. It's also possible the Commonwealth could overrule the ACT decision, as it did with the Territory's same-sex marriage decision back in 2013 (yes, the ACT independently legalised same-sex marriage before any other jurisdiction), saying the ACT's law was inconsistent with the Federal law. You also can't smoke in public places or around minors, and, just as before, there'll also be penalties for any minor caught with cannabis, for driving under the influence and, importantly, artificial cultivation. Which means, any cultivation with the aid of light or heat is still illegal — so you won't be able to set up a hydroponics system in your cupboard or basement a la Pineapple Express. So, while things are looking suitably murky for now, if all proceeds as expected, Canberrans will be able to light up from early next year. It'll be interesting to see if this influences laws in any other states or territories. The ACT's Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Bill 2018 is set to be signed in on January 31, 2020. We'll let you know if anything changes. Via The Canberra Times
Recent pub purchases aside, Sydney hospitality group Merivale own some extremely valuable bits of the city's real estate. Of course, no one is more aware of that than CEO Justin Hemmes, who seemingly has bigger plans for capitalising on his CBD property, the Ivy. The dining complex — which houses the Pool Club, restaurants Palings, Felix, Uccello and Ash St Cellar, and various event spaces — could be set for a total development. Details around what that will look like are still vague though. While The Daily Telegraph yesterday reported that the site will be knocked down to make way for a 55-storey hotel, an official statement from Merivale merely confirmed that the group is currently exploring "a number of options...including a new hotel, hospitality and lifestyle complex". According to Merivale, discussions have only been "preliminary" and "no final plans have been decided nor timelines set, and there are certainly no immediate plans to commence redevelopment of the site". Merivale opened the Ivy back in 2007, and, while hugely expensive and ambitious, got a bad rep as the most violent venue in NSW. Things have since improved and Merivale has opened a slew of restaurants and pubs since then. Most recently, the group has opened Bert's at The Newport, Mr Liquor's Dirty Italian Disco at the recently acquired Tennyson Hotel, and taken over Hotel Centennial and The Vic on the Park. The Ivy's regular venues and regular events — including its weekly Ministry of Sound nights — will continue to operate as usual. We'll keep an eye on this and publish any further announcements on the development of the site.
The best of both 20th and 21st century dance meet in The Australian Ballet's new contemporary triple bill, 20:21. After a cracking opening in Melbourne in August, November 5 will see it come to the Sydney Opera House on for 18 performances. Leading the trio is the world premiere of Filigree and Shadow, a striking, hard-hitting, challenging piece from resident choreographer Tim Harbour. It features an original electronic score by 48nord and an architect-designed set by Kelvin Ho. “He [Tim Harbour] is always keen to push himself and the dancers to discover new ways of using their ability to push the ballet form further, and find humanity and truth through dance," said David McAllister, artistic director of The Australian Ballet. Meanwhile, George Balanchine's jazz-infused, Stravinksy-soundtracked Symphony in Three Movements will open the show, followed by Twyla Tharp's sport-inspired, sneaker-wearing In the Upper Room, set to the music of Phillip Glass.
The savoury branch of Sydney's cult-favourite gelateria is at it again. Next up on the Messina Eats world tour is a South American collab. This time around, it's teaming up with famed Melbourne hospitality group San Telmo — which owns Palermo and Asado — for a two-night feast in Sydney on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 As usual, the party will go down in the carpark of Messina's Rosebery headquarters, which will, this time, be transformed into an Argentinean restaurant complete with a parrilla and asado firepit. At midday and 7pm each day, the team will be carving up slow-cooked lamb and stuffing it in rolls with cabbage slaw and chimichurri ($15). There'll also be choripan ($14) — rolls of chorizo, chimichurri and salsa — loaded fries ($8) and three types of empanadas (three for $15): beef and boiled egg, sweetcorn and mozzarella, and pork shoulder and chipotle. For dessert, always a highlight at a Messina-run event, there'll be deep-fried empanadas filled with dulce de leche ($9) served atop a scoop of fior de late gelato and leche flan with dulce de leche gelato ($9). Messina Eats: The San Telmo Group runs from 12–9pm (or sold out).
For a long time, physicists have been trying to get t-shirts printed with a short, unified theory of everything on it. They just need to sort discovering it first. If you feel the need to add some catchy images to your tops while you wait for science to catch up with your wardrobe, Without Walls 2 is coming to the aMBUSH Gallery to help you flesh out your summer style. Without Walls matches wall-based art with cotton-based style, encouraging you to walk away wearing the treasures of the exhibition on a t-shirt of your very own. Two of the artists — Jumbo and Ben Toupein — at times seem like homunculi pulled from opposite sides of Jeffery Smart. Jumbo is usually seen in the company of the Kirby-loving Zap, but for this exhibition his dreamy urban images unfold alone. Toupein draws disquieted gentlemen with hard lines, half-finished moods and wrinkles. Brett Chan makes almost floral geometric art, while James Jirat Patradoon draws blokes and cites art from Akira and Battle of the Planets among his inspirations. Figure artist Aisling King-Macklin and versitile Jin Hien Lau also feature. No single theory unites these artists, but starting Thursday they'll all be printed on a common set of threads. Images by James Jirat Patradoon and Ben Toupein.
Sydney is getting a visit from a major player in the Hong Kong dining scene this March, when famed yakitori eatery Yardbird finds its way to our city. Head chef Matt Abergel, who's run the restaurant with partner Lindsay Jang since 2011, will join chef Dan Hong in the kitchen at Ms. G's for a collaboration lunch on Sunday, March 3. Abergel is known worldwide for his 'beak-to-tail' yakitori, and he'll be grilling a chef's choice trio on the day. Other specialties include his popular katsu sando, sweetcorn tempura and smoked fish fried rice. Of course, Ms. G's signature cheeseburger spring rolls will also make the menu, alongside its prawn toast with yuzu aioli, black fungus and prawn wontons, and the burrata with sesame sauce, chilli oil and peanuts. To check out the full menu, head here. You can just order off the menu, with each dish coming in at around $20. Reservations are fully booked but walk-ins are welcome to grab a seat at the bar from 2pm.
Since November 2013, the Darlinghurst Theatre Company has staged a number of engaging productions from its home at the Eternity Playhouse. Inside a 129-year-old heritage-listed building, the design project between the company and the City of Sydney allowed artistic director Glenn Terry and his team to take their productions to the next level. With a focus on telling stories from diverse voices, which explore and challenge the world today, the company accepts pitches from professional artists and works collaboratively to take the artists' visions to the stage. In 2019, the Darlinghurst Theatre Company has expanded its creative offering, adding dance, comedy, cabaret, music and public forums to its usual theatrical program. Explore the 2019 season here, for productions such as the Sydney debut of acclaimed Broadway musical Once, Jane Harrison's Menzies era story about a First Nations family Rainbow's End, and the world premiere of Victoria Midwinter Pitt's equality manifesto I'm With Her. Image: Once by Robert Catto.
Have you always wanted to reenact the Office Space printer smashing scene? Well, your chance has finally come. Melbourne got The Break Room way back in 2016, and now it's Sydney's turn. Smash Brothers is popping up in Kogarah for three months, starting Saturday, April 21. A clear nod to the 90s video game franchise of the same name, the concept is a new kind of stress and anger management workout geared towards millennials. It's taking the workplace term 'break room' to a very literal sense — water coolers will only be of the smashable variety. You actually can smash printers here, along with plates, bottles, blenders, toasters and even televisions, fridges and — the most satisfying of all — computer monitors. So how does it work? Choose your weapon of choice and you'll be escorted to a break room filled with a crate of smashable goodies (plus a few 'mystery items') to break to bits. You'll be outfitted with overalls, gloves and a face shield, so you can go at it without the machines taking their revenge. Waste is the obvious eyebrow-raiser here. But while the items up for destruction are either donated or purchased, according to the venue, all the smashed stuff will be recycled. This may sound like a team sport, but for safety reasons you can only smash solo. Plus, you're only allowed ten minutes to break your batch, so best let that rage fly in rapid fire. It's not the cheapest ten minutes, either — solo smashing costs $40, or bring a buddy for $70. The break room is open on weekends only and by appointment only (no walk-ins will be accepted). To book a session, head over here and kiss those TPS reports goodbye. Smash Brothers will open April 21 at Unit 2, 1 Phillips Road, Kogarah. It'll be open Friday from 6.3o–10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am–6.30pm. You can make a booking at smashbrothers.com.au.
