When Ron Swanson discovered digital music, the tech-phobic Parks and Recreation favourite was uncharacteristically full of praise. Played by Nick Offerman (The Last of Us) at his most giddily exuberant, he badged the iPod filled with his favourite records an "excellent rectangle". In Black Mirror, the same shape is everywhere. The Netflix series' moniker even stems from the screens and gadgets that we all now filter life through daily and unthinkingly. In Charlie Brooker's (Cunk on Earth) eyes since 2011, however, those ever-present boxes and the technology behind them are far from ace. Instead, befitting a dystopian anthology show that has dripped with existential dread from episode one, and continues to do so in its long-awaited sixth season — which arrived on Thursday, July 15 — those rectangles keep reflecting humanity at its bleakest. Black Mirror as a title has always been devastatingly astute: when we stare at a TV, smartphone, computer or tablet, we access the world yet also reveal ourselves. It might've taken four years to return after 2019's season five, but Brooker's hit still smartly and sharply focuses on the same concern. Indeed, this new must-binge batch of nightmares begins with exactly the satirical hellscape that today's times were bound to inspire. Joan Is Awful, with its AI- and deepfake-fuelled mining of everyday existence for content, almost feels too prescient — a charge a show that's dived into digital resurrections, social scoring systems, killer VR and constant surveillance knows well. Brooker isn't afraid to think bigger and probe deeper in season six, though; to eschew obvious targets like ChatGPT and the pandemic; and to see clearly and unflinchingly that our worst impulses aren't tied to the latest widgets. Taking ripped-from-reality tales to an uncanny extreme, tearing into the obsession to adapt everything into content, exploring the catharsis found and carnage wrought by slipping into avatars: that's all in Black Mirror season six's five instalments. So is the ravenous nature of celebrity culture, plus the apocalyptic path that insular attitudes give rise to. Throw in explosive diarrhoea, Salma Hayek Pinault (Magic Mike's Last Dance) playing herself, the true-crime boom, the savagery of fame, alternate pasts, astronauts and devilish bargains as well, and Brooker has given himself and viewers much to play with. Each chapter, whether focusing on a woman's existence being broadcast to the world or swapping sci-fi for horror in the first-ever Red Mirror instalment, pinballs between chilling and thrilling. Each chapter also knows that no matter whether streaming queues, VHS tapes, human replicas, 00s-era cameras or runic talismen feature, humanity's biggest enemy is itself. Starring Annie Murphy (Kevin Can F**k Himself) as its namesake, Joan Is Awful is the only futuristic story in season six, examining where our current times might lead as Black Mirror long has. After firing a friend, complaining to her therapist about her boyfriend (Avi Nash, Silo) and meeting up with her ex (Rob Delaney, The Power), tech-company CEO Joan gets comfortable on the couch to watch Streamberry's latest wares, only to find that she's the platform's fresh subject (and that Hayek Pinault has stepped into her shoes). The series-within-the-series dramatises her past 24 hours, in fact, and doesn't paint Joan in a positive light. Swiftly, everyone she knows is watching, all taking the on-screen version as gospel. Savvily, the episode interrogates the platforms that Black Mirror and almost every other TV show exist on right now, television's relationship with reality, the incessant quest to thrust ordinary lives into the spotlight and the undervaluing of everyone in the creative industries — which bites hard given the present writers' strike — and it's a cutting and amusing delight. Next comes Loch Henry, which also has the medium of streaming in its sights. Black Mirror has been part of Netflix's stable since 2016, moving to the service after commencing on the UK's Channel 4, but Brooker doesn't let that stop him from digging the show's claws into its funder and home. Initially, the episode's film students Davis (Samuel Blenkin, The Witcher: Blood Origin) and Pia (Myha'la Herrold, Bodies Bodies Bodies) visit the former's sleepy Scottish hometown to make a nature documentary. Then Pia learns about the serial killer who terrorised the scenic locale decades back. Loch Henry doesn't just riff on the prominence of both David Attenborough-style series and headline-driven crime shows, or the fact that the latter can put sensationalist entertainment ahead of the very real victims; it also contemplates how easy it is to conceal one's true self from the world and how empty getting exactly what you've dreamed of can be. In Beyond the Sea, Aaron Paul returns to Black Mirror after first being involved in 2017. Here, it's an alternative 1969, and Cliff (Paul, Westworld) and David (Josh Hartnett, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre) are on a deep-space mission, retaining ties with their families on earth — including Cliff's wife Lana (Kate Mara, Call Jane) — via mechanical doppelgängers that they can port their consciousness into from the heavens above. Brooklyn's John Crowley directs this episode, which proves apt when its retrofuturistic concept plunges into yearning after pivoting on a tragedy and following in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's footsteps. Black Mirror is rarely light; however, this thoughtfully paced, supremely well-acted chapter takes a particularly grim view of humanity's proclivity for jealousy and spite, and our penchant to use technology to indulge both. With Mazey Day, which shares its title with a starlet (Clara Rugaard, I Am Mother), the series also jumps backwards. This time, it's the mid-00s, Suri Cruise's birth is big news, and Bo (Zazie Beetz, Atlanta) is a paparazzo barely getting by, then quitting after her snaps lead to an actor's demise, then tempted back for a $30,000 payday. Her task: nabbing photos of Mazey, who has disappeared after a hit-and-run incident. Again, this season of Black Mirror carves into the commodification of people as content. Again, it shows that 2023-era devices and anything they evolve into aren't behind this trend. And again, it's both perceptive and surprising — and, although it tells viewers what they already know, that's also Black Mirror's usual remit. While horror bubbles through most Black Mirror episodes, including season six's, Red Mirror debut Demon 79 gives the genre its heartiest embrace yet. It's also the series' 2023 standout, and not just because Anjana Vasan (Killing Eve) and Paapa Essiedu (Men) are each a treat as a shopgirl forced to get murderous and a Boney M-inspired demon, respectively. The year is 1979, Needa (Vasan) sells footwear in a Northern England department store and racism stalks her every move, as does the fomenting political fearmongering sweeping the community. Soon, a Knock at the Cabin-esque scenario arises, with Gaap (Essiedu) giving Needa three days to kill three people or the world will come to a fiery end. As penned by Brooker with Bisha K Ali (Ms Marvel), Demon 79 looks like a video nasty from decades back, and hones on spreading ideas rather than the technology that enables them. But as someone's status quo forever changes in no small part thanks humanity's most atrocious traits, it's still Black Mirror 101. Check out the full trailer for Black Mirror's sixth season below: Black Mirror season six streams via Netflix from Thursday, June 15. Images: Netflix.
A neighbourhood dispute turns into all-out suburban warfare in Bad Neighbours, the raunchy, raucous, rapid-fire new comedy from director Nicholas Stoller (The Five-Year Engagement, Forgetting Sarah Marshall). Adding the word 'bad' to its title in Australia in order to avoid confusion with a certain iconic soap opera, the film marks another sure hit for one-man comic industry Seth Rogen, who slots comfortably into another role that basically amounts to playing himself. Yet it's Rogen's co-stars Rose Byrne and Zac Efron who are the movie's biggest standouts. Indeed, while the advertising material sells Bad Neighbours as a strictly Rogen versus Efron affair, the film is very much a triple act, with the more dramatically inclined Byrne clearly relishing the chance to cut loose. With a cast game for just about anything, Bad Neighbours accelerates from one over-the-top set-piece to the next. It's ridiculous, juvenile and very, very funny. Rogen and Byrne play Mac and Kelly Radner, a newlywed couple with a bouncing baby daughter, whose suburban peace is threatened when a college fraternity moves in next door. Chief dude-bro Teddy Sanders (Efron) seems agreeable enough at first, promising to keep the noise to a minimum and even inviting the couple to the frat's inaugural blowout, where a great time is had by all. But when the partying starts up again the following night and continues into the morning, the Radners decide to call the cops. From there, things escalate quickly. Teddy swears vengeance, and soon the two households are exacting increasingly crass and elaborate acts of sabotage in an attempt to bring the other side down. Screenwriters Andrew J. Cohen and Brendan O'Brien pack a staggering number of gags into the film's tight 90-minute runtime, although arguably the more impressive feat is that the vast majority of them land. Stoller allows his cast ample room to improvise, but never to the extent that the movie loses momentum. Frankly, the performances are all the better for it. Byrne, in particular, seems to feed off the film's breakneck energy, the Australian actress frequently stealing the show from her more seasoned on-screen husband. Likewise, Efron exhibits great comedic instincts as the antagonistic Teddy, a villain who you simultaneously love to hate and actually genuinely kind of like. That's the other thing about Bad Neighbours: although the script is incredibly vulgar, it's very rarely mean spirited. As insane as their antics are, these characters feel like real people, and as the story careens towards its climax, a big part of you just wants to see Teddy and the Radners hug it out. The biggest part, however, knows that watching them fight is just too damn funny. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4zEUuzj3a2g
With Wunderlich Lane opening its doors in mid-2024, the time has come for this bustling hospitality precinct to host its debut winter event — NightShift. Presented for one week only from Monday, June 16–Sunday, June 22, guests will have to chance to celebrate the winter solstice through immersive installations, surprising culinary collaborations, roving performances and even a noodle-fuelled rave. Kicking off the week, Olympus hosts the NightShift Greek Feast Launch Party, serving an inventive feast inspired by ancient Hellenic banquets. With bookings available for groups of ten, this lavish sit-down extravaganza is complemented with table flowers designed by Doctor Cooper, mind-blowing art performances between courses, and hypnotic instrumental grooves performed by GODTET. The following night, music brainiacs Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe take over Baptist Street Rec Club for 'The Best Music Quiz Ever' on Tuesday, June 17. Then, S'WICH and Regina La Pizzeria will get together for the 'After-Work Pizzetta Party' from Wednesday, June 18–Thursday, June 19. Dine on limited-release pizzetta sandwiches, as Barney Kato and Adi Toohey soundtrack an evening of vinyl deep cuts. On Saturday, June 21, Island Radio hosts a 'Noodle Rave with JNETT' featuring six hours of feasting and booming beats. For something at a slower pace, R by Raita Noda presents 'The Whole Fish' on the same night, breaking down an entire tuna as part of an atmospheric sushi demonstration, while immersed in a Toshiki Ohta soundscape. With several more dining, drinking and relaxation events to explore — both ticketed and walk-ins — let NightShift guide your winter solstice to untold heights.
Just when you thought you were all Harvest sideshow-ed out, along comes Beck and announces his only Australian gig outside of his frenetically anticipated headline one. The exceptionally talented and artistically scrupulous musician will play the Sydney State Theatre on Wednesday, 14 November. It will be the closest thing you will get to a sonic run-down of his almost 20-year career, and even though cramming two decades of musical innovation into one show is almost as unrealistic as attempting to write about it, it will be worth every cent of however much tickets end up being when they're released next Friday. Since releasing catchy, off-kilter anthem "Loser" back in 1994 Beck has proved his mastery of music via eight studio albums and many more boundary-pushing collaborative projects. His latest release is so good it's actually inaudible to human ears. What you probably can hear, however, is the sound of your bank account groaning under a heavy but very good-sounding weight. That you should ignore. https://youtube.com/watch?v=VkCg-3nxT8E
Heading to the snow anytime soon? For yet another year, Thredbo's après ski shenanigans are bringing a stack of live gigs to the village every single night of the week. Once you've done your dash on the slopes, slip off your skis, grab yourself a cocktail and kick back (or get up and dance). On Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, G.H. Mumm will take over the Thredbo Alpine Hotel with its massive, weekend-long event Red Sash Sets. We're talking confetti canons, lots of red lights and bucketloads of champagne — soundtracked by Aussie DJ duo Mashd N Kutchr on Friday evening and Hot Dub Time Machine on Saturday. The following Saturday (August 17), Corona will grab the reins, with its Sunset Sessions, starring Set Mo. Come Saturday, August 24, the entire Village Square will transform into an epic live concert venue, courtesy of Heineken. On the program are Client Liaison, KLP, Kayex and Michelle Owen. Then, in the first week of September (4–8), Rainbow Mountain: A Heaps Gay Ski Week will usher in spring with five days of DJ-fuelled parties, drag queen performances, long lunches and races. Last, but not least, it'll be Canadian Club's turn on Saturday, September 14. Expect a vintage-style soiree involving retro sweaters, roaring fires and the Alpine Hotel's bubbling hot tub. Hosting will be Hugo Gruzman (Flight Facilities) and Tom Tilley (Triple J/Client Liaison), with complimentary sets by Falcona DJs and Happiness is Wealth, which is a live performance that blurs the lines between audio and art. Lock in your dates for a ski trip with gigs galore. For the full music lineup, head here. If you're looking for an even more jam-packed escape to the snow, check out Thredbo's events calendar here.
