UPDATE, October 21, 2020: Rebecca is available to stream via Netflix. Primarily set in a sprawling British estate that'd make Downton Abbey's characters envious, starring one of that show's cast members and telling a tale taken from the pages of an iconic gothic novel, the latest version of Rebecca arrives with a splash. A visible one, too; every frame is not only elegant and atmospheric, but often overtly gorgeous. Each second of this Netflix-funded film drips with extravagance. A parade of striking visuals saunters before viewers' eyes, surveying not only the movie's main location, but the luxe furnishings within it, the scenic coastal patch of land it sits on and the finely tailored attire donned by those walking its halls. At every turn, it appears as though no expense has been spared in bringing Rebecca to the screen, and in striving to sweep audiences up in its lavish imagery and 1930s-era story. Alas, while the first part of that equation is easily, almost instantly achieved, the latter portion proves a bigger struggle. Like its source material, Rebecca starts with an evocative line: "last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again". It's uttered in voiceover by a young woman who is never known as anything but Mrs de Winter (Lily James), and who viewers first meet before she takes that moniker, when she's working as a lady's companion to acid-tongued socialite Mrs Van Hopper (The Handmaids' Tale's Ann Dowd) on a trip to the French Riviera. During the picturesque getaway, the unnamed heroine crosses paths with wealthy widower Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer). Tasked by her boss to pay their hotel's staff to seat him at their table (for Van Hopper's benefit, not her own), her unassuming nature soon draws his attention. Romance quickly blooms — much to the shock of the well-heeled masses similarly summering by the sea — setting Maxim and his blushing new bride en route to the family mansion he vocally treasures. Back at Manderley, however, the second Mrs de Winter can't escape the lingering presence of the movie's titular figure. Everywhere she looks, she sees Rebecca's monogrammed belongings. Every conversation in the house seems to revolve around her as well, especially her tragic passing. With housekeeper Mrs Danvers (Kristin Scott Thomas), all Manderley's newcomer feels is passive-aggressive and sometimes openly aggressive menace — and the fact that the stern employee was absolutely, utterly devoted to Rebecca. Maxim's mood changes drastically, too, and while those unacquainted with Rebecca's twists and turns should keep it that way going in, his second wife is increasingly troubled by the sensation that much is awry. In other words, the film's central young woman — the one that's still living and breathing, that is — is caught in the shadow of her new husband's late previous wife. In the pages of Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel, on the big and small screens several times since, and in this new iteration, that's a scenario laden with ample psychological thrills. Here, director Ben Wheatley patiently teases out the details, but it's noticeable (and perhaps fitting) that he also subjects his viewers to the same kind of experience endured by his protagonist. From the moment it was announced, Wheatley's film was forever destined to be compared to Alfred Hitchcock's Oscar Best Picture-winning 1940 version of the beloved book. That's what happens when you follow in Hitch's footsteps and, now that Rebecca circa 2020 has reached viewers, that won't change. Wheatley is a stellar filmmaker, and has a resume filled with everything from Down Terrace, Kill List and Sightseers to High-Rise, Free Fire and Happy New Year, Colin Burstead to prove it. But, in his most mainstream, least boundary-pushing effort to date, he has crafted a brooding movie that engages enough, yet never surprises and rarely has a strong lasting impact. That's the case even when it deviates from the famed changes that Hitchcock's version of the story was forced to implement under Hollywood's strict production code at the time (which didn't allow content and plot developments considered morally indecent to reach the screen). This iteration of Rebecca doesn't do du Maurier's adored text or the gothic genre it hails from a disservice. It's perfectly watchable, generally handles the narrative capably and proves near-overwhelmingly handsome, in fact. And still, even for audiences coming to it anew, with zero attachment to an 80-year-old previous adaptation, everything about it proves so expected. It must be terrifying, unsettling, dispiriting and downright soul-crushing to feel as if you're haunted by your predecessor, to have someone doing their utmost to ensure that impression never dissipates and to barely exist to those around you (that James' character isn't given a first name isn't an accident). Rebecca is as moody as it is visually lush, but it can't quite nail that crucial sensation. It tries, though. While the overall movie frequently seems content to serve up a standard period-set melodrama rather than leaning too far into taunting and lurching emotional horrors, Scott Thomas' turn as Mrs Danvers is supremely, disquietingly chilling — to the point that, if casting her in the part was the sole reason this film was made, that's understandable. Too much around her isn't willing to commit as heartily, however. James and Hammer always hit their marks, but do little more, for instance. All those opulent sights catch the eye, too, but as the feature's heroine herself learns, sumptuous packaging alone is rarely ever truly and completely satisfying. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFVhB54UqvQ Top image: Kerry Brown, Netflix.
