Much loved Scottish whisky brand The Macallan is holding a pop-up experience in Sydney to celebrate a new collaboration between the brand and Stella and Mary McCartney. Yes, that is the Stella McCartney the fashion designer and noted offspring of Beatles legend Sir Paul, along with her sister Mary who is a photographer. The duo have partnered with The Macallan on the third iteration of The Harmony Collection featuring a pair of whiskys, the Amber Meadow and the Green Meadow, and a series of hand-crafted luxury lifestyle objects and homewares, including glassware, ceramics and a particularly beautiful lambswool blanket, all inspired by the Scottish heritage of the brand — and the McCartney family. The four-day pop-up is taking place at Hickson Road Reserve where guests can taste the new Harmony III limited edition drops (also available to purchase), enjoy stunning photography created exclusively for the campaign by Mary McCartney, and add the final touches to their cocktails via a garnish garden. Attendance is free (bookings are required via the website), however guests will need to purchase cocktails and drams. Secure your spot at one of the session times.
This newly renovated Californian motel is run by the famous US drag queen, Trixie Mattel, and is just as bright and fun as you can imagine. You will overdose on sensory inputs, no matter what room you stay in. That's because every Trixie Motel room is bursting with bright colours and loud patterns (more is most certainly more). What else would you expect from a drag queen motel in the sunny California desert? Like Trixie Mattel, the owner and famous Drag Race queen, the entire facility is 60s and 70s flower power themed. You'll feel like Malibu Barbie, as you spend the days roaming from your unique room to the pink and white outdoor pool. This place is so extra! And why should it be anything else? The Trixie Motel has a little on-site cafe and bar which serves up a few creative snacks and small bites alongside plenty of speciality cocktails and beverages. It's mostly stuff you can enjoy while sitting around the pink and white tiled outdoor area by the pool – but they do provide private dinners too. They just need to be pre booked – and can be served in most places on the property. Alternatively, head to the local restaurants for more substantial food options. Most people come Palm Springs to experience the resort spa lifestyle. But this area has also developed into a real culture hub. Check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, McCallum Theatre and Palm Springs Design Centre in between taking hikes around the local national parks and shopping at the countless boutique stores. Or do none of this, just spending the whole day sitting by the pool, sipping on cocktails. The choice is all yours. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Missed Euro summer this year? Enjoy an Aussie summer with an Italian twist with at Manly Pavilion instead. Throughout the summer season, Manly Pav will host a range of events to celebrate the drink of the season — the Aperol Spritz — and its Italian heritage, starting with Archies Bar. From December 27 until January 2, the heritage-listed venue will bring a taste of Venice to West Esplanade with a pop-up bar underneath the arches at Manly Pav. Take a seat on the outdoor terrace and enjoy an Aperol Spritz, delicious canapés and Italian-inspired meals on a summery arvo. On Saturdays during summer, the Aperol Fiat will be on-site to bust out some tunes with live DJ sets. Manly Pavilion isn't the only venue getting involved in the spritz season. Each venue in the Boathouse Group will be hosting a bespoke happy hour, High Tides, where punters can sip Aperol Spritzes at only $14 each while watching the tide come in. The happy hour also includes a range of cocktails, wines and beer. High Tides runs from 5–7pm on weekdays at Manly Pavilion and 5–7pm Thursday to Sunday at Boathouse Shelly Beach. Each Friday evening after High Tides, visitors will also get to enjoy live music that perfectly pairs with their sunset spritz. If you can't get enough of live music during summer, Boathouse Group is also launching the Sound Waves music program at its venues to showcase local talent and bring the community together over a drink. When it comes to summertime drinks, look no further than an Aperol Spritz. To learn more about the classic cocktail, head to the website.
Melbourne is about to get a whole lot jazzier as the streets and laneways of the city are set to come alive with the sounds of brass, the beats of drums, and the smooth notes of saxophone. These sounds can only mean one thing: the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is back in town. From October 20 to October 29, Australia's top jazz event will treat locals and tourists alike to over 100 performances in more than 30 venues. The ten-day extravaganza will see jazz music swinging into concert halls, bustling bars, iconic live music joints and even along the scenic banks of the Yarra. Hell, if you're up for a swim, you might even catch some smooth tunes at the Melbourne City Baths. The MIJF has been Melbourne's prized possession since 1998, and it's been a magical time of the year ever since. But this year, the festival organisers have truly outdone themselves, as more than 450 artists from all over the world — paired with Australia's finest — are about to elevate the city's vibe. Highlights include the legendary Chaka Khan, who will be gracing the Sidney Myer Music Bowl stage, celebrating half a century in music and a chill resume boasting ten Grammys. Joining her for the Jazz at the Bowl will be the eternally-funky Nile Rodgers & CHIC, along with Australia's very own Kaiit and Horns of Leroy. Elsewhere, the festival has an expansive array of free community events. You can experience a taste of New Orleans right here in Melbourne as a vibrant parade headed by the Hot 8 Brass Band graces Southbank for one hell of a street party. For those who like their jazz with a side of community spirit, there's the Jazz Westside program which will visit Footscray, Moonee Ponds and Spotswood's Grazeland. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Late Night Jams at The JazzLab returns for another year. And if you've ever wanted to get up close and personal with the artists, the Close Encounters panel sessions have got you covered. So alert your mates, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the biggest Melbourne International Jazz Festival yet. Head to Visit Melbourne for the full rundown and to check out what else is happening in Melbourne this spring.
While most soon-to-be uni grads take an exam or write a thesis destined for a few eyes only, the final projects of UTS's fashion and textiles students are on display for everyone to enjoy. And this year the program is commemorating its 25th anniversary with the student showcase The Future of Fashion. The event kicks off on October 31 with two live runway shows of designs by their newest graduates. The first show starts at 8pm, and the second, identical show at 9pm. The collection will then be exhibited for just over two weeks within Fashion Space, a pop-up exhibit at UTS. UTS has been reputed as one of Australia’s most highly regarded fashion programs, whose graduates have succeeded in starting their own brands such as Magdalena Velevska, Bec & Bridge, Lover and TOME. Other alumni have gone on to work for internationally renowned brands such as Alexander Wang, Kenzo and Helmut Lang. Their student showcase aims to expose budding designers to both industry leaders and the public. If you’re looking for some inspiration or are simply a fan of design, this event may inspire the future of your fashion.
With international and (most) interstate travel off the cards for the time being, you're probably wanting to explore your own city a little more. One way you can do that in Sydney is by climbing the Harbour Bridge. To celebrate the reopening of BridgeClimb on Saturday, June 27, the company is offering a whopping 35 percent off climbs — which means, instead of paying the usual $308, you'll get to play tourist for just $198. It's a little steeper than last year's $98 birthday prices, but a significant discount on the usual cost. And if you — or a friend or relative — has a milestone birthday or big celebratory event coming up, now might be the perfect time to take 'em to the top. The discounted price is on offer from 10am–3pm every Saturday and Sunday, and every day during the school holidays (June 27–July 19), and includes a summit walk, which is a three-hour guided trip with 1332 (!) steps. Top image: BridgeClimb Vivid
Alfie's Kitchen continues to spread its love of sustainable and ethical produce across Sydney. You've seen it put on vegan feasts and take over the kitchens at The Midnight Special and St Peters' Urban Winery, alongside hosting a series of secret warehouse dinners last year. Now, it's bringing back the Ooooby Eats series, this time with a community dinner at Rolling Penny on Wednesday, February 28. The Newtown cafe will open after-hours for Alfie's head chef Joey Astorga to take over the kitchen. He'll whip up a three-course meal, all while putting on a cooking demonstration for guests. The plant-based menu focuses on showcasing fresh, organic produce from NSW farms, and this time around it's sourced from Moonacres Farm in the Southern Highlands. Farmer Phil Lavers will be in attendance, giving diners the chance to chat with the man who grew all of the produce on their plate. For drinks, Alfie's is again teaming up with mobile bartenders Trolley'd who will be pouring cocktails made with native ingredients. Live music will cap the night with a soulful live performance by local artist Inês. The series is in partnership with Ooooby Sydney, a local and organic food delivery service. During his cooking demo, Astorga will pass on creative techniques to cook with whatever fresh produce you have on-hand. Tickets are $90 a pop and include the three-course meal, along with two welcome cocktails. After that, the night is BYO drinks, so be sure to nab a bottle of wine — perhaps a nice natty from P&V on Enmore Road — on your way in.