Our humble harbour city is putting in a play for international dumpling glory, as it gears up to host one very impressive Guinness World Record attempt: a bid for the title of the World's Largest Yum Cha Meal. At 11am on Tuesday, February 5, 1000 keen Sydneysiders will descend on Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park to eat their way into the history books. They'll be aiming to dethrone southern rival and current title-holder Melbourne, which hosted its record-breaking 750-person yum cha feast back in 2013. For Sydney's event to be in with a shot of smashing that earlier effort, participants will be served four dumplings each and need to polish off at least two. A whopping 4000 dumplings will be whipped up, to feed 100 tables full of dumpling aficionados, with dipping sauces available, too. If you're still hungry after your four dumplings (we suspect you might be), you can head around the corner to Sydney's new dumpling and beer 'stadium'. [caption id="attachment_625905" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low.[/caption] Fittingly, the record-attempt, which is hosted by City of Sydney, WSFM and My Kitchen Rules, will be taking place during Sydney's Lunar New Year celebrations. The local festivities run from February 1–10 and include everything from a night market in The Rocks to a culinary celebration at the Sydney Fish Market. If you'd like the chance to be involved in a record-smashing yum cha feast (and to score a free dumpling lunch), you'll need to register via the WSFM website before 3pm on Monday, February 4. The Guinness World Record attempt will take place at 11am on Tuesday, February 5 at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour. You can register for the event here. Images: Kimberley Low.
We've compiled a list of delicious Greek food in Sydney for you, and we've done it at great risk to ourselves — the last guy who swiped secrets about Greek dishes wound up trapped in a puddle for eternity. It's said that Tantalus was invited for dinner with Zeus on Mount Olympus and liked the gods' ambrosia and nectar so much he pocketed some to take home and share with friends. Zeus was so mad, he made Tantalus stand forever in a still pool of water, just unable to reach a branch laden with fruit drooping down overhead. So if we do get busted for bringing you this list, at least come visit and bring a souvlaki, okay koukla mou? The Corinthian The skeletal lamb heads, glaring sightless out from the lit-up window bain-marie, are the first things you'll see and the last thing I want to think about. This place has presided over Marrickville since the '80s and has all the old wood-panelling, plastic tablecloths, faded photos and over-it attitude to prove it. The staff are actually from ancient Greece. Go here for the chill, old-school charm and hearty, veteran versions of all the classics. Lunch Tues - Sun, Dinner Tues - Sun; 283 Marrickville Road, Marrickville; (02) 9569 7084 Anatoli This new kid, by contrast, is brimming with imagination and energy. Really — I could not, in good conscience, send you to The Eastern otherwise. Anatoli is one of a swag of new spots recently opened in the Bondi Junction club and has convinced now-me to revisit what teenage-me left behind. The whole place has been reinvented and the Anatoli fit-out is totally glam; there are no sheep skulls oozing up this marble bar top. There's a mouthwatering range of meat and fish, and the vegetarian options not only exist but look delicious; a whole roast artichoke comes sitting on lemon butter, while charred okra holds up against ballsy garlic and anchovies. Lunch Fri - Sun; Dinner Tues - Sun; 500 Oxford Street, Bondi; (02) 9387 7828; anatolirestaurant.com.au The Animal If Dionysus was propping up any bar in Sydney, it'd probably be this one at Keystone's tricked-up Newtown Hotel. They actually serve wine on tap here, and I imagine the god of that grape juice would be pulling up a chair. If you don't eat no meat, the coal roast suckling lamb is literally the best thing ever. There's a different meat roast every day (goat on Thursdays!) and they go all-out for Sunday with all the trimmings. The dessert list stretches a bit beyond baklava, too. I'd pop in for a wine and a cheese plate with fig jam and pickled carrots. Lunch Sat - Sun; Dinner Mon - Sun; 174 King St, Newtown; (02) 9557 6399; newtownhotel.com.au Steki Taverna This low-lit charmer has been tucked down a Newtown side street for around three decades now, and it's earned its regulars. Those who go, go often. There are no surprises on the menu; it's full of usual suspects, and they're usually done damn well. There's live, loud Greek music on Friday and Saturday nights and lots of dancing, which is the sort of thing I would not want anything to do with if everyone didn't look like they were having just so much fun. Dinner Wed - Sun; 2 O'Connell St, Newtown; (02) 9516 2191; www.stekitaverna.com.au The Apollo The Apollo is tucked away down in Potts Point, and it's nice to stroll down Macleay Street to get there considering you'll be ordering two of everything on the menu (you shouldn't order that much, I'm kidding) (but you should). Jonathan Barthelmess (Manly Pavilion) and Sam Christie (Longrain) have teamed up to deliver a bright little neighbourhood favourite with food that feels both classic and contemporary. Go the saganaki cheese with honey and oregano, the taramasalata dip sprinkled with fresh mullet roe, the rich moussaka (and everything else) (twice). Finish up with fresh chunks of watermelon marinated in ouzo and topped with lemon granita and make plans to return. Lunch Fri - Sun; Dinner Mon - Sun; 44 Macleay Street, Potts Point; (02) 8354 0888; www.theapollo.com.au Xanthi They had me at 'ouzo trolley'. The aniseed spirit is actually way too strong for me, but I am all about unusual alcohol delivery methods (see: wine on tap; my enthusiasm for, above). There are 20 varieties available on the pimped-out little cart if you are ready for that jelly. Xanthi owner David Tsirekas earned a lot of fans in Petersham with Perama before setting up shop above all the heels and handbags in Westfield Sydney. Say yiasou to the peppered figs in warm honey, the pork belly baklava and the rabbit stifado — flaky strips of meat spiked with red wine and cinnamon, wrapped up in crinkly house-made filo pastry. Lunch and dinner Mon - Sun; Level 6, Westfield Sydney, cnr Pitt Street Mall and Market Street, CBD; (02) 9232 8535; www.xanthi.com.au Parea This place, more than any other on this list, nails the atmosphere I've experienced at big, fat gatherings of Greek family friends: fun, friendly and loud. Your parea is your extended family — old friends you round up with whom to laugh, argue, unwind and, most importantly, eat yourself stupid. This suburban favourite gets so packed later in the week they've extended into a takeaway joint over the road. Back in the original you can watch through a big window as the cooks carve the juicy meat up over hot coals, and shout as loud as you want to your friends; you won’t hear them otherwise, in here. You know what you'll find on the menu, and I know it's really good. Lunch Sat - Sun; Dinner Tues - Sun; 46 Rocky Point Road, Kogarah; (02) 9588 7887; www.parea.com.au The Yeeros Shop Don't be fooled by the shop's name, or the ostensible topic of this article: this place is just about the hot chips. Maybe they do some Greek food, I don't know, juicy, fresh kebabs with chilli and tangy tzatziki and whatever. You can order that if you still have room after eating all the chips. I like them salty and a bit squishy, but you can ask the guys behind the counter to fry them to a crisp if you want. I can understand Zeus not wanting to share. Lunch Tues - Sun, Dinner Tues - Sun; 431 Illawarra Road, Marrickville; (02) 9559 1167 Top image: Anatoli. By Jacqueline Breen and Roslyn Helper.
