After serving up top-notch Turkish food on Enmore Road for over six years, Ibrahim Kasif has announced he'll be closing his renowned and beloved restaurant Stanbuli. Announcing the closure on Instagram over the weekend, Kasif said "the timing feels right" to bring Stanbuli to a close. Opening in late 2015, Stanbuli took over the former residence of longstanding Enmore hairdresser Marie-Louise Salon, hiding behind its iconic pink and purple facade that had remained unchanged from the 1950s. Over the next half-decade, the restaurant grew a cult following with inner west locals, thanks to the team's tasty traditional Turkish cuisine and generous set menus. "I put my heart and soul into this place, and to represent my cultural heritage was truly an honour," Kasif's statement continues. "I wanted to represent Turkish food outside the realm of puréed dips and Döner. I wanted an eatery that played homage to real Turkish food." Kasif thanked his business partners, staff past and present, his wife and guests in the farewell statement, adding "we hope to see you one last time!". The bottom floor of the restaurant will remain open for the remainder of April, before its final service on Saturday, April 30. If you do want to head in one last time — or experience Stanbuli for the first time if you haven't had the chance — the venue is saying goodbye with a $75 per person set menu featuring everyone's favourite dishes from over the years. You can make a booking for up to four people in the downstairs area via the Stanbuli website or by calling 02 86243132. And, if you already have a booking for this month, never fear, all current bookings for the month of April will be honoured. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stanbuli (@stanbulirestaurant) Stanbuli is located at 135 Enmore Road, Enmore. It will close on Saturday, April 30.
After a commendable six-year stint, the team behind Surry Hills fine diner Bishop Sessa has taken things down a notch. The Crown Street venue has made the transition into casual dining territory, last week relaunching as a wine bar. Sporting a new look that's just as elegant, yet more laidback and casual, it's been renamed simply The Bishop. While the set menu and the special occasion-level of formality have been given the flick, owner Erez Gordon says he's held on to all the best-loved bits: the hefty wine offering, the switched-on staff and a decent food menu. Helping to push the venue into this next phase of life is renowned chef Troy Spencer, the one-time co-owner of Newtown's Spencer Guthrie, who's fresh from scoring a Good Food chef's hat during his time as Executive Chef at the Yarra Valley's TarraWarra Estate. While he's moved the venue away from degustation-style dining, he's devised a bar menu that lets you drop in for a few after-work snacks right through to a full meal. Expect dishes like wagyu beef cheeks with whipped cashew and burnt butter, salted fish with crisp potato, and market fish teamed with sweet and sour fennel. This newfound laidback vibe extends to the drinks offering. You'll find over 30 wines by the glass — starting at a neat $10 and ideal alongside the menu's snackier options — as well as a 200-strong bottle selection, a swag of craft beers and a crop of inventive cocktails. We're glad to see that the venue is able to pivot, rather than close completely like many other restaurants in the area; at last count, the strip of Crown Street that The Bishop calls home was sporting around 15 empty shopfronts. This lack of thriving business — which includes the closure of The Book Kitchen and The Devonshire — been largely attributed to the construction of the new southeast light rail system along Devonshire Street by venue owners, including Gordon. According to Gordon, Bishop Sessa saw 50 percent drop in trading from when the construction started in October 2016 until the restaurant closed last month. The Bishop is now open at 527 Crown Street, Surry Hills. It's open from 4pm everyday except Monday.
Now that summer’s kicked in (sort of), it’s time to go somewhere you can listen to the low shush-shushing of the ocean and watch the sun dip behind the horizon. Coogee? Too far! Cronulla? Still controversial! You and I both know that Bondi Beach is the place to be this summer. Whether you’ve spent the day getting suntanned and sandy-toed, braved sweaty public transport or successfully battled for a parking spot, treat yourself this summer to the hottest films screening under the stars. Bondi Openair Cinema is back with a vengeance — they’ve even got Ben & Jerry’s offering Sundae Sessions, Sonoma Bakery on board and a brand spanking new location on the Dolphin Lawn. This year the programme is packed like a beloved shiny bucket with quirky comedies, cult classics, indie flicks, new Aussie releases and sneak previews. Gear up with live bands and solo artists and grab some lemonade, chairs and booze from the fully licenced Festival Bar before settling into a sweet balmy night of big screen entertainment. The drive-in’s not dead, it’s just been given a re-jig — shimmy on down to Bondi for a perfect summery evening.
Get set for cleaner air and fewer cigarette butts lying around, as North Sydney becomes one of the first smoke-free CBDs in the country. Last September, North Sydney Council first introduced the motion, before extensive community consultation indicated that the majority of residents were also on board. Then, yesterday at a council meeting, councillors voted unanimously in support of the CBD-wide ban, which will be rolled out across two stages. For the first three months it'll be a self-regulated ban, with various initiatives focused on spreading awareness about the changes, including footpath decals. After this first stage, the council will go through reports and feedback to determine whether the ban needs further enforcement. So, while there won't be any penalties or fines at the start, they could be implemented if people aren't so good at obeying the rules. [caption id="attachment_733250" align="alignnone" width="1920"] A map of the smoke-free North Sydney CBD[/caption] Smoking will be banned across the CBD, as well as in the area extending north to the Council Chambers and the Civic Centre. A number of smoke-free zones already exist at Brett Whiteley Place and Elizabeth Plaza, where they've been operating successfully through self-regulation. "There's been a lot of interest in this proposal and I'm not surprised," said North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson in a statement. "Second hand smoke is detrimental to everyone's health. We want to create a safe environment for our community where everyone can enjoy our outdoor open spaces." In the rest of NSW, the State Government introduced a smoking ban in outdoor dining areas – including on footpaths outside licensed cafes and pubs – since 2015, while Pitt Street Mall Place in the Sydney CBD became smoke-free from September 2016. Brisbane, Melbourne and Hobart also have designated smoke-free public places in their own CBD's.
Crown Sydney is heating things up in a seriously opulent style with a one-night-only rooftop party on Thursday, November 27 — and it's bound to be one of the most exclusive events of the season. Set on the level five rooftop pool deck, the evening will unfold against the beautiful scenery of the harbour, flowing cocktails, world-class dining, and live entertainment. Presented by Patrón Tequila and Fashion House Missoni, the party brings together some of Crown's biggest culinary names — including Nobu, a'Mare, Icebergs Harbour Bar, Woodcut and Golden Century, each serving signature dishes from live food stations. Expect unlimited sashimi, tequila pasta tossed to order, and roaming yum cha bites, alongside crafted Patrón cocktails. Headlining the event is electronic duo Peking Duck, with support from Touch Sensitive, elevating the night. Tickets are $525 per person and include an unforgettable night of food, beverages, and entertainment. This is Crown at its most luxurious, an immersive, all-inclusive summer celebration designed for those ready to start the season with a splash. Tickets are $525 per person and include an unforgettable night of food, beverages, and entertainment. This is Crown at its most luxurious, an immersive, all-inclusive summer celebration designed for those ready to start the season with a splash.
Remember how one of the best things about being a kid was finding weird stuff like leftover food and your grandma’s spare teeth, and bringing it to school for show and tell? Well that sort of exercise can also be one of the best things about being a culturally discerning adult. If you still possess interesting ideas and an inquisitive mind, get down to Trampoline and put forth your discoveries — be they abstract, tangible or dental — to an audience that is up for cross-disciplinary discussion. Trampoline Day is a self-organising event that aims to address things that are appealing across a range of disciplines, with past topics ranging from intergenerational learning to wine tasting, 3D printers and, incidentally, the 1000-year-old human. Nothing is locked in on Trampoline and nothing is given priority, with the only requirement being that each session is 20 minutes long and focuses on sharing something that the presenter finds amazing. It also takes place out the back of the Oxford Street Design Store, so if you’re stuck for ideas you can pick up something fascinating for less than $20 on your way in. Image courtesy of Julia Hughan.
Ah, the humble loo — a place of peace and sometimes panic when you realise the roll is empty (or was simply never there to begin with). Here in Straya, not only do we have stunning landscapes, amazing surf and adorable native critters, but there are loos with views so sensational that they'll make you forget about the TP entirely. We decided to make a list of a few of the best, and in order to cover as much ground as possible, we asked our readers and social followers to chip in with your reccos. The following list is made up of our favourite submissions. So if you've decided to head off on an adventure this long weekend, here's where you should head when nature calls — plus some nice spots to chill over the weekend with a bev from our mates at The Bottle-O. [caption id="attachment_942303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mount Wellington, Darren Tierney[/caption] Kunanyi (Mount Wellington), TAS If you fancy a Tassie road trip, head up to Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) for the best bathroom views, according to reader Alan: "There's a public toilet at the top with the best views even on a cloudy day. The window is literally above the sink, so you can look out while washing your hands." Once peak dunny has been achieved, continue on the adventure to Huon Valley or down to Bruny Island, stopping in at local The Bottle-O to grab a haul of evening beers to crack with your road trip buds — ideally over a roaring fireplace. Closest The Bottle-O: Grove [caption id="attachment_942299" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kalbarri Skywalk, Gagliardi Photography[/caption] Kalbarri National Park, WA Are you keen on an outback adventure in WA this long weekend? Explore the dramatic coastline and striking red sandstone gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Take it all in at the Kalbarri Skywalk – and make sure you pay your respects at the toilets next door. Our IG follower Tanya paints a glorious picture: "You step out of the bathroom, and there are just uninterrupted views of the landscape. Just breathtaking." Then, make your way to Dongara's The Bottle-O for a well-deserved beverage to enjoy with your mates at the local campground. Closest The Bottle-O: Dongara [caption id="attachment_942305" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sunset Beach, Penny Britt[/caption] Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach, Onslow, WA Concrete Playground commenter Laura recommends this spot: "There are bathrooms with showers, so whether you're arriving first thing for a dip at sunrise or chilling in the evening, there's everything you need to get sorted and perfect sunrises and sunsets over the ocean with a bev." If you're WA-bound and the beach is calling you this long weekend, enjoy epic sunrise and sunset views at Sunrise Beach (or front beach, ideal for swimming and chilling) and Sunset Beach (or back beach, perfect for fishing and picnicking) after picking up your drinks at The Bottle-O and snacks at the local grocers at Onslow. Closest The Bottle-O: Onslow [caption id="attachment_942304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mount Wellington, Nick Clark[/caption] Mount Solitary, Blue Mountains National Park NSW Every Sydneysider has gone to the Blue Mountains at least once. But have you made it over to Mount Solitary? Reader Michael recommends the Mount Solitary walking track for the views and the drop toilets: "There are two toilets and a water tank near Ruined Castle if you need to take care of business. There's never too many people about, and the views are unreal." Keep in mind this walk is for experienced bushwalkers, but once you've successfully completed the journey, nothing will taste better than that first drink back at the campsite once you've kicked off your walking boots. Stock up your dinner supplies at Hazelbrook and drinks at the local The Bottle-O on the way to the track's starting point. Closest The Bottle-O: Hazelbrook [caption id="attachment_942302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lord Howe Island, A Goyen[/caption] Lord Howe Island, NSW If you're looking for a long weekend adventure with a whole lotta luxury, Lord Howe Island, with its pristine beaches and lush rainforests, make it a straight-up paradise. And apparently, the public toilets stick to the same high standards. Concrete Playground follower Pat confirms: "Everything is lush on this island. There's a stunning view from every window, especially the public toilets at Ned's Beach." There are a few ways onto the island, but unless you and your mates have access to a boat, you'll have to fly over. Regional flights head from Port Macquarie, head there to stock up on supplies and bevs from The Bottle-O toast to island life for the long weekend. Closest The Bottle-O: Flynn's Beach, Port Macquarie [caption id="attachment_942300" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lake Bellfield Toilets, Tracie Louise[/caption] Gariwerd (Grampians) National Park VIC Melbourne-based readers: are the mountains calling you for a long weekend getaway? Trek along the ridges and clicks of the epic mountain range before chasing emus off your campsite at Smith's Mill Campground. Once you've arrived in the Grampians, you're not going to have the opportunity to head down to the local shop for snacks, so get sorted at Sebastopol and head to The Bottle-O there for any campsite brews to enjoy with your mates. David recommends Lake Bellfield for a loo with a view, and sounds like prime real estate: "Just off the main road from Halls Gap, in this large two-storey wooden shelter, you'll find the toilets with views out over the lake, perfect for stretching your legs." Closest The Bottle-O: Sebastopol [caption id="attachment_942306" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Wirestock[/caption] Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, TAS Want to get a little wild for the long weekend? Head into the wild west of Tassie to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. According to reader Natalie, the dunnies located near Nelson Falls are among Australia's most scenic: "A perfect sidetrack if you're road-tripping from Cradle Mountain to Queenstown or vice versa. Toilets themselves are nothing special, but the waterfalls are gorge". Once you've finished admiring the scenery, head over to Queenstown to pick up a drink at The Bottle-O and toast to the wonders of the Tasmanian wilderness at the free campsite at Lake Burbury. Closest The Bottle-O: Queenstown Wherever the road leads you on your weekend adventuring, find your nearest The Bottle-O and stock up on some standout bevs. Ready to start planning? Head to the website. Top image: Canva Stock