Bottomless cocktails, paella, waffles and beats... it's hard to think of a better way to banish a hangover on a winter's afternoon. Introducing Since I Left You's first ever hip hop brunch. On June 24, doors will open at midday, which is when the bottomless cocktails will start to flow — lasting an hour-and-a-half and helping everyone to settle in, before giving way to drinks specials. Keeping everyone's hunger at bay will be a massive paella, as well as a selection of Since I Left You's well-known waffles. Meanwhile, on the decks you'll find Waza, spinning relaxed beats, followed by the Post Pluto Intergalactic Groove Committee with a stack of hip hop jams. Hip hop karaoke is also rumoured. Even though this thing's called a brunch, it'll inevitably carry onto into the late, late afternoon. UPDATE JUNE 26, 2017: Due to the overwhelming interest in SILY's inaugural Hip Hop Brunch, the team has just announced that brunch will now be a monthly affair. Tickets are on sale now for July 29.
Pizza and wine, it's a match made in heaven. And, what better way to pair the two with slices from one of Sydney's best pizzerias and tastings of a brand-new batch of wine from an exciting vino-maker? That's exactly what's going down at the mid-week pizza party Dimitri's and Drnks are throwing in Darlinghurst. This celebration of wine and pizza will be spotlighting the latest vintage from Giovanni Armani Giorgio, an Italian-style producer from Adelaide. The pizza party will be kicking off at Dimitri's Oxford Street home from 6.30pm on Wednesday, February 15, with tickets available for $65. Included in the price is a selection of antipasto, a pizza of your choice and free-flowing samples of the latest drops from the South Australian winery. You'll get the chance to try Giovanni Armani Giorgio's fizzy Venduto Bolle Rosa, bright Bianco Superioré, summer-ready Rosato Dell'amore and the rich red Rosso Del Giorno. Bookings are essential, so head to Eventbrite and snatch up a ticket while you still have a chance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Giovanni Armani Giorgio (@giovanniarmanigiorgio)
Let's be honest, Apple has taken over the world. They've changed the way we listen to music, the way we use computers, the way a phone operates. Sure there is always talk about how it's not the best technology and that other things work better, faster and more reliably but there's nothing that can match the simple cool of the famous white headphones. But how does any of that explain the design for the new Apple HQ in California? Resembling an alien mothership, the completely circular building is built on an old Hewlett Packard site. Mimicking the glass aesthetic of Apple Stores worldwide, there is not a single straight piece of glass in the entire building. The plans include 6,000 trees in the landscaped central courtyard, as well as a natural-gas power generation facility so that they don't have to rely on the fickle Californian grid. The futuristic feat of engineering is yet to pass the local council's approval, so this mothership may never take off. See the video below for Steve Jobs' personal appeal to the council. https://youtube.com/watch?v=gtuz5OmOh_M [Via Geekologie]
You've seen Rocketman on the big screen (and again at an openair cinema) and danced to Sir Elton John's biggest hits at his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Now, you can celebrate the Rocket Man at The Grounds of Alexandria's new immersive ode to the famous UK singer. Sticking around for only a limited time, until March 22, the Grounds' latest OTT installation is decked out in a rainbow of tinsel and neon, a huge rocket, a giant crocodile, wings, a red piano and, of course, a yellow brick road. As you walk through the colourful wonderland, we're sure you'll be singing (out loud or at least in your head) the likes of 'Tiny Dancer', 'Candle in the Wind', 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' and 'Crocodile Rock'. If you're still standing when you get to The Cafe, you'll find a couple of themed treats to match this latest installation — and you'll be pleased to know they're as colourful as the laneway itself. Piano Man, Super Star and Rocket Man cookies are on offer, as well as a Tiny Dancer cake (with vanilla sponge, yellow plum confit and vanilla cream). A frozen slushie — dubbed Still Standing — with pineapple, coconut cream and edible gold stars is available in the Garden, too. A heap of official Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road merch is also available to buy at a pop-up shop — and you can win a stack of it by entering The Grounds X Elton John photo comp. More info over here if you're keen. Farewell Yellow Brick Road is open from 7am–9pm daily.
Nowadays, bakeries in Sydney specialising in sourdough are a dime a dozen. Twenty years ago? Not so much. Infinity Bakery, originally led by baker Philip Searle, was a rare find for organic sourdough in the inner city. And while the bakery scene has shifted dramatically in the proceeding years, Infinity — now led by brother and sister duo, William and Sophie Peterson — is still the go-to for locals seeking authentic (and crazy delicious) baked treats. The business, which now also has outposts in Manly and Paddington, is all about following traditional Parisian baking practices. Alongside its range of sourdough — white, wholemeal, spelt and rye — you can find expertly made pastries, from croissants and cinnamon scrolls to piping hot pies, plus cakes, muffins, sandwiches and a brownie that can't be beat. Images: Image: Trent Van der Jagt/Kitti Gould. Appears in: The Best Bakeries in Sydney for 2023
No, not a bird. Not a plane, but quite close to it. Aero-Train is a new prototype that would eliminate the problem of friction between a train and its tracks by flying extremely close to the ground. A paper given at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation discussed the high-speed, high-efficiency possibilities of the use of levitation in train transport, and sparked the development of the Aero Train concept. This video demonstrates the first version of Aero Train in action. The vehicle would be complex to control, requiring a highly skilled driver or even computer. But so efficient is the design that wind turbines or solar panels could power it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=EaN7Kxk1_e8 [Via Fast Company]
If you don't know Chavela Vargas, you should. If you saw Frida, you saw her threaten death to Salma Hayek, singing the powerful Mexican dirge La Llorona. Sinuous dance piece Soledad centres on the same mournful song and the passion of one couple's relationship. It will be programmed, along with the frenetic duet Irony of Fate and the ensemble piece Satisfying Musical Moments, as part of New Creations Season 2 for the Sydney Dance Company. Soledad and Irony are by Rafael Bonachela — choreographer, dancer and director at the Company. Satisfying Musical Moments is by acclaimed Israeli Choreographer Emanuel Gat. In an interview last year, Bonachela was asked what he'd most like to perform: "Anything by Emanuel Gat" was his reply. Watching Gat's dance is like keeping track of the hands in a Jason Bourne movie. His whole figure jumps with suddenness and grace. No movement is spare, and there arrives no moment of rest. Neither of Bonachela's pieces have been seen in Australia before and Gat's Satisfying Musical Moments is itself a world premiere. All three pieces should bear repeating.
Inner west stalwart The Duke of Enmore has been sitting empty since COVID-19 began, but the team behind The Oxford Tavern and The Taphouse has this month breathed new life into the old dog. It's not the first time the 1870-built pub has undergone a revamp in recent years, however, with the Enmore Road venue reopening under James Wirth and Michael Delany in late 2018. This time, though, Thorpe Hospitality Group has reopened The Duke with vegan pub eats, Big Buck Hunter and picklebacks aplenty. The new-look Duke has undergone a full refurb with a Australiana-meets-American dive bar vibe. For starters, the pokies are no more. Instead, there's a new hangout area, complete with a pool table and the aforementioned arcade favourite. The team's resident horticulturist has also spruced up the beer garden and the main bar has been fully redone, now boasting a two-tonne polished-concrete bar top with spotted gum cladding. But that comforting, daggy pub feel hasn't gone anywhere. "We're very conscious of keeping the venue's charm — we like our venues to have some character and The Duke still has that dive-y, gritty vibe to it," Group Director James Thorpe told Concrete Playground. In the kitchen, the group's Executive Chef Adam Cremona (who helped launch Newtown's bygone Miss Peaches) is serving up good-quality, well-priced pub food. Loaded waffle fries, mac 'n' cheese nuggets, nachos and spag bol sit alongside all the pub classics, with the majority sitting around the $20 mark. There's a big focus on burgers, too, with the pub's signature smash burger already positioned to be a crowd-pleaser. A ten-item vegan menu is also on the docket and made in a separate prep kitchen to boot. There's a vegan version of that smash burger on it, along with a Nashville-style 'chicken' burger, deep-fried buffalo cauliflower served with vegan ranch and eggplant schnitties and parmis. There's also a section on the menu called 'only for the brave'. "This shit is very hot," says Thorpe. You have to sign a disclaimer to order any of these dishes — and eat with gloves on. For a bit of fun, opt for the Russian roulette hot wings, one of which will be injected with reaper hot sauce. Your fur-baby will also be looked after here, with the two-item menu including the pup burger (beef patty, sweet potato bun, grated carrot and shredded kale) and the pup tartare (kangaroo mince topped with a raw egg). Joining the team as front of house is Sabrina Medcalf (ex-manager at Frankie's), who has created a reasonably priced cocktail list that blends signatures with classics like margaritas, whisky sours and daiquiris. For house specialties, try the Doomed to Consume (Jack Daniels, cherry syrup and house lemonade) or the Sucker Punch (bourbon, rum, dark ale syrup, fresh orange and lime juices). "We also have a big focus on sustainability, trying to reduce wastage and share prep items between the kitchen and bar," says Thorpe. "Chef is a bit of a fermentation guy, so we also have ginger beer and kombucha bubbling away." You can taste that ginger beer in the House Favourite cocktail (Jameson, ginger beer, lime, bitters) and that kombucha in the Horn Juice (spirit of your choice, damiana syrup, kombucha). Elsewhere on the drinks menu, wines will be mostly natural numbers (and start at just $8 per glass) and beers will all be from independently owned breweries — a specific Thorpe Hospitality Group commitment. That's not to say you won't find a smashable lager on tap — the group's own Oxford Brewing Racket is on offer just for this purpose. "The Duke is also known for its pickleback, and we'll offer the classic shot of Jameson but with three-to-four different house brines to choose from," says Thorpe. You can expect a focus on live music here as well — and, once the Enmore Theatre finally reopens its doors, The Duke will be first in line to host after-parties for the gigs. Find The Duke of Enmore at 148 Enmore Road, Enmore. It's open 12pm–12am Monday–Tuesday, 12pm–2am Wednesday–Saturday and 11am–10pm Sunday.