Over the last three months, Enmore Road was labeled a Special Entertainment Precinct, under a trial from the NSW Government and Inner West Council. The classification grants businesses a range of special allowances to encourage live music, al fresco dining and nightlife. It's also the same classification that was first given to Enmore Theatre last year. While the trial was set to end on Wednesday, November 30, the Inner West Council has announced it's extending the classification until at least July 2023. Under the program, venues that host at least 45 minutes of live music can extend their trading hours by 30 minutes on nights when the music occurs, all noise complaints are being handled by the Inner West Council which is looking to make the process as streamlined as possible in order to minimise disruption to venues, and footpath dining is permitted until 11pm. [caption id="attachment_686088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tamara Dean[/caption] "The extended live performance and trading hours is like a stamp of approval, which gave us confidence to keep our shows on for more people to enjoy later into the night," Jacquiline Cunningham, the owner of Secret Garden Bar said. "We hired more artists, and with great live bands, drag shows and comedies free of charge, our bar has been ever more popular among punters. This trial has been a win for all. Eight venues have participated in the trial to date, with more expected to jump on board now that it will continue for a further eight months. [caption id="attachment_714664" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] "The trial has cemented Enmore Road as one of Sydney's leading entertainment hotspots and has helped to boost live music opportunities," said Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson. Enmore Road has continued to hold its status as one of Sydney's most exciting streets across the program's first three months. Alongside top-notch live music programs from stalwarts of the Inner West street like Enmore Theatre, The Midnight Special and The Duke of Enmore, the thoroughfare has also seen even more vibrant venues open across the last three months including Bar Lousie, a Spanish tapas and sherry haven from the Porteno group, and Irene's, a neighbourhood restaurant inspired by Indian home dining in the former Hartsyard digs. [caption id="attachment_877297" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bar Louise[/caption] Find out more information about Enmore Road's Special Entertainment Precinct trial via the NSW Government and the Inner West Council.
Keen for some new, independent, contemporary, edgy, British and/or devised theatre perpetrated by young people? ABitOnTheSide Productions, an emerging theatre company formed by Sydney-based cool-kids Carolyn Eccles and Felicity Nicol, are launching themselves right now at the Pact Theatre in Erskineville with a double bill of Sarah Kane's Crave along with a new devised work based on the story of Lot's Wife. Crave is an ambitious work which strives to find hope in the darkest of corners. By taking our world and turning up the volume, Kane creates a cacophony which fearlessly shines light on all that is glorious and torturous about being human. Through the haze of this polluted world, Kane ultimately leaves us with a message of hope and comfort, for what we seek is closer than we think. At least half the theatre-inclined young people in Sydney are quietly yet desperately nursing secret drama-crushes on anything to do with Sarah Kane, even in spite of (and perhaps because of) her ability to paint the bleakest of worlds and leave you so depressed you'll want to tear your own eyes out like that guy in Event Horizon. And if a shot of hardcore + edgy is what you're after with your theatre, it doesn't get more hardcore than the Bible. I'm talking the Old Testament, not its more recent, nancy, love-preaching cousin. Watch Carolyn Eccles ride rough-shod all over it as she uses the story of Lot's Wife (Remember? The angels told her not to look back? But then she looked back and got turned into a pillar of salt?) to examine the very human experience of remaining trapped in the past. Eccles is keen to develop the tradition of devised theatre within the Sydney theatre scene, believing that the process of improvising and then refining leads to the creation of surprising images and ideas.
Huge Moves — the vibe-heavy natural wine event in Sydney — is celebrating the big 1-0 this June, and you're invited to join the party. Huge Moves 10 will be the biggest edition of the event to date, taking over all three levels of Martin Place hospitality hub The International for an afternoon of sipping, snacking and tunes on Saturday, June 7. Curated by Joel Amos of Sydney wine distributor DRNKS, this massive cellar door-style event will bring together over 40 winemakers pouring more than 150 natural and minimal-intervention wines. You'll be able to try a selection of wines from near and far, including drops by Giorgio De Maria Fun Wines, Lo-Fi Wines, Mallaluka, Pride of Lunatics, Wines of Lebanon and heaps more. Your sips will be backdropped by both impressive city views and sets by DJs Veda and Adi Toohey. There'll be something different to explore on each of the three levels, too. Redfern fave ATTENZIONE! will be taking over The Wine Bar, serving up a selection of its snackable, wine-friendly bites. Meanwhile, The Grill will host more of a sit-down affair with the debut of Quick-Fire Lunch, a thoughtful two-course dining journey with matched wines that'll have you in and out in just 45 minutes. And while the wines will stop pouring at 5.30pm, the party shifts upstairs to Panorama Bar half an hour later for throwback sets by DJ Levins and Captain Franco, who'll be spinning well into the evening.
Brunch is always great, and it tastes even better after a good old-fashioned sweat sesh. But, instead of collapsing into any old cafe after your spin class, on Saturday, September 21, you'll be able to do both the exercise and eating components of your morning in the one place: Chin Chin. First up, you'll get the blood pumping, pulling moves to one of Retrosweat's 45-minute 80s-inspired aerobics classes, as guided by founder Shannon Dooley. Think, neon lycra and plenty of Olivia Newton-John 'Physical' vibes. Then, tackle that appetite with a five-course, post-workout shared brunch feast, working a few signature Chin Chin twists. You'll dig into the likes of a wok-fried spanner crab omelette with coriander and sriracha, stir-fried egg noodles starring duck and bean sprouts, and coconut sago with lime curd and pineapple granita to finish. Of course, your aerobics efforts deserve something boozy, so there'll be a range of retro-themed cocktails also on offer. Try the fruity watermelon Fonda Flick Kick, or maybe cool down with the Aperol-infused Lychees in Lycra. Tickets clock in at $55, which include the Retrosweat class and a shared brunch (but no drinks). Come in your activewear and with an empty stomach. Images: Steven Woodburn.
On Wednesday, October 17, ten of Sydney's best bars will be transformed into classrooms for Raising the Bar. It's a global platform that gives city-dwellers access to great ideas in a fresh way — namely, with a drink in hand. The free event invites some of Sydney's brightest minds to share their smarts across a variety of categories — from art to political science to biology. One of those brilliant minds is artist Chris Fox, who will host For the Love of Art at The Sussex Hotel from 8pm. Fox is a senior lecturer in art processes and architecture, and his Interloop installation at Wynyard Station was recently awarded the 2018 National Trust Heritage Award for the Most Outstanding Project of the Year. During the talk, Fox will tell the story behind this installation — in which he upcycled Wynyard's demolished wooden escalator treads that were installed back in the 1930s. The exhibition nods to Sydney's past while looking toward the city's future. Fox will discuss the boundaries between art and architecture, as well as the impact that public art can have on a city's personality. The bar will be open for business, so grab a drink to sip on while absorbing all that artsy info that you'll impress others with later. Registration is a must, so head over here to nab your free ticket. Image: Josh Raymond.
Stare at The False Mirror at Magritte, one of the Art Gallery of New South Wales' big summer exhibitions for 2024–25, and the masterpiece of a painting from 1929 will peer right back. Among the Belgian surrealist René Magritte's most-famous creations, the piece features a giant eye looking at the viewer, while also filled with a cloudy blue sky. It's an unforgettable work, and it's one of the stars of the latest showcase as part of Sydney International Art Series. Another striking painting that's on display in the Harbour City from Saturday, October 26, 2024–Sunday, February 9, 2025: Golconda, Magritte's 1953 work that brings two other pieces of popular culture to mind. Just try not to think about Mary Poppins and The Weather Girls' song 'It's Raining Men' while you feast your eyes on the sight of bowler hat-wearing men streaming down from the heavens. At Magritte, which is exclusive to Sydney, The False Mirror, Golconda and 1952's The Listening Room (La Chambre d'Écoute) — which shows an oversized apple — have ample company at AGNSW's south building Naala Nura. In total, 100-plus works are on display. This is not only a huge retrospective dedicated to the artist, but also Australia's first retrospective dedicated to Magritte. More than 80 of the pieces are paintings, demonstrating why Magritte is considered one of the most-influential figures in 20th-century surrealism; however, archival materials, photographs and films also feature. Sydney International Art Series isn't just about one major exclusive showcase, of course. From Saturday, November 30, 2024–Sunday, April 13, 2025, AGNSW is also hosting Cao Fei: My City. Over at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia from Friday, November 29, 2024–Sunday, April 27, 2025, Julie Mehretu is on display as well. Images: installation view of the 'Magritte' exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 26 October 2024 – 9 February 2025, artworks © Copyright Agency, Sydney 2024, photo © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mim Stirling.