The new year is here, ushering in a delectable 12 months of delicious innovations from chefs and bartenders across the Harbour City. Sydney has one of the most dynamic hospitality scenes in the country, with a steady supply of new venues, dishes, cocktails and all manner of culinary delights vying to be the city's latest epicurean obsession. But which of these fads are merely a flash in the pan and which will actually influence the way we eat and drink over the coming year? We've scoured the city for the fresh thinking currently popping on menus to name the emergent trends hungry Sydneysiders will be tucking into throughout 2025. Mighty (and Mini) Martinis Move over frozé, Aperol icy poles and boxtails — Sydney's most exciting drinks trend is ditching the gimmicks and getting back to basics. In recent months, some of Sydney's most exciting bar openings have been anchored to that most classic of classics, the martini, including Concrete Playground's current pick for Sydney's best bar, Bobbie's in Double Bay. While conventional wisdom, especially when it comes to cocktails, might suggest more is more, martinis are now not only shaken and stirred — they've also shrunk. The mini martini, with a pour as small as 30ml, is being pitched as the aperitif of the moment, offering a swift strong sip before moving onto wine that also downsizes the often eye-watering price tag of larger cocktails. Bread and Butter Gets a Glow-Up [caption id="attachment_986378" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Loucas[/caption] The flavour and finesse some fine diners have already brought to the humble bread basket has lofted this once forgettable nibble to a scene-stealing event in its own right, but the elevation of the bread course is reaching ever more impressive heights in Sydney right now. Newcomers like ATTENZIONE! Food and Wine in Redfern, where you can enjoy a house-made fougasse flatbread spread with wildflower butter, are leaning into the culinary bells and whistles that are increasingly expected by Sydney diners but tilda, the 110-seat ground-floor restaurant at the recently refitted Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has set the gold standard with its $39 bread service. This theatrical affair features a roving trolly laden with accoutrements — chives, spring onions, smoked salt, honey and more — to be folded through a generous dollop of whipped cultured Pepe Saya. This pimped-up, made-to-order butter is then ready to be slathered on a saltbush focaccia from AP bakery — truly, the upper crust. One-Stop Hospitality Precincts for a Nose-to-Tail Evening Multi-venue hospitality hubs have been gaining momentum in recent months, with some of 2024's biggest openings — The Bristol, Walker Street, The International and Wunderlich Lane, to name only a few — falling into this ascendent category of dining destination. Delivering convenience and quality all under one roof, these one-stop shops allow patrons to enjoy all the variety of a venue hopping evening without having to pound the pavement or brave the weather. A New Wave of Authentic Japanese Dining Japanese cuisine is hardly difficult to come by in Sydney — throw a stone in any direction and you're likely to hit a steaming bowl of ramen, a freshly charred skewer from a robtata grill, a stack of sushi train plates or a tasty bento box. However, there's far more to Japanese dining than just this handful of familiar feeds. An influx of omakase restaurants — the quintessential Japanese chef's table experience — made a notable impression on Sydney diners in 2021–22 and more casual Isakaya-style venues are also increasingly commonplace in the Harbour City. However, a handful of new openings in 2024 made the case for an even more immersive way to experience the Land of the Rising Sun's culinary culture. Ramen Auru in Crows Nest has recreated a classic Tokyo noodle house in stunning detail, complete with shokken ordering machine, and a tatami dining space with low tables and fluorescent tube lighting. In the CBD, JOJI uses a more contemporary lens to conjure a sophisticated, modern Japanese bar, while Prefecture 48, a six-venue dining precinct on Sussex Street, is showcasing lesser-known dining styles including kaiseki — Japan's answer to the degustation. Checking In for a Great Meal Sydney hotels have a well-established pedigree of excellent dining, with recent openings such as Brasserie 1930, helmed by Nick Hildebrandt and Brent Savage of Bentley Group at Capella Sydney, and Mitch Orr's Kiln at Ace Hotel pushing the standard ever higher. The recently renovated Sofitel Sydney Wentworth features four new hospitality venues, including Vietnamese-French fusion fine diner Delta Rue and sprawling rooftop watering hole Wentworth Bar, while The Eve at the Surry Hills Village development, a surprisingly lush and tropical inner-city boutique stay by TFE Hotels, will feature multiple hospitality options by Liquid & Larder, the team behind celebrated Sydney venues including Bistecca and The Gidley, including Lottie, a leafy rooftop poolside Mexican mezcaleria. Some restaurateurs are also trying their hands as hoteliers. Seafood savants Josh and Julie Niland are opening their first boutique hotel above the new digs of the pair's flagship fine diner Saint Peter in Paddington, while the Continental Deli's expansion on Australia Street in Newtown will feature a trio of two-bedroom suites in addition to the development's three new hospitality venues. Comeback Kings It has been a bruising few years for Sydney's hospitality sector. The lockdowns and restrictions of the pandemic years followed by a cost-of-living crisis that has shown little sign of slowing have left a litany of restaurant and bar closures in their wake. However, while these turbulent times have spelled disaster for some businesses, others have found a silver lining. While established businesses have struggled to hold on to customers, new openings have remained enticing for Sydney diners. Seizing on this, some restaurateurs have relaunched or rebranded their businesses to ride this wave of enthusiasm for all things new. Raja, the much-lauded mod-Indian fine diner in Kings Cross by Nick and Kirk Mathews-Bowden, closed less than a year after it's launch, only to rise from the ashes as Teddy, an affordable retro neighbourhood eatery and bar far better tooled to meet the needs of fiscally fraught diners. Donut Papi, the popular Filipino bakery which closed in July 2024, relaunched in September as House of Papi, a meryenda concept showcasing a broader spectrum of Filipino eats. And legendary late night Chinese restaurant Golden Century, which closed in 2021, announced in November 2024 that it would be resurrected at Crown Towers, once again serving up dim sum and fresh seafood, including its famed pipis in XO sauce. Happy Hours for Happy Wallets While happy hours are nothing new, their scale and scope in Sydney has exploded as restaurants and bars have battled to coax back cash-strapped punters with cost-of-living-defying deals. More than just shaving a dollar or two off the cost of a house wine or schooner of beer, many of these discounts are impressively generous, such as Franca's $5 martinis, Teddy's all-day discounts on Sundays or Bobbie's Golden Hour, where customers can not only enjoy $10 cocktails but also free snacks. Other venues, such as Arms Length in Kings Cross and Island Radio in Surry Hills, are helping their customers to save with bolt-on bottomless deals, with free-flowing alcoholic beverages for less than the cost of the average bottle of wine. Breathing New Life Into Disused Spaces [caption id="attachment_937670" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben Hansen[/caption] Like any major city, Sydney is in a constant state of flux, with disused and dilapidated buildings demolished to make way for shiny new architectural wonders. However, the time between a property being sold and the beginning of its redevelopment can sometimes be months or even years. Seeing a ripe opportunity, hospitality maven Maurice Terzini of Bondi Icebergs Dining Room and Bar fame has pioneered a new model for hospitality businesses, transforming buildings awaiting demolition into pop-up eateries. This brainwave has resulted in two successful ventures to date: Snack Kitchen, a relaxed cucina-deli hybrid opened in partnership with Terzini's son Sylvester, and Mirage KX, an edgy queer-coded cabaret club collaboration with House of Mince's Peter Shopovsky, both located in Potts Point. The Maybe Sammy Crew have partnered with low-to-no waste mixologist Matt Whiley to launch a similar venture in Haymarket. Little Cooler is a punky dive bar concept which used 100 percent repurposed materials to create its grungy, uber-cool fitout in a basement location set to be redeveloped in late 2026. Top image: Jason Loucas
Changes are afoot at one of Sydney's historic beachside boozers. A long-standing locals haunt, the 1956-built Beach Road Hotel has a new resident — and it's travelled far from the eastern suburbs. Wander upstairs to the bar's sprawling lounge, and you'll find a space replete with couches, pool tables, a large central bar and a new pop-up pizzeria called Antico's. While this beachside pop-up is new, opening in early March 2021, the pizzeria itself isn't. The OG Antico is located an hour southwest of Sydney, in a heritage-listed Narellan building. Opened 15 years ago by Mike Nikolovski, the suburban eatery is now a true family affair. Mike's wife Margarita — "the best pizza cutter in the world" — works in the restaurant alongside their son Aleks (head pizza honcho), Aleks' partner Lauren (customer service and marketing), his sister Sofija (front of house and events), and, most recently, his brother Alen. If you're a Sydney bar fly, you'll recognise Alen. He's worked at watering holes across the city for more than ten years, including at Tio's, The Baxter Inn and Shady Pines Saloon. It's thanks to his connections in the industry that the pop-up was possible. "I was in here [Beach Road Hotel] for lunch not long ago and the GM Ben Pearce, who is a really old friend of mine, was asking about our family business and how it's going," Alen told Concrete Playground. "He mentioned that they had a pizza oven upstairs that they were only using a few days a week and if we would be interested in doing a pop-up. I instantly said yes and then called my brother and dad." [caption id="attachment_803067" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pat Stevenson[/caption] The pizza at both venues is closest to traditional Roman-style pizza. "Big fluffy crust, a few more toppings than the Napoli style and holds up well, not too floppy," explains Alen. The dough recipe, which Mike has had for over 35 years, is a closely guarded family secret. "It's like the Colonel's KFC seven secret spices recipe, no one will ever really tell you," says Alen. While the family won't share the recipe, they will share how it's prepared and cooked. "It's 48-hour proof. When getting made it's under constant supervision, making sure there is enough water and flour while in the dough machine, and by feel and look deciding when it's finished. It's a true art form," says Alen. "It comes out super soft, is stretched by hand and cooked in the traditional oven at high heat, giving it a super cloudy crust while maintaining a strong middle to hold the toppings up." And what are those toppings? At the pop-up, you'll find classics like the margherita with cherry tomatoes and a pepperoni with sopresso salami and chilli flakes; more left-of-field numbers like the truffle oil-topped mushroom and peri peri chicken pizzas; the always-controversial hawaiian; and Alen's favourite: a burrata and anchovy number. [caption id="attachment_803063" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pat Stevenson[/caption] The pop-up, which is set to run for three months, isn't the only recent expansion for the pizzeria, either. Early last year, the team launched a food truck. Because of COVID-19, however, events have been few and far between — but, in upcoming months, expect to see it rolling out markets and festivals, including at the upcoming Yours and Owls Festival, which has just been given the green light to go ahead this April Find Antico's at the Beach Road Hotel, 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach from 4pm–late Wednesday–Saturday. It's set to close at the end of May. Images: Pat Stevenson
M.I.A just added another notch to her rebellious belt, calling in Julian Assange to open her gig at NYC's Terminal 5 via a live Skype feed. In what some might say is a canny publicity move (her fourth album, Matangi, has just been released today), the performer took her fans by surprise when Assange appeared on an enormous screen over the stage. After briefly lamenting he couldn't be at the show due to his ongoing confinement in London's Ecuadorian embassy, the WikiLeaks founder told the American audience "your government sucks", stressing the seriousness of the sinister relationship between government and media in the west. Assange spoke for just over ten typically glitchy Skype minutes, declaring that "we are in a battle" and stressing to his listeners that truly caring means getting personally involved, which in turn could lead to an enormous collective power. He also expressed his admiration for the politically passionate English/Sri-Lankan artist, saying “I think she is the most courageous woman working in western music.” Assange actually helped write one of the tracks on M.I.A's new album, 'aTENTion', for which he seemingly hacked the word 'tent'. They have previously collaborated in his promotion of M.I.A's free 2011 mix tape Vicki Leekx, and she later contributed music to Assange's TV program The World Tomorrow. You can watch an audience member's recording of the unexpected address below. The sound isn't great, but if you fiddle around with the volume levels you can catch most of it. Via New York Times and Spin.