The world is in chaos. Violent confrontations, atrocities, nations teetering both politically and economically: that's the situation. On a luxe snowy getaway, four presidents of tech watch on. What could the US President have to say when he calls, then? "That your platform's inflamed a volatile situation, circulating unfalsifiable deepfakes, massive fraud, market instability," is one prediction in the just-dropped first teaser trailer for Mountainhead. The new movie is the latest project from Jesse Armstrong, who both writes and directs — and is making his return to the screen after Succession wrapped up in 2023. Based on the scenario seen in the sneak peek, aka a group of billionaires showing little care for the state of the globe while they live it up on holiday, Armstrong is still in eat-the-rich mode. Steve Carell (Despicable Me 4), Jason Schwartzman (The Last Showgirl), Cory Michael Smith (Saturday Night) and Ramy Youssef (Poor Things) play cashed-up group, aka Randall, Souper, Venis and Jeff — and when Venis arrives, the fact that he's the richest guy in the world earns a callout. Cue ribbing and riffing between the four, including about platforms that are "racist and shitty", as well as poker and catering seeming to be more of a concern than an international crisis. Mountainhead might be Armstrong's first feature as a director, but it's a straight-to-streaming flick, hitting Max in Australia on Sunday, 1 June, 2025. Co-starring alongside Carell, Schwartzman, Smith and Youssef: Hadley Robinson (Anyone But You), Andy Daly (Night Court), Ali Kinkade (Lessons in Chemistry), Daniel Oreskes (A Real Pain), David Thompson (It's What's Inside), Ami MacKenzie (Pulse) and Ava Kostia (Love Across Time). Although Armstrong is best-known for Succession — understandably so given that it has earned him seven Emmys — he's an Oscar-nominee for In the Loop's screenplay, also co-created Peep Show, was a writer on The Thick of It and Veep, co-penned Four Lions and wrote a season-one episode of Black Mirror, among other credits. Check out the trailer for Mountainhead below: Mountainhead streams via Max from Sunday, June 1, 2025. Images: Macall Polay/HBO.
If there's one thing that Ben & Jerry's loves above all else, it's the obvious: ice cream in a huge array of ridiculously named flavours. It's the brand behind Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia, Phish Food and The Tonight Dough — and has been responsible for Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yoghurt, Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream and Schweddy Balls, too. And, once a year to the delight of your sweet treat-loving tastebuds, it loves giving away free scoops just as much. Indeed, to share its wares with the masses for nix, these frozen confection masterminds gave the world Free Cone Day, which is exactly what it sounds like — a day where your ice cream is on the house. It ran annually until the pandemic, then took a break for obvious reasons. And on Monday, April 3, it's finally back for the first time since 2019. Here's how it works: if you adore ice cream as much as Ben & Jerry's adores ice cream, then you just need to hit up your local participating store between 12–8pm AEST. You can choose whichever flavour you like, and you can also line up for a free cone as many times as you like within that eight-hour period. Free Cone Day is happening Australia-wide — worldwide, too, in more than 35 countries — at both Ben & Jerry's Scoop Stores and its Hoyts outlets. In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, that means hitting up Manly, Bondi Beach, Newtown and Parramatta, plus cinemas in Blacktown, Wetherill Park, Penrith, Broadway, Phillip and Belconnen.
Since 1989, Sweden's Icehotel has given travellers a decidedly cool place to stay each winter. December hits, and the site reveals its new super-chilled rooms — the kind that are carved out of ice and only around for a short time, as they'll melt once the weather gets warmer. They're not just any old slabs of ice and snow in the village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, however. As part of its annual tradition, the accommodation provider calls for designers and artists to unleash their chilly ideas — then unveils their wondrous creations to travellers. In the 2019–20 crop? A pride of lions chiselled out of cold substances, an icy depiction of Santorini, a frozen cabin in the woods and a space that resembles a grand theatre. Or, perhaps you'd like to climb into a cat's lair, sleep in a room filled with giant ice bones, stare at a frosty version of a kaleidoscope, be watched over by huge hands or curl up in a book in a more literal sense than usual. The 'Golden Ice' room certainly stands out among the new additions, too — it shimmers with its titular hue. [caption id="attachment_755983" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] ICEHOTEL 30 | Art Suite The 6th Feeling | Design Ekaterina Barsukova and Vladimir Barsukov | Photo Asaf Kliger | © ICEHOTEL[/caption] Now open until April 2019, the fresh blend of ice and creativity features 35 one-of-a-kind rooms in total, as crafted by 33 artists from 16 different countries. They're made from more than 30,000 cubic metres of snice — that's a mix of snow and ice — from the local Torne River. As well as places to sleep, the new iteration also includes an ice bar, a 75-metre-long ice ceremony hall, a four-metre-tall outdoor ice sculpture that people can enter and an icy observation deck with views of the northern lights. [caption id="attachment_755986" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] ICEHOTEL 30 | Icebar by Icehotel Torneland | Design Mathieu Brison & Luc Voisin | Photo Asaf Kliger | © ICEHOTEL[/caption] If you're a fan of the kind of coldness that the southern hemisphere doesn't see at this time of the year (especially at the moment), but you can't make it to Icehotel's cold climes during the northern winter, don't worry — in addition to its annual slate of artistic suites, Icehotel is open all year round. It includes 20 permanent suites, an ice bar, plus private saunas and spas for an added touch of warmth in such cold surroundings. Icehotel 30 runs until April 14, 2020. For further information, visit www.icehotel.com. Images: Asaf Kliger.
Neighbourhood florist Penny Clarke prides herself on transforming space with floral designs. Operating out of a store in Leichhardt Flowers on Norton St can craft flower arrangements to suit any occasion, be it a garden party, wedding or a grand romantic gesture. The experienced team builds bespoke bouquets for customers, in store or online, from as little as $40 a bunch. There are posies of sweet peas, hardy Australian eucalypts, or bunches that pop with colour. Scale up to a medium-sized ($60) or large ($90), or, if you're planning something special, order locally grown roses, white and pink lilies or blushing orchids starting from $100. [caption id="attachment_776128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] You'll also find a selection of plants like peace lilies and monstera, hand creams and soaps, blocks of handmade chocolates and candles. Images: Cassandra Hannagan.