What's better than gazing at the Vivid lights from the Museum of Contemporary Art's rooftop Sculpture Terrace? Doing so with a glowing, gin-infused cocktail in your hand, that's what. To that end, Bombay Sapphire is taking over the space this festival, with a pop-up dedicated to boozy and warming concoctions. If you're one to feel the cold easily, order the Winter Warmer in Laverstoke. Served in a comforting tea and saucer, this creation is a blend of ginger, chocolate butter and vermouth. Yep, it's your post-dinner cocktail and dessert sorted in one hit. Another sweet, sweet option is the Chocolate & Roses. For die-hard G&T drinkers, there are a few twists on the classic and they all feature native ingredients. Choose from lemon myrtle and thyme, karkalla (a native coastal succulent) and orange or finger lime and sage. Meanwhile, The Barber Shop Bombay Sapphire Negroni comes with picture-ready glow-in-the-dark glasses. Aussie artist Jonny Niesche will be lighting up the MCA facade this year. His installation Virtual Vibration, created exclusively for Vivid Sydney, will turn the building into a shifting, mesmerising image — combining the formality of high modernism with wild psychedelia — set to a soundtrack by composer Mark Pritchard. While the bar will be free to enter throughout Vivid (from Friday, May 25 till Saturday, June 16) it will be closed to the public on the opening night — as it's hosting the sold out Artbar: Vivid edition — and closed for private events on June 1 and 6. The Bombay Sapphire x MCA Pop-Up Bar will be open throughout Vivid Sydney on most Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, from 5–9pm. For the full schedule, check the website. Top image: Sam Whiteside
With more than 130 events, 22 world premieres, 24 Australian exclusives and over 50 free events to discover, getting the most out of the 2025 Sydney Festival is hungry work. Fortunately, the fest has partnered with some of Sydney's best restaurants to offer exclusive offers so you can stay fuelled up for the city's annual celebration of art and expression from Saturday, January 4, to Sunday, January 26. Here's where you can enjoy a pre- or post-show bite or sip — without breaking the bank — during this year's fest. Beast&Co Beast&Co combines the elegance of European flavours blended with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Their menu is a celebration of comfort eats delivered with culinary excellence, showcasing dishes that play with surprising fusions of world cuisines. The offer: Beginning with marinated olives, choose between Beast&Co's famous small plates — either bone marrow or roasted miso cabbage — then move on to the main course, a mouth-watering flank steak or roasted cauliflower, for $55 per person. Location: Shop 15/425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills Cafe Sydney Perched atop Customs House at Circular Quay, with spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, this stalwart of Sydney's dining scene has built a reliable reputation over the past 25 years. Expect an accessible menu of crowd-pleasing dishes, an innovative, award-winning wine list and polished service. The offer: A daily selection of a la carte specials, with a focus on quality cuts of meat, fresh and exotic seafood, including chilled crustaceans, freshly shucked oysters and grilled ocean fish. Location: Customs House, Level 5, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay Georgie Wine Bar This New York-inspired neighbourhood food & wine bar offers a relaxed menu of bistro and comfort food hits in an art deco fit-out that balances accessible dining with a luxe vibe. The offer: Kick off your meal with a selection of salumi and cheese. Follow it up with a choice of either arancini balls or calamari fritti and complete your pre- or post-show dining experience with a glass of house wine or a refreshing beer for $55 per person. Location: 2 Bond Street, Corner of George Street and Bond Street, Sydney Jounieh Jounieh is a standout spot on Sydney's waterfront, offering a fresh take on Modern Middle Eastern cuisine. With its stunning views of the harbour, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy delicious food in a relaxed setting. Located near the arts precinct, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, and bars, the atmosphere is both peaceful and vibrant. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special evening out, Jounieh offers a memorable experience in one of the world's most beautiful cities. The offer: At this modern Middle Eastern hotspot, select the vegetarian, meat or seafood special. Showstoppers include golden cauliflower, slow-cooked lamb and Moreton Bay bugs — served with dips, salad and more, plus a house wine or beer for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: 2/17 Hickson Road, Dawes Point LILYMU This vibrant pan-Asian restaurant in the heart of Parramatta Square champions the flavours and traditions of Southeast Asia come together in exciting new ways. With a fresh, modern twist on classic dishes and drinks inspired by China and the region, LILYMU brings a bold, creative energy to every plate and glass. It's a place where old meets new, offering a unique take on familiar flavours in a relaxed, contemporary setting. The offer: Utilising fresh and ethically sourced ingredients cooked over coals and in searing hot woks, LILYMU's Sydney Festival set menu stars kingfish and coconut ceviche with taro and sea grapes, roasted eggplant with apple ponzu and furikake, and chicken gyoza with plum vinegar for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: 3 Parramatta Square, 153 Macquarie St, Parramatta Lotus the Galeries This CBD diner offers modern twists on traditional Asian dishes, serving up fresh, handmade dumplings, bao and vibrant small plates. Located in the heart of the city, it blends casual dining with bold flavours and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere. With an innovative menu that draws inspiration from across Asia, Lotus is a go-to spot for anyone craving creative comfort food. The offer: This set menu stars barbecue pork buns, salt and pepper tofu, barramundi with black bean sauce, crispy eggplant and squid ink fried rice for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: The Galeries, Level 1/500 George Street, Sydney Pearl Dining Pearl Dining offers a refined dining experience with a menu that blends modern Australian flavours with pan-Asian influences. Located in the heart of the city, Pearl Dining's focus on quality ingredients and impressive presentation promises a memorable culinary experience. The offer: Drawing inspiration from the culinary craftsmanship of Hong Kong, enjoy six dishes including prawn dumplings, barbecue pork belly, wok-fried Angus beef flank and Asian greens for $55 when you book for two diners or more. Location: Level 1/50 Bridge Street, Sydney Pier Bar This waterfront bar in the Pier One Hotel is an elegant harbourside destination for casual drinks. On the shore of Sydney harbour, steps from Sydney Festival's hub, The Thirsty Mile, and the theatres of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, this bar is perfectly situated for both pre-and post-show drinks and snacks. The offer: For $30 per person when you book for two guests or more, you can enjoy a share platter of artisan cured meats, pickles and cheese, as well as your choice of one house wine, beer or soft drink. Location: 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay Planar Bar and Dining With uninterrupted views of Darling Harbour, Planar is an al fresco retreat with a blend of indoor and outdoor areas. The menu celebrates fresh Australian produce and the diverse, eclectic influences of Modern Australian cuisine. The offer: Experience a delightful two-course menu showcasing Modern Australian cuisine. Set against the stunning waterfront views of Darling Harbour, you will be welcomed with wine of your choice before indulging in the iconic dishes crafted from locally fresh ingredients for $55 per person. Location: Shop C08, Ground Floor ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney Indulge in the inviting ambience of The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney, where their relaxed harbourside all-day dining experience pairs iconic views with top-of-class hospitality. The offer: Cocktail and sandwich set. La Vie en Rose Cocktail + Chicken Katsu Sandwich or La Vie en Rose Cocktail + Tofu Katsu with Vegan Mayonnaise for $30 per person. Location: 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks Lotus Dumpling Bar Located in Circular Quay, this popular dumpling house offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on fresh, handmade dumplings and modern Asian dishes. Known for its creative take on traditional flavours, the menu features a variety of dumplings, bao and small plates, alongside a curated selection of cocktails and teas, with a side serving of iconic harbour views. The offer: Diners can enjoy some of the restaurants most popular dishes, including mushroom and vegetable spring rolls, pork xiao long bao, jade prawn dumplings, kung pao chicken with tofu and peanuts, steamed broccolini with sugar snap peas and kale with a side of steamed rice, as well as a glass of Cavedon Adelia prosecco or a non-alcoholic drink on arrival for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more. Location: 50 Bridge Street, Circular Quay For more details about the best places to wine and dine during Sydney Festival 2025, visit the Festival Feasts webpage. Top image: Nikki To
If you prefer your overnight getaways with a healthy dose of wildlife thrown into the mix, Sydney's newest eco-retreat will be right up your alley — because it's located smack-bang in the middle of Taronga Zoo. Officially opening today — Thursday, October 10 — the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is offering the ultimate sleepover with Sydney's biggest animals. Currently you can glamp overnight at the zoo as part of the Roar and Snore experience, but this is the zoo's first permanent accommodation offering. The impressive new structure is the work of acclaimed Australian studio Cox Architecture, and sees five lodges built into the zoo's bushland. There are 62 designer suites all up, with choices of harbour, bush, animal or treetop views. Best of all, the sounds and sights of Mother Nature will be literally out your front door — the retreat is located in a sanctuary where koalas, wallabies, red kangaroos, echidnas and platypus live. So you can wander out to spot some at your own leisure, or else join a tour of a still-quiet zoo at sunrise. The retreat is, importantly, located on Cammeraigal country, and we're told that Taronga worked with Cammeraigal Traditional Custodian Professor Dennis Foley and Gurindji Woolwonga woman Susan Moylan-Coombs to ensure that guests have access to information on local Indigenous history and culture. [caption id="attachment_745450" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The view from the restaurant, Me-Gal.[/caption] Food is set to be another big drawcard here, as the retreat also boasts a new restaurant, Me-Gal (the Cammeraigal word for 'tears'). It's dishing up an Aussie-accented offering centred around local produce and native ingredients — think Fraser Island spanner crab with fried saltbush, and NSW beef with king oyster mushrooms. As you have probably gathered, rooms at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga don't come cheap. Rates start from $790 per night for two adults, which includes the two-course dinner, breakfast, general admission to Taronga Zoo, and a some very cute encounters Australian animals. But, as well as a pretty unique experience, your cash will go towards a good cause. As the retreat is owned and operated by non-profit Taronga Conservation Society Australia, each stay at the retreat will contribute to helping the zoo caring for its animals, as well as contributing to conservation and education programs across Australia. The retreat will no doubt be a drawcard for international tourists, but would make for a great night away for a special occasion where you really want to splash out. The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is now open at Taronga Zoo Bradleys Head Road, Mosman. You can book now here.
If you've been in the DIY-doldrums since Work-Shop disappeared from their Broadway premises, we’ve some excellent news for you. They’re back. And they haven’t merely moved. They’ve expanded their crafty crusade across two brand-new premises – The Makery, at 106 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, and the official Work-Shop HQ, at 80 George Street, Redfern. The first is the creative’s ultimate shopfront. Every single item has been crafted by a local artist. Hand-poured soy candles with names like ‘black bamboo + lily’ and ‘black raspberry’ line the shelves. Dioramas in vintage tins hold impossibly tiny scenes of striped lighthouses and motorcyclists and families. Reflection-based photographic portraits of surfers shimmer on the wall. There are hand-blended teas, detailed jewellery, painted skateboards and individually designed garments. Here’s how it works. Independent artists, designers and artisans 'rent' one of the shop's display environments — be it a wall or corner or shelf — for a minimal weekly fee. That's where the vendor's costs end. The Work-Shop Makery facilitates sales, devoid of commission or mark-ups. It’s a chance for creative types to display their wares, without the expense of through-the-roof rent, the scariness of approaching galleries and/or the hassle of risking inclement weather at markets. Not only do they get their very own space, they can also take advantage of Work-Shop’s increasing popularity, marked social media presence and the sheer volume of foot traffic on Oxford Street. "We work with City of Sydney a fair bit and they approached us with the space," Work-Shop co-founder Matt Branagan explains. "We wanted to create a space where we could give young makers and designers and artists a proper shopfront. It’s also a grassroots place, where people can meet and connect.” At least once a week, The Makery hosts ‘Meet the Maker’ sessions. The ‘makers’ head into the shop and spend some time painting, sculpting, stitching or doing whatever it is that they do. Anyone can drop in for a chat. “We often go into a shop and buy things,” Matt says. “But we don’t know much about the process of how or why it was made.” Workshops are also planned, with 3D crochet happening on Saturday, February 8, and Knitting 101 for February 15. There’ll also be various parties, events and launches. Pozible is scheduled to pop-up for a week in March, and a bunch of Etsy vendors are planning on organising regular meet-ups. “We want to create a community of people, just sharing and bouncing off each other, meeting other people who inspire them to take their path in a different direction or help their business,” Matt explains. Meanwhile, the spacious 80 George Street site has been turned into the Work-Shop HQ. Forty-five people turned up on February 1 for the first Work-Shop — typography with Gemma O'Brien. All kinds of new classes are on the menu — hula hooping, African drumming, robotics, foraging and swing dancing — and, in about a month's time, a cafe will be in operation, serving caffeine hits from 6am. You can even get in on the action semi-permanently by renting your own deskspace. The Makery The Makery The Makery The Makery The Makery Work-Shop HQ Work-Shop HQ Work-Shop HQ Images by Lindsay Smith.
There isn't much that can compete with a spectacular vantage over Sydney Harbour, so Westpac Openair Cinema doesn't even try. From its annual perch at Mrs Macquaries Point each January and February, it sets up its massive screen with panoramic views of the city, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge behind it, so that attendees can both catch a movie and revel in the sights. Still, the event selects a lineup every summer of flicks worthy of watching even if you can still spy a gorgeous vista glittering away in the background. 2025's full program doesn't drop until the end of November 2024; however, Westpac Openair Cinema has kicked off the month by locking in its dates and announcing its initial three titles. [caption id="attachment_978121" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Grundy[/caption] Love making the most of the warm weather? Seeing movies? Hanging out outside? This annual tradition is bringing back its beloved openair picture palace from Thursday, January 9—Tuesday, February 18, 2025. And as for what you'll be watching, the trio of initially revealed flicks are all massive must-sees. Prepare to be entertained with Gladiator II on the bill, complete with a return to ancient Rome, rhinos and ships in the Colosseum, plus a cast that includes Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers), Pedro Pascal (Drive-Away Dolls), Connie Nielsen (Origin), Joseph Quinn (A Quiet Place: Day One), Fred Hechinger (The White Lotus) and Denzel Washington (The Equalizer 3). [caption id="attachment_978122" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Grundy[/caption] Prepare to see The Wizard, too, thanks to the first Wicked movie. It brings the smash-hit stage musical to the screen to follow the tale of Glinda (Ariana Grande, Don't Look Up) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, Pinocchio) — with Jeff Goldblum (Asteroid City) as Oz's great and powerful figure. And, get excited about 2024 Cannes Palme d'Or-winner Anora, the latest feature from Tangerine, The Florida Project and Red Rocket filmmaker Sean Baker. The film tells of a sex worker from Brooklyn who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, a move that doesn't go down well with his family — and it gives Better Things and Lady in the Lake's Mikey Madison a silver-screen lead breakout role. Just like the complete program, Westpac Openair Cinema's array of dining experiences hasn't been announced as yet, including whether if Kitchen by Mike will be behind its meals again. As happens every year, tickets are likely to go quickly when they go on sale on Monday, December 9. Across the summer of 2018–19, more than 40,000 tickets sold within the first two days of pre-sale, for instance — so put it in your diary ASAP. [caption id="attachment_880098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Andrew Maccoll[/caption] [caption id="attachment_978123" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chris Grundy[/caption] [caption id="attachment_700088" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Westpac OpenAir Sydney[/caption] Westpac Openair 2025 runs from Thursday, January 9—Tuesday, February 18. The program will be announced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 with tickets on sale on Monday, December 9 — check back here then for further details, and head to the event's website in the interim. Top image: Fiora Sacco.