For 132 years, Balmain's renowned Exchange Hotel fed and watered local punters. Last year, it sadly closed doors amid rumours that its next life was that of a call centre. Luckily, the rumours were false, and the historic hotel has reopened its doors, after a decor and menu refresh — and is welcoming in humans and dogs alike. The centenarian, located on the corner of Beattie and Mullens Streets, is now pairing craft cocktails with inventive Italian eats. You can match an espresso martini with a Mick pizza, topped with prosciutto and cherry tomatoes, perhaps, or a charcuterie board — piled high with jamon serrano, cured beef, salami and pickles — with a negroni. Alongside the cocktails, you'll also find a neat lineup of local wines and spirits, and a hefty selection of tap beers. And if you decide to head in for a post-work tipple, you'll be greeted with a $5 beer and house wine happy hour — running from 4–6pm, Monday to Thursday. It's a pub that takes its dessert seriously, too, with loaded dessert fries with molten Nutella, and its take on a s'more. Both perfect wintery sweets, if you ask us. Perhaps the most exciting news, however, is the pub's dog-friendly stance — which means you're guaranteed to experience some top-notch dog watching (and patting) while you're there. Find The Exchange Hotel at the corner of Beattie and Mullens Streets, Balmain.
The Kyah Hotel is nestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains on Ngurra Country, the place of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples. Combining the romance of classic Australian motels with a revamped and relaxing location for visitors. Originally built in the late 1800s, the two-storey lodge has undergone extensive renovations and modernisation to provide guests with comfortable and contemporary accommodations. You'll find a neon sign outside but arched doorways and considered textural details throughout. Plus Blaq, the onsite restaurant that serves up a variety of modern Australian dishes, with a focus on using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients including from the kitchen garden and pairs plates with spectacular cocktails. Your stay also includes continental brekkie of locally made muesli and oven-fresh pastries. [caption id="attachment_892833" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] There are 46 rooms spread across three wings. Lodgers can also enjoy an onsite tennis court, and if in need of recovery after a day of exploring the region The Kyah also offers a hot tub, sauna and spa. The Kyah makes a perfect base to discover the picturesque region, or stay on site to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city. [caption id="attachment_892832" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Stephen Woodburn[/caption] Images: Steven Woodburn Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Pretend the weekend didn't just end, with a free flick and free popcorn at The Soda Factory. Yes folks, you read that right: free and free. That leaves you spare cash to spend on one of The Soda Factory's legendary hot dogs, $5 sides like mac 'n' cheese, onion rings and waffle fries, and a beer or glass of wine at just five bucks a pop before 7pm. With a star-studded line-up of classic films including Moulin Rouge, Little Shop of Horrors and recent hits such as Baby Driver. Doors open at 5pm for an 8pm screening. Turn up and try your luck at snagging a good seat, or email ahead of time to book a cosy spot.
The Powerhouse Museum's new exhibition UNPOPULAR is diving back into a deep musical archive to unveil never-before-seen photographs and footage of legendary and beloved musicians taking to Australian stages. The exhibition is based on more than 200 pieces from music entrepreneur Stephen 'Pav' Pavlovic's extensive archive including photographs, videos, posters, setlists and tour itineraries. Pavlovic was involved in the touring of many decade-defining artists in the 1990s including Beastie Boys, Sonic Youth, Beck, Bikini Kill, Foo Fighters and Pavement. With the help of the Powerhouse Museum and renowned designer Alice Babidge, Pavlovic has curated an exhibition that captures this time in Australia's musical history through a wide array of archival footage and memorabilia. [caption id="attachment_875372" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unpopular exhibition view featuring Video, No Alternative Girls, directed by Tamra Davis, 1994. Courtesy of Tamra Davis, credit Zan Wimberley[/caption] Highlights of the exhibition include live footage from Nirvana's first and only tour of Australia, Kurt Cobain's Martin Guitar that was used during Nirvana's MTV Unplugged set (the world's most expensive guitar), unheard musical demos and a gallery of photographs from Pavlovic's influential and groundbreaking Summersault festival that toured around Australia in the 90s. Accompanying these pieces will be a rich tapestry of storytelling and interviews Pavolvic has conducted with the likes of Dave Grohl, Fugazi's Ian MacKaye, Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hanna and Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon that discuss the bands' experiences touring Australia. "We came down here because the opportunity was beyond imaginable in a way… it was, oh my god, now we're gonna go to the other side of the hemisphere to play music. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would be possible," Dave Grohl discusses. Accompanying the exhibition will be a series of Powerhouse Late sessions ranging from a film program featuring documentaries on Kurt Cobain and Dinosaur Jr a music photography masterclass with Sophie Howarth who was behind the camera for many of the exhibition's snaps and analog art workshops with poster designers Ben Brown and Paul Curtis. [caption id="attachment_875370" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unpopular exhibition view featuring Sonic Youth, 'A Thousand Leaves Tour', The Metro (Sydney), artwork by Cathie Glassby, 1997 Image: Zan Wimberley[/caption] Images: Zan Wimberley
Darlinghurst neighbourhood bar Bitter Phew is teaming up with Italian amaro distiller Fernet Branca to bring you a week-long festival of aromatic cocktails. Think signature drinks, plus creative burgers and at least a couple of big parties. Not all that familiar with Fernet Branca? It's an aromatic spirit whose story begins way back in 1845 — with a family recipe and a team of expert distillers at Fratelli Branca Distillery in Milan. More than 40 herbs, spices and blossom go into the digestivo, including saffron, myrrh, rhubarb, aloe and camomile. Even better, rumour has it that it can prevent hangovers. Kicking off on Monday, December 2, Bitter Phew's celebrations will involve a five-strong cocktail list, from the straight-forward Fernet Branca with Coke or Campari to the Hanky Panky, featuring ginger beer and lime, and the Toronto, containing gin and sweet vermouth. Alternatively, you can have it in a boilermaker or straight from the tap, either neat or on ice. Plus, BL Burgers will be chipping in with food, serving up a Fernet-inspired burger. If you're looking to celebrate with more than just a drink, swing by on Friday, December 6, for the Fernet Branca x Bitter Phew House Party, and on Sunday, December 8, for the Hospo Party.
Opening in late January, Mrs Palmer didn't have much time to establish itself in Darlinghurst before the lockdown hit and cafes were forced to close to dine-in customers. As the sandwich shop and margarita bar is still allowed to offer takeaway, though, it's doing just that — with a helping hand from some of the city's best chefs. Mrs Palmer is teaming up with ten top chefs to create limited-edition sandwiches, with each one available for takeaway for just two weeks. Over the last fortnight, Josh Raine, executive chef at Japanese fine diner Tetsuya's, was on the pans, whipping up an American-Japanese number with burnt burger cheese bechamel, smoked bacon, kombo fried chicken and saké pickled cucumbers. On the menu now until Friday, May 8 is a dry-spiced short rib sandwich ($20) from Aria's executive chef Joel Bickford. Two thick slices of bread are slathered in fermented chilli and piled high with wombok, hand-foraged pickled mushroom and fried shallot. You can watch the creation of the masterpiece over here. This sanga will be followed by a number from Merivale's Jordan Toft (Bert's, Mimi's), Limone Dining's Luke Piccolo and not a chef but a DJ, Hayden James. More chefs are expected to join the lineup in the coming weeks, too. Exactly what these chefs will be creating is under wraps for now, but keep an eye on Mrs Palmer's Instagram to find out. Each sandwich will cost between $13–25 depending on what is inside it. If the fortnightly sandwich special doesn't quite tickle your fancy, the shop also has a falafel sanga with garlic sauce ($11), one with crispy pork belly ($14), The Cure ($13) with three different cured meats (wagyu pastrami, spicy salami and mortadella) and a riff on a parmigiana ($14). There are also two salads and four types of fries (including tater tots and haloumi fries). Mrs Palmer is located at 81 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst and open from 11.30am–3pm Monday–Friday. To preorder for pick up or organise free local delivery around Darlinghurst, call 0400 475 710.