Australia's first dedicated gnoccheria has just opened its first store outside of Queensland. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers' chain of potato-loving eateries has popped up in Newtown following the success of the gnoccheria's six Queensland outposts. Unlike other Italian restaurants, you won't find doughy pasta thin or thick here. It's all about one thing and one thing only: gnocchi. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers started as a food stall in Brisbane. In 2017, co-founders Ben Cleary-Corradini and Theo Roduner opened the first brick-and-mortar store in Brisbane's Paddington, and built a following across the state over the next four years. Now, the dedicated gnocchi spot has found a new home in the form of a 60-seat venue by Mapo and Nara's Thai on north King Street. While the restaurant's dining room is yet to open due to lockdown, it's already begun offering its full range of saucy dishes for pickup and takeaway if you're in need of some carby comfort. Cleary-Corradini and Roduner both have an innate fondness for rich Italian dishes. Roduner's Swiss-Italian father Alfredo Roduner is an accomplished Italian chef and owner of Brisbane mainstay Grappino, while Cleary-Corradini talks of fond memories of watching his nonna handroll gnocchi as a child. [caption id="attachment_759221" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Paddington[/caption] What sets Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers apart from other pasta joints is its impressive array of gnocchi in varieties such as pumpkin and ricotta, and sauces including slow-cooked bolognese, wild mushroom and truffle, spicy tomato and black olive, and creamy lobster and barramundi. Everything is made from organic ingredients and they all come with ciabatta and parmesan. Of course, if you want something other than the Brothers' dish of choice, there are starters and desserts. Grab marinated olives, salt and pepper calamari or thick cut potato chips with truffle salt to start — or turn to the dessert menu for ricotta cannoli, house-made tiramisu and vanilla bean panna cotta. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers Newtown is open for takeaway and delivery 4–10pm Wednesday and Thursday, and midday–10pm Friday–Sunday at 119 King Street, Newtown. It will open for dine in from Friday, July 9.
Sydney isn't short on stellar accommodation options for visitors or staycationers alike. But by the end of 2024, the city will boast yet another prime place to spend a night, with the 25Hours Hotel chain arriving in Paddington. Making its first foray into Sydney, the new 25Hours Hotel will take over the heritage-listed site at 1–11 Oxford Street where South Dowling Street, Victoria Street and Barcom Avenue intersect. The hotel is a four-level development from Sydney property developer Central Element in partnership with Boston Global Group, and has been designed by Australian architecture firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. The massive structure will feature 109 rooms, a cafe, a destination restaurant and bar, a lush garden, a trio of retailers, a live music space and wellness facilities. The interior design for the property has been developed by Woods Bagot, who previously worked on the Ivy precinct and Shell House. Head up to 25Hours Hotel's top level, and Sydneysiders will also find a rooftop bar that overlooks Oxford Street, Sydney's eastern suburbs and the harbour — which is certain to be a drawcard whether you're booking in for a night or just after a post-work drink. In the middle of the building, the venue will feature a big central courtyard that'll sprawl across the site and host live events. 25Hours Sydney will join a global roster of accommodation under the chain which proclaims to have "a 25 Hours Hotel in every cool city", with the Sydney project joining locations in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen, Dubai and Zurich. You'll find 25Hours Sydney at 1-11 Oxford Street, Paddington in December 2024. Head to the hotel's website for further details.
It's no secret we love a swimming hole. From Bondi Beach's glistening Icebergs to out-of-town ocean pools and hot bore baths in outback NSW, we spend our spare summer days driving in search of a swimmable body of water, and the other seasons eagerly awaiting the ripeness of summer. And the best part is that this fine state of ours is full of swimming spots unique to our sunburnt landscape, both on rugged coast and hidden in-land among bush and desert rocks. Caroline Clements and Dillion Seitchick-Reardon visited a whole heap of them as 'research' for their new book, Places We Swim Sydney. While the book collates handy information about 40 pools, beaches, waterfalls and dams within two hours of Sydney's CBD, here, they detail five of the stunning spots that you should most definitely plan to visit before summer ends. [caption id="attachment_785508" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon[/caption] CASTLE ROCK BEACH, NORTH SHORE This tiny cove is part of the Manly to Spit walk, so if you're coming in via the coastal trail, you will find some respite along the ten-kilometre track at the jungly section between Clontarf and Grotto Point. But if you're not walking, there is some limited parking located on Cutler Road and in the Ogilvy Road cul de sac. Look out for the signposted MSW (Manly Scenic Walk). Steep, worn stairs descend from Ogilvy Road to this small beach. The namesake is a large, freestanding boulder that has been a little ambitiously titled. It's unusual to find detached rocks like this in the Harbour, so despite its lack of turrets or drawbridges, it does carry some significance and is a useful marker for anyone approaching via boat. If you're capable, it is also fun to scramble up here and sit on top of the rock to take in a sunset. Beachgoers tend to gather at the base of the stairs, which is good enough on a quiet day, however hundreds of metres of reef and beach extend in both directions, giving Castle Rock plenty of space for visitors, without impacting privacy or ever feeling too crowded – an essential quality in any revered harbour beach. Swimmers float up and back past oyster-covered rocks in deep, clear water, careful of where they put their feet down. Back on shore, groups of teenagers collect in gaggles on sandy towels, constantly adjusting their bathers to avoid dreaded tan-lines. On a hot day, with a strong northerly wind, it is a popular place for boats to seek shelter. Prepare yourself for an amplified mixed tape of 80s, 90s and noughties dance hits. But that is just about anywhere in the Harbour over the summer. Speed boats pull right up to the sand, collecting friends like it's an Uber Pool ride, or arrive delivering ice creams on a circuit to some of the north shore's remote bays. Most of the time, however, it's calm enough to forget that you are in a city at all. [caption id="attachment_785515" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon[/caption] GORDONS