When we asked Concrete Playground readers to tell us their favourite spots in and around Alexandria, no shop, restaurant or bar received as many shout-outs as Social Society. The cafe is only relatively new on the scene — it opened in December 2019 as a tenant of Green Square's new food precinct — but it's quickly gained a loyal fanbase for its Pinterest-worthy fit-out and next-level dishes. Let's start with the space, which was produced in collaboration with interior designer Blank Creatives. It's a millennial dream with pink leather booths and curtains, neon signs and terrazzo tables. The menu is designed around dishes that are as photogenic as they are tasty, so expect the likes of pink pasta, with prawns, pickled beetroot and pink caviar cream, and eggs benedict served in a flaky croissant. But that's just the start of the OTT options. You can also indulge in fried chicken and waffles with maple-infused gravy, ricotta pancakes topped with popping candy, and bone marrow served with charcoal garlic toast. And coffee is by Sydney-based roastery Gabriel Coffee. Images: @elleshungry, courtesy of Media in Action
Ever since Sex and the City wormed its way into our collective subconscious, brunch has been synonymous with getting boozy. And Luke Mangan knows it. This year, Brunch of Fun is coming back to his Waterloo restaurant Mojo, and it's sweeter than ever. On Sunday, April 23, Mangan is bringing together some big foodie names for a brunch that would even make Samantha blush, including Insta-famous baker Andres Fatso and the ballers from N2 Extreme Gelato and Black Star Pastry. On the menu you'll find brunch delicacies aplenty to line your stomach such as sweet treats from the above stallholders and burgers from Mangan's own Chicken Confidential. You'll be able to wash it down with coffee, juices, cocktails and a selection of wines. Those of you who really, really love brunch can buy a seat at a five-course bottomless brunch (tickets are $75) to be held at the same time. It will also featuring endless free-flowing sparkling and mimosas. Trade Weet-Bix for champers? Fabulous.
UPDATE: APRIL 7, 2020 — Some good news for your social feed: Sea Life Melbourne is now home to two adorable king penguin chicks. And you can meet them via livestream at 10am AEST on Wednesday, April 8. One fluffy baby bird is called 'Sparkie', but the aquarium is looking for suggestions for other the littl'un. Details on how to submit a name will be revealed during the livestream. Melbourne's Sea Life Aquarium is live streaming playtime and feeding time with some of its cutest and scariest sea critters in the lead up to Easter. At 9am AEDT on Saturday, April 4, you can get up close and personal with swarms of jellyfish, learn the ins and outs of their luminous lives and watch them being fed by Sea Life's ocean expert and 'Jelly Queen' Diane. If you haven't had a chance to check out the aquarium's million-dollar Ocean Invaders exhibition, this'll be a good chance for you to have a little virtual tour. On Wednesday, April 8 at 10am AEST, you can watch the gentoo and king penguins at playtime, sliding around their icy home and gobbling many fish. Then, kicking off the long weekend, will be another live-streaming session at 11am AEST on Friday, April 10, which will see keeper Brianna chatting about a bunch of cute (and maybe slightly scary) animals that lay eggs. To tune in, head head to Sea Life Melbourne's Facebook page. Thankfully, these aren't the only live-streams and digital content the aquarium is planning. Keep an eye on future events, including possible shark feedings, penguin hangs and tropical fish tours, here.
Everybody's favourite non-alcoholic beer brand Heaps Normal is kicking off a new gig series with its inaugural 'Heaps Normal Presents' party. With the help of equally beloved Sydney community radio station FBi Radio, the alcohol-free brewers have pulled together a lineup of electronic music darlings from the local Sydney scene. Headling the show that's taking over the Red Rattler until 1am on Friday, July 22 is Din, a new project from Rainbow Chan and Alex Ward of the project Moon Holiday (you maybe remember Ward's voice from the Flume hit 'Insane'). Joining the duo is certified dancefloor-filler Crescendoll. The multi-talented DJ specialises in club-centric electronic music like garage and UK bass — plus when she's not DJing, she works as a solicitor working to increase police accountability and fight for young people and First Nations justice. Rounding out the lineup is ambient techno musician Land Systems, sound artist Source Decay and mixed-media performance artists WHPY. The event kicks off from 8pm and tickets are $15. On the night, all of Red Rattler's usual drinks will be available from the bar, and attendees will be treated to free and unlimited Heaps Normal. And, there are free tickets for First Nations attendees, you just need to email marketing@heapsnormal.com. Top image: DIN
The Intern is one of those films that’s not easily labelled. It absolutely feels like a romcom, especially with writer/director Nancy Meyers at the helm (responsible for the likes of Father of the Bride and It's Complicated), but there’s not really any romance in it to speak of. It’s also a funny film, though you’d fall short of calling it a comedy, and it consistently packs in the feels, only there are too many lighter moments for it to be an out-and-out drama. Ultimately, whether by chance or design, The Intern's indeterminate status actually offers us a neat reflection of the story within it, for this is a story about two individuals — the ‘retiree’ and the ‘working mum’ — both grappling with the expectations and misconceptions that accompany those characterisations. De Niro, the retiree, is a 70-something widower without a purpose. Intelligent, polite and openly uncomfortable with inaction, his character Ben Whittaker applies for (and secures) a place in a senior’s intern program at fashion tech startup About the Fit. Anne Hathaway, the ‘working mum’, is the company’s 30-something founder and CEO, Jules Ostin. Passionate and driven but overworked, Jules is fending off shareholder insistence that she hire a ‘proper’ CEO while simultaneously struggling to keep her family together on account of her relentless schedule and the restless ‘stay-at-home dad’ (another unhelpful label) waiting at home. When De Niro is assigned to be Hathaway’s personal intern, their initially uncomfortable partnership soon develops into an indispensable friendship: he the calming influence on her, and she his newfound sense of purpose. The early scenes in The Intern are enough to give serious pause. De Niro’s ‘old guy in a young person’s tech world’ shtick had the potential to be incredibly hammy, and moments like not knowing how to wake up his laptop or use a USB did not augur well for avoiding the tired ‘analog meets digital’ cliche. Hathaway’s character, too, was immediately unlikeable, wearing her wireless headset and riding her fixed-gear bicycle through the office from meeting to meeting. Thankfully, though, neither concern plays out for long. De Niro’s reserve — that trademark smile and gentle nod that has traditionally masked violent intent — works perfectly as a juxtaposition to the madness of the Gen Y workplace around him. His old-school approach to both work and life endears him to all, as he offers advice from fashion and accessories through to putting down the phone and actually talking to people. Similarly, as soon as Hathaway’s pristine veneer reveals its vulnerabilities, she becomes at once an entirely sympathetic character and a surprisingly cogent representation of the unresolved workplace gender debate. In many ways, The Intern plays out like an adaption of Annabel Crabb’s The Wife Drought or Unfinished Business by Anne-Marie Slaughter, the first female director of policy planning at the US State Department and author of the controversial ‘Why Women Still Can’t Have It All’ essay in the Atlantic. Both these texts highlight the difficulties and hypocrisies surrounding successful women in the workplace, including why we never hear the label ‘working dad’, and — at its heart — this is what The Intern ultimately concerns itself with. There are plenty of laughs along the way, as well as some admittedly saccharine scenes, but mostly this is a heartwarming tale of friendship and a constructive engagement with feminism and gender inequality.
In our buzzing city, winter is no excuse to close yourself off from the world and stop enjoying all that Sydney has to offer after dark. The lockout laws may have hindered some late night options, but there are still some good'uns out there if you know where to look. Let's face it, your Instagram feed could probably use a shake-up with some epic night snaps — which could easily be achieved thanks to the low light feature on the new Galaxy S9 and S9+ phone from our friends at Samsung. Instead of heading straight home after dinner, own the night by checking out one of these venues for some of the city's best after-hours activities. CATCH A GIG AT THE COMMONS Downtown Bar at The Commons is set in a 168-year-old Darlo cellar and it's cave-like acoustics make it an ideal spot for live gigs. And The Commons is happy to oblige with jazz and blues acts on every Thursday through Saturday from 9pm. Regular artists include ragtime group Sugar Bowl Hokum, the soulful Bonnie Kay and The Bonafides and punk-blues sets by Jesse Redwing. From behind the bar comes classic golden age cocktails with a focus on vermouth. Try the Don Martinez, with Oscar 697 sweet vermouth, Gran Centenario reposado tequila, rhubarb liqueur and Booker's bitters. Then sit back, drink in hand, and let the music transport you to another time with speakeasy vibes. CATCH LATE NIGHT ART AT THE MCA'S LIGHTS ON LATER If you're looking to get your fill of art this winter but can't make it to the galleries before dark, the MCA keeps the lights on later until 9pm every Wednesday. This means you can check out its art post-dinner, including the 21st Biennale exhibition that runs through June 11 and an installation dedicated to Melbourne-based artist Emily Floyd till August 5. Plus, if you head in during Vivid (till June 11), the Lights on Later program is extended to include Friday and Saturday nights, too. Don't be camera shy, the MCA will also have its rooftop bar open late, which boasts one of the best spots for Vivid views and snaps for your feed. This year, Bombay Sapphire is running the pop-up bar, serving glowing gin cocktails with unobstructed views of the Sydney Opera House light show. PLAY BOARD GAMES AT VENUE 505 Venue 505 is known for hosting some of the best jazz gigs in the city, including getting in some huge interstate and international acts — and often for free or on the cheap. If you really want to get some bang-for-your-buck action, every Monday is jazz jam and games night. Their selection of board games is legit, with classics like Scrabble, Cluedo and Monopoly all on offer. If you're looking for something specific, guests are also welcome to BYO board games — and budding musicians are encouraged to bring along instruments to join the band. Grab your crew and get competitive in this moody low-lit space, all while sipping on craft beer or whisky and listening to a free jam session by some of the city's best musicians. Camera Tip: A longer exposure will capture the light at night and create a dynamic motion effect. Adjust your settings by swiping your S9 into Pro Mode. Lower the ISO, increase the shutter speed and keep very still as you take your shot. PLAY PUTT-PUTT AT THE NEW HOLEY MOLEY IN DARLINGHURST Holey Moley Darlinghurst has just opened its doors under the iconic Coke sign in Kings Cross and the newcomer is Sydney's biggest yet, with 27 holes and three bars. The new highly 'grammable fit-out is themed around the roaring 20s — think art deco interiors, jazz-age inspirations and decadent party vibes — with one of the nine-hole courses located in a former piano room. Plus, the mini golf bar has a brand new cocktail menu, with drinks like the Austin Sours with grapefruit, Aperol and vodka, and live DJ sets, to boot. Open until midnight every day, the bar gives you an excuse for a night of friendly competition any day of the week. Just don't forget to capture that epic Boomerang of you sinking a hole-in-one. SING KARAOKE FOR FREE AT GOROS Goros offers up state-of-the-art karaoke rooms — and they don't charge ya a dime. The Japanese-style bar is open six days a week, with late nights on Thursdays till 1am and Friday through Saturday till 3am. Have a few extra-large mugs of Sapporo at the bar to boost your courage, then belt out your favourite Britney Spears or Journey songs. You can book a karaoke room online or at the bar anytime, but it is a popular joint, so best to book as much in advance as possible — though we know you can't always predict when the karaoke bug will strike. And since there's no better combination than karaoke, booze and gyoza, Goros has this trifecta down with their late night eats, available after 10pm, Thursdays through Sundays. Apart from the aforementioned pork, chicken and mushroom gyoza, the late night menu includes spicy edamame, karaage chicken and shoestring fries with Japanese curry ketchup. Instead of spending your winter nights on the couch, discover all the after-dark happenings in your city here — and don't forget to document it all on the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, designed especially for low light so you can capture your best moments no matter what. Images: Cole Bennetts.