As the weather heats up and Sydneysiders flock to the coast, the city's hospitality scene is giving locals even more reasons to spend spring and summer days in Bondi. The famous waterfront suburb has seen a wave of new openings in recent weeks including Spanish tapas joint Iberica, Argentinian grill house Zama and now Easy Tiger, a new Southeast Asian restaurant and cocktail bar. The new feather in Bondi's hospo cap comes from the team at House Made Hospitality (Hinchcliff House, Bar Mammoni, Promenade) and takes over the Campbell Parade space of the crew's summer pop-up Rancho Seltzo. The limited-time seltzer bar that opened back in January has now made way for Easy Tiger. Instead of boozy slushies and falafel flatbread, the new tenant is shaking things up with a flavour-packed menu and affordable banquets. Ex-Mr Wong and Queen Chow chef Andrianto Wirya leads the way in Easy Tiger's kitchen. The accomplished chef celebrates his Indonesian heritage throughout the menu, while weaving in dishes and flavours of Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. "While you may recognise many of these dishes, we're putting fun spins on them you might not see elsewhere," says Wirya. "Our aim was to create a menu that's affordable and exciting enough to make you want to come back for more — and that's light enough you can hit Bondi Beach for a swim after you eat." If you're heading in for a snack, there's crispy corn larb, tiger prawn rolls, beef rendang party pies, tamarind chicken wings and Balinese suckling pig in fluffy bao buns. You'll also find heftier dishes on the menu including laksa, crispy turmeric spatchcock, claypot chicken rice and wood-roasted cauliflower in a green curry, but the best way to approach the menu if you're hungry is to opt for the banquet. The multi-course menu allows groups of two or more to feast on five plates of their choosing, plus rice, for just $42 per person. [caption id="attachment_919559" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leigh Griffiths[/caption] The bulk of the drinks menu is made from Bondi Brewing Co beers and seltzers, which sit next to an all-Australian wine list (there's one French champagne) featuring a couple of funky skin-contact drops, plus five signature cocktails. The Kaya Colada is a creamy pineapple, coconut and kaya jam creation, while the South Bondi Tiger is a refreshing combination of floral gin, tamarind, lime and Vietnamese mint — and calls out to be ordered when the mercury hits 30 degrees. Boasting the capacity for 70 inside and another 30 out on Campbell Parade, Easy Tiger is an ideal group catch-up spot. If you're on the hunt for a communal space to chat over top-notch food and drinks, there are three ten-seat communal tables available inside for groups, plus another three ten-seater terrazzo high tables out front. Easy Tiger is now open at 182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach — operating from 5–11pm Wednesday–Thursday, 11.30am–midnight Friday–Saturday and 11.30am–10pm Sunday. Images: Steven Woodburn.
When Shaun Christie-David launched Colombo Social — a contemporary Sri Lankan diner and social enterprise that supports asylum seekers, refugees and people facing food insecurity — his parents' experiences migrating to Australia in the 1980s provided a major inspiration. Memories of his mother's cooking and the way her food bridged cultural divides in her adopted home continue to resonate in every aspect of Colombo Social and Plate It Forward, Christie-David's meal donation charity. Given their close relationship, it might not seem all that surprising that the restaurateur is now joining forces with his amma, Shiranie, for a new series of special menus. What's less expected, however, is that Christie-David is also inviting some of Australia's top chefs to team up with their mothers in the Enmore Road kitchen as well. [caption id="attachment_962412" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shaun Christie-David with his mother Shiranie[/caption] Colombo Social's Mum Cha events will be delivering ten-course set menus on the last Saturday of every month. To launch the series, Christie-David has tapped Merivale's Executive Chef and TV personality Dan Hong (Mr. Wong, MuMu), who will be joined on the pots by his mother, Angie Hong. On Saturday, June 29, the Hongs and the Christie-Davids will be dishing up a collaborative menu melding the two families' respective cultures. Shiranie's famous dhal sandwiches and Colombo Social's crowd-pleasing tuna cutlets will share the spotlight with Hong's mini sugarcane prawns, fresh rice paper rolls and green papaya salad. The Christie-Davids will also present panko-encased Sri Lankan spring rolls, their take on Hong's notoriously drool-worthy cheeseburger pan rolls that star at Potts Point Asian eatery Ms G's. [caption id="attachment_831809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Hong[/caption] In addition to the ten-course meal, diners will also receive a cocktail on arrival as well as unlimited top ups of their choice of red or white wines for 90 minutes. Just 50 tickets, priced $150 (drinks inclusive), are available for each Mum Cha event, so advance booking is a must — but should you miss out on one special menu, you'll only have to wait a month for your opportunity to taste the next. Already locked in for July's Mum Cha lunch is the founder of Melbourne's Atlas Dining, Charlie Carrington, whose impressive CV includes stints at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordan Ramsay in London and legendary Surry Hills diner Firedoor. Tickets for Carrington's Mum Cha menu will go on sale in early July. [caption id="attachment_962413" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Kitti Gould[/caption] Find Colombo Social's Mum Cha series on the last Saturday of every month at 159 Enmore Road, Enmore. Go to the restaurant's website to book. Top image: Kitti Gould
Part hairdresser, part spa, Woollahra's Queen Street Beauty is your go-to for a day of true pampering. Director John Colantuono has 25 years in the business, working at some of London's top day spas and under big names in the industry, like Umberto Giannini and Beverly Cobella. This is the place to come if you're tired of the same old and want expert direction on how to change it up. Queen Street Beauty offers much more than just your average cut — which starts at $130 for women and $80 for men. Here, you can enjoy organic or mineral hair colour, scalp therapy and organic spa treatments for your hair. The spa also offers massages, facials, tanning, nails and waxing. It's a one-stop shop for all of your beautifying needs. [caption id="attachment_780126" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Yaya Stempler[/caption] Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Queen Street Beauty is currently open for hair treatments only. All beauty treatments are on hold for the time being. Keep an eye on this space for updates. Images: Yaya Stempler
Sometimes cocktails enter the zeitgeist and quickly fade away again. But with a tome like The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, staying on top of classic drinks and modern twists becomes much easier. Crafted by Michael and Zara Madrusan — the brains behind acclaimed Melbourne venues like The Everleigh — they've transformed what began as an in-house manual into a treasured resource spanning 2800 cocktail recipes. With the recent release of the book capturing headlines, the duo are doing the rounds on the cocktail-making scene, next appearing at Rozelle's Red Mill Distillery on Tuesday, November 25. Presented by Balmain's Roaring Stories Bookshop, guests are served up a fascinating evening that combines art, history and cocktails. From 7pm, Michael will showcase how to create world-class cocktails bound to impress your friends and family over the holiday season. Leaning into sophisticated drinks heavy on the Red Mill Rum, guests are treated to two tasting cocktails on the night. Plus, you'll be able to purchase more tasty concoctions, as well as take home a signed copy of the duo's landmark book. And if you have bartending questions, Michael and Zara will be on hand to provide their revered advice. The setting for this masterclass could hardly be more appropriate, either. Set inside the reimagined 150-year-old White Bay Steelworks, Red Mill has established a stellar reputation for small-batch, high-quality rum. With the entire production handled in-house, this historic distillery is also home to a sprawling barrel hall, housing over 300 casks, from which the goods undoubtedly make their way into countless cocktails.
With work, family and other commitments, finding time to catch up with your friends can feel nearly impossible. So when you finally spot a gap in the calendar and lock in a date, the restaurant better be top-notch — we're adults now, after all. If you're just not sure where to go that'll offer the good feed you desire and the space to accommodate your potentially rowdy crew, never fear. We've teamed up with Westpac to offer you a list of eateries that'll ensure your long-awaited rendezvous will be one to remember. Westpac knows how awkward some money moments feel, which is why it's teamed up Beem It, the fast and simple way to pay and get paid. Forget waiting days for bank transfers, furiously typing in BSB and account numbers or hoping your mates will get you back next time. Beem It lets you split expenses and settle up instantly, no matter who you bank with. Plus, the app does all the pesky math lets you know who owes what in seconds (without hassling the waitstaff). In charge of organising a well-overdue catch up with your mates? Read on for a list of group-friendly dining spots you need to book once you've locked in a time for your next crew do.
The silver-screen experience is always worth celebrating. A darkened haven dedicated to watching movie magic? Films projected big enough to span entire walls? Ideally no phones or other distractions? No matter how many times you've seen a flick in a picture palace, it's pure bliss. And, like everything, there's a day to celebrate it: National Cinema Day. Every single day is a great day to hit up your favourite theatre, but Sunday, August 31, 2025 comes with a bonus at Reading Cinemas sites across Australia: $5 tickets. That's all you'll pay for a standard or premium session all day for one day only. Fancy hitting up its Titan screens instead? That'll only set you back $10. And for its Gold Lounge, you'll pay $15. Reading operates six sites across New South Wales, including Rhodes, Auburn and Rouse Hill, if you're wondering where to go to see a cheap flick. And your viewing options? They vary per cinema, but include Weapons, Freakier Friday, Nobody 2, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Caught Stealing, the new The Naked Gun and 50th-anniversary sessions of Jaws, among other titles. Two caveats: the deals aren't available for event screenings, Q&As or other special events, and there's still a booking fee if you're getting your tickets online.
Just when you thought no more of your teenage dreams could come true, there's yet another juicy serve of musical nostalgia heading our way this February. The next edition of RNB Vine Days is set to deliver a lineup that'll have you throwing back hard to the good ol' days. The one-day festival differs a little from the aforementioned arena spectaculars — instead of being held in a stadium, the concert will take over a winery in the Hunter Valley. It makes sense — the tour comes from the same minds that brought you A Day on the Green. Similarly, RNB Vine Days will be all ages and bring with it a star-studded cast of old-school music icons. Hitting the stage this time around is none other than UK pop royalty Craig David, who'll be performing alongside his full live band. Brit-Canadian girl group All Saints will send you tripping back in time as they revisit smooth hits like 'Never Ever' and 'Pure Shores', while renowned rapper Nelly will be getting the crowd 'Hot In Herre' as he throws down previous gems like 'Dilemma', 'Ride Wit Me' and 'Just A Dream'. Singer-songwriter Amerie and RnB Fridays Live resident DJ YO! MAFIA round out the lineup, to be be enjoyed alongside a day of sunshine, gourmet eats and the venue's own signature wines.
When Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) returns to the world of fashion, very few people care. In Zoolander 2, the male model finds that everyone has moved on during his 15-year absence; in fact, upon his arrival at the Rome airport with his rival turned best buddy Hansel (Owen Wilson), the paparazzi barely give him a second glance. The dim-witted character's on-screen comeback appears to subvert the film's off-screen reality, given that audiences have been clamouring for a follow-up to Zoolander ever since the 2001 feature became a cult favourite. Alas, it actually proves a sign of things to come, with the sequel rendering its central figure utterly forgettable. The Derek Zoolander of today might still boast shiny hair and his famous facial expressions, but he's now a recluse who gave up his career and son after a tragedy. Only an invitation to sashay down the runway for superstar seamstress Alexanya Atoz (Kristen Wiig) lures him back into the spotlight, though his trip to Italy also thrusts him into the thick of another conspiracy plot. This time, celebrities are dropping like flies, leaving pouting, blue steel-style selfies behind. Enter Interpol fashion division agent Valentina (Penélope Cruz), who needs Derek's help to put an end to the assassinations. Like many sequels, Zoolander 2 knows that viewers liked the first film, and isn't willing to stray far from that winning formula for its second outing. That means not just a similar story, the same levels of sartorial silliness and ample stupid dialogue, but plenty of overt nods to its predecessor. Indeed, spotting the references, repeats and rehashes — a familiar face here, a recycled line there — is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the movie. If you think that's a bad sign, you'd be right. If you think that everything else feels stretched, with countless twists and gags about obvious pop culture targets, you'd be right there too. That sense of déjà vu you're feeling is by design. What sets the two films apart, other than the sequels bloated narrative, is their respective strike rates. Zoolander might've been little more than a collection of exaggerated sketches and quotable dialogue, but at least its jokes landed more often than they didn't, whether skewering the fashion industry or taking aim at society's obsession with superficiality. Here, the recognisable content raises a smile, but attempts to contemplate loyalty, legacy and longevity come across as cheap and easy. Everything else — taking down hipsters, packing in cameo appearances, literally killing off Justin Bieber, and having Hansel date an orgy — falls flat. At least Stiller, as co-writer, director and star, can't be accused of lacking enthusiasm either in front of or behind the lens. Zoolander 2 is left wanting in the surprise and subtlety departments, however it forges ahead with the same energy he brings to his performance. Acting-wise, he's pulling the same faces and hitting the same beats — as is Wilson and scene-stealing fellow returnee Will Ferrell as devious designer Mugatu — but he doesn't seem as strained as the material he's working with. Ultimately though, Stiller's eagerness isn't enough. Just like there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking, there should be more to a long-awaited sequel than blatantly reliving past glories.