BAY, EASTERN BEACHES Clovelly, as a suburb, has perfected the sand-less swim. It's a quality that is gleefully celebrated by at least one half of this author team. No buried children, or castles, or lightly crumbed human schnitzels will be seen here. No awkwardly sliding a grainy foot into a pair of jeans and sending shivers up your spine. No bringing the beach back to your car, your shower, and your bed. If those things excite you, then it is best to look elsewhere. The only thing you will take away from Gordons Bay is a good time and new dog friends. In the winter you can get it all to yourself, while the summer brings a festive, communal atmosphere. Gordos is a high-walled bay fringed by hulking boulders and rock-shelves. People lay about on rock slabs around the perimeter, as if claiming a private island. To be honest, there is also a small sandy beach, but that isn't why you come here. The deep water (about 15 metres in the centre) is protected by an offshore reef, providing a safe place to swim in almost all conditions. The clear, calm ocean is incredibly inviting, which makes it a popular destination for standup paddle boarding, snorkelling and diving. In fact, just below the surface is an underwater nature trail that was constructed by the Gordons Bay Scuba and Dive Club. Above water, it's always a fun scene. Walkers are constantly dropping in from the track above and if you stay long enough you will inevitably run into someone you know. Or better yet, someone you'd like to know. Sharing a sandstone slab with new people is a fast way to make friends, especially if one of them is a poodle. Dogs chase balls into the ocean or stumble around the boulders in hot pursuit. Although it is not an official dog beach, the council tends to look the other way so long as everyone remains on their best behaviour. The same can probably be said for humans. [caption id="attachment_785509" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon[/caption] MACCALLUM POOL, NORTH SHORE This historic 30-metre-long pool is hidden on the western side of Cremorne Point. Some may say it's one of Sydney's best-kept secrets. You didn't hear it from us. Tucked into the leafy hillside (along the Cremorne Foreshore Walk), this harbour pool has prime views back towards the city skyline, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This was once a members only facility for locals and still retains a certain air of exclusivity. In the 1920s, it was named the Cremorne Bathing Pool, and entry required wearing a patch on your swimsuit bearing the red initial 'CBP'. Back then, swimming here cost five shillings a year. Entry is free these days and no gang affiliation is required. Maccallum Pool is up there with some of the most iconic places to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve, and may be the closest most of us will get to owning a boat on the Harbour. To be clear, it is not where you go to swim a kilometre. It's too short and notoriously cold, due to its sheltered position. However, the perimeter timber decking catches the afternoon rays and is what makes this such a special place. Visitors drop in from the footpath above, walking the timber deck as they marvel at the views just beyond the picket fence. This is where people go to enjoy their own company. It's meditative and thoughtful. The afternoon sun feels healing and gentle. On any given day, you will likely find someone drinking a beer and reading a book, making a long phone call to an overseas family member, or stretched out on a yoga mat. As we break bread and cheese with our friend, we are grateful for this stolen moment and to live in a city where such things are possible. [caption id="attachment_785510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Helena Dolby[/caption] MCIVERS LADIES BATHS, EASTERN BEACHES There is some kind of unspoken sisterhood established between swimmers at the sanctuary that is McIvers Ladies Bath – the last women's only swimming pool in Australia. It might be a nod, eye contact in the water or a gentle smile as you arrive. Tucked into the cliffs between Coogee Beach and Wylie's Baths, this is a meditative space to escape and relax. Throw a $2 coin into the donation basket and follow the cream-coloured balustrade as it winds down the hill, leading you to the sunlit pool overlooking Coogee Bay. Since 1876, ladies have swum laps and read books in the sun here, with the company of others, giving women of all swimming abilities and cultural backgrounds a safe way to experience the ocean. [caption id="attachment_785505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchick-Reardon[/caption] BILGOLA ROCKPOOL, NORTHERN BEACHES At the base of a steep coastal valley studded with cabbage palms, Bilgola is usually a quiet place and one of the northern beaches' most concealed 50-metre swims. We're sure if you didn't know it was here, you'd easily drive right past this coastal enclave. In fact, it's hard to see Bilgola from almost anywhere else. The land rises steeply behind the beach to Bilgola Plateau (169 metres high) and then descends to Clareville on the western side of the peninsula. Houses pepper the valley walls, with 3000+ residents united by a love of the precipitous waterfront location. From the pool, you can look down the length of the 500-metre beach, where waves roll and crumble over sandbars, making it a mellow place for beginner surfers, and those escaping the crowds at popular neighbouring breaks. Weekdays are leisurely here, with regular lappers before work and seniors who meet every Wednesday, year-round, followed by a coffee at the kiosk on the south end of the beach. If you grew up swimming in Australia you'll remember a few of these things: the ringing of a whistle to approach the starting block, a belly full of nerves before you dive in and the sound of muffled chants through waterlogged ears. These are memories we associate with school sports, and it is this nostalgic feeling that comes flooding back when we arrive at Bilgola Rockpool. On Saturday mornings from October to March, this secluded spot turns into a full-blown carnival. Cardinal red and myrtle green flags are hung at either end of the pool (we've heard it is a nod to the Rabbitohs). Lane ropes, that aren't usually there, are strung up across the pool. The smell of sausages, eggs and bacon cooking on a barbecue waft over from a marquee, selling iced cupcakes and lollies. Kids are either covered in sand, draped in towel ponchos or are collecting seaweed to throw at each other. Meanwhile, surf club members round-up swimmers aged three to 80 to race, so long as they can swim a lap. On most days at Bilgola, there's no time-keeping, no megaphone and no fanfare, and we love it for its slow pace and peaceful outlook. This is an edited extract from Places We Swim Sydney by Caroline Clements and Dillon Seitchick-Reardon, published by Hardie Grant Travel RRP $39.99 and is available online and in stores nationally. Top images: Bilgola Rockpool by Remy Gerega.