Who said you can't make friends with salad? The not-for-profit vegan chain Lentil as Anything has quickly become the dahling of King Street. No need to book, just turnip for amaizing food and an atmosphere that can't be beet. With four thriving stores in Melbourne, what better location for Sydney's first branch than Newtown, a colourful, alternative neighbourhood where even McDonalds couldn't hack the fresh vibe and ended up skipping town in the '90s. Vegans make up just one percent of Australians and it looks like they got the memo — it's a full house tonight with a queue waiting eagerly at the door. There's a live bongo session starting up, the waitstaff are super friendly (and working for free) and there's no alcohol, only chai — what is this place? As 30 percent of the ingredients are donated from food rescue operations, the menu changes often so you'll need to ask your waiter what's on offer. Today there's a creamy Sri Lankan curry made with potatoes and pumpkin, served over rice with dahl, beetroot, banana tossed in coconut, blanched greens, a salad and pappadums. That's just one meal by the way. Yes it's vegan and yes it's donated food, but no, it's not a bowl of flavourless gruel. It's exciting, colourful, healthy, delicious — and yes, it's a huge surprise. Our burrito comes out next, who would have thought you could make a burrito without meat, cheese and sour cream? Well you can and it works, our toasted tortilla is topped with spicy Mexican beans, salad, chilli salsa and a cashew-based cheese sauce (open your mind people) and once again, it's delicious. Who knew? For our third dish, we opt for the brown rice salad topped with eggplant, onions, green vegetables, tomatoes and chickpeas. It feels pretty good to be eating a week's worth of vegetables in one sitting. This is the kind of food that could convert an otherwise blood-loving, alcohol-swilling human being into making some serious lifestyle changes; Lentil as Anything proves being vegan isn't the ultimate sacrifice. The one minor food falter is the chocolate and banana cake which tastes a little claggy, but they did make it without chocolate, eggs, milk and butter, so the team still get a star for a top effort. If you swing by on a Friday or Saturday night, head upstairs for a tasty tonic in their new Lentil on the Rocks mocktail bar. It's a new initiative aimed at creating an inclusive ambience where non-alcoholic drinkers, especially teenagers and pregnant ladies can enjoy a friendly and social environment without booze. One of the most curious features of Lentil as Anything is its unique 'pay as you feel' financial model where there are no bills and no social pressure, just an honesty box as you walk out the door. The money you donate goes straight to the food, rent and utilities and not to anyone's pocket in particular. So, if you pay a little extra, your dosh goes to feeding someone who can't afford a meal, allowing that person to feel accepted and valued by their community. Lentil as Anything has been heartily welcomed by the Newtown fold and once you've bean, you'll olive it too. Don't forget to pay it forward.
Did Hollywood have a disagreement with its past, get a fortune cookie predicting the future, feel an earthquake shudder, then wake up back in the 80s and 00s? Based on two new flicks heading to cinemas, yes, it must've. Because everything old is always new again in Tinseltown — a trend that's bringing Cruel Intentions, Twilight and Harry Potter back, too — both Freaky Friday and Beetlejuice are scoring sequels. Unlike those big-screen sagas and their upcoming TV versions, this pair of films is getting movie follow-ups — and they're set to feature members of their original casts as well. For Freaky Friday 2: Freak Harder (which won't be its actual name), that means reuniting Everything Everywhere All At Once Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis with Lindsay Lohan (Falling for Christmas) two decades later. With Beetlejuice 2: Electric Boogaloo (again, not its actual name), Michael Keaton (Morbius) and Winona Ryder (Stranger Things) are back with the poltergeists. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the Freaky Friday news, noting that Elyse Hollander will pen the script. Story details haven't been revealed, but body-swapping is bound to feature given that's what Freaky Friday has always been about. Drinking, dancing, getting angry that your mum won't let you go to your band's big audition, eating those enchanted cookies — perhaps that'll all get worked in as well. For this franchise, it all started with 1972 book by Mary Rodgers, then the 1976 Jodie Foster (The Mauritanian)-starring first movie adaptation, and also a 1995 remake with Gaby Hoffman (C'mon C'mon). After 2003's beloved Curtis- and Lohan-led take, horror flick Freaky gave the idea a spin in 2020. Freaky Friday 2 doesn't have a release date yet, but Beetlejuice 2 does: September 6, 2024 in the US. It'll continue the story started in Tim Burton's 1988 hit Beetlejuice, with Wednesday favourite Jenna Ortega playing the daughter of Ryder's Lydia Deetz. As Variety reports, Justin Theroux (White House Plumbers) is also among the cast. You don't need a Handbook for the Recently Deceased in your ghostly hands to get excited, but you might spend time with folks with one, which is what happened with the original flick's Barbara and Adam Maitland (GLOW's Geena Davis and Dr Death's Alec Baldwin). In the first film, viewers also saw what happened when that pair started to suspect that they're no longer alive, a new family moved into their house (including Schitt's Creek's Catherine O'Hara) and they decided they needed a 'bio-exorcist'. The Freaky Friday sequel doesn't yet have a release date, while Beetlejuice 2 will release in September 2024 — we'll keep you updated as more details are announced. Via The Hollywood Reporter / Variety.
When it made the leap to the big screen in the movie that's currently in cinemas, Downton Abbey brought in a couple of very special guests. But the King and Queen aren't the only new folks staying at TV's favourite stately manor. Come November, you could be walking through the site's lavish halls, wandering through its 300-plus rooms and even bunking down for the night. In a move that's clearly timed to promote the film, Airbnb is giving two people the chance to spend the evening of Tuesday, November 26 at Highclere Castle — the 19th-century country house in Hampshire, England, where Downton Abbey filmed each of its six seasons, as well as the movie. It's a place with a considerable past, and not just because of the famous show. The act that led to the founding of Canada was drafted there; however, before the current abode was build there in the 19th century, remodelling an existing structure, it was also the site of a medieval palace. Of course, it's Downton Abbey's history that the two chosen guests will be most interested in. They'll explore the spaces made famous by the show, such as the drawing room and the library, via a private tour. Then, they'll sip cocktails in the saloon, and eat dinner in the state dining room with the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon — with the site sitting in their family since the 17th century. The visitors will also sleep in a gallery bedroom with views over 1000 acres of parkland, and be waited on by the castle's butler. [caption id="attachment_742688" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Airbnb[/caption] If you're eager to stay and pretend you're a member of Downton's Crawley family, you'll need to have a verified Airbnb profile filled with positive reviews, and be passionate about the series. You'll also need to hop online to make your request to stay at 9pm on Tuesday, October 1, Australian Eastern Standard Time (12pm British Summer Time the same day). Just how the lucky guests will be selected hasn't been revealed, but you will still need to pay just like any other Airbnb booking. The one-night stay will set the winner back £150, or around AU$270. For further information, visit Highclere Castle's Airbnb listing. The service will start accepting requests to stay at the venue from 9pm on Tuesday, October 1, Australian Eastern Standard Time (12pm British Summer Time the same day). Top image: Downton Abbey, Focus Features LLC.
Half the fun in camping is the fact that you're forced to get grubby, as you and your fellow campmates collectively get back to nature and forgo the modern luxury of a shower. This is all well and good for a few days, until everyone gets a little sweaty, a little dirt-caked and probably a little grumpy. You see, the problem with showers is that they're usually set pretty firmly in one place. They need a water source, drainage, electricity — basically, they're the first thing you forgo when you leave the safety of a modern building. But the geniuses at Tokyo-based startup Hotaru are set to change that, with a portable water-recycling shower that can be set up almost anywhere. So how does it work? The shower holds about 19 litres of water, which is then purified and reused for the next person who hops in. Hotaru claims that a family of three could each take a five-minute shower each day for up to two weeks. That's over 40 showers on less than 20 litres of water. While the possibilities for where the shower can go are pretty endless, it does need to be hooked up to a power source — although, according to Hotaru, a car will do the trick. This new sustainable shower was spotted by TechCrunch at SXSW this week, and is expected to go to market sometime next year. It's not only great news for campers, but the technology could really change how we recycle and make the most of our water. Via TechCrunch.
The Abercrombie is back! The storied corner pub and haven of electronic music reopened at the end of 2022 with Solotel at the helm, bringing packed dance floors and its 24-hour license back to Chippendale. The expansive venue boasts multiple distinct spaces across its three stories. The ground floor is home to the main bar, beer garden and dedicated club space, which hosts a boundary-pushing program of dance music featuring some of the best tastemakers and party crews from around Sydney, Australia and the world. When the beats aren't firing, this area serves as a friendly neighbourhood haunt with beers and cocktails on tap, hot sandwiches and pizza, and daily specials. For more intimate gatherings, head upstairs to the Sun Room, a cosy first-floor cocktail lounge with house-party energy, or take a seat on the rooftop for skyline views, crowd-pleasing snacks and weekly entertainment, including DJs on weekends spinning until the early hours of the morning. Rounding out the offer is Bar Freda's, the third incarnation of the legendary creative hotspot that relocated from Darlinghurst in 2025. This final piece of the puzzle is located in the adjoining terraces next to the pub, just a few doors down from where it first began life as Café Freda's. Here, you'll find a cosy, red-hued bar serving up minimal-intervention drops and fun cocktails, a lively dining room serving Euro-leaning snacks and an intimate club space backed by the sound system from Freda's 1.0. While the venue generally stays open until 5am on weekends, those open hours can stretch even further — sometimes all the way into the next day — when special events are on. Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney The Best Rooftop Bars in Sydney
Marrickville's Illawarra Road now boasts a real deal Peruvian 'taberna', courtesy of long time local José Alkon (Marrick's Wines). Situated between two Vietnamese favourites, Hello Auntie and Eat Fuh, Pepito's is doing things old school. "When I visit Peru, we hang out in tabernas — these 100-year-old family-run institutions that are stripped-back places to go for a drink and some food," Alkon tells Concrete Playground. "It's a really fun kind of vibe and I wanted to bring that back to Australia." Pepito's follows the South American tradition of casual eateries that are equal parts bar and restaurant. Alkon sees a lot of parallels between Marrickville and his favourite Peruvian city, Barranco; much the way Marrickville is a melting pot of cuisines, Peruvian food is also a mash-up of cultural influences, including Japanese, Chinese and Italian. Head Chef Jeffrey Forrest adds one more influence, too. Hailing from the USA, he has worked across Michelin-starred and other highly lauded restaurants in New York (including Bouley, Aldea, Zoe, Gotham and Le Cirque). While Forrest is not of Peruvian heritage, Alkon says customers have already said that Pepito's is the best Peruvian food they've had in Australia. "Most Peruvians will tell you a non-Peruvian cannot make Peruvian food, but I think it shouldn't matter where you're from; it's about your passion and where your heart lies, and people can taste that on the plate," says Alkon. [caption id="attachment_791663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] The menu focuses on Peruvian classics, made using seasonal Aussie produce. Expect dishes like the causa de camarones, a layered potato terrine with prawn and avocado salad; and anticuchos ($15–19), a popular Peruvian street food that consists of different skewered and barbecued meats. Pepito's specialties include Nikkei-style quail ($19) — a term that refers to Japanese Peruvian fusion — and ox heart ($16) with panca chilli peppers and huancaina (a spicy cheese sauce). There are also short rib-stuffed potatoes, olive and ham sandwiches, and plates of stir-fried beef. The menu changes regularly and seasonally, with rotating specials and around ten-to-12 dishes on the menu at any given time. The booze selection, of course, focuses on pisco, but it goes well beyond the pisco sour. Alkon is working with small boutique producers from all across Peru, notably in the south. At Pepito's, you can taste sustainably produced pisco, as well as aged bottles dating back to 2004. If straight up isn't your thing, the bar is also slinging four pisco classics ($15–20). Sitting alongside the requisite pisco sour is the Chilcano (house-made ginger ale, lime and bitters) the El Capitan (a negroni-style pisco cocktail with sweet vermouth and Campari) and the summery Pisco Punch (with pineapple syrup and lime). Meanwhile, the wine list has been pulled together by Marrickville bar Where's Nick, with a clear focus on minimal-intervention drops. To preserve the site's history while paying homage to Peru's tabernas, design firm Smith & Carmody (Cornersmith, Mecca, Brickfields) maintained many of the building's existing features. These include all original tiling, the entrance archway and the rustic brick walls, which Alkon exposed by hand using a chisel and hammer. The furniture was also salvaged from an old Queensland bowling club. And the sign from the old Vietnamese seafood shop that once occupied the space still hangs above the storefront, too. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
UPDATE, Wednesday, August 25: All of the below information is based on the current NSW Government website and the NSW COVID-19 public health orders, which state that you can undertake "exercise or recreation outdoors in groups of no more than two (excluding members of the same household)" — and that "you can exercise with one other person that you do not live with, or your nominated visitor ("singles bubble")." This information is correct as per the aforementioned NSW Government websites as of Tuesday, August 24, when the article was first published. It remains correct as per the same sites at 12.30pm on Wednesday, August 25, when this update was written. Since the Greater Sydney region went into lockdown at the end of June, Sydneysiders have been told to stay at home. That's been the rule, with leaving the house only allowed for one of four main reasons. But, exactly how those restrictions work in practical terms isn't always straightforward — and those rules have been changed and tightened as lockdown has been extended until at least the end of September, too. One area that's been particularly murky is heading out of the house for exercise and recreation. Working up a sweat is clearcut, but a few of things fall under recreation that you mightn't think would be permitted. To clarify, NSW Health has shared a few details via Instagram Stories — in addition to details on the NSW Government website and in the NSW COVID-19 public health orders — and if you're not in Greater Sydney's Local Government Areas of concern and you'd like to have a picnic or just sit in the park and read, you're in luck. People in LGAs of concern are under stricter rules, including a 9pm–5am curfew, which applies in the Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta and Strathfield LGAs, as well as 12 suburbs in the Penrith. In these areas, going outside for recreation isn't currently allowed. But for everyone else in Greater Sydney outside of these spots, you can indeed have a picnic or sit down to read while you're out of the house for recreation. [caption id="attachment_750943" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] NSW Health advises that "recreation includes outdoor leisure activities such as sitting for relaxation, or to eat, drink or read outdoors" — and that they're all currently allowed in most of the state during lockdown. You do need to abide by the other applicable rules, however, which means that you can only undertake exercise and recreation outdoors with one other person. That said, there's no rule requiring that other person to come from your household, or to be part of your singles bubble. Or, you can do so with the folks you live with if there's more than two people in your household. And, you're asked to stay within your LGA — or within five kilometres of home if you do venture beyond your LGA for recreation. Also, you're not allowed to carpool with anyone outside of your household, and you need to wear a mask if you're outdoors and you're not exercising — other than when you're actually eating and drinking, that is. That mask rule came into effect on Monday, August 23. For more information on what you can and can't do in NSW under lockdown, check out our rundown of the current rules. You can also head to the NSW Government website or read the NSW COVID-19 public health orders. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website. Top image: Destination NSW.