Blockbusters Les Miserables and The Hobbit may sell out screenings on Boxing Day, but no film session sells out like a St George OpenAir Cinema session sells out. There's something bewitching about the opportunity to watch a big screen and Sydney Harbour's landmarks in one sightline. Advanced tickets go within hours. Fortunately, their hot ticketing tips and limited door sales provide some hope. Running from January 10 to February 16, the 2013 OpenAir cinema will open with the Sydney premiere screening of Anna Karenina, the latest appearance by Keira Knightley in period finery. Other premieres in the program include Knocked Up semi-sequel This Is 40, the crazy celeb experiment that is Movie 43, and the new Bill Murray as Franklin D. Roosevelt charmer Hyde Park on Hudson. Argo, Django Unchained, Samsara, Life of Pi, and Gangster Squad are other hot tickets. To go along with the exceptional cinema setting, there's exceptional cinema food. Full meals come in the form of Cuban pulled pork sandwiches and handmade saffron and ricotta cannelloni, although the antipasto-style assemblages from the Peroni Aperitivo Bar may be the perfect choice for absent-minded grazing. It is, of course, fully licensed.
Palo Alto should come with a warning: may cause optic nerve damage as a result of excessive eye-rolling. Adapted from a collection of semi-autobiographical short stories by Instagram-age Renaissance man James Franco, the film marks the directorial debut of 26-year-old Gia Coppola, the granddaughter and niece of filmmakers Francis Ford and Sofia, respectively. A portrait of teenage disaffection, it's a film that attempts to capture the aimlessness, the angst and the self-aggrandised melancholy of youth. That it more or less succeeds in that goal is a big part of what makes it so unbearable. Emma Robert and newcomer Jack Kilmer play April and Teddy, a pair of brooding high schoolers absorbed by personal drama. He's a delinquent skater who's actually an unappreciated artist; she's the neglected daughter of self-absorbed parents who begins an affair with her creepy soccer coach (Franco). Meanwhile, Teddy's best bud Fred (Nate Wolff) finds himself drawn to increasingly anti-social behaviour to hide his insecurities, while another classmate Emily (Zoe Levine) turns to sex in order to hide her own. While Coppola and Franco do their best to depict the nuances of teenage ennui, their interlocking stories end up bringing little new material to what is already an over-saturated genre. Likewise, while the mannerisms of the characters feel pretty accurate, the kids ultimately come across more like ciphers than real people. There's little insight into why they do the things that they do, other than they're bored, perhaps, or feel entitled. Or maybe the world just, like, doesn't understand. Coppola's direction shows promise, only to fall into indie film cliché. Midnight strolls through deserted streets look as though they've been pulled from a Smashing Pumpkins music video circa 1996, while some of the visual metaphors — Fred driving the wrong way down the freeway, for example — are way too obvious to be profound. Despite this stumble, there's enough in Palo Alto to suggest the youngest Coppola may have a future ahead of her. You'd be less inclined to be charitable towards Franco, whose aggressive desire to be taken seriously makes it basically impossible to do so. https://youtube.com/watch?v=sTqMUu1iTIo
DOC is more than a familiar name to most Melbourne Italophiles. Having launched its first restaurant on Carlton's Drummond Street back in 2007, the group has since spawned a whole collection of delicatessens, espresso bars, and pizza and mozzarella bars across the city and even on the Mornington Peninsula. But, come the end of this month, DOC is sure to have won over a few locals, too, as it makes its Sydney debut with a new restaurant in the heart of Surry Hills. The Campbell Street outpost will be built on the group's love for timeless Italian simplicity, heroing classic pizzas with crisp bases and restrained, but high-quality toppings. You'll spy plenty of top-notch imported Italian ingredients, showcased across iterations like the pizza ai porcini — wild mushrooms, truffle oil, mozzarella and pecorino — and the pizza san daniele topped with tomato, buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto. And no one's about to get bored, with two new specials set to grace the menu each week. [caption id="attachment_697676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] DOC Carlton by Josie Withers/Visit Victoria[/caption] DOC's Italian-made buffalo mozzarella is the star of its antipasto offering, though pasta fiends will likely be tempted by the group's much-loved lasagne, available here in both classic and gluten-free vegetarian format. It'll all be backed by a considered mix of local and Italian vino, including some natural wines and a prosecco made by third-generation winery Cester Camillo in Treviso, Italy. And, if this one's anything like its siblings, we're sure an abundance of spritz and hearty 'ciao' greetings are also on the cards. Not only is DOC's new Sydney home just a stone's throw away from that of fellow Melbourne import Chin Chin, it'll soon be around the corner from the first Aussie outpost of the USA's Ace Hotel, which is slated to open next year. DOC Sydney is set to open at 78 Campbell Street, Surry Hills, from late February. It'll open for lunch Thursday to Sunday and for dinner nightly.
Unroll your posters, dust-off that secret diary and get ready to rock your body right: the Backstreet Boys are bringing their latest world tour Down Under. Get ready for another hefty dose of 90s nostalgia, too, given that you can now see the huge boy band at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Saturday, March 4–Sunday, March 5. Backstreet's back — alright. Get ready to belt out the lyrics to 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)', 'As Long As You Love Me', 'I Want It That Way', 'Larger Than Life' and 'Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely' when the famous five — aka AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and Kevin Richardson — head our way for a very nostalgic arena tour. The Backstreet Boys will also be performing songs off their 2019 album DNA, which debuted at number one on the charts when it was released and features Grammy-nominated single 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'. Fingers crossed that they also break out tracks from their new festive record A Very Backstreet Christmas, even though it won't quite be the season. Either way, we know you'll most likely be there for the 90s and early 00s goodness — and to break out your 'Everybody' moves.
With the future of Oxford Art Factory currently in the hands of City of Sydney Council (the venue has two DAs in consideration), now is the time to show some support for Sydney's live music scene. This Thursday night, new local band Ernest Ellis will take to the stage of the Oxford Street indie mecca to kick off their east coast tour. With a well-received debut album, Hunting, already behind them, this four-piece play laidback, floating pop-rock that clears the mind like a walk through the park on a cold, crisp afternoon. Songwriter and frontman Roland Ellis writes of journeys and voyages, lyrics inspired by the classic adventure tale. And with tracks recorded at the peak of a mountaintop, from the depths of a valley and in a bathtub, this band's unique approach to making music will no doubt transfer beautifully onto the stage. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9ia4N_ABYk8
These days, loads of places do raclette — Loluk, Handpicked Wines and Jardin St James are just a few that spring to mind. But you know who did it first? Bistro Papillon. And now the Clarence Street restaurant is bringing back its famed Soiree Raclette series — on the first and third Monday of each month, the charming French restaurant will dish up a fromage-filled feast of your cheesiest of cheese dreams. For $55 per person, the two-course dinner kicks off with one of Bistro Papillon's signature French-style entrees, like garlic and parsley baked snails, or a chicken liver parfait teamed with prune chutney. That's followed by the main event: a traditional dish of golden, oozy raclette. The cheese is scraped hot from the wheel straight onto your plate to complement an assortment of smoked and cured meats, potatoes and slices of crunchy baguette. Throw in a glass or two from the restaurant's all-French wine list and your week will be off to a very solid start. Book a table in advance on the website.
Aluka describe themselves as a “Melbourne-based band of ladies who enjoy making music, knitting and interpretative dance". Their musical collaboration was borne out of a tight friendship. Discovering a shared passion for hanging out together and singing, but less of one for learning instruments, they decided to go a cappella. Five years later, Aluka have performed and recorded with the likes of Missy Higgins, Lisa Mitchell and Clare Bowditch and have made an appearance at the Sydney Opera House. Now they're on their way to Sydney to launch debut LP Space. Involving tricky shifts in timing, unexpected spurts of body percussion, and complex harmonies, Aluka's songs challenge the conventional a cappella mould. In making their CD, the girls travelled all around Victoria, searching for sonically satisfying recording spots. A chook shed, a swimming pool, a bunker from the Second World War, several bathrooms and a particularly resonant stairwell all played host to the experimental trio.