Looking for an utterly delicious way to make a difference? We have the answer. Neil Perry is Two Good Cafe chef of the month this March – and you're invited to eat his delicious creations to help raise funds for at-risk women affected by domestic violence, homelessness and trauma in their search for employment. The star of the month-long menu is undoubtedly Neil's Cubano Roll, packed with pork carnitas lathered in chipotle mayo and stacked with dill pickles – a brilliant fusion of bold flavours for $18. For something lighter, try the Super Salad, a nourishing mix of nuts and grains, feta, herbed tahini dressing, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg (also $18). Either way, finish up by indulging in Neil's carrot cake ($8), a satisfying finale, knowing that with every bite you're making a difference. Good food has never tasted so sweet. Perry's delights will be served at the Two Good Cafe at Yirranma Place in Darlinghurst. Plus, there's a catering service, so you can share all the goodness with colleagues, friends and family at your next gathering.
Pubs, clubs, gyms, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, casinos and places of worship will be forced to close from midday today, Monday, March 23, with the Australian Government introducing a stricter crackdown on mass gatherings in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19. Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement last night, after the national cabinet meeting, saying "social distancing is our biggest weapon in fighting this virus". The Prime Minister also slammed those who disregarded social distancing practices over the weekend — including those who crowded Sydney's Bondi Beach — telling Australians to "do better". [caption id="attachment_640478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bondi Beach is now closed. Maxim 75 via Wikimedia[/caption] The stage one closures, as the above have been called, will be reviewed after one month and will likely remain in place for six months. In Victoria, Premier Dan Andrews has announced the closures will remain in place to at least midnight on April 13. At the moment, schools are not impacted by the closures — except for in Victoria, where school holidays have been brought forward to Tuesday, March 24 — and bottle shops, attached to pubs and clubs, will be allowed to stay open. Restaurants and cafes will also be allowed to continue running as takeaway and delivery only. Even more local closures are likely to be announced this morning in NSW, Victoria and ACT, where statewide shutdowns of non-essential services are being rolled out over 48 hours. While restaurants, cafes and bottle shops are allowed to continue offering takeaway and delivery, you can continue supporting them. We've rounded up some of the spots offering at-home eats in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Julia Sansone
Everyone loves Jamie's Italian. Or at least that's what we discovered when, back in November 2016, we reported that the Jamie Oliver had officially bought back his Australian restaurant chain after its parent company, the Keystone Group, went into receivership. People were excited — and the man himself even came to town to relaunch the venues. But now, a year on, things have taken a bit of a turn. The Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group will cease to manage its Australian restaurants, effective immediately. Last night, The Australian Financial Review reported that the group had gone into administration, and this morning it released an official statement announcing "a new operating partner for its Australian business". This partner is the Brisbane-based Hallmark Group, and it will take over the management of Australia's Jamie's Italian restaurants. What does that mean for your dinner plans? Well, the Sydney, Brisbane, Parramatta, Perth and Adelaide venues will continue to operate as usual, but, sadly, the Canberra outpost has already closed. "We'll be working closely with Jamie and the UK team, staff and local suppliers to keep driving the business forward and delivering exceptional experiences across the country," said a Hallmark representative. "Hallmark are actively seeking new suitable locations for the next Jamie's Italian." The news isn't that surprising considering the group has been in a spot of trouble in the UK — The Sun has reported that Oliver's group is in £71.5 million of debt, and will soon close 12 of his 27 restaurants. It'll be interesting to see if this changes much for Jamie's Italian. Will it bring back its $10 pasta deals? Will it finally expand to Melbourne? We'll keep you posted.
One of Sydney's most memorable desserts is making a comeback — but only temporarily. The coveted Snow Egg, the brainchild of Quay Restaurant's Executive Chef Peter Gilmore, is set to star on the venue's temporary experience menu with the help of American Express. The acclaimed Snow Egg has not appeared on the menu since 2018 and was previously a crowd favourite. Its ten-year-long residence on Quay's dessert selection solidified the dish as a restaurant staple, and the dessert even starred on an episode of Masterchef back in 2010. "I am honoured to be bringing back the Snow Egg for a very limited time," said Gilmore. "It has had a cult following since the early days of it being on the menu at Quay and holds such a special place in my heart." The iconic dish will be available to diners for ten exclusive nights, from Saturday, May 25, to Saturday, June 15, in the form of four experience packages. All include the dessert, either paired with a glass of bubbles for $98, a glass of rosé for $136, a glass of 2007 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires for $175, or a non-alcoholic feijoa fizz infused with cardamom and vanilla for $98. This luxe dining package will be served in the venue's private Green Room for the ultimate experience. Bookings open to the public on Friday, April 19, on Quay Restaurant's website, with slots from 6pm through to final service at 9.45pm throughout the ten-day stint. Secure your spot at Quay's nostalgia-driven Snow Egg dining experience at the restaurant's reservation page — tickets are available from Saturday, May 25, til Saturday, June 15, and are selling fast.