So, you've seen Nanette, then Douglas, then Body of Work, Hannah Gadsby's three most-recent stand-up shows — all of which hit stages, then Netflix. Next on your list to catch is Woof!, and in-person for now. The just-announced performance will premiere in Australia in autumn, confirming a run of dates in both Sydney and Melbourne, including at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. If you're wondering if Woof! will also get the streaming treatment, it's too early to say, so getting giggling in the New South Wales and Victorian capitals is your best bet if you're keen to check out Gadsby's new routine ASAP. In Sydney, the show will play the Roslyn Packer Theatre from Thursday, March 7–Sunday, March 17. When it makes the move to Arts Centre Melbourne, it'll run from Thursday, March 28–Saturday, April 20. [caption id="attachment_896516" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hannah Gadsby: Something Special. Jess Gleeson/Netflix © 2023[/caption] "Everyone else, sorry," says Gadsby about Woof!'s focus on just two Aussie cities in the social-media video that accompanied the stand-up show's announcement. Fingers crossed that's just the situation for now, and that the tour will also make its way around the country at some point. The comedian has a one-night gig in May in Los Angeles on their agenda after Sydney and Melbourne, with nothing announced after that so far. Woof! comes after Nanette became an international smash, travelling not only throughout Australia but also the UK, and winning awards at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Douglas then took comedy fans on a "tour from the dog park to the renaissance and back", including in Australia, NZ and Europe. And as for Body of Work, it embarked upon an extensive stint around Australia, as well as in Europe again. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Hannah Gadsby (@hannah_gadsby) Hannah Gadsby 'Woof!' Tour Dates: Thursday, March 7–Sunday, March 17 — Roslyn Packer Theatre, Walsh Bay, Sydney Thursday, March 28–Saturday, April 20 — Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne [caption id="attachment_871296" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ben King[/caption] Hannah Gadsby's 'Woof!' tour will kick off in Sydney and Melbourne in autumn 2024. For further details — and to buy tickets from 10am on Monday, February 5 — head to the comedian's website.
Get ready to meet Mr Grumbles, a rufus betton; Rocky, a tree kangaroo; Yolo, Zaney, Harvey and Swarf, all Tasmanian devils; bare-nosed wombats Bell and Bruce; and Clementine, Patricia, Kandy and Keisha the koalas. They're all residents at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, one of Brisbane's long-standing tourist attractions — and they're making the venue's new nocturnal precinct their home. Joining them are potoroos, pademelons, bandicoots, bettongs, southern hairy-nosed wombats and echidnas, giving visitors to the Fig Tree Pocket animal haven an array of cute critters to peer at by night. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary's latest addition was announced in October and opened to start November, so both Brissie locals and tourists alike have a new reason to drop by. Plenty of folks have explored the venue over the years, but not like this until now. Based around a one-kilometre stroll called The Wild Walk, which meanders through a eucalypt planation, the new nocturnal precinct heroes Australia's nocturnal wildlife and offer night-time experiences. It features seven exhibit spaces filled with ten species — half of which are new to the site especially for its latest expansion. "There's a whole world of activity that happens after dark that we aren't privileged to, but Nocturnal gives people that experience, with a tour guide, in a non-invasive way to celebrate Australis's animal superstars and educate people about the importance of sustaining their ecosystems," explains Frank Mikula, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Curator. "It's an Australian native animal treasure hunt, with the prize being able to see these amazing creatures up close and personal." Nestled into a leafy pocket of the River City's western suburbs, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary already boasts the honour of being the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. It's a great place to cuddle a koala — including on Christmas Day if you're looking to for something other than the usual festive celebrations. See animals after dark is its latest attraction, with patrons able to get peering using portable thermal imaging cameras. The experience is designed around not disrupting the critters — so, no glaring beams are shone their way. Instead, you'll walk across the new elevated boardwalk, which has been custom-designed for the site. You'll also look through cameras that pick up heat signatures, and are around the size of a mobile phone. And, when an animal has been found, a non-intrusive red torch light will help you get a better glimpse. If you're keen, you can sign up for a tour that runs for 90 minutes three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Each group will welcome 20 visitors, and spans feeding opportunities and looking at burrow cams as well. Part of a $3.2-million project, the new additions further expand a venue where getting up close and personal with wildlife — not just by cuddling a koala, but also by holding an owl, touching snakes, and watching everything from kangaroos, wombats and echidnas to birds of prey, turtles and even Tasmanian devils — has been on offer for 97 years. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary's nocturnal precinct is now open at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane. Head to the venue's website for more information and bookings.
Some people are just born with a penchant for spirits. The Australian genius of a distiller behind Mr Black cold drip coffee liqueur has come up with a perfect gin — one he's calling 'garden grown' gin. It's called Distillery Botanica and, to be honest, drinking it feels like strolling merrily through a summer garden. There's a good reason for that. Philip Moore, the brains behind Distillery Botanica, sources all the botanicals from his very own garden in Erina on the Central Coast. To get the most out of the plants, he uses a 1000-year-old technique known as 'enfleurage'. It involves placing the flowers on a layer of coconut oil, into which their fragrance diffuses over two or three days, creating the purest possible perfume. The heady scent hits you as soon as the glass reaches your hand. "The hero botanical is marraya," says Will Miles, Distillery Botanica partner and brand director. "It looks a bit like jasmine, but it's got slightly wider petals and grows on tall, lush hedges. All the flowers are handpicked at the distillery, in the garden, so the gin really has the essence of the place where it's made." In addition to murraya, there's jasmine, honeysuckle, orange blossom, rose, chamomile, coriander, orris root, sage, angelica and juniper. You can order a bottle of Distillery Botanica online. (The actual bottle, by the way, is one you'll want to keep for aesthetics alone — five years went into its design.)
Bell Shakespeare’s latest production of Hamlet, directed by Damien Ryan with Josh McConville in the lead role is a technical triumph. Ryan’s direction is impeccable, with each obscure line made clear by a physical explanation (the most direct is Hamlet squarely eyeballing Ophelia’s navel as he delivers the line, “Do you think I meant country matters?”). Ryan’s crystal clear rendering of a 1603 text into modern sensibility is remarkable. It’s also remarkable, however, that there is no vision for the production. But more on that later. First to the force of nature that is Josh McConville. From his first “too too solid flesh” monologue, McConville is on fire. The last Bell Shakespeare production of Hamlet I saw was in 2008 with Marion Potts directing and Brendan Cowell playing a very sad Hamlet indeed — his heavy melancholy verging on lethargy. McConville’s embodies what Dame Francis Yates describes as Hamlet’s “inspired melancholy”; contemplative, yes, but also electric and dangerous. At ease and present throughout, he cuts through each of the over-famous lines as if the thoughts had come to him just that second. The production has been touring Melbourne and Canberra already, so the ensemble works like a well-oiled machine, aside from apparent boredom on the part of some of the supporting cast. Ivan Donato playing Horatio is a trustworthy, honest presence throughout, and his mourning of Hamlet’s death is very moving. The production could have done without most of Steve Francis’s sound design, which tends towards the obvious. As Hamlet and Laertes duel, a wave of strings crescendo to inform us that things are tense between two men trying to stab each other. Similarly his sound design sentimentalises Ophelia’s demise, which detracts from Matilda Ridgway’s frank, believable interpretation of madness. There’s nothing wrong with this production. McConville’s performance is virtuosic and Ryan’s direction immaculate, but the tidiness of the production means there’s also nothing much wrong in this particular state of Denmark. The overlay of a surveillance state by Polonius’s constant spying seems bumbling and unlikely (microphones hidden under tables) rather than speaking to the current surveillance state we live in. Hamlet is a political play. The Prince of Denmark’s unrest stems from the moral quandary of how to act when his society has become corrupted. To stage it in an apolitical tundra is a missed opportunity.
While there are ample sun-soaked venues around Sydney where a quick dip or a leisurely long lunch are top of the menu, you won't find another quite like this. Situated neatly beside the iconic Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool is this cheerful eatery offering poolside dining with waterfront views. Following a hefty makeover, Oh Boy Cafe has returned for the sunny season, complete with a crowd-pleasing menu and a modern coastal-inspired space. The eatery follows the ethos of "good food, good stories, good times, by the water" and provides a fitting accompaniment for a pre- or post-dip bite. Oh Boy has a modern casual feel with white and terracotta tones pairing beautifully with the crystal blue waters of the neighbouring pool and, beyond that, the harbour. The menu is stacked with breakfast classics, including a great egg and bacon roll, an accumulation of all the fry-up favourites called the Bear Breakfast, and a chickpea breakfast bowl among the vegetarian options. For lunch, have your fill of dishes like the spaghetti and cuttlefish ragu, or opt for familiar favourites like an Angus steak sando or a crumbed chicken schnitty. For summer spritzes in the sun, Oh Boy Café also offers a boozy bottomless brunch. Available Friday–Sunday, you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing mimosas, sparkling wine and rosé alongside a selection of choice dishes from the menu for $78 per person. Plus, the cafe can easily be transformed to host private events of up to 30 people, an option which is available from 7am til 11:30pm daily. Pair the scenes of Woolloomooloo Bay with Oh Boy Cafe's playful menu, and you've secured yourself the perfect summer spot.
Given the trendy fit-out, tasteful fare and great coffee to boot, you'd think Wedge is the handiwork of someone who's done some serious rounds in the industry. Instead, it's the result of 23 year-old and first time cafe owner Toby Wilson's savoir-faire. That someone so young with only a few years of hospitality experience has pulled this off is impressive, to say the least. Everything at the Wedge screams attention to detail. The 5 Senses coffee blend hails from Melbourne, the single origin from Perth, and they even have blends from different roasters around Sydney doing the odd cameo. If you take your coffee strong and black, then Wedge's own 'Cold Drip' Coffee ($4) served on ice is worth a tilt. Several sophisticated herbal teas also feature on the menu. While the 'First Flush Darjeeling' is pushed as a must-try, in my humble opinion the real pick of the bunch is their Iced Tea ($5). Sweetened with rose water, and served with big chunks of ice and a dried rose bud garnish, it looks as good as it tastes. The menu features breakfast basics with a little added flare – their shaved dried fig, pistachio, ricotta and rosewater honey on fig sourdough is a case in point. However, it's the sandwiches that really stand out. The mouth-watering Pulled Pork sambo ($9) balances the sweet flavours of pork and plum sauce with coriander, spring onion and rock salt, and comes served on delicious chewy sourdough courtesy of Luxe Bakery in Newtown. The space can accommodate small groups but is best suited to you and a newspaper and/or a friend. With an open plan full of natural light it's a great summer spot, and it'll be even more interesting to see what they'll do in winter. Finally, a big thumbs-up to a cafe that isn't afraid to serve icy cold Milo and a hell of a lot of it. Hats off, Toby and the Wedge team.
You'd never guess from the popularity of its fried chicken that Johnny Bird was once a lobster roll joint. Luckily, it ditched the crustacean earlier this year in favour of free-range fried chicken, and it has been serving it up in droves every since. And, on the last Saturday of every month, its fryers are extra busy, when it hosts an all-you-can-eat fried chicken party. For $30, you'll get unlimited brined and fried chook with one of eight different sauces — Nashville hot, sticky Szechuan, chipotle mayo, blue cheese, Johnny sauce, gravy, house tomato sauce or Detroit smoky barbecue — and a side of fries, mash and gravy. Downing all that fried fare is thirsty work, so the lower north shore eatery will also be slinging tins of Yulli's Brews for $6. Yulli's has recently launched a slew of new brews, which coincided with the opening of its new Alexandria brewery and taphouse, so this may be a good chance to try some of them on the cheap — alongside a hefty, bottomless, serving of fried chicken, of course. To make a booking, head to the Johnny Bird website. Johnny Bird's all-you-can-eat fried chicken fest runs from 5–10pm.
Roam the aisles for the camouflage two-pieces and glitter phone cases you never knew you wanted. The fresh produce markets run Wednesday to Sunday so you can stock up on groceries for the week or buy fresh flowers for your office.