Take a seat. Please, I insist, just so that you can jump out of it and celebrate in true headbanging style at the news that Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age are heading Down Under in 2014 for a co-headline tour. Okay, now take a seat again and continue to read on. Two of the biggest acts in alternative rock are set to arrive on our shores in March next year. This is glorious news to Oceania fans who haven't seen Nine Inch Nails since 2009 and Queens of the Stone Age since 2011. Both bands have teased since May about heading this way, when Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme told triple j's Tom and Alex, "Everybody who knows me knows that Australia is my home away from home. I also think it's time that we come and tell our own stories, so we're gonna skip the round of festivals and see you in your fall." Nine Inch Nails lead Trent Reznor then revealed his band's intentions to head down under when they turned down Soundwave in favour of a "better scenario" for fans. Well, there is no better scenario than seeing them combine with QOTSA for a tour that is sure to go down in legend. Australia: we love you and we're coming. Didn't feel Soundwave was the right vibe for us or our fans - working on a better scenario.— Trent Reznor (@trent_reznor) August 23, 2013 The tour comes on the back of Nine Inch Nails' and QOTSA's recent respective releases, the much-heralded Hesitation Marks and ...Like Clockwork, and they will be joined on stage by Australian-born Brody Dalle, Mrs Josh Homme, of The Distillers and Spinnerette fame. Which one of the two bands will play first each night? That will be left to a flip of the coin. Seriously. The full list of tour dates and venues are below. Tickets start from $105 and will be available through a Frontier Members pre-sale from noon on Tuesday, October 22, and available to the general public from 9am on Thursday, November 24. Nine Inch Nails Queens Of The Stone Age Co-Headline Tour Dates Thursday March 6, 2014 Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney – All Ages Saturday March 8, 2014 Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle – All Ages Tuesday March 11, 2014 Perth Arena, Perth – All Ages Thursday March 13, 2014 Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Adelaide – All Ages Friday March 14, 2014 Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – All Ages Monday March 17, 2014 Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane – All Ages Wednesday March 19, 2014 Vector Arena, Auckland - All Ages Saturday March 22, 2014 CBS Canterbury Arena, Christchurch - All Ages
UPDATE, November 16, 2020: The Peanut Butter Falcon is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Playing a fisherman grieving for his older brother, barely scraping by and unafraid to skirt the law when necessary, Shia LaBeouf is at his soulful best in The Peanut Butter Falcon. Forget Transformers-era, phoning it in LaBeouf, or even his bag-wearing phase — here, he's as dynamic and textured as he was in 2016's American Honey, his last great on-screen role. And yet, LaBeouf isn't this indie comedy's main attraction. He's one of its leads, and he's surrounded by the similarly well-known likes of Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal, John Hawkes and Thomas Haden Church, but this little film with a big heart actually belongs to first-time performer Zack Gottsagen. In fact, writer/directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz created their first feature especially for Gottsagen, in order to showcase his acting talents. After Gottsagen has spent mere seconds on-screen as The Peanut Butter Falcon's wrestling-obsessed Zak, it's obvious why Nilson and Schwartz were determined to make this movie around him. The trio met at a camp for actors with disability, as Gottsagen has Down syndrome — and the way that adults with the genetic disorder are typically treated by society is key to this adventure. This isn't a message-driven feature, but a picture that places a man living with the health condition at its centre, letting his hopes, wants, needs and desires lead the story. Zak's dream couldn't seem more simple, with the 22-year-old so eager to attend his idol's wrestling school that he breaks out of the nursing home he's been forced to live in. But the reality of actually getting to his destination is far more complicated than it should be. As someone with Down syndrome — and someone housed in a care facility for the elderly because there's just nowhere else that caters for him — Zak's dreams, ideas, and general ability to do anything and everything are all constantly overlooked. His primary carer Eleanor (Johnson) treats him like a friend, but it's only after his roommate Carl (Dern) helps him to escape that Zak is really able to make his own decisions. With nothing but the underpants he's wearing to his name, he bunkers down in a boat, only to find himself caught up in its owner's mishaps. That'd be Tyler (LaBeouf), who is soon on the run from local crab trappers. Heading to Florida, he agrees to escort Zak to the only place in the world the runaway wants to go: the North Carolina wrestling academy run by faded icon Salt Water Redneck (Haden Church). Cue a series of Huckleberry Finn-style escapades, as The Peanut Butter Falcon's central duo ry to evade the folks on their tail while trudging through fields, building a raft to help them float along the coast and, eventually, unleashing Zak's wrestling persona — which gives the feature its name. Plot-wise, Zak and Tyler's exploits play out exactly as expected, but there's such a wealth of earnestness, affection, tenderness and charm to this movie that no one should mind that the story follows a predictable path. There's an enormous difference between films that stick to a template lazily, because it's easy and because they have no real reason to exist otherwise, and those that mould familiar parts into their own distinctive creation. Anchored by Gottsagen's effortlessly engaging presence, as well as by a protagonist too rarely given such a spotlight, this highly likeable picture falls into the latter category. Thoughtful, meaningful, realistic and empowering representation matters, which The Peanut Butter Falcon boasts in spades. That said, movies like this shouldn't be such a noteworthy occurrence — however addressing that imbalance is far from the film's only strength. So crucial to this warm-hued, good-natured feature is its breezy attitude and approach. This is a coming-of-age buddy comedy about two adults traversing America's south in often over-the-top circumstances, but every element is treated as though it's the most common thing in the world. A blind preacher shooting at Zak and Tyler, then baptising them, is just one of many components of the pair's journey that's simply part of their adventure. So too is a drunken night by a bonfire, a spirited service station encounter between Tyler and Eleanor and, most importantly, everything about Zak. Indeed, recognising that life's chaos happens to everyone is The Peanut Butter Falcon's remit — and showing that even the most ordinary events and extraordinary developments do as well. It's noticeable that, despite Johnson's efforts, Eleanor isn't afforded as much depth as the film's male characters. Actually, it's the feature's main disappointment. But when The Peanut Butter Falcon focuses on Zak's enthusiastic pilgrimage, the sincere bond he makes with another lonely soul, and the change it inspires in both him and Tyler, it's a warm-hearted hug of a movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkH7KUlInPg
Accidentally hit 'reply all' in that email your boss really shouldn't have seen? We understand. The good news is that Concrete Playground may just have an opportunity for you to earn some extra office brownie points. CP and the fine-dining chefs turned mobile restauranteurs at Eat Art Truck are giving you the chance to win an exclusive food truck lunch for you and 10 of your workmates. Marrying the joys of scrummy dude food with street art, Eat Art Truck is usually found filling the bellies of city workers and night revellers at some of their regular haunts like Queen's Square, Customs House and Barangaroo. And now, for one lunch only, chefs Stuart McGill (last seen at Tetsuya's) and Brenton Balicki (formerly of Quay) will bring their custom truck directly to you. The truck is restricted to specific trading locations, however if you work in the CBD you could be tucking in to a smoky pulled pork bun with mustard cabbage or BBQ beef bun instead of that soggy sanga. We know, we know - time is money as they say, but that's no biggie for the truckies, as CP's Jessica Keath found out, Stu and Brenton aim for a five minute turn around for each order they whip up, and they'll be by your side by 12 noon. To be in the running to win lunch for you and 10 friends: Subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already)Make sure you work within 5km of the Sydney CBD and have access to private parking (i.e. company carpark or forecourt) or are nearby one of Sydney's approved food truck locationsEmail your name and office location, plus details of private parking available for the truck, to hello@concreteplayground.com.au Don't work in the city? Forward it to a friend that does and get them to enter for you, or hop on Eat Art Truck's Facebook page and beg them to add your suburb to their lunch beat.