Negronis go down well after a hard day at work. Espresso martinis go down well at a boozy weekend brunch. Aperol spritzes go down well... well, most of the time. But, shelling out for these, oft $20-plus, cocktails on the reg doesn't go down well for our wallets. Luckily, there's a slew of Sydney bars and pubs serving up these libations for a tenner — every day of the week. MONDAY CORRIDOR, NEWTOWN What's the deal? All cocktails are $10 between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Thursday. This aptly-named small bar is brimming with more than its fair share of goodness. There's a private table at the front, stools along the wall, a space hidden under the stairs, a lounge room and the upstairs courtyard. And during the week, from 5–7pm, you can pick anything of its cocktail list for only $10. Sit back with a Hot Blooded (a spicy tequila creation), a maple-infused old fashioned or a mojito and be happy knowing your savings are safe for another evening. TUESDAY [caption id="attachment_594712" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] East Village Hotel[/caption] EAST VILLAGE HOTEL, DARLINGHURST What's the deal? $10 daily cocktails between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Thursday. This three-tiered Darlinghurst bar, which had a facelift in late 2016, has some of the suburb's best rooftop views. It also has some standout midweek cocktail deals. Each day, from Monday to Thursday, the bar offers a different cocktail for $10. Fan of Tommys margaritas? Head in on a Monday. Like your drinks carbonated? There are spritzes on Tuesdays. Campari connoisseur? Negronis on Wednesdays. And when you make it to Thursday, you deserve a round (or two) or $10 espresso martinis. WEDNESDAY [caption id="attachment_547543" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The Carrington[/caption] THE CARRINGTON, SURRY HILLS What's the deal? $10 negronis, Aperol spritzes, espresso martinis and margaritas between 9pm and 10pm, daily. Locals love the Carrington. It's in walking distance of the SCG, it's dog friendly and it has great nightly food deals (including meal deals for your dog). It's also one of the few bars offering late-night drink specials. Every day from 9–10pm the pub is serving up $10 negronis, Aperol Spritzes, espresso martinis and margaritas — so, even if you need to clock a few overtime hours at work, you can still bag a bargain. RESTAURANT HUBERT, CBD What's the deal? $10 negronis between 4pm and 6pm, daily. This basement French restaurant is better known for its luxe design and refined fare than it is for its bargains. But, this changed when it launched its aperitivo hour. Every day from 4–6pm you can knock back negronis for a tenner. If you're peckish, you can snack on $5 devilled eggs and $10 burgers, too. And that's just the start — you can read about the rest of the aperitivo hour deals here. THURSDAY [caption id="attachment_532433" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Hotel Steyne[/caption] GLASSHOUSE, HOTEL STEYNE, MANLY What's the deal? $10 gin cocktails between 5pm and 7pm, Thursday and Friday. Perched on an eastern corner of the Manly Corso, the Hotel Steyne is just a stumble away from the beach. When it comes to dining and drinking at this multifaceted venue, you have a few options. And on Thursday and Friday afternoons, we suggest heading directly for the Glasshouse. This gin and tonic bar has an extensive list of botanical cocktails, charcuterie boards and between 5pm and 7pm it's offering up gin cocktails for only $10. FRIDAY [caption id="attachment_534073" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Bellevue[/caption] BELLEVUE, PADDINGTON What's the deal? $10 espresso martinis between 6pm and 8pm, Friday. Nestled in the leafy back streets of Paddington, Bellevue (formerly The Bellevue Hotel) has been trading since 1880, but a few years ago it was renovated and reinvented. Its renovation included a host of daily specials (including 2-for-1 meals and $1 oysters) but our favourite by far is on Fridays — $10 espresso martinis. Congratulate yourself for surviving another working week with a round of drinks and a caffeine buzz. SATURDAY [caption id="attachment_648889" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shady Pines Saloon[/caption] SHADY PINES SALOON, DARLINGHURST What's the deal? $10 margaritas and negronis between 4pm and 6pm, daily. The underground whiskey bar recently launched a new menu. And alongside it — lucky for us — it launched a daily happy hour. Between 4–6pm the peanut-shell filled bar is mixing and shaking $10 margaritas and negronis. If you've only got a pocket full of loose change, no stress. It's also slinging $3 house spirits and beers. SUNDAY [caption id="attachment_586723" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Moya's Juniper Lounge[/caption] MOYA'S JUNIPER LOUNGE, REDFERN What's the deal? $10 negronis from 6pm, Sunday. Tackle the doom and gloom of Sunday's dying hours with a local dose of chilled-out jazz and a delightfully priced cocktail. Every Sunday in from 6pm, Moya's Juniper Lounge will host live jazz and $10 negronis — the perfect combination to help you forget about the looming Monday morning. CAN CAVA PINXTOS & WINE, BONDI BEACH What's the deal? $10 seasonal cocktails from 2pm, Sunday. Can Cava Pinxtos & Wine is giving Sydneysiders a reason to welcome the last licks of the weekend with Sunday Funday. The Bondi bar hosts a weekly party with live music, cheap-yet-fancy booze and Barcelona-style eats. All-day drink specials include $10 cocktails off the seasonal menu — think passionfruit martinis, grapefruit margaritas and daiquiris for summer. LL WINE AND DINE, POTTS POINT What's the deal? $10 bloody marys between 11am and 4pm, Sunday. If you wake up on Sunday feeling a bit dusty, LL Wine and Dine has a solution. Every Sunday from 11am the Potts Point eatery is serving up $10 bloody marys (the ultimate hangover cure) and all-you-can-eat yum cha for 30 bucks a head.