After a six million dollar makeover, The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville has managed to shake off its shady past and reinvent itself as a palace fit for queens. The recently launched first floor of the venue has been named Priscillas after the cult Aussie flick The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which was filmed on-site. Priscillas has something for everyone — from food and drinks to dancing, drag, music, cabaret, burlesque and sexy magic (it's a thing). Whatever you're in to, it's probably here. Designed by Alexander and Co, the extravagant new fit out includes a cherub-frescoed ceiling, velvet armchairs, gold and marble fixtures and multiple chandeliers. There's a main bar, complete with a stripper pole and a drag stage, as well as various intimate spaces, including an indoor glasshouse with fringed umbrellas and a private pink dining room with streamers hanging from the ceiling. Priscillas will offer a unique "dine and drag" concept, which will see the time-honoured tradition of drag return to the stage every night from 7:30pm. Patrons can watch the show and order a meal from the pub menu, which is 85-percent vegetarian. And because this is an inclusive space, they also catered to vegans, the gluten- and lactose-intolerant and those with nut allergies. too. The menu includes a whole page dedicated to ceviche, however on our visit, the yellowfin tuna with habanero agua, jicama and mint crema on lettuce boats ($20) tasted a bit lifeless, despite the mouthful of ingredients. The best dishes were the simple ones, from the crispy cauliflower and broccoli "wings" with ranch dressing ($14) to the grilled corn with chipotle mayo ($9) and the moreish pumpkin and coriander frito balls with pequin chilli pepper and mint crema ($14). The drinks list includes an impressive selection of international wines and local beers — from VB and Tooheys to Carlton, Young Henrys, Little Creatures and Byron Bay Brewery. If you're in the mood for something fruity, try one of the cocktails, which take their names from legendary drag performers past and present. Priscilla character Mitzi (played by Hugo Weaving) is immortalised in a tropical punch of rum, passionfruit and lime, while Sydney drag queen Felicity Frockaccino makes an excellent impression with fresh apple, vodka and kombucha. And if you thought all that was pretty cool, The Imperial also boasts a pumping nightclub downstairs called The Basement (open Friday and Saturday nights) as well as a soon-to-launch event space upstairs, which will be dedicated to LGBTQI exhibitions and workshops. And following next year, the adjoining venue, also owned by The Sydney Collective, will become Australia's first same-sex wedding chapel. So many great things happening in Erko, and we know just where to celebrate. Images: Trent van der Jagt
If you're planning to snap up one of IKEA's joyfully sculptural Gustaf Westman tablewares next month, there's another collaboration that should be on your radar. This time, the furniture juggernaut has tapped in Tekla Evelina Severin, a Swedish interior architect who goes by Teklan. Celebrated for her playful geometric sensibilities and expert eye for colour composition, Teklan has imagined up a seven-piece collection of whimsical speakers. The standouts are a pair of KULGLASS lamps that double up as Bluetooth speakers. Their swirly shades are a delightful nod to soft-serve ice cream, rendered in reddish-brown and mint green tones drawn from Teklan's childhood memories – she even matched the mint green to a soap bar from her grandparents' home. Originally a minimalist white speaker crafted by IKEA product designer Ola Wihlborg, the SOLSKYDD speaker has been transformed by Teklan into a trio of colourful collectibles. The round speakers come in three sizes: a portable model that pops in every room; a medium version sporting green, brown and beige stripes; and a large textured orange one that can be mounted on the wall. All speakers in the SOLSKYDD family can sync up with each other and other IKEA Bluetooth speakers, so you can play your tunes throughout the house. The lineup also features the iconic FADO lamp, a mood light reimagined with a gentle brown pattern across to its surface. This isn't the first time IKEA has worked with Teklan and her distinct aesthetic — earlier this year, she released 14 climbing rope-inspired charging cables. The full Teklan range is scheduled be launched globally in December 2o25.
When it takes three years for one of the world's favourite shows to make a comeback — on one of the planet's most-popular streaming platforms, too — everyone can be forgiven for getting a little excited. Netflix itself has about the return of Stranger Things for season four, setting up a huge Upside Down rift on Bondi Beach, albeit only for a few hours. But, if a burger is on your menu in the near future, that's not the only way to show your love. Grill'd is getting into the Stranger Things spirit in two ways — one that you'll need to be in Sydney to enjoy IRL, and one that's available all around the country. First, for Sydneysiders, making the trip to Grill'd at The Galeries means eating your burg in an otherworldly dimension. The CBD burger joint has been decked out like somewhere that'd creep out Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Max. Think: a cavernous rift-style entryway, because they're popping up everywhere (see above), floating spores, creeping vines and other touches from the show. It all looks suitably on-theme, and it's likely the most dramatic place you'll ever eat a burg. That interactive experience is only taking over Grill'd at The Galeries for a limited time, so getting in quickly is recommended — as it is when it comes to binging Stranger Things' new season. Also only available temporarily, until June 16 at all Grill'd locations except Melbourne Airport: a demogorgon burger. No, it isn't made using eggos. Yes, it's monster-sized (well, huge enough). It comes filled with a grass-fed Australian beef patty, roasted peppers, cos lettuce and dill pickles (because of course a demogorgon would like pickles). You'll also find burger sauce and sour cream inside, and you can dip it in buffalo dipping sauce as well — if you want make it look like something a giant creature has just thrown at you, or just like the taste, whatever fits. Costing $15.90 a pop, that burg can be munched on in-store, or ordered for delivery via Grill'd Delivery and Uber Eats. Find Grill'd's Upside Down-themed eatery at Grill'd Galeries, 500 George Street, Sydney — or grab a demogorgon burg from Grill'd stores nationwide (except Melbourne Airport) until June 16.
Take a number of similar events, link them together, then get everyone turning hitting them all up into an event itself. To paraphrase the late, great Carl Weathers in Arrested Development: baby, you've then got a crawl or tour going. Pub and bar crawls do it, as do wine walks. Now, so is Australia's first Art Grand Tour, which is popping up to celebrate a heap of exhibitions and art events taking place in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide across the first half of 2024. This is the first time that the Biennale of Sydney, Adelaide Biennale of Australian Art and PHOTO 2024 International Festival of Photography in Melbourne, all three of which are free to attend, have teamed up in such a way. The idea is encourage not only folks in each event's own city to attend, but to spark multi-stop getaways based on seeing the trio. [caption id="attachment_927824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Felicity Jenkins[/caption] A range of fellow exhibitions and events have also joined in, so the full tour includes Melbourne Art Fair, NGV Triennial and MPavilion 10 by Tadao Ando in Melbourne; Adelaide Festival in South Australia; and the Louise Bourgeois exhibition at Art Gallery New South Wales, plus projections on the Sydney Opera House. Think of it as your go-to itinerary for exploring the best art that's on show across Australia's southeast, whether you want to check out famous towering spider sculptures, architectural installations or a room-sized ode to plants. The three key events are reason enough to head to Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide anyway — or to play tourist in your own town if you live there. The Biennale of Sydney is celebrating its 50th-anniversary year, embracing the theme "ten thousand suns" and featuring pieces by 88 artists and collectives from 47 countries. And, it's opening White Bay Power Station to the public for the first time in over a century as part of the event, which runs from Saturday, March 9–Monday, June 10. In SA, the 18th Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art is focusing on the human condition, complete with 24 artists and poets featured. You can head along from Friday, March 1–Sunday, June 2. PHOTO 2024 marks its third edition from Friday, March 1–Sunday, March 24, with "the future is shaped by those who can see it" the theme tying together 100 free installations and exhibitions, including work by 150-plus artists. [caption id="attachment_940260" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view: Troy-Anthony Baylis: Nomenclatures by Troy-Anthony Baylis, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; photo: Saul Steed.[/caption] Announcing the Grand Art Tour, Biennale of Sydney Chief Executive Officer Barbara Moore dubbed it "an exciting celebration of the power of art to connect, share and bring joy". Art Gallery of South Australia's Director Rhana Devenport described it as "an extraordinary art adventure" and "a rare opportunity to experience these exemplary gatherings of art that push boundaries, and alter your perceptions, and create new memories". [caption id="attachment_940262" align="alignnone" width="1920"] J Forsyth[/caption] For PHOTO Australia Founder/Artistic Director Elias Redstone, it's set to "inspire audiences with immersive art experiences that celebrate human connection as society faces uncertain futures". While the Art Grand Tour has tour right there in its name, there's nothing formal about it — so there's no ticketing packages and the like. Instead, it's a self-guided affair, so make your own schedule and travel plans accordingly. [caption id="attachment_938006" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Marie-Luise Skibbe[/caption] Art Grand Tour 2024 Events: Sydney Until Sunday, April 28 — Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?, Art Gallery of New South Wales Saturday, March 9–Monday, June 10 — Biennale of Sydney, various venues Ongoing — Badu Gili: Celestial, Sydney Opera House Bennelong Sails Adelaide Friday, March 1–Sunday, June 2 — Adelaide Biennale of Australian Art, Art Gallery of South Australia Friday, March 1–Sunday, March 17 — Adelaide Festival, various venues Melbourne Until Tuesday, April 7 — NGV Triennial, NGV International Until Monday, March 29 — MPavilion 10 by Tadao Ando, Queen Victoria Gardens Thursday, February 22–Sunday, February 25 — Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Friday, March 1–Sunday, March 24 — PHOTO 2024 International Festival of Photography, various venues [caption id="attachment_936840" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lillie Thompson[/caption] Australia's first Art Grand Tour encompasses events in Sydney and Adelaide until June, Melbourne until March. Head to the tour's website for more information. Top image: PHOTO 2022, Will Hamilton-Coates.
Bright lights, performances around the city and interesting chats aren't the only things on Vivid Sydney's lineup when it pops up in the middle of each year. Since 2023, Vivid Food has also been its own festival within the broader festival, putting all things culinary in the spotlight. It's heaven for your tastebuds, and it's coming back for the second time in 2024 — and, based on the just-dropped program, you'll have plenty of must-attend events to choose from. At the top of the list: visits from acclaimed international chefs, all showing the Harbour City their gastronomical prowess. Manoella Buffara of Brazil's Manu Restaurant will get cooking in Sydney from Friday, May 24–Sunday, June 2 for Vivid's annual residency, with Ploós on the Vivid Sydney Light Walk set to showcase her focus on local produce and sustainability. This'll be the first time that 2022's Best Female Chef in Latin America hops into the kitchen Down Under, working with the Ploós team to put on two fine-dining menus: a nine-course tasting dinner which'll cost $420 and a seven-course lunch option that'll set you back $320. "I'm incredibly excited to be part of Vivid Food in Sydney, an event that highlights the importance of cuisine in our culture. As the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney becomes a hub for vibrant flavour exchanges, bringing together top chefs and local producers to create memorable food experiences," said Buffara about her impending visit. "In the heart of this bustling city, I will launch a pop-up that showcases my love for high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours. Sharing my cooking and stories with Sydney is a true honour, and I look forward to being part of this amazing food event that Vivid Food offers." Michelin-starred chefs Sally Abé, Ivan Brehm and Max Coen are on their way to Sydney as well, thanks to the Vivid Chef Series. Abé from The Pem in London is teaming up with Billy Hannigan at The Charles Brasserie & Bar, serving up three lunches and dinners that mix British cuisine with European influences. From Nour in Singapore, Ivan Brehm has a date with AALIA for two dinners that'll pair Middle Eastern cuisine with global flavours, working alongside the Sydney spot's Paul Farag. And Coen from London's Dorian is joining forces with Ben Greeno from Fred's to hero wood-fired grilling, farm-to-table ingredients and being hyper-seasonal. When the bulk of the 2024 Vivid lineup dropped in March, unveiling its theme of "humanity" and outlining most of what's occurring in Harbour City for 23 nights between Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15, the fest detailed a few Vivid Food elements. So, the fact that Vivid Fire Kitchen will go big on barbecue in its new location at The Goods Line isn't new news; however, it is exciting, and the event has also dropped its own roster of talent. Fire sculptures and flame shooters will help set the mood, as will fire drums — and Firedoor's Lennox Hastie will be among the folks putting on demonstrations. He'll be joined by chef and author Christine Manfield, the World Food Championships' Seafood Champion John McFadden, Karkalla owner Mindy Woods, the Texas-based Jess Pryles, Niklas Ekstedt from Sweden's Ekstedt at The Yard and Shalamar Lane from My Father's Barbeque in Los Angeles, for starters. Also a Vivid Food standout: the nostalgic Messina Milk Bar, where the beloved gelato chain will be giving classic desserts and chocolates its own twist. A warm Milo fudge sundae is just one of the dishes to look forward to. As announced previously, Vivid's 2024 program also spans Kyiv Social's Plates with Purpose: A Taste of Ukraine, a ten-course degustation that will make you feel like you're sat at a Ukrainian family's table; the VividPlace Food Trail, which'll turn Sydney Place and Bulletin Place's laneways into a night food market each night of Vivid; and Our Shared Humanity at Refettorio OzHarvest, with Manfield, Darren Robertson, Mitch Orr and more whipping up three-course vegetarian menus using rescued produce And, there's also Aurorae at Bennelong Bar, Bennelong's pop-up snack and cocktail bar — and A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez celebrates women in the Australian food and wine scenes in Sydney Opera House's Yallamundi Rooms. [caption id="attachment_898138" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] [caption id="attachment_898139" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Vivid Sydney runs from Friday, May 24–Saturday, June 15 at various locations around Sydney. Head to the festival website for further details and tickets. Top image: Destination NSW.
Fond of Betty's Burgers and its Shake Shack-style burgs? Keen to share the love with someone you love? From Wednesday, July 8 to Sunday, July 12, the chain of eateries wants Sydneysiders to come in for a bite — and to bring their besties in as well. To mark Betty's Bestie Burger Fest, the brand's new Parramatta Square joint will be serving up two-for-one burgers, with a different version on offer each day. Pay $11.50 for the crispy chicken burger — with southern-fried chicken, lettuce, tomato and special sauce — on Wednesday and you'll score a pair of them. The two-for-one offer also applies to the $10.50 Betty's Classic — which stacks angus beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and Betty's special sauce on a soft bun — on Thursday, and the Betty's Deluxe, which'll set you back $15 for two, on Saturday. The crispy chicken will be on offer again on Sunday and the 'supreme' version of the chook burger (with cheese and bacon) will be two for $15 on Friday. The two-for-one deal is available from 11am until 9pm, so if you and your favourite fellow burger fiend are especially eager, you could always hit up one for lunch and another for dinner.