When Elle Woods ditched her fashion merchandising studies for a stint at Harvard Law School, one of the big comedy box office hits of the 2000s was born. Legally Blonde spawned a sequel as well as a musical, and a third film in the franchise is actually set to reach cinemas in 2022; however, in exciting news for Sydneysiders this October, the Reese Witherspoon-starring flick is getting the Queer Table Reads treatment. The concept is right there in the name: at Queer Table Reads, an all-queer cast of local comedians read through the scripts of beloved movies, bringing it to life in front of your eyes with their vocal performances. Heteronormative films that the LGBTQIA+ community adore aren't just thrown some extra love here — they're adapted from a queer perspective. At 7.30pm on Saturday, October 30, it's Legally Blonde's turn, with producer and host Jenna Suffern overseeing a cast that spans Gemma Bird Matheson, Nina Oyama, Vic Zerbst, Tommy Misa, Brendan Hancock, Natali Caro, Maeve Marsden, Rowdie Walden and Mây Trần. Head along to Darlinghurst Theatre Company to see the results — and dressing up like it's still 2001 is highly encouraged. Wearing pink would suit the occasion, clearly, but there's plenty of other 00s fashion trends to revive. While you're doing just that, there'll also be a So Fresh soundtrack and 00s-themed cocktails, too. Top image: Robert Catto.
Get excited, festivalgoers: Pitch Music & Arts is returning to Grampian Plains in 2025, complete with a jam-packed roster of talent. Joy Orbison, Honey Dijon, Funk Tribu, 2manydjs: they're all on the bill. So are Daria Kolosova, SPFDJ, 999999999, Shanti Celeste, FJAAK, Lady Shaka and Job Jobse, with the list going on from there. Everyone should make the trip to the Grampians at least once, and here's as ace an excuse to do so as any: the return of the much-loved camping festival, which will host its eighth edition, taking over Moyston again. Next years' festivities are happening from Friday, March 7–Tuesday, March 11. Not only will its three stages play host to a sparkling lineup of local and international musical talent, as always, but the tunes will be backed by a hefty program of interactive art and installations. Basically, no matter who makes it onto the bill, attendees are in for a very big, very busy four days. Joy Orbison's 'flight fm' and 'better' were used in teaser videos for 2025's fest, which was indeed a huge advance lineup hint. You can also look forward to catching Gabber Eleganza, BASHKKA, Funk Assault, Baraka, ISAbella, Ogazón, southstar, Midland, Dax J, Anetha and plenty more, including Osmosis Jones, Moopie, DJ PGZ, Stev Zar, Jennifer Loveless and Mabel. On the Pitch Music & Arts arts lineup: Adnate, Anatolik Belikov, Ash Keating, Builders Club, Clayton Blake, EJ Son, ENOKi, Georgia Treloar, Henry Howson & Ambrose Zacharakis, Jaqui Munoz, Joan Sandoval, Lukas Rafik Mayer, ØFFËRÎNGŠ (aka Melissa Gilbert), Petra Péterffy, Rachel Lyn & Cameron Trafford, Raquel Villa, Reelize Studio, Sam Hayes, TERRAIN, Tetrik and UnitePlayPerform. In between all of the dance-floor sessions and arty things, festivalgoers will again be able to make themselves at home in the Pitch Pavilion, which is where yoga classes, meditation and sound baths usually help patrons unwind. The local-focused Club Serra will be new in 2025, championing homegrown talent. Pitch Music & Arts 2025 Lineup 2 LUBLY 2manydjs (DJ set) 6 SENSE 999999999 Anetha Audrey Danza BADSISTA Baraka (LIVE) BASHKKA D. Tiffany Daria Kolosova b2b SPFDJ Dax J Diffrent DJ Fuckoff DJ Gigola DJ Paulette DJ PGZ b2b Moopie Ed Kent Ela Minus Elli Acula Fadi Mohem FJAAK (LIVE) Funk Assault Funk Tribu Gabber Eleganza presents the Hakke Show GiGi FM Guy Contact Honey Dijon ISAbella Jennifer Loveless Job Jobse Joy Orbison Kasper Marott Kia Kuzco (LIVE) Lacchesi Lady Shaka Leo Pol Maara Mabel Maruwa Mia Koden Midland Mikalah Watego Miley Serious Naycab Ned Bennett Objekt Ogazón Ollie Lishman Osmosis Jones Pablo Bozzi Pegassi Shanti Celeste southstar Stev Zar Sugar Free Surf 2 Glory Taylah Elaine The Illustrious Blacks Trym VOLVOX Y U QT Images: Duncographic, William Hamilton Coates, Max Roux and Ashlea Caygill.
The arrival of summer means afternoons spent in beer gardens and nights that run late on cocktail bar rooftops. But, what if you could have an equally stimulating experience while avoiding that tinge of regret that comes when checking your bank balance the next day? The wonders of BYO make this dream scenario possible! With countless booze-friendly destinations to discover throughout the Harbour City and its surrounds, you can celebrate every kind of occasion with your closest pals and a carefully curated drinks selection from your own fridge or local bottle shop. Together with Mosey Fruity Beer, the hottest newcomer to the beer aisle, we've rounded up a collection of cracking BYO-friendly spots to hit up this summer. Ranging from much-loved restaurants to weekend escapes, all six picks are confirmed hot spots for taking a Mosey along. By stashing a can (or a four-pack) of the new brew in your bag, you're bringing a fruity take on the classic frothy — and an added level of freshness and 'crushability'. Our prediction? You'll be stinging for a sip by the time you're finished reading. [caption id="attachment_827080" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Elliott Kramer[/caption] ORGANISE A SUNSET BEACHSIDE BBQ Set along the beachfront overlooking Middle Harbour, Clontarf Reserve in the Northern Beaches is an idyllic spot for a sunset barbecue. The fact that it's BYO-friendly only sweetens the deal. With this expansive green space offering a well-equipped barbecue area, you're all set to cook your snags or veggie burgers to enjoy as the red, orange and purple hues sweep across the fading sky at dusk. If you're not in the mood to lug around a picnic basket, Clontarf Reserve is also home to Bosk — a stellar restaurant and kiosk immersed in foliage. Grab a juicy burger, a Turkish bread toastie or a homemade ice cream to go along with the park's BYO-friendly hours which last from 8am to 8pm. [caption id="attachment_874272" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chester Newling[/caption] PICNIC IN THE PARK Sydney has pristine gardens aplenty and Dunbar Park in Avalon is one of the best for BYO fun (with the allure of a beachside posi). Running behind Avalon Village, you can leave home with only your Moseys because you've got a generous selection of bakeries, grocers and cafes to stock you up for the most outstanding picnic. On the other side of town, Centennial Park offers boundless space where you can enjoy a fresh and fruity beer with pals. As the largest public green space in the city, you won't have a problem finding a peaceful patch to break out the lawn games away from the crowds. Just keep an eye out for designated alcohol-free zones before cracking your tinnies. [caption id="attachment_869922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yutacar, Unsplash[/caption] AVOID THE RELOS BY HOSTING A FRIENDS-MAS PARTY While there are parks, beaches and restaurants galore in virtually every corner of Sydney, you don't have to leave home at all to make the most of BYO. In fact, organising a friends-mas party as the holiday season approaches is the best method to avoid any awkward family encounters (including unanticipated run-ins at your favourite restaurant) or simply enjoy the best of festivities with your chosen family. Best of all? Hosting your closest pals at home means you get to choose the tunes, define the dance floor and skip the pilgrimage home altogether. Just load up a playlist with your favourite bangers and clear some space in the fridge to keep the brews icy cold. [caption id="attachment_759109" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] HIT A LOCAL BYO RESTAURANT Bar Italia has been keeping hungry diners fed since 1952 — more than earning institution status. The timeless and delightfully consistent menu is complemented by quick service, large servings and simple deliciousness. While the tremendous pasta servings and housemade gelato leave an impression, the $1pp corkage makes this an elite BYO destination for the coin-conscious. Shift a couple suburbs east to Haymarket and you'll come across Mamak (pictured above). This bustling Malaysian eatery is a crowded affair thanks to its widely adored satay dishes, flavour-packed curries and utterly perfect roti. With the street-style food and $2pp corkage, Mamak is a top spot for a BYO banquet. SKIP TOWN FOR THE WEEKEND Take your BYO dreams on the road by securing incredible out-of-town accommodation. The Black Chapel in Austinmer (pictured above) is hugely impressive — offering a lavishly styled home surrounded by bush. After you've taken a soak in the plunge pool and schvitzed in the Finnish sauna, wander down the bush track to nearby Sharkies Beach to enjoy a few waterside brews. St Joseph's Guesthouse in Saint Albans is a unique stay for an inland adventure that has strong countryside-English-manor vibes. Built by convicts in 1839, this former church has been lovingly restored to accommodate up to 10 guests. Featuring an outdoor pool, a cinema projector and a rooftop lounge beneath the old church steeple, BYO has never been so good. [caption id="attachment_649049" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] David Finn[/caption] CRUISE OUT FOR A CAMPING TRIP Soak up some of the state's most scenic spots with a brew in hand on a camping trip. As the only place you can pitch a tent in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, The Basin campground ensures you're easily within reach of coastline, rainforest and bushland. North of Newcastle, in Myall Lakes National Park, Treachery Camp is another tranquil campground primed for sipping down a cold beer. Here, in the sleepy Seal Rocks locale, you can roam sand dunes and wild nature walks that dip in and out of the coastal bluff. Throw some tinnies in the daypack to enjoy with your well-earned lunch break. Armed with a ripper BYO spot and a four-pack of Mosey Fruity Beers, you'll be ready to make summer yours. To find out more about the juicy bevs, head to the website. Top image: Chester Newling