There's never been a show on TV quite like Kevin Can F**k Himself — or on streaming, where the series is now available in Australia via Amazon Prime Video. But, there have sadly been far too many programs over the years that resemble one half of this clever and cutting dark comedy. Even if you aren't a fan of the fare this newcomer riffs on, you know the type. For too long, screens have been littered with sitcoms about families, and about specific kinds of couples and their kids. Accordingly, a different one probably springs to mind for each of us. You might've started thinking about Home Improvement, or Everybody Loves Raymond — or, thanks to Kevin Can F**k Himself's title, you could've just remembered all the shows starring Kevin James. Kevin Can F**k Himself's moniker does indeed conjure up the words many of us have thought to ourselves after stumbling across awful sitcoms led by James. Here, Kevin McRoberts (Eric Petersen, Sydney to the Max) is the obnoxious manchild of a husband, while Allison (Annie Murphy, Schitt's Creek) is his put-upon wife — and whenever they're together, generally at home, she's clearly in a sitcom. The lights glow brightly, her house resembles every other cosy abode in similar shows about comparable characters, and multiple cameras capture their lives. Also, canned laughter chuckles whenever something apparently amusing (but usually just cringeworthy) occurs. And, that source of terrible humour tends to be Kevin, who skates through his days with the arrogance and obliviousness of a white thirty-something man who has always been told he can do no wrong. Helping to reinforce that mindset, he always has his ever dimwitted best pal and neighbour Neil (Alex Bonifer, Superstore) by his side, gushing over his every move. Also frequently hovering around: Neil's one-of-the-guys sister Patty (Mary Hollis Inboden, The Righteous Gemstones) and Kevin's own ever-present dad (Brian Howe, Chicago Fire). We've all seen this setup before, and Kevin Can F**k Himself's creator Valerie Armstrong — who also worked on the excellent, underrated, cancelled-too-soon Lodge 49 — definitely knows it. She isn't trying to recreate these abysmal sitcoms for fun, though. Instead, she knows that Allison and the women who've been in her place are devastatingly miserable, and she's determined to give them their time in the spotlight and explore what happens when they're not supporting player to a man they don't even want to be with. That's where the twist comes in, and it's oh-so-savvily handled. (It's also laid bare in the show's first episode, because it's that important to the series' premise.) So, whenever Kevin Can F**k Himself's leading lady is blissfully free of her horrible hubby, her life becomes a premium cable drama. Murkier tones and a much more realistic vibe kick in, just one camera films her struggles, and no one is giggling. Also, Allison starts trying to do something about her soul-crushing marriage. The visual and tonal contrast between the show's two halves is big, stark and obvious. It hits you over the head. It's meant to. On paper, the creative decisions behind Kevin Can F**k Himself stem from a high-concept gimmick, and purposefully so — but the show's central idea is also exceptionally smart. This series needs to be as blatant as it is in contrasting Allison's time with Kevin with her experiences whenever he's not around. It needs to make flagrant moves to illustrate how the world still sees marriages like theirs as bright and inviting, even when Allison endures a grim struggle. Subtlety isn't usually the best way to make a statement, after all, and that applies when you're calling out how an entire genre of TV has long treated women; that its instantly recognisable toxic tropes have become not just accepted, but imitated; and that real-life relationships based on this dynamic aren't healthy or happy. These notions bubble away throughout Kevin Can F**k Himself, including when over-lit scenes of Allison putting up with Kevin segue into dark-hued shots as soon as she's out of his presence. Usually, the change kicks in because she's walked into the kitchen and left him on the couch with his pals, or she's gone to work while he gets up to standard sitcom-style hijinks; however, Allison is desperate to make a permanent change. The series follows not just her efforts to leave Kevin, but her quest to ensure that she'll be free of him forever. You could say that she breaks bad, but she's doing good — just for herself for once. Allison's path forward is messy, naturally, and only gets more chaotic the more she commits to achieving her Kevin-free new life. Her high-school crush Sam (Raymond Lee, Made for Love) moves back to town, too, while Patty becomes an unexpected ally. Soon, the two women have a police detective (Candice Coke, Indemnity) snooping around their lives as well. Everything Allison faces could've easily fuelled a drama that didn't include sitcom-savaging segments, but the show is all the better for embracing its gimmickry. It pulls back the curtain on the glossy way that its protagonist's existence is presented to the world, exposes the reality and finds ample ways to interrogate why this sitcom fantasy has proliferated for so long. Thanks to weighty key performances by Murphy and Inboden, it also dives deep into the internalised miseries that women who've been caught in the orbit of men like Kevin keep navigating — and, episode by episode, it grows and fleshes out the pair's complicated friendship as well, and unpacks the "cool girl" archetype Patty initially represents. In the process, amidst all of its layers and switches, Kevin Can F**k Himself quickly becomes one of the best new shows of 2021. Thankfully, it has already been renewed for a second season, too, so more of its incisive charms and astute social commentary — and Murphy and Inboden's stellar work — awaits. Check out the trailer for Kevin Can F**k Himself below: The first four episodes of Kevin Can F**k Himself's first season are available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes dropping weekly. Images: Jojo Whilden/AMC.