Let's face it, sometimes we just don't have the energy for crowded clubs where we're practically yelling at our mates over deafening music (which essentially just becomes noise after a while) just to make ourselves heard. If you still fancy that lifestyle, kudos to you. However, for those looking for nights out in more cosy, laidback surrounds (with quality drinks, of course), we've partnered with American Honey to gather a list of bars in Sydney that will offer just that. From intimate, nook-filled venues to lively establishments, the bars below are perfect the next time you want to sit back, relax and soak up quality time with quality people. THE CORNER HOUSE, BONDI Every suburb needs a go-to neighbourhood bar, and The Corner House is Bondi's. The two-tiered spot has everything you'd want in a good local: plenty of natural light, cosy vibes, a sprawling balcony and nooks galore to hole yourself up in for an afternoon or evening. There are also stellar happy-hour deals from Tuesdays to Saturdays and regular live intimate gigs, while a Mediterranean-inspired sharing menu adds to the unmistakably social atmosphere. Settle in with a smooth American Honey, fresh soda and lime, for the ultimate bevvie by the beach. [caption id="attachment_857392" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jasons Loucas[/caption] THE BAR, DOUBLE BAY There's something about luxe hotel bars that inspires conversation — and InterContinental Double Bay's The Bar takes luxe to a whole new level. Inspired by the best hotel bars in New York, London and Rome, the venue is the vision of hospitality legend Maurice Terzini, who also co-curated the menu alongside Icebergs head chef Alex Prichard. As is to be expected, the menu goes beyond the usual bar fare with native produce-driven dishes like the wagyu tartare, chimichurri lamb cutlet and chocolate and hazelnut millefeuille. Meanwhile, the cocktails — devised by beverage creative director Ana Page — spotlight French and Italian vermouths, as well as herb- and citrus-based liqueurs. Perfect, in other words, for a leisurely nightcap. APOLLONIA, CBD Situated in the basement of Hinchcliff House, sleek cocktail cavern Apollonia takes inspiration from Sicily's famed Bar Vitelli, perhaps best known for its supporting role in The Godfather. That's not the only reference to the classic film at this underground bar — the name Apollonia comes from Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone, the first wife of Michael Corleone himself, while the sophisticated cocktail list features tipples named after plot points in the film, with particular reference to Apollonia and Michael's love story (no spoilers). The drinks lean heavily Italian, though negronis are a stand-out here — there's a rotating selection created by some of the world's most celebrated bartenders. BITTER PHEW, DARLINGHURST Oxford Street in Darlinghurst might not be the most obvious location in town for a moody and intimate bar, but Bitter Phew puts paid to that particular notion. The snug upstairs spot definitely punches above its weight relative to its size, having made a name for itself among beer-lovers Australia-wide for its excellently curated 12-tap rotation and hundreds of bottled local and international craft brews. There's also a sizeable whisky selection if you're after a spirit for sipping. Come for the beer but stay for the low-key vibe — there's a smart, small-bar feel in the front and a quaint 'keg garden' in the back, the perfect place to nurse a cold one as you enjoy quality time with your crew. OLD MATE'S PLACE, CBD This World's 50 Best Bars-recognised CBD spot might be tough to find, but it's well worth the effort. Locate the nondescript door on Clarence Street and venture up four floors to find this homey spot that recalls an old library — think stately bookshelves, dapper furnishings and family heirlooms throughout with cleverly placed accents of foliage. Grab a leather booth for you and your crew as you settle in for an evening of excellent conversation, intriguing cocktails and primo bar food from a menu that includes six variations on the Philly cheesesteak, including meat-free options. Knocking off work early? Head up another flight of stairs to secure a spot on the leafy rooftop bar for an al fresco sundowner and sweeping views of the CBD. MOYA'S JUNIPER LOUNGE, REDFERN If you're an avid gin drinker, Moya's Juniper Lounge is where you need to be. The quaint, old-world cocktail bar is hidden in plain sight on Redfern's Regent Street, but don't let its lack of ostentatiousness put you off. This place serves up excellently made gin-fuelled classics, including a range of lesser-known ones, from its bar that houses over 200 different gins from around the globe. Beyond the gin, you can also select from a well-considered range of whiskies, rums, tequilas, mezcals, brandies and wine. To elevate your experience, order from the charcuterie and cheese menu which comes with house-cured pickles and locally baked bread. Additionally, the lounge hosts weekly free jazz nights and offers $10 negronis every Sunday from 4pm. THE SAVOY BAR, LONG JETTY The Savoy Bar has been a fixture in the vibey Central Coast 'hood of Long Jetty for decades — though it started life very differently when it first opened in 1956, when it was home to the Coast's biggest movie theatre. These days, The Savoy Bar is a lively bar and restaurant, and a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Head in for cocktails on tap (or an impossibly smooth American Honey, fresh lime and soda highballs), craft beers and a diverse wine list that focuses on natural drops, which you can complement with a Napoli-style pizza or cheeseboard. In honour of the venue's past, classic films are shown every Thursday on the big screen, while vibes remain high on weekends thanks to a lineup of DJs playing funk, soul and old-school jams. For more ways to celebrate golden moments with mates, head to the American Honey website.
Calling all Sydneysiders looking to get the jump on this year's silly season: have your holiday shopping list at the ready. Woollahra Hotel is once again hosting its pop-up Christmas Market — a one stop shop for unique holiday decorations, festive treats, special crafts and customised gifts. This annual market isn't just a chance to knock out your gift list. It's also a celebration of the wonderful Woollahra community. Over 20 local businesses will come together to offer exclusive deals that are only available for this event. Grab that perfect Christmas wine from Moncur Cellars, shop for bespoke jewellery with Mitchell Maker Jewellery and find artisan homewares by the good folks at The Bay Tree. When you're done shopping for others, be sure to treat yourself with a Christmas cocktail as you enjoy live music from the Arthur Washington Quintet at the top level of the hotel from 4pm until late. Whether you're shopping for others, looking to treat yourself or you're just getting into the holiday spirit, this pop-up market has it all. Support local businesses in the spirit of the season and mark your calendars for a merry night to remember.
If you like your music with a massive dash of old-school soul, get yo' self along to the Alabama Shakes' one and only Sydney show. The bluesing, rocking quartet got together five years ago, while they were all still in high school, and have since evolved into a seriously powerful live act, fronted by gutsy vocalist Brittany Howard. Rolling Stone journo Will Hermes describes her as the "soul-queen anti-diva, not afraid to sweat, howl, rock Rubenesque curves, shred on her turquoise Gibson SG or bust geeky dance moves". Their 2012 debut album, Boys and Girls, sold more than half a million copies and inspired a 2013 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone named their single 'Hold On' (which has now clocked up 11 million-plus hits) 2012's Number One Song. As if all of this wasn't reason enough to get you down to the Enmore, the Shakes will be sharing the bill with street-dweller-turned-soul-star Charles Bradley, who was 62-years-old when his 2011 debut album, No Time for Dreaming, transfixed global attention.
Of all the new TV shows that are heading to streaming in 2023, only one has a groove and a meaning. Well, only one is based on a movie with a theme song that claims that, at least. And yes, you now have that tune stuck in your head — because 'Grease', the track, is that much of a catchy and persistent earworm. The entire Grease soundtrack is, and perhaps the tunes that come with Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies will be as well. This new prequel series steps back into the 70s-made, 50s-set musical rom-com's world, giving its titular girl gang an origin story. Based on both the initial teaser and the just-dropped full trailer, Rise of the Pink Ladies is hopelessly devoted to taking that task seriously. Here, in a ten-episode series set to stream via Paramount+ in Australia from Friday, April 7 — with New Zealand airing details yet to be revealed — it's the 1954–55 school year. It's also when the eponymous young women are given words of warning about appropriate behaviour. "Ladies, you must be careful with whom you associate," Assistant Principal McGee (Jackie Hoffman, Only Murders in the Building) tells them in the first trailer. "A girl's reputation is all that she has." Welcome back to Rydell High, clearly, but before Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) walked its halls. If the OG Grease and its tale about an Australian transfer student falling in love with an American high schooler in California is the one that you want — always — then you'll know that this franchise hasn't ever just been about the hit 1978 movie anyway. Before it became a silver-screen classic, it was a popular stage musical. After the first film's success, it spawned a 1982 Michelle Pfeiffer-starring sequel, too. Pink jackets, T-Birds, dance scenes (including while wearing mechanics' overalls), a new take on a familiar track advising that Grease is indeed the word: they're all included in show's two sneak peeks so far. Cast-wise, Marisa Davila (Love and Baseball), first-timer Cheyenne Isabel Wells, Ari Notartomaso (Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin) and Tricia Fukuhara (Loot) play the four teens who start the Pink Ladies, and are joined on-screen by Shanel Bailey (The Good Fight), Madison Thompson (Emergency), Johnathan Nieves (Penny Dreadful: City of Angels), Jason Schmidt (FBI: Most Wanted) and Maxwell Whittington-Cooper (The Photograph). This isn't the last time that all things Grease will pop up again, either — not including the stage musical and OG movie's enduring popularity, of course — with a Danny and Sandy-focused prequel flick Summer Lovin' also in the works. Check out the full trailer for Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies below: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies starts streaming via Paramount+ in Australia on Friday, April 7. New Zealand release details haven't yet been revealed — we'll update you when further information comes to hand.
UPDATE, October 17, 2022: Ticket pre-sales for Beauty and the Beast: The Musical's Australian-premiere season at Sydney's Capitol Theatre will start at 9am AEDT on Monday, October 31, for folks who sign up to the production's waitlist by 12pm AEDT on Thursday, October 27. General ticket sales will start at 9am AEDT on Thursday, November 3. When June 2023 arrives at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, expect three words to echo with enthusiasm: "be our guest". The Harbour City venue will be home to quite the coup, courtesy of the Australian premiere season of Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical, which is heading Down Under as a newly reimagined and redesigned production. Exact dates haven't yet been announced, but the huge show will bring a tale as old as time to Australia to liven up winter — and marks the latest in a growing line of Disney hits to come our way. Frozen the Musical has done the rounds over the past few years, while the musical version of Mary Poppins has also started floating around the nation. This new Beauty and the Beast first made its way to the stage in the UK in 2021, and reworks the original show that premiered in the US in the 90s — adapting Disney's hit 1991 animated movie musical, of course. Fans can expect the same Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated score courtesy of composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, including all the beloved tunes such as 'Be Our Guest' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. It also comes with new dance arrangements by David Chase, and with original choreographer Matt West revisiting his work. When the British return was announced, Menken said that "Beauty and the Beast is a testament to the genius of my late friend and collaborator Howard Ashman, but the show's richness comes from the combination of Howard's style and that of the brilliant Tim Rice, with whom I expanded the score to give voice to the Beast." "It's clear that audiences the world over want to return to the world of Beauty, which continues to amaze and humble those of us who created it." Who'll star in the local version and whether it'll tour to other Aussie cities hasn't yet been revealed either — but if you're now planning a trip to Sydney's Capitol Theatre next June, whether or not you live in the city, that's understandable. So is crossing your fingers for Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide seasons afterwards. Another completely relatable reaction: rewatching the OG animated movie, including via a new sing-along version that'll drop via Disney+ on Friday, August 19, and/or revisiting the 2017 live-action movie, which is also getting the at-home karaoke treatment. Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical will enjoy its Australian premiere at Sydney's Capitol Theatre in June 2023. We'll update you with exact dates when they're announced. For more information, or to sign up for the ticket waitlist — with pre-sales from 9am AEDT on Monday, October 31 and general sales from 9am AEDT on Thursday, November 3 — head to the musical's website. Images: Johan Persson.
For the second year in a row, Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park is getting in on the Vivid Sydney action with the introduction of Tumbalong Nights. From Thursday to Saturday throughout the festival — plus Sunday, June 11 — you can enjoy performances from the very heart of the Light Walk. The 12 nights of free live music span exciting up-and-coming artists through to established Australian faves of all kinds of sounds and genres. The program will kick off with a night of hazy pop for fans of the sounds of Lana Del Ray and Lorde with the dynamic duo of shoegaze hitmaker Hatchie and local indie-pop group Egoism on Friday, May 26. [caption id="attachment_899339" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hatchie by Lissyelle[/caption] Other highlights include legendary Yolngu supergroup Yothu Yindi with Ziggy Ramo on Saturday, May 27; an R&B match made in heaven of Kaiit and Chanel Loren; a night of hook-heavy ballads with Dan Sultan and Cala Wehbe on Saturday, June 10; and Japanese cult-producer Cornelius with support from psych-rock band Nice Biscuit. On Friday, June 2, triple j is celebrating 15 years of Unearthed High with a one-off showcase of some of the best artists to come out of the annual program featuring Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Lastlings, JACOTÉNE and Arno Faraji. Plus, each Saturday during the festival, there'll be free kids music from 5pm as a curtain-raiser for the main acts, with Zindzi & the Zillionaires, Junkyard Beats, Peter Combe and the Bellyflop in a Pizza Band, and Tiptoe Giants all popping up. Explore the program at Vivid's website. Top image: Destination NSW
From Houseparty birthday bashes to Zoom weddings, celebrations have been looking a little different lately. But one thing is clear: not even a pandemic can stand between us and a good ol' party. And that includes marking World Whisky Day on May 16. We may not be able to head to a cosy bar and celebrate the legendary amber liquor in style, so Glenmorangie has partnered with Boozebud to bring the festivities to your living room via a virtual whisky masterclass. At 6pm on Boozebud's Facebook page, Glenmorangie's Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks Dr Bill Lumsden will be guiding you through a tasting from the Scottish distillery's core range of single malts. You'll start with the classic Glenmorangie Original Aged 10 Years, then move through the Lasanta Sherry Cask Aged 12 Years, Quinta Ruban Port Cask Aged 12 Years and Nectar d'Or Sauternes Cask Aged 12 Years. The masterclass is free to stream but, to make the most of it, you'll want to snag one of the taster packs from Boozebud beforehand, which has the four smooth spirits in 100-millilitre measures — enough for you and a housemate to have a nip each. The pack costs $64.99 and first-time Boozebud customers will score 10-percent off and free shipping by using the code BESTBUD (terms and conditions apply). Purchase your Glenmorangie Scotch Whisky Taster Pack here, then head to Boozebud's Facebook page at 6pm on May 16 to take part in the virtual masterclass.