With 2014's Maleficent, Disney turned Sleeping Beauty into a dark fantasy, filled with magical forests, twisted fairies, and complicated battles between good and evil. When sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil hits cinemas this October, the Mouse House will do the same all over again — but the film's wicked delights won't just be confined to the big screen. In the huge entertainment company's latest collaboration with The Grounds of Alexandria (following The Nutcracker, Mary Poppins Returns and Aladdin-themed pop-ups), Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is taking over the Huntley Street spot until Sunday, November 3. This time around, the cafe's already-gorgeous garden is getting a misty, brooding and enchanting makeover, complete with black roses, gnarled branches, plenty of greenery, a smattering of feathers and an entry archway as striking as Angelina Jolie's eyebrows. The menu is also scoring a new short-term addition for the occasion — a dish The Grounds is calling 'The Dark Fairy'. Glazed milk chocolate mousse and passionfruit jelly on a bed of chocolate charcoal sable is topped with vanilla buttercream to create quite the decadent treat. It comes with edible glitter, rocks and horns, too, and costs $9. 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' at The Grounds is open from 7am–9pm daily until Sunday, November 3.
Royal Randwick is going all out this year for The Agency Cup on Tuesday, November 5. Expect heavy-hitting musicians and DJs, plus plenty of poolside cocktails and delicious bites from some of Sydney's best food trucks. First up, dance group Sneaky Sound System will perform live on the main stage at the end of the day. You can expect to hear all of the 2000s hits you know and love. Then, head to the Pony Palms, a Palm Springs-inspired poolside bar that takes cues from Hollywood's golden age glamour. Here, the Chandon pop-up bar will serve up champagne cocktails and a full lineup of DJs, including DJ Young Franco, back from his US tours to headline.
Sydney Film Festival might be over, but the Art Gallery of New South Wales isn't putting away its projector. In fact, it's cranking it up every Wednesday, Sunday and on select Saturdays, all to celebrate women in cinema. Called Merrily We Go to Hell, the venue's latest program focused on formidable female filmmakers and their trailblazing work — dating from the 1930s onwards. Running from Wednesday, June 26 through until Sunday, September 1, the cinema series kicks off with the movie that gives the whole program its name: Dorothy Arzner's 1932 box office hit. In the pioneering director's hands, a rom-com becomes an exploration of scandal and adultery (and a then-unknown Cary Grant also pops up). Remarkably, Arzner was the only female director working in 1930s Hollywood. Other highlights include Ida Lupino's 1950s noir The Hitch-Hiker, glorious 1960s Czech New Wave classic Daisies, Elaine May's delightfully funny A New Leaf, Claudia Weill's female friendship-focused Girlfriends and Anna Biller's vivid, lurid The Love Witch. Or, you can catch Lynne Ramsay's Ratcatcher and Morven Callar, the Tilda Swinton-starring Orlando from Sally Potter, Lucrecia Martel's The Headless Woman and Indonesian feminist neo-western Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts.
If your ideal weekend includes meandering through a farmers market, picking up fresh fruit and veg, then add Hillview Farms Produce and Artisan Market to your hit list. Happening every Saturday, the market has everything you need to make a Saturday night feast, or to get meal prepping for the week ahead. What began as an apple orchard, then a fruit and veg stall roaming various Sydney markets and an online store with home deliveries, Hillview Farms now has several market stalls and an online store, as well as hosting its own Saturday market in its Leichhardt warehouse — all with the promise of getting Sydneysiders some of the best pesticide-free produce around. Not only can you pick up perfectly ripe produce, beautiful blooms and a large range of artisanal goods from the market, but you can do it knowing that local farmers, producers and growers are being supported. First-time customers get a free takeaway coffee at checkout, should you need some java after a big Friday. Just remember to bring your reusable shopping bags along, then get ready to fill them to the brim. Hillview Farms Produce and Artisan Market runs from 8am–2pm every Saturday. There is free onsite parking, and it is are located 200 metres from Hawthorne Light Rail Station.
Prepare to say "accio remote!" and get comfier than Hermione Granger in a library. In the latest news that'll keep you glued to your couch this summer — and your latest fodder for an at-home movie marathon — everyone's favourite boy wizard will soon be working his magic on Netflix. You won't need the Marauder's Map to find these enchanting flicks. Come Tuesday, January 15, all eight movies in the Harry Potter series will hit the streaming platform, bringing their Hogwarts-set adventures to both Australian and New Zealand audiences. If you've watched your DVD copies from the 2000s so many times that they're showing a little wear and tear — or your laptop no longer has a disc drive — this is butterbeer-worthy news. Yes, everything from Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) first visit to Platform 9 and 3/4, the Yule Ball, the Triwizard Tournament, many a fluttering snitch and He Who Must Not Be Named will be at your fingertips. Prime viewing for wizards, witches and muggles alike — all 19 hours and 39 minutes of it. The Fantastic Beasts films won't be joining them, with this journey through JK Rowling's wizarding world keeping its focus on the original franchise. The news comes hot on the heels of Stan's announcement that it's now home to a hefty batch of Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and Disney movies and TV shows. If you're thinking that a time-turner might come in handy over the next few months, we completely understand. Find Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2 on Netflix from Tuesday, January 15.
From Thursday, January 5–Sunday, January 29, Sydney Festival is kicking off 2023 in a massive way. The huge citywide fest's second year under Artistic Director Olivia Ansell boasts 748 performances across 54 venues, including more than 100 unique events — 26 of which won't cost attendees a thing. And, there's 18 world premieres and 14 Australian exclusives. No matter what kind of cultural experience take your fancy, there's clearly no shortage of highlights in the 25-day program. That includes turning Sydney Town Hall into a beach courtesy of 26 tonnes of sand, which is exactly what Lithuanian opera Sun & Sea, is doing. Performed in the round, it explores the climate emergency, is certain to make for a memorable show, and is one of Sydney Festival's Australian exclusives. Also unlikely to be forgotten quickly: the Australian premiere of Frida Kahlo: Life of an Icon, a multi-sensory art experience dedicated to the iconic Mexican painter. Hailing from Spanish digital arts company Layers of Reality, alongside the Frida Kahlo Corporation, it'll take over the Cutaway with holography, 360-degree projections and live performances of traditional Mexican music, as well as a virtual-reality system that'll let you step inside the artist's iconic pieces. Other standouts include Bonobo hitting the decks at the Masonic Centre, and turning its banquet hall into a unique dance party; performance piece In Chamber, which literally takes place in a safe in the basement of the Margot Kimpton Hotel; ROOM, the latest surreal theatre piece by James Thiérrée; and Tracker, which sees choreographer-director Daniel Riley combine dance, ceremony and text. Or, there's also 16 days of live music inside the 70s-era underground bar beneath Martin Place's Harry Seidler-designed Commercial Travellers' Association building (yes, the mushroom building). That subterranean space remains unrenovated, so expect The Weary Traveller, as the fest-within-the-fest is called, to serve up a huge blast from the past (plus tunes by Alice Skye, Astral People, Automatic, June Jones, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Lil Silva, Party Dozen, Tom Snowdon, Moktar, Two Birds with Bayand, Coloured Stone, HTRK and Potion). In the same structure, the 28-room hotel itself is being taken over by American artist Kelsey Lu. You'll want to check in for this one, and stay the evening — because In The Lucid: A Dream Portal to Awakening is an eight-hour audio journey. Heartbreak High fans will want to catch Blue, and fans of homegrown theatre as well — it stars and has been written by AACTA Award-winner Thomas Weatherall, and will enjoy its world premiere at Sydney Festival. Or, for something completely different, a Shinjuku-inspired magic bar will pop up at Darling Harbour, transporting you to Tokyo if you haven't already made Japan holiday plans now that the country has reopened its borders. The list goes on, including Bloodlines, an exhibition paying tribute to artists lost to HIV/AIDS; The Party, which'll celebrate Sydney's LGBTQIA+ nightlife and party culture between 1973–2002; and Retrosweat hosting a big 80s pool party that, yes, will involve aqua aerobics. Or, there's flamenco dancer Sara Bara in Alma at the Sydney Opera House; Dead Puppet Society and Legs On The Wall's take on the Trojan war in Holding Achilles; drag brunch show Smashed: The Brunch Party hosted by Victoria Falcone; and Prinnie Stevens singing tunes by superstars like Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé. Plus, Sydney Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Lunar New Year outdoors at Parramatta Park; Polar Force at Carriageworks explores the extremes of ice and wind by pairing Antarctic field recordings with live industrial percussion; and Restless Dance Theatre's dance piece Guttered is set in a real-life bowling alley. And, Lego lovers can check out a new Brickwrecks exhibition, which recreates shipwrecks with the plastic bricks. Also, ENESS, who was behind the 2022 fest's Airship Orchestra, is back with Cupid's Koi Garden — which'll give Tumbalong Park a six-metre-tall immersive water-play park right in the middle of summer. Top image: Sam Roberts Photography.