There's never a bad time to tickle your funny bone — or to have a talented comedian do it for you with their gut-busting standup routines. That's the experience that Happy Endings Comedy Club offers. You'll leave laughing, naturally. Each night, more than five purveyors of jokes and gags will hit the stage at each show, with the lineup spanning both local and international talent — and up-and-comers and established names, too. And, in terms of the vibe, expect an intimate affair that might just make you feel like you're in NYC instead of Sydney. Images: Kitti Smallbone.
Thinking about UK cinema's biggest names brings a wealth of famous talents to mind. Odds are that they're on the 2023 British Film Festival program in one way or another. When the Australia-wide cinema celebration returns for its latest tour, it'll do so with Olivia Colman's latest movie, Ian McKellen's as well, what might be Michael Caine's final role and an Alfred Hitchcock documentary. Ken Loach, Liam Neeson, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Richard E Grant, Timothy Spall, Helena Bonham Carter, Gemma Arterton, Maggie Smith: they're all covered, too. In total, 28 films are on the British Film Festival's 2023 lineup, including both brand-new flicks and retrospective screenings. Audiences can see the results throughout November, with the festival kicking off on Wednesday, November 1 in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth — and on Thursday, November 2 in Canberra, Brisbane and Byron Bay. BFF will keep is projectors whirring for four weeks, wrapping up on Wednesday, November 29. Opening night's One Life will begin the 2023 fest, with the Hopkins (The Son)-starring biopic coming to Australia after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. It tells the tale of Sir Nicholas Winton, whose World War II story includes assisting in the rescue of hundreds of Jewish children, earning him the label of the 'British Schindler'. Johnny Flynn (Operation Mincemeat) plays the humanitarian in his younger years, with Bonham Carter (Nolly) also co-starring. Still on BFF's big festival slots, the Colman- (Heartstopper) and Jessie Buckley (Women Talking)-led Wicked Little Letters will close out the 2023 event. The two actors reunite after both featuring in The Lost Daughter, although this time they aren't playing the same character. Instead, they're in a mystery-comedy that's based on a real-life scandal dating back 100 years And, playing as BFF's centrepiece is The Critic, which is where McKellan (Cats) and Arterton (Funny Woman) come in, and Mark Strong (Tár), Lesley Manville (The Crown) and Nikesh Patel (Starstruck) as well. As the name makes plain, it does involve a critic — a theatre specialist, in a whodunnit that's based on the novel Curtain Call by Anthony Quinn. Also a huge inclusion: My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock, the new documentary from The Story of Film's Mark Cousins. This time, the filmmaker turns his meticulous attention to a director like no other, and to plenty of suspense, including featuring footage from the bulk of Hitchcock's classic films. Among the other highlights, war veteran tale The Great Escaper could be Caine's (Best Sellers) last performance; The Old Oak marks the latest from iconic filmmaker Loach (I, Daniel Blake, Sorry We Missed You); The Lesson features Grant (Persuasion), Julie Delpy (On the Verge) and Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters) in a literary thriller; and musical Greatest Days features Take That's songs. Or, there's Sweet Sue from Leo Leigh, son of Peterloo and Mr Turner director Mike Leigh; the Irish village-set In the Land of Saints and Sinners, which features Neeson (Retribution), Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Jack Gleeson (Game of Thrones, and also Sex Education); Samuel Beckett biopic Dance First, with Gabriel Byrne (War of the Worlds) as the playwright; Golda, starring Mirren (Barbie) as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir; Mad About the Boy, a doco about Noël Coward; and Pretty Red Dress, which is set to the songs of Tina Turner. Plus, fans of movies about music can add Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis), which hails from Control's Anton Corbijn and hones in on the titular photo-design company and its contribution to record cover art, to their BFF schedule. And, among the retrospective titles, the Mirren-starring Caligula, rock opera Tommy and drama Howard's End are all playing in 4K restorations — with Smith's (The Miracle Club) Oscar-winning performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, plus The Remains of the Day, Women in Love and Morgan — A Suitable Case for Treatment also on the classics list. BRITISH FILM FESTIVAL 2023 DATES: Wednesday, November 1–Wednesday, November 29 — Palace Norton St, Palace Verona, Chauvel Cinema and Palace Central, Sydney Wednesday, November 1–Wednesday, November 29 — The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema, Melbourne Wednesday, November 1–Wednesday, November 29 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Wednesday, November 1–Wednesday, November 29 — Palace Raine Square, Luna on SX, Leederville and Windsor, Perth Thursday, November 2–Wednesday, November 29 — Palace Electric Cinemas, Canberra Thursday, November 2–Wednesday, November 29 — Palace Barracks and Palace James Street, Brisbane Thursday, November 2–Wednesday, November 29 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay The 2023 British Film Festival tours Australia between in November. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.
A new online ‘dating’ app bears the slogan “Threesomes made easy”. Titled 3ndr (threender), it’s made for anyone who’s always longed to meet a stranger (or two) via the internet and get naked. 3ndr is the latest offshoot of popular hook-up apps Tinder and Grindr. Although Tinder is proving itself as a conduit for all kinds of dating (it's even clocked up a few marriages now), 3ndr is very much about sex. “A service that works for singles and couples,” the site reads. “It’s the easiest way to satisfy your human needs and spend some fun time with other people.” Users can request pretty much any configuration of bodies — double couples, MMF, FFM, MMM, FFF and so on. The imagination is the limit. Plus anyone’s welcome: “swingers, newbies, curious and experienced”. Anonymous searching means that “you can easily hide yourself from friends and family, so you can browse freely”. 3nder’s creators assert that not only are they about facilitating fantasies buy they’re also on a crusade to “make society more open about sexual desires”. In their view, individuals with non-traditional sexual urges face discrimination in much the same way that “gay people did 15 years ago”. Via the Independent.
'Dirty Wine, Cool People' is the motto for this wine shop and tasting room in Wollongong. And, if first impressions count, that sounds about right. The store is the brainchild of two local guys who have taken their passion for grape juice to new heights. By 'dirty' it means biodynamic and natural wines that pack a punch — in exactly the way you want. Entering the store, you'll be greeted by a wall of mostly Australian labels down one side, with plenty of love shown for local producers. Occupying the centre of the space is a long timber table that will form the centrepiece for upcoming tasting sessions. Let the expertise of the owners guide you through their selection of dirty drops and head home with some filthy new favourites under your arm. Images: Jasmine Low
A two-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney is Murray's Brewing Co, a small brewery that's been making top-notch and interesting craft beers since 2006. The team serves up to ten different beers on tap at any one time, plus bottled specials. And, along with the beer, visitors can taste local wines, enjoy cheeseburger spring rolls, sticky pork ribs or haloumi burgers from the Brewery Restaurant, play a game of bocce and listen to live entertainment. Those keen to learn more about craft beer can take a tour, which run daily at 2.15pm. For beer novices, Murray recommends the Angry Man pale ale, Whale Ale wheat beer and refreshing East Coast lager, and those feeling riskier can give the Spartacus Imperial IPA, Wild Thing stout, Coco Hops coconut porter or Pucker Up sour ale a whirl. If you head in around October, you may by lucky enough to try the limited-edition, oft-requested Pumpkin Ale, made with 50-kilograms of roast pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
Settled into the upstairs space of The Warren View Hotel is another one of the Damianakis family's ventures, a cosy neighbourhood bar called Teddy's. Following a revamp, this elegant addition to the Enmore corner pub has an attractive fit-out with exposed brick walls, timber beams and mid-century design inspiration. The star of the upstairs space is a bar that runs the length of the room wall to wall, and a fireplace fit for braving chilly winter nights in the Inner West. Head in for a drink and you'll be met with a stellar lineup of independently-owned Australian beverages. The Teddy's menu features fresh, fruity takes on classic cocktails, as well as all-Australian beer and wine lists — supporting local is at the forefront of the venue's ethos — alongside an array of non-alcoholic beverages to pick from. For bites, you'll be able to pair your beverage of choice with a selection of elevated share plates. Take your pick from Aussie pub classics like calamari, sausage rolls and focaccia made in-house, as well as charred octopus, heirloom cherry tomato panisse and tuna crudo. And if you opt to swing by in a group of four or more, you'll be able to select the 'Feed Me' set menu for $55 per person to enjoy a no-fuss and no-thinking-required option that serves up the best that Teddy's has to offer. All in all, Teddy's makes for a great addition to the neighbourhood and a new treat for local punters who've been patronising the pub for years.
A dessert menu staple in many a Chinese restaurant, deep-fried ice cream is the kind of sweet treat that delivers the best of two worlds. On the one hand, there's frosty, creamy ice cream. On the other, there's that crisp warm coating. With Sydney's restaurants forced to shut up shop due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's likely that you haven't tucked into a serving of deep-fried ice cream recently. It's not really a dish that lends itself to takeaway, after all. But, thanks to Duo Duo's delivery range, you can now get DIY kits brought to your door so you can quickly (and easily) whip up the dessert gem at home. You can opt for cookies and cream, simple vanilla bean or a bright-green pandan and coconut flavour — or all three. Each kit costs $9, and comes with a serving of handmade ice cream coated in sponge cake and Japanese panko. From there, you simply deep fry it for 45 seconds at 200°C, then get eating. Deliveries are shipped on weekdays and, if you spend more than $40, there's no fee. Otherwise, you'll pay $10. Tubs of ice cream are also available for delivery. To top things off, there's also an ice cream-peddling Duo Duo food truck, serving up the deep fried desserts (of course), plus tubs of its inventive flavours, so you can stock your freezer with durian, Thai milk tea, Earl grey milk tea, Vietnamese ice coffee, and chocolate and peanut butter fudge ice cream. It's currently parked up in Strathfield and open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. For further information about Duo Duo's ice cream deliveries — or to order a DIY deep-fried ice cream kit — visit its website.
In 2018, The Royal Botanic Garden launched an exhibition of 25,000 creepy carnivorous plants. Now, it's trading blood-thirsty flora for thousands of colourful blooms in its latest display inside The Calyx. Dubbed InBloom, the bright and beautiful exhibition opens on Tuesday, August 11 with more than 20,000 flowers flashing hues across the spectrum and one of the largest vertical floral walls in the Southern Hemisphere. The flowers will be arranged into a living impressionistic watercolour painting stretching over 50 metres in length and over five metres tall. As well as being visually stunning, the exhibition will educate visitors on the roll colour plays in plant ecology. Plus, with so many plants in such a small space, expect an onslaught of aromas, as well as colour. InBloom will be open from 10am–4pm every day until winter hits next year (the only exceptions being Christmas Day and New Year's Eve). It's worth visiting several times — the living exhibition only continues to grow and change over time — and only costs a few dollars, with the garden just asking for a donation on entry. InBloom is open from 10am–4pm daily.