Lennox Hastie is the mind behind one of Sydney's most talked about restaurants. Since bursting onto the scene in 2015, Firedoor has built a cult following. Tables at the venue book out three months in advance, and it was recently named the world's third-best steak restaurant. Now, Hastie is back with a new venture. Gildas is a more laidback display of Hastie's love of food and wine. The Surry Hills bar draws inspiration from the time the acclaimed restauranter spent in Europe's Basque Country, as well as San Sebastian pintxo, and the 1946 Rita Hayworth-starring film Gilda. From the combination of these influences comes a romantic wine bar centered around glasses of sherry, cracking martinis and fresh produce. "The Basque tradition of the pinxtos taverna is a space where locals come together as a community to snack on small plates of pinxtos, tell stories, and enjoy a drink, specifically one of Jerez's best; the Sherry," the Gildas menu states. There are 12 varieties of sherry or sherry-style wine on the menu, ranging from more affordable tipples like the Bodega Barrero Manzanilla, through to pours of 1999 Pedro Ximenez. Outside of the drink of choice, there's an extensive wine list, traversing South Australian skin contacts, Charles Heidsieck champagne, and plenty of Spanish varieties. Accompanying the array of wine is a short and to-the-point selection of cocktails and aperitif including Spanish vermouth, a manzanilla sour, white-wine sangria, and expected standards like a martini and old fashioned. As for the food, experienced chef Zach Elliott-Crenn heads up the kitchen after previously working as the Executive Chef at Maggie Joan's in Singapore and the Head Chef of Portland in London. Elliott-Crenn's menu brings together quality Australian and Spanish produce into memorable share plates. Leading the menu is a trio of cured meats — Basque ham, paleta iberico and jamon iberico. From there the dishes become more unpredictable. There are spanner crab churros, beef tartare with rock oyster cream, oyster mushrooms with smoked egg yolk and charred leeks with romesco and lardo salumi. Finish your trip to Gildas with a playful dessert, the smoked buffalo milk soft serve topped with dulce de leche. While bookings at the bar are already full until mid-October, half the venue is left open for walk-ins so that, unlike Firedoor, you can nab a spontaneous table. Gildas is located at 46–48 Albion Street, Surry Hills. It's open 5pm–midnight Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Nikki To
Sydney's lower north shore has scored itself an impressive new addition, with The Alcott opening its doors in Lane Cove today Complete with restaurant, roomy outdoor terrace and its own spritz bar, the 200-seater brings plenty to the table. It's a modern, multifaceted space for all occasions, and it has been designed by Pony Design Co, who recently kitted out The Fernery nearby in Mosman and Camperdown's Acre. The venue also boasts an upbeat fit-out built on bold feature tones and a menu anchored in the Mediterranean. In the kitchen, Head Chef Richard Slarp is plating up fresh seasonal fare with a wholesome edge. Best enjoyed in that al fresco dining space are dishes like the saltbush lamb ribs with almond sumac and coriander, crispy brussels sprouts paired with romesco, and a show-stopping whole calamari, chargrilled and matched with tomato breadcrumbs and pickled fennel. On the weekends, The Alcott will open its doors earlier — at 11am — for brunch. It'll serve up shakshuka, smashed avocado and a hearty Warm Green Bowl, with sweet potato hummus, kale, pumpkin seeds and poached eggs. Those wanting to turn their back on winter altogether will find their oasis in the spritz bar, serving cocktails infused with flavours like rosemary, grapefruit, elderflower and lychee. The cocktails are backed up by an extensive wine selection, with plenty of love for Euro-leaning Aussie drops. Find The Alcott at 1 Birdwood Avenue, Lane Cove.
If any baked delight deserves a day to be celebrated, it's Australia's national treat, the lamington. And as Sydney's undisputed ambassadors for those delicious chocolate-dipped cubes of sponge cake and jam, the good folks at Tokyo Lamington are the obvious choice to lead those festivities on World Lamington Day. "[World Lamington Day] is a fantastic opportunity to share our passion for lamingtons with our community and celebrate this special day," said Eddie Stewart, the co-founder of Tokyo Lamington. On the day in question — Sunday, July 21 — Tokyo Lamington will join forces with ONA Coffee to give away 2000 free lamingtons and 2000 free lamington lattes. What's a lamington latte, you cry? It's a creamy brew made with ONA Coffee's sweet, biscuity maple blend and supercharged with vanilla, raspberry and coconut flavouring, delivering the unmistakable taste of a lamington with all the caffeinated goodness of your morning joe. Customers will be entitled to either one free OG lamington — Tokyo Lamington's signature bake, filled with raspberry jam and vanilla cream, dipped in a dark chocolate sauce and coated in shredded coconut — or a lamington latte with every purchase at any of the duo's locations. However, it'll pay to be the early bird as this giveaway will be available only while supplies last. World Lamington Day is not the only thing the Tokyo Lamington crew have to celebrate at present. The innovative bakehouse recently opened their second Sydney outpost which, in addition to their range of lamingtons, is also baking a whole range of baked goods, including quiches, pies, sausage rolls and cakes. You can find Tokyo Lamington & The Bakery at 140 Marrickville Road, Marrickville.
Torakina Beach should be your number-one choice for stand-up paddleboarding. Set at the mouth of the Brunswick River, this sheltered paradise sees barely a ripple for waves, so pushing yourself along the crystal-clear waters is relatively hassle-free. You're also well within touching distance of Brunswick Heads, with the community's thriving cafe scene just a five-minute walk away if you're in need of a post-paddle refuel. Want to keep it a bit more rustic? With picnic areas, barbecues and showers spread throughout the surrounding bushland, Torakina Beach is a truly dreamy spot for a day in the sun. Image: Sam Forson, Pexels
Variety isn't just the spice of life, as the old saying goes; it's also a necessity when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat. Even if you know what kind of food you're in the mood for, sometimes you're after something quick and tasty to devour with a cocktail in hand, and sometimes you want the full sit-down meal experience. An izakaya-style sashimi bar and restaurant on the site of a former sushi train, Kenny Rens offers both for anyone keen for a feast of Japanese cuisine. Get comfy in the pink stone bar that takes up the front room, or settle in for a leisurely dinner out the back. Either way, prepare for an explosion of flavours courtesy of dishes prepared with authentic but not necessarily traditional methods in mind, cooked up on a robata grill, and accompanied by an extensive range of Japanese whiskeys to wash it down with. From the selection of fresh sashimi and poké bowls, menu highlights include Balmain bugs infused with spicy yuzukosho garlic butter, plus scallops with white fungus, buttermilk, yuzu dressing and coriander oil. Those after something without seafood might be tempted by the wagyu tri tip with mushroom salad, amadare sauce, nama wasabi, garlic chips and baby shiso. As well as amber spirits, sake and a hefty wine list, the drinks range features signature cocktails such as the Akuma (with blood orange juice, agave, Suntory Hibiki distillers reserve and jalapeno) and the Cherry Blossom (with cherry brandy, orange curaco, lemon, grenadine and IWIA non traditional whiskey). Opening on March 23 with 20 seats before expanding to 40 seats down the track, the bar and eatery comes from businessman Nick Diamond. He's brought on interior designer Paul Kelly, and together, they've drawn on inspiration from their travels in Japan to create this new venue. "Tokyo has an energy that is arguably unparalleled by any city in the world," says Kelly, who also took care of Kenny Rens' interiors and has worked on Sokyo, Black by Ezard and Salaryman. "I wanted to bring a touch of that excitement, quality and effortless innovation back to Sydney." Find Kenny Rens at 146 Queen Street, Woollahra. For more information, visit their Facebook page. UPDATE MARCH 30, 2017: This article initially stated that Kenny Rena was a joint venture, which was incorrect. The article has been updated to reflect this.