If you know your chim chim cher-ees from your chim chim cher-oos, this one's for you. This spring, over three consecutive performances, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will play the entire score of Mary Poppins live, while the original film screens in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Released way back in 1964 and based on a series of books by Australian-born writer P.L. Travers, the Walt Disney film has been a childhood staple since. If you haven't spent at least one sleepless night trying to memorise the spelling of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, then, quite frankly, you haven't lived. Other unforgettable songs among the score include "A Spoonful of Sugar", "Feed the Birds" and "Let's Go Fly a Kite". They're all the work of the Sherman Brothers, who wrote more film scores than any other composing duo in history. Just some of the soundtracks in their oeuvre are Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Charlotte's Web and The Aristocrats. That's right, you have a lot to thank them for.
Plastic is a major ecological burden impacting oceans around the world, including here in Sydney. Researchers predict that by 2050 plastic will outweigh fish in the sea. Those looking to make a difference while enjoying a uniquely Sydney experience can join this guided kayak around Sydney Harbour that also serves to cleanup the ocean. Sydney by Kayak is an organisation that runs kayaking lessons and tours throughout the city. For the past several years, the company has been running guided tours with the express purpose of removing rubbish from the ocean. The sustainability-focused tours generally hit the harbour four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Each tour runs from 9.30–11am and costs $50 per person. Included in the tour is 90 minutes on the water taking in the sights and removing rubbish from the water, two kayak guides to take you around, photos in front of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and a complimentary coffee (in a reusable cup of course). All equipment is also provided and cleaned with marine safe disinfectant between tours. Sydney by Kayak is aiming to collect 200 kilograms of rubbish in February 2021 and also donates $15 from every seat sold to funding Seabins around Sydney. You can book online or email laura@sydneybykayak.com.au for a private tour for 8–12 people.
Fast forward to the end of December and we all know we're going to be committing to staying fit come 2021 for our New Year's resolution. We may not follow through, but a fresh sportswear outfit can be some good motivation. If you're looking to get in early, LSKD is lending a helping hand by taking up to 70 percent off its sportswear in its huge Black Friday sale. Formed in 2007, LSKD (pronounced loose kid) is an Australian-owned and operated clothing company specialising in sportswear, streetwear and accessories. The company produces high-quality, stylish clothes for both men and women ready for a trip to the beach, gym or a night out. From 6pm Tuesday, November 24 until Thursday, December 3, LSKD will be offering a heap of its threads wildly low prices, from women's tights, tanks and sports bras to men's tees, hoodies and shorts. This is the brand's only sale of the year so check out the store and maybe save a few bucks. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy.
If jungle vibes while shopping for greenery sounds like your perfect outing, head along to the Jungle Collective's indoor plant sale on Saturday, January 16–Sunday, January 17. It's the latest greenery-filled Sydney market from the Melbourne nursery, which stocks all kinds of weird and wonderful species. Yes, it is trucking its way up north again for another venture — and, after hosting plenty of online-only events over the past year, this sale is a 100-percent in-person affair. Whether you're after a hanging pot plant, some palms for the garden or a giant Bird of Paradise, chances are you'll find it here. Have a reputation for killing your cacti? Overwatering your ferns? Don't worry — there'll be horticulturalists on site on the night to give you advice and chat through any questions you might have. Get inspired by greenery aplenty and learn to incorporate plants into your home and living spaces, all while browsing and soaking up some tunes. Jungle Collective is turning this event into a bit of a maze, too, so you'll enter in one spot, wander along a designated path and leave in a completely different area. Best get in quick though — these markets are always popular, with more than 170 different species usually on offer. Due to expected demand, the sale will be held in 30-minute sessions across both days, and attendees will need to register for free tickets in advance. Plus, if you come decked out in at least two items of beach attire (think: inflatables, bathers, towels, sunglasses and hats) — and spend at least $10 — you'll also get $5 off your purchase.
Head down to Surry Hills every Wednesday–Sunday for $10 cocktails made with one of Australia's most beloved gins. Four Pillars, the repeat winner of World's Best Gin Producer, has launched a happy hour at its Sydney gin laboratory running 5–7pm every Wednesday–Friday and 3–5pm on weekends. The happy hour deal is available at Eileen's Bar, the lab's public bar. Negronis, martinis, Tom Collins and the distillery's signature G&Ts are all on offer for just $10. Plus, you can nab some cheap bar snacks to pair with your financially-savvy drinks. The affordable cocktails make an ideal post-work drink for those heading back to the office, or the perfect lead-in to Saturday night out. The deal is only available for a limited time, although Four Pillars haven't revealed when it will wrap up. To ensure you nab a spot during happy hour, you can book at table at Eileen's bar via Four Pillar's website. [caption id="attachment_774870" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anson Smart[/caption] Images: Anson Smart
Winter has well and truly arrived in Sydney, which means it's time to bust out your warmest winter woollies once again. If you're a fan of frostier climates, you'll want to celebrate with some mates over a mulled wine. To celebrate the start of winter (and the reopening of restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs), a heap of private igloos are popping up across Sydney, so you can get your winter escape without even having to leave the city. Dubbed the Winter Igloo Garden, the pop-up winter wonderlands have taken over Surry Hills bar The Winery and Darling Harbour's Cargo, with one slated to open at King Street Wharf's Bungalow 8 in late July. Each igloo can fit between two and eight people and come with twinkly fairy lights. At The Winery, you'll be chilling out in your wintry bubble with up to seven of your mates. For $69 per person, you'll get a cocktail (mulled wine or Adams Apple) on arrival and be tucking into a heartwarming three-course feast with pumpkin arancini, pork cotoletta and tiramisu. Want to take things up a notch? You can add on two hours of booze for an additional $39 a head. And you can get extra toasty by purchasing a $5 fleece blanket, which you can then take home, too. You can book your spot over here. If you're keen to kick back in a waterfront igloo, then head to Cargo instead. Here, two hours in your own transparent dome will cost you $59 a head — and includes four tasty dishes and endless drinks, with a choice of beer, bubbles, white and red wine. For food, you'll be feasting on crumbed and fried jalapeños, pulled wagyu sliders, fish 'n' chips and a mini margherita pizza. To book, head to Cargo's website. Private igloos are available to hire at The Winery and Cargo, with one coming to Bungalow 8 next month — we'll be sure to keep you updated.
The best way to start an interview, I find, is to break the ice a bit. In this case, I was interviewing the young spunky dudes behind the latest Bayswater road venue, The Courtyard. I introduced myself to James and politely informed him that he had pen on his face. "Ah thanks," he replied, "it's a scar." Smooth. Anyway, luckily the guys are lovely and have a good sense of humour, which is impressive when you learn that on top of opening a bar, they work regular jobs. The Courtyard is a bar that's built on friendships; that of the three owners Julian Tobias, James Reynolds and Alec Brown and that of their friends (and friends-of-friends) who helped them put it together. Reynolds (also an engineer) and Brown have been mates since their uni days. Brown (also a DJ) met Tobias working the decks at The Club, which Tobias also owns (as well as The Island). The area has suffered its fair share of businesses going bust (the constant redevelopment of the old Bayswater Brassiere, the long-abandoned Lincoln and the closures of Time to Vino and Concrete Blonde), but Bayswater Road itself is a pretty, terraced-lined and leafy street with lots of potential. It's got a new residential building opening at the old Mansions site (which I'm sure nobody will miss). So here’s hoping The Courtyard is a sign of good things to come. And really, if you can redevelop The Bourbon to somewhere we'd actually be seen drinking, anything is possible. The bar itself is built on a maze of hospitality connections and Sydney social networks such as "interior designer friends who helped us out with colour palates, textures and furnishings" or "one of our connections put us in touch with Jasper, an incredible cocktail bartender from New York" and "good friends" who run successful restaurants in Sydney helping them create their menu and wine list. These guys have a lot of experience amongst them promoting, bartending and running venues around Sydney but admit "we're not experts on a lot of things but have a lot of connections so we just went straight to the top and asked for help," says Brown. "We just said," agrees Reynolds with a laugh, "I'm sure I've let you into a club at 4am or given you a free drink at some point, so now I'm calling in that favour." The result is a casual/cool bar that fills the gaping hole in the Cross for a nice place to have a drink and something to eat without wrestling with surly security, trashed teenagers or Underbelly characters. Located underneath Hugo's, the Courtyard's best asset is its ample outdoor seating area, which is decorated with long high tables, green palms and garden patio-style seating. As for the music, there's going to be live acoustic sets, and it's no surprise that many of Brown's DJ buddies are popping by. "I've got some pretty good pull in the industry and lots of people are just showing up for cameos," he says. "You might just turn around and see Flight Facilities here." The food won't break any records for originality, with sliders, salads and snacking boards like antipasto and zucchini flowers. It's very reasonably priced though and there are some good flavour combinations. The beef brisket slider with aged cheddar and pickled onions is our pick. On the drinks front, the aforementioned Jasper Soffer (from the renowned Pegu club in New York) has been consulting on the cocktail list, which admirably doesn't have any drinks based on vodka. But before all women under 25 get tense, don't. "Any cocktail can be made with a neutral base like vodka on request, but we want people to experiment with something a bit different," says Brown. Such as the El Mariachi with tequila, watermelon, chilli, lime and sugar. Try it. You might like it. They're also doing pitchers like Pimms and Sangria ($45) and shots (yes shots) like a Pine Splice with pineapple-infused pisco, homemade lime syrup and fresh lemon ($11). The wines, too, are fairly approachable with some good internationals from France, Italy and Austria — like a Laurenz 'Singing' Gruner Veltliner, and most are around the $30-$50 mark by the bottle. "If you back yourself on your food, cocktails and your wine, people will come back because they know its good," says Reynolds. "We spent a lot of money to make sure we know it is." "I'm not sure what the other operators are doing, but I've been working in this area for five years and seen places come and go I think we've created somewhere that we ourselves would like to drink in, at this point in our lives, and we're confident others will too,” says Brown. You'll likely see James, Alec and Julian there on any given night, drinking with some of the many people that helped them open their bar — and when you do, give James a big, awkward high five for us. Courtyard Bar opens on Friday, 22 March. 33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point; 0413 827 740; http://www.facebook.com/thecourtyardbarsydney.