Pyrmont's Quarrymans Hotel was on our radar when it had a facelift back in 2017. Now, it's had another upgrade — this time, though, the craft beer den has expanded upward, opening The Rooftop, a Palm Springs-inspired bar and lounge, on the hotel's top level. Designer Matt Woods (Bloodwood, Devon Cafe) is channeling poolside, resort feels with pastel pink walls, textured timber flooring and bright, airy spaces. The indoor section better resembles a posh beach house with multiple rooms filled with plush leather couches and chairs, coffee tables and bookshelves, along with modern globe lamps and large-scale artwork on the walls. Venture outside for a mix of bar, bench and table seating, checkered umbrellas and hanging greenery, plus a cacti garden and succulents on each table. While downstairs focuses on craft beer, The Rooftop is more of a cocktail affair. The list starts with creations like the house spritz, made with grapefruit vodka and lemon myrtle kombucha, and the Palma Rosa — a combo of tequila blanco, rosé, ruby grapefruit juice and ginger syrup. You'll also find a selection of wines by the glass, here, and a few taps dedicated to the likes of Young Henrys, Balter and Stone & Wood. In terms of food, the rooftop menu combines pub grub with a touch of Baja California — think chicken tacos with salsa fresca and guacamole, or a salmon poke salad with ginger and mentsuyu sauce. Fried chicken burgers with Old Bay fries and buffalo wings make the menu, too. The Rooftop is now open on the top level of the Quarrymans Hotel at 214-216 Harris St, Pyrmont. Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until late.
Most of us are spending a lot of time at home at the moment, meaning we may have more time to cook, but prepping meals to scoff down in your home office isn't how all of us wish to spend our Sundays. And, while you can still head down to your local pizza joint to pick up a takeaway feed or order from Uber Eats, you may be craving more nourishing food as time goes by while you're in isolation. Thankfully, healthy food delivery service Nourish'd is dropping off nutrition-packed meals to doors across the country. Its main selling point is the variety of gluten, dairy, preservative and sugar free dishes on its menu. Nourish'd delivers fresh, chef-prepared dishes to your door and is suitable for anyone looking for a tasty, nutritious meal without all the prep work. It'll also save you a trip to the supermarket, so you can practise social distancing without skipping your daily quota of veggies. You'll be tucking into a diverse range of meals, too, with everything from a nourishing chickpea dahl to pad thai, jerk chicken, veggie lasagne and chipotle shredded beef on the 55-dish menu. So, you can say goodbye to eating the same leftovers day-in and day-out. There are options for vegans and vegetarians; those on diets such as keto and paleo; and people with allergies and intolerances. Prices start from $11 per dish, with six different packs available. You can opt for the ease of a subscription-style service, delivered to your door weekly, or the flexibility of one-off orders, meaning you can tailor it to suit your needs, as well as your dietaries. Plus, you don't have to commit to anything longterm. Nourish'd is available across NSW, Qld, Tas, Vic, ACT and SA, with orders delivered every week. Meal plans start at $69.35 per week. For more information and to sign up, head here. 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.
It's hard to remember a time when Sydney's access to Greek food was limited to semi-formal restaurants or a cheeky late-night gyro. Zeus Street Greek Street well and truly changed that in the last few years, offering contemporary Greek food in a casual setting. The Rosebery outpost in The Cannery kicked off a succession of spin-offs (14 in NSW and counting), and was also one of the first eateries to set up shop in the burgeoning foodie precinct. Zeus is known as the 'God of hospitality' and the team here have it in droves. Pitas are the staple. The meat is prepared in the traditional souvla style: charcoal grilled on long skewers and then stuffed into a fluffy wrap with tomato, tzatziki, onion, paprika and chips. Classic cuisine favourites spanakopita and haloumi are available as sides, too. But make sure you leave room for dessert — the loukoumades will make you lick the plate.
Sappho's is a cafe and wine bar as well as a secondhand bookshop, and it has the loyal custom of many of the local Sydney University students. The little shop has a huge range of books packed into every shelf, ranging in subject matter, and it has been hosting regular poetry nights for the last couple of years. You're always certain to find what you're looking for, and often in really nice editions: some of the copies from the 50s and 60s are so well kept you'll want to frame them. You're welcome to sit with a book and a glass of wine, or a jug of sangria, until the wee hours under the shade of the jasmine and banana trees. Image: Daniel Boud/Destination NSW.
Artists Jamie Cole and Murat Urlali use euphemisms and visual linguistics to challenge societal rhetoric, politics and stigma in Misplaced and Dangling, currently showing at Camperdown's Artsite Galleries. Part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020 celebrations, the exhibition addresses ways of moving forward while still reflecting on the past. Cole's pop art-inspired works are bright and powerful, using a mix of collage, comic and stencil-art styles to cover everything from first loves to discrimination towards people with HIV. Urlali, on the other hand, draws on ancient Persian enamel techniques in his kitsch and overtly camp representations of the city of Rome. The exhibition is open from 11am–5pm every Thursday to Sunday until Sunday, March 1.
Sydney's ever-luxurious and all-inclusive floating villa, Lilypad, has finally reopened almost two years after a fire destroyed the original build. Situated in the tranquil waters of Palm Beach in the Northern Beaches, the second iteration of Lilypad boasts plenty of additional lavish features including an onboard sauna, cosy fireplace and dreamy Mediterranean-inspired terracotta accents. After facing flooding, wild weather and COVID-induced delays, it's safe to say that Lilypad II was worth the wait. "You couldn't have picked a harder time to undertake something like this, both the weather we had in Sydney for the build period and COVID — because workforces were getting wiped out left, right and centre. Everything was hard," Founder and Owner Chuck Anderson says. Not just a pretty face, the resort-style villa runs completely off solar power energy and has been engineered to remain stable, while still embracing the natural movements and rhythms of the ocean below. An outdoor, roman-tiled shower, linen bedding by Cultiver and furniture by McMullin & Co completes the tonal, overwater escape. "What's incredible now as technology has advanced in solar and battery technology, you're not compromising on luxuries. Once upon a time, maybe ten years ago, if you were to try to attack what we've created you would have had to make some concessions in terms of what's onboard," Anderson says. Bookings include a private concierge, private tender transfers, a self-drive luxury personal vessel for exploring the surrounds, paddleboards, floating daybeds, chef-prepared meals and full access to the onboard wine cellar. But the luxuries don't come cheap, with prices starting at $1,950 per night in low season. The designer floating villa can also host events for up to 18, if you're looking for a unique space for your next special function. On the creation of both Lilypads, Anderson explains, "The intention for both Lilypad and Lilypad II was to combine innovative design with traditional craftsmanship and modern luxuries to build a unique and exceptional space. I wanted to pay homage to the unspoiled environment in which Lilypad resides and allow guests to feel totally immersed in this awe-inspiring space." Anderson also hinted at other Lilypads popping up around Australia in the future, so if you're looking for an elevated holiday in your backyard, keep an eye on this space. One-night stays are available until September, excluding weekends. Two-night stays are available from September to April and across weekends. You can book via the Lilypad website.
Stepping back to its titular year, 1985 is filled with signs of its time — from Walkmans playing Madonna, to bars pulsating with synth, to fashion choices that couldn't come from any other period. And yet, for all of the exacting music choices, production design decisions and costuming touches, it's the film's cinematography that grounds it so firmly in the past. With director of photography Hutch shooting on grainy 16mm, Yen Tan's third stint as a director feels like it was made in the era it depicts, then subsequently unearthed now. That couldn't be a higher compliment. This is how many low-budget movies looked three decades ago, with 1985 not only meticulously recreating the same aesthetic, but quietly nodding to the wealth of queer cinema that came before it. Framed with precision, those speckled monochrome images serve another purpose, too. A film's style can say as much as its story, which is never in doubt here. 1985's black-and-white visuals overflow not only with visible texture, but with meaning and emotion — as seen in its loaded shadows, inky contrasts and jittery flecks. How better to convey a world where so much is left unsaid than to cloak it in grey? How better to express existential turmoil than to strand its protagonist between light and dark? And how better to show someone striving to soak in every last detail than to make each grain jostle for attention? Every inch of 1985 looks and feels as it should — like Adrian Lester (Cory Michael Smith) has returned to his Texan hometown at the height of Reagan's America not just for Christmas, but with much more serious matters on his mind. The 20-something hasn't been back to Fort Worth since he left for New York, where he can express his sexuality openly, and his family haven't forgiven his absence. While Adrian's homemaker mother Eileen (Virginia Madsen) understands more than she'll ever utter, his Vietnam veteran father Dale (Michael Chiklis) openly seethes with hurt and hostility, and his pre-teen younger brother Andrew (Aidan Langford) clearly wishes he'd had a role model over the past few years. Awkward is one way to characterise this stilted reunion; caught between the conservative religious rhetoric spouted by the Lesters' favourite radio station and the reality of Adrian's new life is another. Conceiving the narrative with co-editor Hutch, but penning the screenplay solo, Tan treads delicately around the obvious. Given that his protagonist is a gay man in the mid-80s, and that a climate of fear is evident from the outset, it's hardly surprising that AIDS leaves an imprint on this tale. Given the historical context, it's not difficult to guess where the film is headed either, however the movie's slow reveal is as much about reflecting Adrian's experience as it is about both storytelling and chronicling a pivotal period in the past. When a person is faced with tragedy, their perspective changes forever, and yet the minutiae of everyday life cruelly and relentlessly goes on. 1985's power and poignancy stems from this fundamental truth, as Adrian goes home, sleeps in his childhood bed, spends time with his family and hangs out with his high-school girlfriend (Jamie Chung), all while knowing what no one else does: although he steadfastly wishes otherwise, nothing can ever really be the same again. In taking such an internalised journey — even one so astutely made tangible via stylistic flourishes — 1985 is fond of lingering in certain moments. This patient approach is noticeable, even in such a concise 85-minute movie, but it also has another function. As led by Gotham's Smith and ably supported by Madsen, Chiklis, Langford and Chung, this is a film anchored by exceptional performances that live and breathe when they're given the room to do just that. (Often, visually, Tan literally gives them space by peering at his actors in long and medium shots.) What comes to the fore, too, is the complexity of these characters, who never adhere to one-note archetypes despite initially appearing otherwise. That's another essential truth that 1985 conveys perfectly: no matter how transparent a person's facade may seem, you can never truly know just how they're afflicted by pain and heartbreak underneath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw5LfaKTKoI
Few countries are as geographically diverse as Australia. We have snow-capped mountains, tropical rainforests, red deserts and long-stretching beaches. At these idyllic locations are some of the country's most luxe experiences, letting us explore all that our country has to offer. With the holiday season fast approaching, why not give the gift of travel to the luxury lover in your life? After all, you can't really top a trip away. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to round up ten of indulgent experiences to get your mate (or whoever, really) who loves a fabulous gift. Whether you book them in for a high-flying feed at Australia's most boundary-pushing museum or get them a voucher to a five-star hotel, these experiences provide a much-needed dose of escapism. Play your cards right and you might score an invite, too.
Artists often attempt to picture the world from alternative views and odd angles in order to get a fresh perspective on the quirks and idiosyncrasies of everyday life. For Canadian photographer Laurel Johannesson the world is at its most bizarre and beautiful when viewed through water. While swimming in Lido di Venezia in Italy, Johannesson found herself fascinated by the dream-like world of mirror images, refracting light and warped figures that emerged when she began taking photographs while submerged in water. The resulting photographs provide a mesmerising insight into our world, familiar yet somehow alien in their distortion, with the artist seeing the dream-like vulnerability of the images as alluding to "the equation between desire and voyeurism". And by printing on metallic paper and laminating the images with a thick layer of acrylic, Johannesson was able to enhance the already otherworldly quality of the photographs. For those of us that cannot see the images in the flesh, here is a virtual tour through Johannesson's fascinating new exhibit.