If you remember UNKLE's debut album Psyence Fiction (1996), then chances are that like me, you could be thinking about hanging up those dancing shoes. It's almost 20 years since the release of the seminal debut and I know my joints are getting a bit creaky. Well fear not, UNKLE are bringing their new live show to the comfortably adult confines of the Sydney Opera House. The full band (in its latest incarnation anyway) replete with string section, will be taking over the Concert Hall with an array of LED screens, video projections and lights. They'll be performing both new and old material, in what will be a truly spectacular sensory and auditory experience. Founding member James Lavelle was a pioneer of the fusion of hip hop with classic breaks back in the mid-90s. As owner of the former Mo'Wax Records, he helped launch the careers of DJ Shadow, DJ Krush and Money Mark. His innovative approach to music has kept the UNKLE sound continually evolving and has led to many artist collaborations with the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Ian Brown, Thom Yorke, Mike D from the Beastie Boys, Badly Drawn Boy, both Mark Lanegan and Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, and 3D from Massive Attack to name but a few, all lending their creative talents over the years. Last year's release of the acclaimed Where Did the Night Fall (2010) marked yet another change in direction for the group and displays influences as diverse as krautrock, psychedelia, techno, afrobeat, alongside their grass roots sample sound.
Spend a cruisy summer Saturday evening listening to acoustic songs and staring at Sydney Harbour thanks to Cockatoo Island's sunset sessions. Most Saturdays until March 28, you'll be able to listen to music from local and international acoustic musicians. Venue 505 — which is sadly closing its Surry Hills spot in December — has curated the lineup, so you know you're in for an ace run of talent. The series will kick off with folk jazz singer Alice Terry, and will be followed by 20-year-old Woorabinda artist Miiesha and Sydney rapper Taj Ralph. There'll also be a special First Nations event on November 30 with performances from Bow and Arrow, Evie J Willie and Indigenous Enterprise. Sets start at 5pm, but we recommend heading over to the island early to soak up as much sun as possible. And, because the combination of great music and gorgeous views begets some refreshments, there will be beer and wine, as well as cheese and charcuterie boxes available to purchase. Tickets are $30 each.
No longer just the realms of Monica Trapaga residencies and kiddie-aimed pantomimes, Twilight at Taronga — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps the best view of Sydney Harbour as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven it's got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. The 2017 lineup featured the likes of Peter Garrett, Kurt Vile and Killing Heidi and, from the looks of things, 2018 will be even bigger. Held in Taronga Zoo's natural amphitheatre, the concert series kicks off on Friday, February 2 with a set by Sydney legends The Jezebels. They'll be followed on Saturday by Dan Sultan, who'll perform alongside Melbourne's The Teskey Brothers. Other standouts include Neil and Liam Finn, The Preatures, Cloud Control and Julia Jacklin, retro faves The Lemonheads and a Valentine's Day special edition of the cult rock music trivia show, RocKwiz. They've also announced partnerships with Electric Lady presenting Tired Lion and Sloan Peterson and Future Classic presenting Mount Kimbie, Kučka and Christopher Port. And yes, ABBA tribute act Bjorn Again will be back by popular demand. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be hampers available onsite. Tickets are on sale now and include same-day entry into the zoo plus free select public transport. As always, all proceeds will go back into Taronga's ongoing conservation work. To celebrate the 2018 lineup, and to help ease the strain on your wallets after the festive season, we're giving away a double pass to the concert of your choice (subject to availability). Die-hard ABBA fan? Can't stop singing "Is This How You Feel"? Dancing around the office to Cloud Control? We've got you, and your beloved plus one. To enter, see details below. TWILIGHT AT TARONGA 2018 LINEUP Friday, February 2 - The Jezabels Saturday, February 3 - Dan Sultan with The Teskey Brothers Friday, February 9 - Paul Dempsey Sunday, February 11 - Neil and Liam Finn Wednesday, February 14 - RocKwiz Thursday, February 15 - RocKwiz Saturday, February 17 - Cloud Control and Julia Jacklin Friday, February 23 - Bjorn Again Saturday, February 24 - Bjorn Again Thursday, March 1 - The Lemonheads and Jebediah Friday, March 2 - The Preatures supported by The Creases Saturday, March 3 - Electric Lady presents - Tired Lion and Sloan Peterson Friday, March 9 - Future Classic presents - Mount Kimbie, Kučka and Christopher Port Saturday, March 10 - James Morrison Sunday, March 11 - James Reyne Plays All Crawl Friday, March 16 - Kate Miller-Heidke supported by Odette Saturday, March 17 - Tex, Don and Charlie [competition]654486[/competition]
Consider yourself a bit of a wine expert? Can you swish with the best of them? Can you hold long conversations about tasting notes and ageing barrels? Or are you more in the Leslie Knope school of thought when it comes to wine sampling — couldn't tell you the difference between a Cab Sav and a Merlot, but it's tasty and I'll go with it? Wherever you sit on this spectrum, Mental Notes promises to have something for everybody on the wine enthusiast scale. Returning for their third event on September 23, both levels of the Lansdowne Hotel will be hosting winemakers from all over Australia, giving keen wine-drinkers the opportunity to taste a cheeky wine, or three. With over a hundred wines available for the tasting, you can drink your way through the country's vineyards, and learn a trick or two from the winemakers themselves. If this wasn't already a pretty sweet deal, there will also be a smattering of food on the day to complement (read: soak up) some of that sweet wine goodness thanks to the venue. Hosted by Joel Amos (DRNKS) as well Kenneth Graham and Jake Smyth of Mary's, The Unicorn and the Landsdowne fame, there will also be a casual bar operating during the wine tasting — with a wine list that will be changing every hour — because, can you ever really have enough booze at a wine event?
When we see the world of Grover's Corners, the titular town that will be the focus of the play, we are expecting a huge and populated set after the Stage Manager (Darren Gilshenan), who acts as a narrator for the entirety of the action, has given the audience a lengthy description of all the characters and the places that we will see. The curtain rises, and the stage is bare. Don't confuse this lack of set with a lack of action in the play. Our Town is up there with Shakespeare in the American theatrical canon and so has an epic history of performances, going back to when Thornton Wilder first wrote the thing back in the 1930s, that any new productions have bearing down on their shoulders. Luckily, like a well roided-up Atlas holding the heavens above his head, the Sydney Theatre Company have done it justice. Our Town really is as simple as its name implies. It's the story of two generations of the inhabitants of one small American town and the small daily lives that they lead. The important part of this play is that nothing really happens, no major events or arguments or dramatic occurrences. That's the point, however. Our Town was written to highlight both the banality and the nostalgic sweetness of small-town life. That's why we're allowed to see the theatrical set-up, because actually we've seen the world the characters inhabit many times before. Darren Gilshenan is a personal favourite on stage and pulls off a solid turn as the Stage Manager. His interaction with the audience may end with the odd random question being thrown our way, but with his breaking down of the illusion of theatre by directing characters in their actions and ordering intermissions, we're constantly made aware of the artifice of the situation. It's a simple yet highly effective device on the part of Wilder. As is the sound design. Very little soundtrack is used throughout the play, instead an onstage actor creates the sound effects like an old-school radio play with bottles and baseball gloves, much to the delight of the audience. As an American classic, the play can only be set in America and thus American accents are compulsory. While not everyone pulls this off without a hitch, the majority carry it along. Funny, sweet, wry and poignant, Our Town is all these things and more, with a little spattering of the theme song from Neighbours. Check it out.