The pandemic has impacted countless celebrations. Birthdays have been postponed, weddings got cancelled, some people spent Christmas in lockdown. But one national day the pandemic won't stand in the way of is National Bacon Day. Saturday, September 4 marks International Bacon Day and, locally, an all-star lineup of restaurants and suppliers have assembled to provide one-off menu items that go extra heavy on the bacon. Among those participating are Colin Fassnidge, Nomad, Sixpenny, Bistro Rex, and Cuckoo Callay. Nomad will serve a bacon, leek, manchego and Manjimup truffle pie, Sixpenny, who recently launched delivery, will be baking a presumably next-level take on the classic Aussie cheese and bacon scroll, Cronulla's Blackwood Pantry is making B&Es available for delivery via UberEats, and Good Ways Deli is crafting an elevated take on the bacon butty with streaky bacon, Pepe Saya butter and brown sauce on a ciabatta roll. Swing past the Surry Hills outpost of Cuckoo Callay and nab a bacon and manchego potato cake with artery-hardening bacon fat asparagus, poached egg, bacon hollandaise and crispy onion, or order a three-course Father's Day mystery meal from Colin Fassnidge. National Bacon Day isn't just an excuse to get neck-deep in bacon; it's (other) purpose is to promote locally sourced pork. "We do our best to use only Australian produce and with animal products there are no exceptions," says Good Ways Deli's Jordan McKenzie. "Buying local goes a long way towards using less resources, less plastic, and meaning farmers and producers get paid properly." Jacqui Challinor of Nomad echoed this sentiment, saying: "Now is such an important time to get behind our Aussie farmers and give them some much needed support. With the restaurant and export industries suffering so heavily right now, the farmers are feeling the full effects of this. Eating bacon is a pretty enjoyable way of showing them some love of I do say so myself." Jacqui Challinor is a wise woman.
Looking for a DIY punch-in-the-gut experience (who isn't)? Shut yourself into your room, close the curtains, turn up your computer real bright, and cue up the Children Collide film clip for 'Loveless'. Initially, your eyebrows may be knitted with confusion, as you're confronted with the square sight of the band's frontman, Johnny Mackay, done up in clown face and staring straight back at you. The song itself wafts with a bare yearning that knocks around your head long after it finishes. We won't ruin it for you, but suffice to say by the end you won't quite be sure what just happened for the past five or so minutes. Children Collide are now giving the song its first live airing, with a 12-date tour across the country. They'll be joined on the Loveless tour by bands DZ Deathrays & Damn Terran, making it a triple threat assault of the senses. Get amongst it – after all, we can't shut ourselves in our rooms all the time. https://youtube.com/watch?v=oCZhYf9hPCE
Just a couple of weeks ago, the stretch of Elizabeth Street between Goulburn and Campbell was a "cultural chernobyl": one of the most God-forsaken, bricked-up eyesores in the CBD. A crew of professional photographers have unilaterally hijacked this carpark wall, installing a street gallery of 40 large-scale works at their own expense, and subsequently earning the support from the council. The artists have declared it the Elizabeth Street Gallery. The photographs are beautifully composed shots of urban Sydney life in all its chaos and contradiction. The ethnic diversity of Western Sydney, the sunny affluence of Manly, the gentrification of Newtown and the swagger of the local hip hop community are all there in vibrant colour, extreme contrast and short focus. It's a neat conceptual circle: the city and its people reflected back at themselves. The crew — Dean Sewell, James Brickwood, James Alcock, Andrew Quilty, Nick Walker and George Voulgaropoulos — work nine to five at Fairfax. They're part of a generation of artists remixing blank city spaces, and they're not waiting for authorisation from state institutions. The repercussions of this guerilla project stretch far beyond the beautification and creative invasion of public space. The Elizabeth Street Gallery is exemplary of that awe-inspiring combination of pragmatism and utopianism that artists do best. Their ingenuity is often laughed at, then swiftly incorporated into the mainstream. Five years ago, temporary galleries in empty shopfronts were considered out-there and unrealistic. Now, high-end retail pop up stores grace every second block of Oxford St and the Elizabeth Street Gallery looks like it's being kept. It's an ironic indication of the unquantifiable and often unrecognised contribution artists make to cities and communities. While you're in the area, swing by The Conductor's Project — a likeminded public art project that installs contemporary works in disused display cabinets (inside the ticketed area) at St James and Museum Stations. The Elizabeth Street Gallery seems to be staying in place for the forseeable future.
If you've been languishing in the absence of Goodgod, here's your chance to get that basement mojo working again. The Goodgod folks are back. And they've just announced their first move: a reassembling at the Opera House during Vivid LIVE for a four-night extravaganza, happening over two weekends. Dubbed Goodgod Super Club, the event will take over the Studio, turning it into the nightclub of Goodgod's dreams. Every evening, a genre-smashing, powerhouse DJ will team up with a like-minded Aussie for extended sets, designed to make you dance until you're free. "For decades people have gone to nightclubs to dance their troubles away," said Goodgod's Jimmy Sing. "But nowadays it feels that clubs are rarely designed with that dancefloor experience and its liberating potential in mind. So that's what Goodgod Super Club's purpose will be — a seriously incredible dancefloor journey." Opening proceedings on Friday, May 27 will be Simon Caldwell (Mad Racket) and Bradley Zero, who hails from Peckham in the UK. If you've checked out the Boiler Room, listened to NTS Radio or ever made it to a Rhythm Section pool hall party, you'll be familiar with this underground dance hero. Get grimy when Mike Who (Astral People, FBI Radio) and Oneman (aka Steve Bishop) hit the decks on Saturday, May 28. Oneman has built a major following on the back of his flawless mixing of grime, old-school UK garage, DMZ-era dubstep and Atlanta's purple haze rap. Just a handful of the names he's played sessions with are Major Lazer, SBTRKT, Jamie xx, Jackmaster and Ben UFO. After a week's rest, you'll be hankering to get back into the action. Magda Bytnerowicz (4our) and Kyle Hall (Wild Oats) are your hosts on Friday, June 3. Hall, who comes from Detroit, is the progeny of techno's second wave pioneers: Omar-S, Theo Parrish and Carl Craig, and his latest album, Joy, is an homage to the Motor City. By way of grand finale, Chanel (LOW TON) will be arriving on Saturday, June 4, alongside New Yorker Joey LaBeija and Brooklyn rapper Junglepussy. LaBeija's album Shattered Dreams has featured in the world's leading galleries, including MoMA and the Brooklyn Museum. His relentless creative mix is a mashup of ballroom, rap, Rihanna and reggaeton, underpinned with addictive percussion. Tix go on sale on Wednesday 23 March at 9am. Get your mitts on them over here or by calling (02) 9250 7777.