Opera on a regular stage is one thing, but opera performed on a floating openair theatre atop Sydney Harbour, under the stars? Well, that's some unforgettable stuff. Especially when it's Giuseppe Verdi's famed classic La Traviata that's being given the overwater treatment. The glamorous three-act show is the latest production announced as part of Opera Australia's Handa Opera series, set to return to this unique stage in March and April 2020. Handa Opera has pulled over 400,000 guests since debuting with La Traviata back in 2012, its mix of drinking and dining options, breathtaking views and nightly fireworks making it one of Sydney's must-try cultural offerings. It's also considered one of the world's best openair opera venues. [caption id="attachment_714402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Handa Opera's 'West Side Story' by Prudence Upton[/caption] The upcoming season will see director Constantine Costi heading up a bold new production of La Traviata based on celebrated director Francesca Zambello's original. It tells the famously heartbreaking tale of a free-spirited Parisian courtesan and her tragic love affair with a nobleman. Expect to be wowed by a glittering nine-metre-high chandelier decked out with 10,000 crystals on stage, while world-class performers deliver soaring renditions of legendary tunes like 'Sempre Libera' and 'Brindisi'. Carmen, Aida and La Bohème are just some of the hits to grace the Handa Opera stage in recent years, with 2019's production of West Side Story selling a huge 62,000 tickets. La Traviata on Handa Opera will run from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, April 26. Tickets are on sale from the Opera Australia Box Office from Tuesday, July 16. Handa Opera's 2012 'La Traviata' by Lightbox Photography
As announced back in April, 2022's Biennale of Sydney will focus on bodies of water, all under the theme Rīvus — which means 'stream' in Latin. But when the citywide event unleashes its 23rd program, it won't be bringing its H2O-centric artworks to one of its usual venues. Water might be on everyone's mind at the Biennale, but Cockatoo Island and its ocean surroundings aren't being called upon this time around. Instead, the Biennale of Sydney 2022 has unveiled a list of exhibition venues that includes the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Circular Quay, Information + Cultural Exchange, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, National Art School in partnership with Artspace, The Rocks and Walsh Bay Arts Precinct including Pier 2/3. And, as also revealed earlier in the year, it'll still have a big presence by the harbour — setting up shop at The Cutaway at Barangaroo Reserve for the first time instead. The full program won't be announced until February, if you're wondering what'll be catching your eye at all these spots. But the Biennale's Curatorium — which includes Artistic Director José Roca, Art Gallery of New South Wales Head of Learning and Participation Paschal Daantos Berry, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia curator Anna Davis, Information and Cultural Exchange First Nations programs producer Hannah Donnelly and Artspace curator Talia Linz — has provided a few sneak peeks. A big drawcard: The Waterhouse, the event's big public program that'll be filled with talks and experiences. So, you'll be able to take self-guided walks as part of a series called Space In-Between, which'll also include site-specific exercises created at a number of the Biennale's venues by Roca, Julie Gough, Pablo Helguera, Astrida Neminas, Hanna Tuulikki and Tais Rose Wae. This includes mindful walking, where you'll pay particular attention to the surrounding landscape — and, in great news for wheelchair users and users of other mobility devices, the series will be fully accessible. [caption id="attachment_750113" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Liam Cameron[/caption] Also on the bill: Building Blocks, where you'll be able to learn more about art-making processes and the working methods behind them. A three-hour experience featuring Arts for the Commons, Cave Urban, Paula de Solminihac, Clare Milledge and Diana Scherer, it'll include a communal meal where everyone will be encouraged to share water stories together. Then there's Gesture — with artists Angie Goto and Sue Jo Wright, who are deaf, guiding audiences through the exhibition purely by using their bodies to draw attention to artworks, spaces and everyone taking part. Plus, two-day symposium River Conversations will get people talking about water — with attendees travelling down the Parramatta River on the first day, and spending the second at Barangaroo. The lineup has been curated in collaboration with water law and policy specialist Erin O'Donnell and legal anthropologist Alessandro Pelizzon, and will feature local and international First Nations voices such as Badger Bates, D Harding, Justice Md Ashraful Kamal, Bradley Moggridge, Dr Anne Poelina and Leanne Tobin. As for who else is taking part across the three-month-long event, the Biennale also revealed its first roster of 59 participants earlier in 2021, with the list spanning folks from six continents and 33 countries — complete with a heavy local component — and including artists, designers, architects and scientists. And if it feels like Sydney only just enjoyed the last Biennale, there's a reason for that. After the 2020 event was forced to take an unforeseen break due to the pandemic, it wrapped up later last year than initially planned. The 23rd Biennale of Sydney will run from Saturday, March 12–Monday, June 13, 2022. Entry will be free, as always. We'll keep you posted on the whole artist lineup and exhibition program when it's announced in February. Top image: The Biennale of Sydney's public program participants including (from left) Cave Urban (Sophie Lanigan, Juan Pablo Pinto,Mercurio Alvarado and Jed Long), DavidHaines and Joyce Hinterding and Clare Milledge, pictured with Lleah Smith (centre), Curator ofPrograms and Learning, at The Cutaway, Barangaroo. Photograph: Daniel Boud.
Sydney, your after-dark drinking options just got a caffeine-fuelled twist. Kahii After Dark is the new cocktail experience that's landed at Kent Street kissaten and wine bar Kahii, and it's shaking and stirring an intriguing selection of tea- and coffee-based cocktails right now. Kahii After Dark is helmed by Fumiaki 'Fumi' Michishita, who cut his teeth tending bar at celebrated Tokyo cocktail dens Bar Triad and Bar Tram, — more recently, he led the charge at Kahii's sister venue Kuro. At Kahii After Dark, he's designed an autumn cocktail menu — available until the end of June — that brings the elegance and craftsmanship of Japanese cocktail culture in a heritage-listed CBD space that once was home to Thomas Edison's National Phonograph Company. The menu champions the subtle, complex flavours of tea and coffee. On it, you'll find thoughtful and deeply drinkable serves that span a range of flavour profiles, from the bright yet subtly earthy Roasted Highball — a mix of barley shochu, hojicha distilled water and shiso — to the seriously punchy Toma-Tea-Ni — a bold, umami-laden reimagining of the martini featuring gyokuro green tea, clarified tomato water, white port and bonito. The menu also explores the floral notes of tea and coffee — they are plants, after all — through drinks like the Mariage Roses, an aromatic twist on the classic jack rose that pairs calvados and fresh pomegranate juice with Mariage Frères' signature Marco Polo black tea. Meanwhile, Between the Sips is an aromatic mix of Hennessy VS, sandalwood-infused rum, triple sec, lemon juice, elderflower and a spike of decaf, for those who prefer their after-dark coffee hit sans caffeine. You'll want to save room for dessert, too — the Tiramisu Rubino is a combination of mascarpone, raspberry and a whisper of blue brie that channels the rich comfort of its namesake dessert.
Long considered Australia's go-to whale-watching spot, Queensland's Hervey Bay is now the world's first whale heritage site, too. Located a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Brisbane, the Fraser Coast city was bestowed the prestigious honours at this year's World Whale Conference, which was held in coastal locale over the past week — receiving the accreditation not only due to its considerable whale population across the second half of each year, but thanks to its respectful and responsible embrace of the animals throughout the community. Established by the World Cetacean Alliance, the Whale Heritage Site scheme aims to recognise places that "preserve cetacean species and their habitats". More broadly, the initiative is designed to promote the globe's most responsible whale and dolphin-watching destinations; help protect marine habitats by supporting local communities, especially when it comes to sustainable practices; and assist the development of spots that depend on the sea, particularly by encouraging folks to appreciate the significance of whales in the area. If you've ever headed north to spy the majestic creatures — or even just for a holiday — it's impossible to spend time in Hervey Bay without being reminded of its whale-focused eco-tourism industry. From July to November each year, humpback whales head up from Antarctica, using the site to rest and socialise on the way to their breeding grounds in the Whitsundays. Then, towards the end of the season, they pass by again on the 5000-kilometre journey back down south — which is when whale-watchers can see mother whales spending time teaching their young calves in the local waters. Naturally, there's no shortage of whale-watching tours in the area. Visitors can also head to the Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere, which, as well as featuring a 12-metre-high whale sculpture and a full-sized reproduction of a whale skeleton, explores and celebrates humpback whales and their place in the region. And, each July and August, the city also hosts the annual Hervey Bay Whale Festival. Already quite the tourist drawcard, the new WHS accreditation is expected to attract more visitors, unsurprisingly. Nearly 60,000 people went whale-watching in the region last year, Fraser Coast Tourism general manager Martin Simons told the ABC. While Hervey Bay earned the first whale heritage site slot, it's not the only spot to receive the nod, with The Bluff in Durban in South Africa named the second WHS site. Other locations under consideration include Vancouver Island North in Canada, Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand, Mosaic Jurubatiba in Brazil and Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Images: Mark Seabury via Visit Fraser Coast.
Sydney is now home to a dedicated Harry Potter-themed store. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set to return to Melbourne's stage this year. It looks like a new HP-related TV show is in the works, and Japan is due to score a theme park dedicated to the titular wizard. Yes, if you're a fan of the wizarding franchise, there are plenty of ways to keep indulging your love. Another one is coming, too, thanks to Harry Potter: The Exhibition. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it has existed since 2009 — and came to Sydney in 2012. Come 2022, however, a huge new version will start making its way around the planet, in a partnership between Warner Bros Consumer Products and Imagine Exhibitions. This time, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will cover all things Fantastic Beasts-related, too, if that's how you've been getting your magical fix over the past few years. In total, the big HP showcase will span between 929–1858 square metres, and feature everything from props and costumes from the ten movies to-date to installations that recreate the world of the books and films. While exact details of what'll be on display haven't been revealed as yet, the exhibition is set to "present beautifully crafted environments that honour the beloved characters, settings and beasts seen in the films while exploring the filmmaking magic that brought them to life" according to Imagine Exhibitions' statement announcing the new tour. The company also advises that Harry Potter: The Exhibition will "celebrate the most iconic moments of the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and the expanded Wizarding World". Just where it'll be heading hasn't been announced so far either, but the showcase will tour to multiple regions, including cities in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. So, you can start crossing your fingers that a visit Down Under will be among its stops — or saying "accio exhibition" as often as you like. For now, Australian fans can stream the eight original films as they've just hit Binge. And, for a refresher on how the movies wrapped up, you can also check out the trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mObK5XD8udk&utm_keyword=referral_bustle Harry Potter: The Exhibition will start its world tour from sometime in 2022 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Image: Warner Bros.
When most folks scream, they're not powering up their life force, or ki, in battle. Most folks aren't Dragon Ball Z's Goku, however. If you're a fan of the anime, you've probably wished you were at least once or twice, and bunch of gatherings at Australian public spaces will let you scream out your non earth-saving frustrations. Yes, 'Scream like Goku' sessions are a real thing, and they're exactly what they sound like — which, we're certain will be loud. Starting in New York last week, Dragon Ball Z aficionados have been amassing around famous landmarks and letting their voices be heard. We'll let you decide whether they're endeavouring to fend off Frieza, trying to become a Super Saiyan, or just yelling their love (or all of the above). A host of other US sites are slated to follow, as well as Singapore — and Australian Dragon Ball Z fans have been quick to jump into the mix. The first local session is scheduled at 4pm tomorrow, Saturday, September 9, at none other than the Sydney Opera House — because if you're doing to scream in public, you'd better make it count. Over 3000 people have said they're attending in the Facebook event, with another 10,000 'interested'. More gatherings are planned for Sydney's Hyde Park on September 23, and Newcastle's Nobbys Beach on September 24, while Melbourne's Federation Square joins the fun on September 10 — almost 5000 people are planning to rock up to that one. Someone has started a campaign to get screamers to the Wheel of Brisbane on October 7, but so far there's not many potential attendees. Dressing up is encouraged, even if you just throw on something orange. If you're not sure how you should be screaming, let this build up some inspiration. Even if you're not a Dragon Ball Z fan, screaming at the top of your lungs with hundreds of other people is bound to be cathartic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRsjCWNXtRE Image: Leticia Almeida.