A food truck park with laid-back summer vibes, games and mini-festivals is about to land in the northern beaches. Sydney's first permanent food truck destination, Truck Stop is set to makes its home inside Mona Vale's sprawling food and entertainment hot spot Park House. Opening just in time for Father's Day (on Sunday, September 2, FYI), Truck Stop will be home to a rotating lineup of food trucks as well as some pretty impressive permanent features — including a bar in an old-school 50s Airstream, a pizza kitchen and a taco truck in a vintage school bus. In between eating and drinking, if you get sick of doing only that, you'll be able to listen to live music, on a stage made from an old flatbed pickup truck, and play a round of hand ball, croquet or ping pong. On top of all that, the food truck park will also play host to a series of pop-up events, including Craftoberfest (September 28–October 7) and Pound Paws Doggy Day (November 3). So there's already a fair bit on the agenda to draw you north of the bridge (if you're not already there). Truck Stop will open on Sunday, September 2. It will be from Friday to Sunday throughout the summer.
Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Hope Brewhouse is all about four things: beer, wine, food and music. The 420-hectare property is home to a winery, restaurant and one of the state's biggest outdoor stages. The venue has hosted the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac, as well as events like Wine Machine, the Grapest 5k run and the Elton John's farewell tour. But it's still worth coming here on any regular weekend. You'll also find large tables and benches resembling a German beer hall and, outside, the patio serves up views of green hills, gum trees and vineyards — making it one of New South Wales' most picturesque breweries. It's the perfect place to work through Hope's listing of interesting brews, like the 'choc milk' porter (infused with milk sugar, cocoa and vanilla extract), the super juicy New England-style IPA and the rice and sorghum gluten-free pilsner. The kitchen operates all day, too, with a menu of pizza, burgers, cheese plates and bar snacks available. Hope Estate's 18 wines are of course also on offer. So you'll have plenty to work your way through — we just suggest you get a designated driver.
A boundary-pushing new venue is set to arrive in Newtown in February after more than a year of anticipation. Pleasure Club will arrive beneath King Street on Friday, February 23, hitting the Inner West with cocktail and entertainment programs to rival the city's best. The bustling basement bar comes from Odd Culture Group, the hospitality team behind the likes of The Duke of Enmore, The Old Fitz and its namesake bar. The space has been granted the first 4am license issued in Newtown in 100 years, and will feature a live music and performance lineup that the team promises will be a bastion of creativity and inclusiveness in this city. Adding to the excitement, there will be a creative drinks program crafted in tandem with innovator Matt Whiley (Re-, ex-Scout) and Creative Beverage Lead and General Manager Sam Kirk (Jacksons on George, The Coldroom). [caption id="attachment_828933" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Street, Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] "We want to change the way we perceive and interact with late-night experiences in Sydney," says Odd Culture Group Creative Director Nick Zavadszky. "After so many years of control and limitations, Pleasure Club is our creative vessel — a pocket dimension of all the weird and wonderful shit we like to celebrate. It exists to provide connection, escapism from the world above, and give Sydney a safe and inclusive space to enjoy late nights." Whiley and Kirk will lead an in-venue cocktail lab at Pleasure Club. The pair, who previously worked together at Whiley's acclaimed London venues The Talented Mr Fox and Peg + Patriot, will conceptualise seasonal cocktail programs built on themes and stories. Expect these lists to colour outside the lines, starting with the opening lineup of drinks branded Nostalgia Machine. [caption id="attachment_896941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cocktail at Matt Whiley's Re-[/caption] "Our first menu will be a new take on Australiana that you wouldn't have seen or experienced before, not necessarily relying on Australian native ingredients or only Australian products to convey a story," says Kirk. "The cool thing is, with the lab equipment we have, we can create anything without any limits, and the team is letting their imaginations run wild," adds Whiley. These exciting mixed drinks will be part of a wider drinks menu with a little something for everyone — and will accompany the equally innovative slate of entertainment. Visitors can expect everything from stripped-back acoustic sets and twisty jazz performances to live theatre and plenty of fast, loud rock. [caption id="attachment_873974" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Duke of Enmore[/caption] "Crafting the entertainment experience at Pleasure Club has felt akin to curating the art inside a grand museum," says Entertainment Manager Sabrina Medcalf. "Art defies convention (or at least the best art should) — it's immersive, experimental, subjective, confronting and stirs something in you, which is everything the Pleasure Club entertainment bill seeks to offer. Surrender to your primal instincts, embrace the allure of sin, and revel in the celebration of the unique and unconventional. When that curtain opens, expect the unexpected." If this all sounds like a lot, it is — but that's the most exciting thing about this new venue from one of Sydney's most passionate hospitality crews. You'll just have to wait until Friday, February 23 to experience everything Pleasure Club has to offer for yourself. [caption id="attachment_844384" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hot Mess Party at Odd Culture Group's now-closed Oxford Tavern[/caption] Pleasure Club will open at 6 Wilson Street, Newtown on Friday, February 23. It will operate from 4pm–4am Wednesday–Sunday. To stay up to date with everything happening at the venue, follow the bar's Instagram account. Top image: Christopher Pearce
After loading Sydneysiders onto a cruise ship for an immersive Titanic Experience, transforming a Melbourne CBD building into a jail for recreation of The Shawshank Redemption and taking over a sandstone mansion for a Great Gatsby party, Beyond Cinema are not short on material for its fantastical cinematic extravaganzas. But, even so, it's bringing back one of its more popular events: the Mad Hatter's Tea Party Take leap down the rabbit hole for a Mad Hatter's Tea Party on Sunday, August 4 at Centennial Homestead. Transcending the boundary between film and imagination, the two-hour Alice in Wonderland-themed immersive experience won't screen the film, but will instead recreate it with an English afternoon tea, which, much like the film, is expected to go insanely awry. There will be two sessions: one at 10am for families and another at 1.30pm for adults only. Tickets are $83 and include a high tea spread, as well as a coffee and a glass of sparkling. As with other events, fancy dress is required, which in this case will be your most colourful and bizarre outfit — each attendee will also be assigned a character to gear their costume toward. Just don't be late.
It might not be quite the same as jetting off on an international getaway, but the banks of Circular Quay are about to get a taste of New Caledonian beach life, as part of a four-day pop-up this July. A whole heap of sand will transform the eastern side of the quay, between the ferry terminals and the Sydney Opera House, into a tropical oasis inspired by the French island's beach villages. The summery beach is part of the city's annual Bastille Festival, which also includes a wintry Christmas in July Village over in the Rocks. As well as New Caledonia, the temporary beach takes inspiration from the artificial beaches that pop-up along the Seine in Paris during summer. The Sydney beach, however, will have a bit more going on. From July 11 to 14, the sandy stretch is set to be the ultimate playground for those avoiding winter, dotted with beach chairs and palm trees and filled with cocktails, treasure hunts, games and island-inspired fare. Imagine lazing beneath the beach umbrellas while you tuck into the likes of barbecued prawn and pineapple skewers and coconut-glazed roast pork, before sampling limited-edition Noumea-style ice cream treats and desserts from your mates at KOI and Messina. Yep, the Sydney dessert big guns are getting involved for this one. To match, there'll be a bar serving a cocktail selection heavy on rum, coconut and pineapple, along with a tidy lineup of French rosé and bubbles. But it doesn't have to be all lounging and lazing. If you prefer a more adventurous sort of summer getaway, round up your own crew of pirates to take part in a giant treasure hunt, trekking all through Circular Quay and the Rocks. Or, have a crack at 'coconut pétanque' — a riff on the classic European game, which plays a little like Aussie lawn bowls. The Island Kanak Beach Village will be open from Thursday–Saturday 10am–10.30pm and Sunday 10am–8.30pm.