Holy smoke! A latecomer to the US-style dude food party is serving some of the best American barbecue in town. Forget the flame, this is 14-hour slow smoked brisket, ribs and pork shoulder that pull apart into meltingly soft shreds. Get the bibs out and let the meat sweats begin. Restauranteur Brody Petersen (Riley Street Garage, The Stuffed Beaver) and chef Brendhan Bennison have transformed the former Table for 20 site, in Surry Hills near Taylor Square, into an all-American beer bar. The decor is drenched in American memorabilia — think neon signs, old school beer ads and 6 football-blaring TVs competing for limited wall space. A break from the city's dark and moody cocktail scene, Surly's is a loud and boisterous tavern serving no-nonsense drinks and a diet-be-damned menu. Steering clear of boutique brews, the on tap selection features a few big shots from Colorado, including Coors lager, or better yet Blue Moon, a Belgian-like witbier spiced with orange peel and coriander. There's a list of cocktails too, but don't expect fancy glassware and elaborate garnishes. The Old Pal ($14.50) — which is described by the menu as "nothing fancy" — combines Jim Beam, Campari and sweet vermouth, while the Margarita ($15) is dead strong, served in a short tumbler with a 2 inch salt rim. No mucking about there. The menu is a collection of every dish you've ever wanted to eat but forbidden yourself to. For a hands-on bar snack, try the Buffalo hot wings ($12), battered onion rings ($12), cheesy jalapeno nachos ($10) or crinkle cut fries covered in melty cheese and bacon ($10). There's also a good-looking Handsome Mike's ($16) sandwich, which is stuffed with tender brisket shreds and a scoop of gooey mac 'n' cheese, which is as soft and creamy as rice pudding. Don't expect any respite from the menu; even the salads are packed with blue cheese, smoked bacon and creamy ranch dressing. The house specialty are the slow-smoked American barbecue plates, which come in beef brisket ($18), pork and beef spare ribs ($20/$25), pulled pork ($15) and chicken thigh ($11). The ribs have a thick layer of succulent meat topped with a juicy strip of white fat, while the crispy skin has been dry rubbed in a peppery spice mix. If you find your chicken is a little pink in the middle "calm down for chrissakes" reads the menu, "it's just the meat's reaction with the smoke." Duly noted. The barbecue plates come with a golden muffin of buttery, crumbly cornbread, plus your choice of two sides. Take your pick from mac 'n' cheese, coleslaw, beans, potato salad and crinkle-cut fries. With no desserts on the menu (not even one sugary doughnut), the evening comes to a sticky end. Photos by Bodhi Liggett.
Oxford Street has many identities, and the section that cuts through Paddington is largely known for and dedicated to fashion boutiques. Many homegrown labels have chosen the suburb for their first — and, in many cases, only — dedicated bricks-and-mortar space, including We Are Kindred. The boutique was selected by CP reader Susi Reed, for the "dreamy florals and pretty things" that get them compliments every time they wear them. Started by sisters Lizzie and Georgie Renkert in 2013, We Are Kindred is a luxe womenswear brand with a penchant for floral prints. The duo designs everything in this Paddington studio and sources quality fabrics like silk, washed linen and lace from across the world. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Having built loyal followings at their Darlinghurst and St Leonards locations, brothers Josh and Jamesray Khoury have brought their signature brand of brunch with bite to the Inner West with The Rusty Rabbit Concord. The sunny 100-square-metre corner spot delivers everything rusted-on fans know about the brand — playful personality, hearty brunch fare and warm service — plus a few new tricks. Out the back, a pop-up space hosts rotating collaborations with local brands and small businesses, adding to the sense of community the brothers have built at each of their cafes. You'll also spot the familiar rabbit motif throughout the venue, including the cafe's merch line. The menu takes a similar crowd-pleasing approach. It's a broad selection that spans everything from pancake stacks, two-hander brekkie burgers and even steak and eggs to house-pressed juices and the inevitable açai bowl. Middle Eastern flavours are cleverly threaded throughout — the Lamb Eggs feature labneh, ground lamb kafta, mint, pomegranate and za'atar-poached eggs on sourdough, the Champ Bowl is a colourful combination of harissa hummus with avocado, poached eggs, grilled chicken, kale, cherry tomatoes, dukkah and pickled cabbage, while the smoked salmon and avo on toast is rounded out with a wasabi labneh. The brothers' Concord opening is personal. In 2017, they opened a Rusty Rabbit in Burwood, but closed it quietly during the pandemic before it could truly take off. "Concord is our second shot," says Josh. "It's a redemption story and a homecoming all in one." With its village-like feel, well-executed fare and just the right amount of bustle, Concord reminds the Khourys of Darlinghurst in the early days. Only now, they've got a decade's worth of experience to make this one a success — and plenty of energy to keep it going.
2005 movie Mr & Mrs Smith isn't the first time that title adorned a spy caper about a literally killer couple. That honour goes not to the Brad Pitt (Babylon)- and Angelina Jolie (Eternals)-starring, Brangelina-sparking film, but to a 90s TV series. No one remembers 1996's Mr & Mrs Smith, where Scott Bakula (who was not long off Quantum Leap at the time) and Maria Bello (Beef) took on the eponymous parts. It didn't last, with just nine episodes airing and a further four made but left unseen. But its existence gives 2024's Mr & Mrs Smith a full-circle vibe, with Donald Glover (Atlanta) and Maya Erskine's (PEN15) now both adopting the monikers and ushering the premise back to episodic storytelling. Bakula and Bello's Mr & Mrs Smith didn't inspire Pitt and Jolie's; however, the latter did give rise to Glover and Erskine's. Their version isn't the first time that television has taken the Brangelina picture's lead, either. In 2007, a pilot was made of a spinoff from the then-recent film featuring Martin Henderson (Virgin River) and Jordana Brewster (Fast X), but didn't go any further. Thankfully, as streaming via Prime Video from Friday, February 2, the latest eight-part Mr & Mrs Smith hasn't suffered the same fate. All that history isn't mere trivia. Instead, it speaks to a concept that's so appealing that it keeps being reused, whether coincidentally or knowingly, and to an idea that's now being given its full Mr & Mrs Smith due, in line with True Lies and The Americans: that relationships are mysteries, missions and investigations. The backstory behind Glover and Erskine bringing glorious chemistry to John and Jane Smith doesn't stop there, because Mr & Mrs Smith circa 2024 has been in the works for three years. When announced in February 2021, it was with Atlanta-meets-Fleabag hopes, with Glover co-starring and co-creating with Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny). Then creative differences with Glover saw Waller-Bridge — who also co-wrote the No Time to Die screenplay and created Killing Eve — leave the project within six months. While it's impossible to know how that iteration of Mr & Mrs Smith would've turned out, whether with more overt comedy, talkier or boasting a darker tone, Glover's interpretation with fellow Atlanta alum Francesca Sloane lives up to the promise of two creatives from one of the 21st century's best dramedies turning their attention to espionage and romance. There's an intimacy, a lived-in feel and hangout charm to this Mr & Mrs Smith, even as it swaps Brangelina's already-wed pair discovering that they're assassin rivals for a duo only tying the knot for the gig. This John and Jane solely make each other's acquaintance via their shadowy new employer, who they exclusively interact with online (they nickname their supervisor "hihi" because that's how every message from them starts). After a vetting process, complete with questions about their individual willingness to leave their loved ones and current existence behind, the new Mr and Mrs Smith are soon inhabiting a just-renovated New York brownstone so lavish that their neighbour (Paul Dano, Dumb Money) is wowed. They're both fresh to the job, leaping into the spy world with their own baggage. They're unsurprisingly also fresh to fake marriages. They now have an array of cases to navigate and, slowly but heatedly, real feelings to grapple with. Alongside the self-contained exploits in each episode, surrounding Mr & Mrs Smith's stars with a feast of other talents is a highlight. The wealth of well-known names includes Ron Perlman (Poker Face), Alexander Skarsgård (Infinity Pool), Sarah Paulson (The Bear), John Turturro (Severance), Parker Posey (Beau Is Afraid), Wagner Moura (The Gray Man), Eiza González (Ambulance), Michaela Coel (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters). Fellow Smiths, rich bigwigs, targets, a couples' therapist with no clue what John and Jane do for a paycheque (software engineers is their cover): Glover, Sloane, and their co-scribes Stephen Glover (also Atlanta), Carla Ching (Home Before Dark), Yvonne Hana Yi (Raising Dion), and Adanne Ebo and Schuyler Pappas (both screenwriting first-timers) enlist the supporting cast in all of the above roles, keeping John, Jane and audiences on their toes. No one among the guest performers puts a foot wrong, but this is always the ever-excellent Glover and Erskine's time to shine. There's not just suaveness but also patience and vulnerability in his portrayal, while she goes for hyper-competent and enigmatic with equal skill. This Mr and Mrs Smith always feel like humans rather than character types — messily, engagingly, complicatedly so. With love no longer a given from the outset in this spin on the story, Glover and Erskine's growing rapport also couldn't be more crucial. John is clearly interested in being more than just colleagues early, Jane is more tentative about mixing work and pleasure, and everything about them falling for and bickering with each other plays as authentically as every Atlanta scene between Earn and Van (Zazie Beetz, Black Mirror). The slinky series handles its mix of Mission: Impossible and wedlock comparably: although it's always an espionage effort, it's about John and Jane as people, and as a pair getting amorously entangled, first and foremost. "Spies but relatable" could've been the tagline as the show's protagonists juggle life, love and work. They trot the globe, receive secretive instructions, shoot to kill and make the stylishly crafted action sequences count. They also struggle with disposing of bodies, and are visibly shaken by explosions, deaths and other necessities of their line of work. They argue over doing the dishes, too, then clash over trying to truly get to know each other, tussle with trust and weather the minutiae of living together. That lived-in atmosphere plays two ways, in fact: in the intricacies of John, Jane and their connection; and in the cooped-up, pandemic-appropriate scenario that is thrusting folks together to make the most of it. Behind the camera, Hiro Murai directs the first two episodes after notching up 26 instalments of Atlanta, plus helming the Glover-led Guava Island and several Childish Gambino music videos ('This Is America' being one). She Dies Tomorrow's Amy Seimetz similarly took the reins on Atlanta, while Christian Sprenger was the cinematographer on 34 episodes and Guava Island. Karena Evans has fellow movie-to-TV adaptation Dead Ringers on her resume — and when Glover himself directs Mr & Mrs Smith's finale, which makes stunning use of costuming for both him and Erskine, that he's calling the shots is evident. This is a series to commit to, embrace and relish. All the history that comes with TV's latest mining of cinema's wares (see also: Irma Vep, A League of Their Own, What We Do in the Shadows, Interview with the Vampire and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, to name just a few), Brangelina and all, melts away in this gem. Check out the trailer for Mr & Mrs Smith below: Mr & Mrs Smith streams via Prime Video from Friday, February 2, 2024.
Prepare to say "accio remote!" and get comfier than Hermione Granger in a library. In news that'll keep you glued to your couch this winter — timely news given that Sydney is currently in the middle of a lengthy lockdown — everyone's favourite boy wizard is now working his magic on Netflix. You won't need the Marauder's Map to find these enchanting flicks. Today, Thursday, July 15, all eight movies in the Harry Potter series have hit the streaming platform, bringing their Hogwarts-set adventures to Australian subscribers. If you've watched your DVD copies from the 2000s so many times that they're showing a little wear and tear — or your laptop no longer has a disc drive — this is butterbeer-worthy news. Yes, everything from Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) first visit to Platform 9 and 3/4, the Yule Ball and the Triwizard Tournament to many a fluttering snitch and He Who Must Not Be Named are now at your fingertips. It's prime viewing for wizards, witches and muggles alike — all 19 hours and 39 minutes of it. The Fantastic Beasts films haven't joined them, though with wizarding journey keeping its focus on the original franchise. If you're thinking that a time-turner might come in handy over the next few months, we completely understand. And if this sounds like familiar news, that's because all eight movies were also available on Netflix back in 2019. They jumped to Binge after that, too, because the thing about streaming services — unless they're making and funding a movie or series themselves, films and shows can switch platforms as the rights deals behind them change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG37G--drDs&list=PLnpIp0ksj4UlQWQlPaRd6WrI9XSmS6B4u Find Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2 are all now streaming on Netflix.