The Anchorage Port Stephens is as waterfront as it gets. Many suites come with their own north-facing balcony or terrace, giving you dreamy views of the bay, foregrounded by the Anchorage Marina and backdropped by Corrie Island. The spacious interiors take inspiration from The Hamptons. Think crisp, white linen and pale timber furnishings, splashed with blues and oranges. There's a variety of rooms on offer, from anchorage rooms to one- and two-bedroom loft suites to self-contained villas. The pool's right on the water, too, and comes with a dedicated bar, letting you sip between dips. But, for a serious wind-down, book yourself a signature massage in the day spa. Get there an hour early to kick back in the jacuzzi and sauna. Breakfast is served in the form of an Olympian-sized buffet in the Anchorage's poolside Kitchen Galley. Say yes to eggs-cooked-to-order. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, too. But you may opt to check out the other onsite restaurant, The Wild Herring, instead, which specialises in locally sourced seafood with expertly paired wine. [caption id="attachment_774059" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption]
All year, you might have been bookmarking, dog-earing, Evernoting, Goodreads-saving a towering pile of books to read with all that spare time you never seem to properly find on a weekend. It's often a lofty idea, spending a few hours, hours, doing nothing but perusing a solid narrative on your sand-flecked beach towel, shaded by your nifty new beach tent. But folks, summer's officially in full swing and unless you work in radio broadcasting or public transport you're probably about to land yourself with a good few days of holiday lazing. Grab one of our favourite new releases and make yourself comfortable — we've been churning through Man Booker Prize winners, hilarious biographies and homegrown coming-of-age tales aplenty. THE SELLOUT — PAUL BEATTY For a book recommendation you can trust (sorry lusty Aunt Beryl) you won't be disappointed by this year's Man Booker Prize winner The Sellout by Paul Beatty. The plot follows an African American's plight to reinstitute segregation and slavery into his hometown of Dickens (yes, you heard that correctly.) Naturally, it's a satire and Beatty uses his well-developed wit to broach the thornier issues of racial identity, injustice and legacy. Hilarious, sometimes uncomfortably so. Get it before it does actually sell out. — Erina Starkey DO NOT SAY WE HAVE NOTHING BY MADELEINE THIEN If you don't know much about China's Cultural Revolution, you're not alone. It's been half a century since the movement was launched by then-chairman of the Communist Party Mao Zedong, and accounts of what actually happened are hazy; many of them have been suppressed or altered. Madeleine Thien's new novel delves into one part of this tragic time in history, namely the persecution of musicians at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. The book switches between the narration of Li-ling, who is growing up in Vancouver in the '80s and '90s, and the complicated narrative of her father's life in China during the revolution she is piecing together after his death. For such tragic subject matter, Thien is incredibly eloquent and at times even surreal in her writing. It results in a book that is one hell of a compelling read as well as an important incidental history lesson. — Lauren Vadnjal THANKS FOR THE MONEY: HOW TO USE MY LIFE STORY TO BECOME THE BEST JOEL MCHALE YOU CAN BE BY JOEL MCHALE Have you been holding back, not fully realising your potential as the best Joel McHale you can possibly be? Well, put your own unique personality aside for a high-achieving second and brush up on life skills from the Hollywood gadabout behind Community's Jeff Winger. This tell-all memoir's so ambitious and life affirming, it has a trailer. Watch it, or perish in your Joel-McHale-machete-slicing-a-watermelon-midair-less existence. Chapters delve into boyhood head injuries, almost killing Chevy Chase and parental sex lives — you've been warned. — Shannon Connellan THE SECRET HISTORY OF TWIN PEAKS BY MARK FROST It's happening again. That show you love really is coming back in style. Twin Peaks fans have waited 25 years to dive back into David Lynch and Mark Frost's television show, and while the third season won't reach screens until 2017, the latter has gifted us the perfect stopgap. Every one of The Secret History of Twin Peaks' 362 pages is filled with a dossier of details, secrets, and other tidbits that make the town, its mysteries and its eccentric inhabitants even more intriguing (and, just like the owls, little here is what it seems). As a bonus, why not pick up a copy of unauthorised Twin Peaks cookbook Damn Fine Cherry Pie too, and get some Twin Peaks-themed kitchen inspiration. Cherry doughnuts, fish percolator supper or fire walk hot tea smoked salmon, anyone? — Sarah Ward SWING TIME BY ZADIE SMITH Swing Time, Zadie Smith's latest novel, sees the award-winning author trying a few new things. It's her first book with a first-person narrator and it's set partly in West Africa — a departure from her other novels that are primarily set in the US and UK. Like all Smith's books, Swing Time offers a poignant reflection on the messy nature of human relationships and asks a lot of thought-provoking questions. Lyrical, witty, and enthralling, this is a holiday read you won't be able to put down. — Yelena Bide SEINFELDIA BY JENNIFER ARMSTRONG Seinfeldia is a tribute to those who erect a festivus pole every December. It's for people who can't look at a marbled rye loaf without feeling awkward. It's for those of us who make subtle references to the Bubble Boy, the Soup Nazi and the anti-dentite as if its the most natural thing in the world. Written by Jennifer Armstrong, Seinfeldia documents the evolution of one of the most popular sitcoms to grace our TV screens. Armstrong examines its progression from banter in a Korean supermarket, to an unknown struggling sitcom at the risk of cancellation, to the show that has permeated its way into popular culture, decades after it was conceived. The book examines the real-life inspirations for the quartet, and the evolution of the characters (ahem) quirks, as well as the one-off characters who built their careers around their Seinfeld roles. — Natalie Freeland ROLLING BLACKOUTS BY SARAH GLIDDEN Rolling Blackouts is comics-journalism nonfiction by author and artist Sarah Glidden, who follows her news-gathering friends from the Seattle Globalist across 2010-era Turkey, Iraq and Syria. Glidden's reporting flips the camera, showing the harsh dilemmas involved in covering people in danger, working low-budget news and pushing distant editors to publish unsexy, important stories. But this meta-journalism approach is strongest when it takes you behind the scenes of actually getting interviews: the interviewees' aspirations and desperation in talking to reporters, their misgivings and rational anger. Parts road trip, reportage and quick-read comic. — Zacha Rosen THE RED WAKE BY KURT JOHNSON Russia and the USSR is an area that has always felt complex, gritty and interesting to me, and with some old Cold War sentiment creeping back into the news I was super glad to find myself working on a book that took me right to its red heart. The Red Wake draws you in with personal anecdotes and beautiful description and sends you on your way knowing a hell of a lot more about the complicated social and political history of the area, in the style of Anna Funder's Stasiland. More than anything, this book made me want to travel around Russia and the 'Stans, through bleak grey towns still riddled with the bullets of uprisings, to the ruins of Pripyat near Chernobyl, to try to catch a glimpse of a rocket launch in the Kazakh desert, and to a town where abandoned fishing trawlers sit on the now dry bed of the Aral Sea, a gulag or two in the distance. — Lex Hirst (Disclaimer: Lex Hirst works for Penguin Random House, the publisher of this book.) OUR MAGIC HOUR — JENNIFER DOWN Our Magic Hour, the debut novel from Melbourne writer Jennifer Down, is an affecting story of the harsh realisations occasioned by our mid-twenties. Audrey, a cool girl in the truest sense, loses her best friend to suicide, and travels from Melbourne to Sydney and back again, in a journey that mimics her attempts to grasp and process this life-altering event. Down writes equally of significant moments and unremarkable days with sparing beauty. Particularly adept at depiction of place, Down made me wonder if I hadn't sat across from Audrey on the train to Redfern, bumped elbows with her at a bar in Bondi. Down is the kind of writer that you'll be lucky to get on at the ground floor with, she is only going up. — Maggie Thompson. HOT MILK — DEBORAH LEVY Set in the small coastal town of Almería in Southern Spain, amidst the hot desert sand and jellyfish-filled ocean, Hot Milk follows Sophie and her mother Rose as they visit the famed Dr Gomez and his assistant Nurse Sunshine in the hope of uncovering the mystery of Rose's ailing health. This hard-to-put-down novel has a hilarious undertone of sly humour, an enigmatic cast of characters, and a vividly painted landscape that will ensure that even if you can't make it to the beach this summer, Hot Milk will take you there. It's a cracker. — Katie Mayor. HONOURABLE MENTION: FAT BRAD: THE COOKBOOK BY LONG PRAWN Have you ever noticed how much Brad Pitt eats in his movies? He's like some sort of human garbage disposal, slamming down burgers, cookies, chips, Twinkies and whatever else he can find into his (perfect) cakehole. He eats without restraint, without delicacy, as we all should sometimes, and for that reason he's the central figure in a new cookbook called (appropriately but incorrectly) Fat Brad. The team from Long Prawn have collaborated on the project with photographer Ben Clement, PractiseStudioPractise, Tristan Ceddia, Ali Currey-Voumard and Mietta Coventry. The cookbook is a tongue-in-cheek collection of recipes based on Brad's most iconic food moments on film. You'll find instructions for a knuckle sandwich (Fight Club), game bird with taters and Guinness gravy (Snatch), Bellagio Shrimp Cocktail (Ocean's 11), roast turkey drumstick and Grecian salad (Troy) and bloodied roast (Mr and Mrs Smith) amongst others. As well as being straight-up hilarious, the Fat Brad cookbook is also just a really good looking (like its namesake) addition to your cookbook shelf. It's the first in a series of pop culture cookbooks by the Long Prawn crew, so keep an eye out and grab your Fat Brad: The Cookbook here. — Imogen Baker
Located on a busy three-lane St Peters road, The House of Music & Booze is the bustling Inner West home of Sydney event group The Music and Booze Co. The crew behind the likes of King Street Crawl and Welcome Day have moved into the former White Horse Hotel building, fostering a vibrant space for live music, dance parties and hospo pop-ups. The pub's sunny courtyard even played host to DOOM JUICE's cellar door for a while there. The venue is split into a few different spaces. There's the aforementioned courtyard, a central bar area with a kitchen and an adjoining indoor alleyway perfect for packed DJ sets, and the 200-capacity band room where you'll find the big-name (or more likely medium-name) acts. Expect music of all forms here, with local favourites Triple One, Floodlights, Caitlin Harnett & the Pony Boys, COFFIN, The Hard Ons, Jack Ladder, 1TBSP and Plams all having graced the stage previously. Head to The Music and Booze Co website to check out all of the upcoming gigs. Behind the bar is a classic combination of Sydney wines and brews featuring bevs from DOOM JUICE, Grifter and Four Pillars. You can also book out the whole venue for parties, weddings and work functions. Any booking of over 30 means you'll also be offered control of the DJ decks so that your musically-inclined friends or the birthday girl can get up and set the mood with a killer set. Images: Sophie Joyce
As Sydney continues its obsession with Omakase and fine dining — despite the cost-of-living crisis — venues like The Star's Sydney hatted Japanese Omakase restaurant Sokyo Sydney are leading the charge in offering luxe culinary experiences without busting your budget. Developed by executive chef Daniel Kwak, Sokyo is serving up a limited-edition tasting menu inspired by Haku Vodka, a craft spirit from the House of Suntory. The $100 menu offers a taste of omakase dining for a third of the price and is available Mondays to Thursdays fin July and August. Where's This Special Offer Available? The special menu is being served at Sokyo, The Star Sydney's high-class Omakase restaurant. The usual Omakase experience is $300, but this special Haku Vodka-inspired menu will get you in the door for just a third of that, and it includes a bespoke Haku martini. Sokyo's culinary offerings are spearheaded by executive chef Daniel Kwak. Daniel joined Sokyo in 2013 and has been pivotal in establishing it as one of Sydney's top Japanese restaurants. Born in Korea, he grew up immersed in the restaurant industry. After studying culinary arts and working in Fiji, he moved to Australia in 2008, plying his trade at Waqu Japanese restaurant. Daniel joined Sokyo as a Junior Sous Chef in 2013, focusing on creating perfectly balanced, umami-rich dishes and has worked up the ranks. What's on the Special Menu? The experience begins with a delicate salmon tartare featuring fresh Tasmania's Storm Bay salmon, crispy senbei (rice cracker) and a subtle heat from karashi su miso. Next on the menu is the toro crispy rice, combining rich, fatty toro and spicy tuna with the crispiness of Hokkaido rice. It's dressed with a special Haku Vodka-infused soy sauce, made especially for this menu collaboration. Following this is the panko-fried oyster, where two crispy panko-coated Pacific oysters are matched with sweet and tangy piquillo peppers. Premium caviar can be added for an additional touch of luxury. The fourth dish features wagyu kushiyaki — a luxurious combination of wagyu beef and foie gras enhanced with salted maple syrup made with Haku Vodka. The meal concludes with the Sokyo Cornetto, a mini cone filled with spiced sultana ice cream and chestnut. It's a fun novelty dessert to end the decadent culinary journey. But if you're still snacky, you can add the house-made Sokyo mochi ice cream for an additional $7. What's the Special Martini? It wouldn't be a Haku Vodka-inspired menu without an elevated vodka cocktail. The signature serve for Haku Vodka is a martini. As part of this brand collaboration, Sokyo's bartenders have created a bespoke martini that complements the special tasting menu while celebrating Haku Vodka. The result, the Hana Momo martini, is a bright and zesty number with Haku Vodka, peach liqueur, yuzu, orange bitters and garnished with aromatic dehydrated orange. The bright citrus notes of yuzushu in the accompanying Hana Momo Haku Vodka martini cuts through the richness of the wagyu and fish dishes with a clean, smooth finish that refreshes the palate. What's Haku Vodka? Haku Vodka is a Japanese craft spirit made entirely from Japanese white rice. It boasts a soft, rounded and subtly sweet flavour profile. Named 'Haku', which translates to white' and brilliant' in Japanese, this vodka exemplifies the artistry involved in creating a clear, clean-tasting spirit. Filtered through bamboo charcoal, Haku Vodka serves as the ideal foundation for Sokyo's team to explore a symphony of flavours, textures, and aromas. Haku Vodka is produced at the Osumi Distillery in Kagoshima, Kyushu, a seaside city renowned for its pristine waters and traditional craftsmanship. This region imparts a sense of natural tranquillity and purity to the vodka. The serene coastal environment of Kagoshima has also inspired our culinary story at Sokyo. How to Nab a Spot? In order to sample this delectable menu at Sokyo, you must make a reservation on the website. The menu is only available until the end of August. Each reservation includes the five dishes plus a complimentary Momo Haku Martini and will set you back $100. You can always add another round of the tasty tipples if you like for $27. The Sokyo x Haku Vodka set menu is available Mondays to Thursdays in July and August. Make your reservation on the website. Haku Vodka's signature serve is the Haku martini — a drink that showcases the craftsmanship, nuanced flavour and exceptional quality of the premium Japanese liquid. To learn more, head to the House of Suntory website. Image Credit: Jude Cohen
Got some extra coin you're keen to throw in the direction of the Australian art scene? Firstly, good on you. Secondly, you may as well get something (other than warm fuzzies) in return. As part of Art Month Sydney, the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) is organising The Sandpit, a big ticket ceramics workshop/fundraiser hosted by celebrated young artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran. Recognised for his unsettling sculptures that explore themes of gender, sexuality, politics and religion, the Sri-Lankan born, Sydney-based artist — who won the 2015 Sidney Myer Fund Australian Ceramic Award — will lead a small hands-on class in the Ceramics Lab at UNSW Art + Design. There are just 15 spots available, so when we say small, we mean small. Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure you get in quick. Of course at $560 a head, entry to The Sandpit isn't cheap. But you can at least rest assured that the money will be put to good use, with $450 of every ticket going to support NAVA's advocacy for the visual arts. Plus you get a free lunch... and who doesn't like a free lunch?