Saharan nude, matcha green and pink lily are just some of the personalised leather accessory colours you'll be able to nab at Maison de Sabré's pop-up store from Thursday, May 13. The luxury leather brand will launch its first Australian brick-and-mortar store inside Pitt Street Mall, and it's set to stay until July 2021. The 85sqm pop-up space will also host new product launches, exclusive collaborations and real-time product personalisation through augmented reality. Maison de Sabré's complete range of leather accessories including phone cases, wallets and bags will be on show. Gold or silver monogram detailing is available on all products, with colours like lavendar purple, walnut brown, black caviar and lapis blue. Maison de Sabré was founded on the Gold Coast in 2017 and now is sold in Japan and the USA.
You know what's better than a haunted house? A haunted hotel. You know what's better than a haunted hotel? A massive bloody party inside a haunted hotel. We can only assume that this was the reasoning behind the second coming of Harpoon Harry's Horror Hotel. This year, they've teamed up with photography collective Hobogestapo to transform the entirety of the Surry Hills venue into a wicked party, packed with spooky trimmings. Featuring music from Frames and Hobogestapo's very own Hobophonics — and with costuming being described as essential — this should be one ghoulish get-down. Doors will be open from 8pm.
Do you remember the first time that you saw a pastel-hued facade, ornate interior detailing, or something gloriously symmetrical indoors or out, then thought "that looks like something out of a Wes Anderson film"? For almost three decades now, we've all done it. Since his feature debut Bottle Rocket, the Asteroid City and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar director has firmly established his stylistic trademarks, ensuring that a Wes Anderson movie is always immediately recognisable as a Wes Anderson movie no matter which of the filmmaker's regular actors is in front of the camera. Brooklyn-based husband and wife Wally and Amanda Koval shared this line of thinking to the point of creating an Instagram account around it in 2017. Accidentally Wes Anderson now has 1.9-million followers. The social media feed is a curated selection of images from real life that look like Anderson has staged, styled and shot them, but hasn't — and after taking films as inspiration for an online compilation of images, Accidentally Wes Anderson has taken the IRL route itself via an exhibition. At Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, 200-plus images await — and they're all coming to Australia for the first time. Following past runs in Tokyo and Seoul, and present seasons in London and Los Angeles, the immersive art experience will make its Down Under debut in Melbourne from Wednesday, September 18, 2024, complete with ten rooms. Some of the exhibition's walls feature facades that Anderson must covet, others find landscape that'd make the perfect Anderson backdrop, and plenty highlight either vintage vehicles or enchanting hotels. Yes, pastel tones pop up frequently. So does symmetry, including in the exhibition's presentation. The idea is to make you feel like you're stepping into Anderson's flicks by showing how the world beyond his frames often conjures up that sensation anyway. To borrow from a different filmmaker, is this the Wes Anderson version of Inception? Attendees enter an exhibition of real-life pictures inspired by an Instagram account that's inspired by Anderson's moving pictures, particularly his aesthetic within them that takes cues from real life. Accidentally Wes Anderson has also been turned into a book, too, plus a website with a map spanning almost 2000 spots across the planet that fit the theme. At Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, patrons arrive via the lobby, then explore a space dedicated to portals, then embrace an array of facades. Checking out sections devoted to coastal scenes, planes and trains (and automobiles, of course), sports, accommodation and nature is also on the agenda. There's a space that'll get you watching big-screen travel adventures, too — and, just for Australia, one about Aussie spots that evoke Anderson. For souvenirs, you'll exit through the Accidentally Wes Anderson shop.
Dance music lovers are well and truly catered for this Spring. With the new three-day festival S.A.S.H. Sleepout geared for September, lovers of big drops and tight beats have already been planning carpools for the warmer months. Planning an exclusive dance music haven to rival your imagination, festival promoters Disktrict want to keep the tempo high until November with the second instalment of Return To Rio. Founded by Ricky Cooper (Tricky) and Nick Law (Lawless), Disktrict launched as a local dance party arbiter of Sydney's east in mid-2012. It didn't take the DJ duo long to dabble into festival territory, holding a rainy but relatively successful Return To Rio a year later. The three-day dance music festival promises more surprises and rhyming riddles than ever — Disktrict are keeping tight-lipped about the lineup until all of the limited 1500 tickets sell out. Taking over the Del Rio Riverside Resort in Wiseman's Ferry for a weekend in mid-November, Return To Rio shares many of the same traits with the ill-fated, end of summer retreat, Playground Weekender. Due to a major risk of flooding, the five-year-strong dance festival was cancelled in 2012 just hours before it was meant to take off, and wasn't able to recover from the financial blowout. Hopefully the weather doesn't make any threats this time around. The poolside party vibes, the obligatory fancy dress and the beautiful venue have stayed the same but the let-your-imagination-go-wild ethos and a greater emphasis on exclusivity seem to be the defining characteristics of Return To Rio. Even buying a ticket is shrouded in secrecy, with organisers encouraging punters to ask their music industry friends where the ticket scoop's at. Ticket prices have taken a small leap up from $120 to $150, but Return to Rio are promising an even better beat-heavy lineup than last year's, which included Mad Racket, S.A.S.H., Love Bombs, Start Cue, Murat Killic, Wonderland Ave, Simon Caldwell and a truckload of others. Return to Rio runs November 14 – 16 at Del Rio Riverside Resort, Wiseman's Ferry. Tickets and more info available here. Images by Kate Ryan.
Goodfellas has all of the charm of an old school barbershop, mixed with all of the modern convenience of a modern salon. Specialising in fades, trims, beards and shape-ups, the barbers has men leaving each appointment feeling better than ever. Your service can also include a hot towel, face mask and special hair treatments, too. The stylists here are especially knowledgeable and prices are very reasonable — crew cuts start at $20. The place has a vibe all its own, with tiled floors and walls and those classic barbershop chairs — you'll nearly expect to see a barbershop quartet singing out front. Image: Hai Phung
A business card with Carly Rae Jepsen's immortal words "Call Me Maybe" has been doing the rounds on Facebook for the last few months. And while we had a little giggle at this one, it pales in comparison to some of the wacky and wonderful business cards out there. With designs that range from a balloon to a fortune cookie to a lego piece, here are some of our favourite creative business cards. Mais Pilates Studio's business cards The Bombay Bakery's Edible Business Card Charlotte Simonsen, Your Local Lego Expert Pfizer's Viagra Business Cards Freelance Photography Business Cards Divorce Lawyer James Mahon Design your Own Future with Daniel Butler Cut the Excess Weight with this Fitness Trainer Furniture specialists Tok & Stok Gengaivan Likes Everything Second-Hand Local Chest Physician Dr. Niphadkar's Card Reboot your Life with Psychologist Jack Napier Fly into Paperplane Graphics
"Fan art" comes in a bizarre array of forms. Couch-dwelling admirers of films and television series have brought us such timeless works of art as Elvis murals made from burnt toast, life-size stormtrooper costumes and the burgeoning industry of "fan fiction". While this sort of fandom, at times bordering on obsession, tends to be fairly laughable, Spanish artist Iñaki Aliste Lizarralde has transformed her TV fixation into something truly fascinating, creating hand-drawn, blueprints of some of television's most beloved apartments. With these intricate aerial views fans can now take a virtual tour through the apartments of Sex and the City, The Big Bang Theory and Friends, while forever wondering how a bunch of characters that seem to divide their time fairly evenly between coffee houses and trendy bars manage to afford these fab pads. Friends - Chandler & Joey and Monica & Rachel's Apartments The Big Bang Theory - Sheldon & Leonard and Penny's Apartments Frasier - Frasier Crane's Apartment Sex and the City - Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment Original Batman TV series - Wayne Manor
The spookiest time of the year is here, which means different things to different people. Perhaps you think you're never too old to don a costume and go trick-or-treating. Maybe you just like the excuse to eat plenty of lollies. Or, you could enjoy diving headfirst into as much horror viewing as you can manage. For folks in the latter category — and those who like dressing up, too — the Georges River Council is hosting the type of event you'll want to add to your calendar. On Saturday, October 30, it's celebrating Halloween by bringing back its Frightful 80s Drive-In Cinema, which'll be free to attend at Donnelly Park in Connells Point. As for what you'll be watching, this pop-up drive-in is screening 80s vampire classic The Lost Boys. Get ready for a blonde-haired Kiefer Sutherland, not one but two Coreys (Haim and Feldman), and a tale of teenagers and the undead set in a Californian beach town. Entry opens at 5pm, with the film kicking off at 7.30pm. There are no bookings or tickets, so arriving early to nab a spot is recommended. Also, if you deck out your car in a costume — yes, you read that correctly — and you can win a prize for the best-dressed vehicle. Top image: Elder.