Every February for the last ten years, Secret Garden Festival has taken over a forest outside Sydney, turning it into a magical natural wonderland with a 48-hour extravaganza of music, drag, food and art. It's always a banger. If you've been, you might have found yourself dancing on a cosmic suspended flying saucer dance floor, partying with drag queens at Camp Queen, getting a smooch at the kissing booth or even getting married. But, like all good ones, the party has to come to an end sometime. And for Secret Garden, the time is this year, with organisers announcing that the 2019 festival will be the last one ever. The announcement, which was made to gardeners in a Facebook post this morning, confirmed that 2019 will be the festival's last outing. According to the team, the decision to call it has been in the works for a while — and it's bowing out while everyone's still having fun. "I always knew Secret Garden wouldn't be around forever — in fact, it's gone on way longer that I thought it would," says founder Clare Downes, who started the festival on her family's farm back in 2009. "I really wanted to ensure we go out on a high. A big bang finale." [caption id="attachment_693852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Kissing Booth at the 2015 festival.[/caption] Clare says the Secret Garden team has "achieved what we set out to achieve". Over the years, the festival has created a legendary safe space for Sydneysiders to escape into nature for a weekend of dancing, dressing up and spending time with mates. Plus, any profit that the festival makes has always been donated back to charity — which, after the last ten years, adds up to almost $500,000. While this is definitely the last Secret Garden to be held at the Downes Family Farm, the team has said the the festival "may reappear in some form in the future". But the good news is that there's still one more party to go — and it's set to be all-time. We can't tell you what to expect for the festival's upcoming iteration — as is custom, the lineup won't be announced until tickets sell out and most of the other details remain a secret until the moment you arrive — but the theme has been dubbed One Last Night in Paradise. Costumes are mandatory, and, considering it's the last one ever, you can expect that the Secret Garden team will go all out. Secret Garden's last ever festival is happening over the weekend of February 22–24. You can snap up tickets here.
Guzman y Gomez has no shortage of venues in NSW, but it's continuing its expansion and opening one more in the Inner West on Wednesday, June 14. And to celebrate, it's offering up $5 burritos and burrito bowls, plus free coffee all day. Taking place in-store at the new Marrickville shop, the $5 eats and free coffee will be available from 7am–10pm. So, you can pop by on your lunch break, swing past after work or, even start your day with a burrito and a coffee for less than you might pay for your daily almond cappuccino from your local cafe. The new GYG location is 223–225 Marrickville Road, a few doors down from Lazybones Lounge and just around the corner from another cheap eats specialist Marrickville Pork Roll. If you can't make it down on the day, you can claim one free burrito at any time by signing up for GYG's rewards system GOMEX on its app.
If you’ve been teetering on the brink of comic book and superhero fatigue, meet the movie that just might push you over the edge. In the case of the latest version of Fantastic Four, it’s not just the fact that every month seems to see a new film in the genre reach cinemas (or the knowledge that this particular content was translated to the screen just last decade). It's also the feature's embrace of cliché, grim tone and a complete lack of energy that causes it to grate, and then some. Fantastic Four is yet another gritty reboot of a superhero origin story. In case you can’t remember the 2005 film of the same name and its 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (or in case you’ve willingly forgotten them), the series mythology concerns a quartet of friends who get genetically altered and gain superpowers — stretchy limbs, rock-like skin, bursting into flames and invisibility. The characters first created in 1961 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby are now brought back to the big screen by Chronicle writer/director Josh Trank. Reed Richards (Miles Teller), Ben Grimm (Jamie Bell) and Johnny Storm (Michael B Jordan) travel to another dimension and come back changed, with the latter's sister Sue (Kate Mara) also caught up in the fallout. Their one-time friend Victor Von Doom (Toby Kebbell) goes with them...but doesn’t fare quite so well. With X-Men: Days of Future Past writer Simon Kinberg and The Lazarus Effect's Jeremy Slater helping on the script, Trank’s take is as stern and serious as his cast are young and fresh-faced — think Fantastic Four filtered through the template of a teen drama, even if the actors are slightly older than that. Outcasts come together, trouble ensues, and everyone tries to come to terms with their trauma in a manner not unlike many after-school specials. Yes, life lessons are also learned, including the all-important “never drink and teleport” and “don’t touch the green, glowing goo”. It all makes for as low-key, downbeat affair as comic book adaptations have seen, with the cast the saving grace. The presence of the five key players — plus Reg E Cathey as Johnny and Sue's father — is a welcome one, although their performances hardly live up to the great work they've delivered in the past. Bell's version of the Thing is the feature's highlight, though we hear much more of the actor than we see. In his brooding brute of boulders, a glimpse of the emotion Trank is aiming for is apparent, albeit only briefly. That Teller and co. hardly shine could be a reflection of the stilted dialogue they’re spouting, (including a blatant one-line rip-off of Ghostbusters) as well as the unengaging series set-up they're immersed in. When all the lab scenes, messy action and cheap-looking special effects ultimately build up to the bestowing of the group’s name (aka the movie’s title), disappointment isn’t the only emotion you'll be feeling. As a concept, there’s plenty of interest in Fantastic Four — and yet filmmakers keep floundering in bringing it to the screen. A sequel is already slated, of course, and here's hoping that it tells a new tale with a smattering of enthusiasm, rather than blandly rehashing familiar territory.
New movies always come out on Thursday. Except for one special week of the year, where they come out on Boxing Day, whatever day that might be. It's just another one of those baffling Christmas traditions of which we're terribly fond. In 2013 distributors will be releasing some of their biggest titles — as well as some oddball underdogs — to duke it out on Australia's mass movie-going day. We've seen them all and can report back that some will ease your festive hangover, indigestion and sunstroke more pleasantly than others. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rETaWDZ57v0 Short Term 12 (Sydney and Melbourne only) For when you're with: people who take an expansive view of 'Christmas cheer' It scores: five stars This SXSW Film Festival winner was number one on Buzzfeed's list of 'movies you probably missed in 2013 but definitely need to see', so if you get in quick, you can make it the no.1 movie you outsmarted Buzzfeed on instead. Short Term 12 is the kind of film that feels like a well-edited version of real life — though probably not a life that is familiar to you, if you grew up in safe, loving circumstances. Compulsively watchable and super emotional, it revolves around the kids and their barely adult supervisors at a temporary foster care facility. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ksrkKXoEJbM The Railway Man For when you're with: people with an even more expansive view of 'Christmas cheer' It scores: four stars Based on true events, The Railway Man tells the story of Eric Lomax — a WWII British signalman forced to work upon the infamous Burma line after the Japanese overran his base. Lomax (Colin Firth) was subjected to extraordinary brutality and torture by his captors, the effects of which continued to torment him decades after the war's end; one conflict over, another unceasing. Events finally came to a head in 1980 when Lomax discovered his chief tormenter was still alive and working as a tour guide in the very complex in which he had dispensed his horrors. For a film that covers some terrifically dark elements in excruciating detail, The Railway Man remains an overwhelmingly tender offering that won't feel at all out of place for the post-Christmas period. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rD8f9kn7D2U Philomena For when you're with: more than just your mum It scores: four stars Be not fooled by the marketing materials, which make the film look like an aged-up version of The Trip with Judi Dench in place of Rob Brydon. (Although, thinking about it, that would be brilliant.) Philomena is a terrifically made, entertaining work that stands head and shoulders above many of the films being forced upon us this Christmas. Based on a true story, Philomena follows ex-political spin doctor Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), who, in an attempt to revive his journalism career, chases the "human interest story" of Philomena (Judi Dench) an elderly woman searching for her long-lost son, who was taken from her by Catholic nuns. As the pair investigates, the truth behind the forced adoption becomes all the more shocking. https://youtube.com/watch?v=7ve8mc6UNSk The Secret Life of Walter Mitty For when you're with: anybody who can silence their inner cynic It scores: three and a half stars Funny, optimistic, life-affirming and full of pretty pictures and massive special effects, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is the ultimate Hollywood product and is something of a passion project for Ben Stiller, who directed, produced and stars in it. The film follows a quiet Life magazine staffer as he learns to seize the day. When Walter can't find a hyped photo negative, which the photographer has described as capturing the "quintessence of life" and which is wanted for the final magazine cover, he sets off on a worldwide hunt, using the few clues he has. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OPVWy1tFXuc The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug For when you're with: the same people with whom you've seen everything Peter Jackson It scores: three stars The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a marked improvement on last year's An Unexpected Journey. For one thing, it doesn't take an hour for something to happen. Instead, after a brief yet engaging flashback to the first encounter between Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Thorin (Richard Armitage), the film explodes into life with a pursuit of the Dwarf Dozen et al, and remains — by and large — a pursuit to the end. This is a film with enough action to entertain and enough Tolkien to satisfy; however, it ultimately feels more 'distraction' than 'attraction'. https://youtube.com/watch?v=TbQm5doF_Uc Frozen For when you're with: children, animation geeks and winter-weather fanatics It scores: three stars When Disney finally bought Pixar in 2006, the deal essentially saw Pixar's creative team taking control of Disney's animated output. Given the strong quality control Pixar has over its products, this was no bad thing. Based loosely on Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen — a story Disney has been trying to adapt since the 1940s — the film follows two princesses, one of whom accidentally creates a permanent winter, and the other of whom has to save them from it. It's a far cry from the insufferable toy-selling, pop-culture spewing, catchphrase-ridden films churned out during at the beginning every school holiday period, but nor does it hit the heights of Disney's best output. By Rima Sabina Aouf, Tom Glasson and Lee Zachariah.