Prepare your tongue for a baptism of fire as The Goods Line in Ultimo transforms into a pyro-powered al fresco food court as part of Vivid's mouthwatering food program. Until Saturday, June 15, hungry Sydneysiders can feast on all manner of flame-kissed dishes from around the world, produced by a scorching-hot lineup of local eateries and acclaimed chefs. Third-generation LA-based pitmaster Shalamar Lane is showcasing her singular approach to barbecue alongside Australian-born, Texas-based smokehouse legend Jess Pryles, with homegrown talents like First Nations chef and restaurateur Mindy Woods and Lennox Hastie, the culinary visionary behind award-winning restaurant Firedoor, also bringing the heat. Cultures around the globe have harnessed the power of the flame in an array of delicious ways, many of which can be found on display. From the tandoor to teppanyaki, and charcoal to hickory smoke, diners can taste their way through a diverse menu of international cuisines from the likes of Brazilian Flame, Eat Lebanese, Smoky Sue, Don't Tell Aunty and S'Mores to name only a handful. And it's not merely your tastebuds that'll be licking the flame. You can set your curiosity alight at one of the live cooking demonstrations, where leading chefs share the tricks of their trade, revealing fascinating techniques for perfectly charred results. There's also flaming sculptures and firepits dotted throughout The Goods Line, to keep visitors both toasty and entertained. Images: Destination NSW and Shaun Clark.
If you're a martini fan, then a dirty martini is probably one of the finest things in your life. It boasts everything that makes a martini great, such as gin, vermouth and an olive for garnish, but also adds a splash of olive brine. It's also easy to drink more than one of, which is where Moya's Juniper Lounge comes in with its new monthly gathering. Amass with your fellow dirty martini lovers at the Dirty Martini Club, where the martinis are dirty — obviously — as well as dirt cheap. The drink in the spotlight will set you back just $10, and entry is free. Dirty Martini Club kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, November 14, then keeps on sipping on Wednesday, December 12 and into 2019. Each night will feature a different jazz vocalist, with Gregg Arthur doing the crooning first up. Oh, and because dirty martinis are all about olives, these ones will be brined in sherry vermouth and drowned in Tanqueray London Gin.
If you've been dreaming of that perfect European summer, or have had your feed flooded with uber-popular and super-trendy French pastries, then this brand-new boutique bakery-slash-cafe is calling your name. Frenchies Bakery & Pâtisserie is the new venture from the team at Frenchies Bistro & Brewery, arriving with handcrafted French delights to the streets of Rosebery. Following the success of the team's original brewery and its attached dining room, the Frenchies team has traded craft beers for flaky croissants at its new venture — located just two doors down from the OG venue in the suburb's The Cannery building. "We developed a reputation for our bakery items during the lockdowns, so much so that even after they ended, we were often asked when these products were coming back," said Thomas Cauquil, co-owner of the new locale. "So, it's this demand for French-style bakery products in the area, paired with our passion for baking, that ultimately inspired the launch of Frenchies Bakery & Pâtisserie." The stylish newcomer is serving up freshly baked treats daily from an inviting cafe-style bakery space. Take your pick from the sweet and savoury selections on offer, which are created utilising classic French baking techniques with a modern flare and using only the best of fresh, local produce. At Frenchies Bakery & Pâtisserie, you can expect to find an array of classic French viennoiseries (baked goods) like crispy kouign-amann and warm, buttery pain au chocolates — so you can have your very own Emily in Paris moment — alongside gorgeous pâtisseries including the pistachio and raspberry religieuse, and chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla entremet. Plus, there is sourdough aplenty and some hefty lunch options. Think baguette sandwiches featuring house-made pork rillettes, hearty pies and specialty coffee from The Little Marionette. To top off the offerings, there is a selection of handcrafted cakes designed specifically for events. If you've wanted a millefeuille for your birthday, a croquembouche for a christening or a fruit-forward pavlova fit for any occasion, you'll find them all here. You'll find Frenchies Bakery & Pâtisserie at 4/61–71 Mentmore Ave, Rosebery. It's open 7am–3pm Wednesday–Sunday.
Gin and sunshine go together like cheese and crackers, a pairing so perfect that nobody is really sure where it came from. We just know it works. It makes sense to celebrate all things gin as we approach the warmer season, hence why Four Pillars Gin is celebrating a brand new ready-to-drink flavour across a national series of live music events. A huge launch party is coming to Bondi's Beach Road Hotel, followed by weeks of live music there and at Newcastle's Merewether Surfhouse. [caption id="attachment_919170" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Benito Martin[/caption] The Gin Tins & Tunes national launch party is an unmissable entry to the series, happening at the Beach Road Hotel on Sunday, October 15. The evening will be soundtracked by some of Australia's most popular DJs, including Late Nite Tuff Guy, Yolanda Be Cool, Mell Hall and more. For your $15 ticket, you'll get a complimentary can of the brand new Navy Strength Gin and Ginger RTD and a Four Pillars bucket hat, how's that for a return on investment? It's a national series of events starting right here in NSW at Beach Road Hotel in Sydney's capital of sunshine, Bondi. The tunes kicked off weekly from Sunday, October 1. Then, on Sunday, October 8, the free events will kick off in Newcastle's Merewether Surfhouse, starring local talent like Adam Morris, Tim Coffey and Perry Carter. Every week, you'll be able to try the debuting drink as well as Four Pillar's other RTD beverages, enjoy the tunes and get the chance to win a Four Pillars bucket hat — ideal for sun safety. Gin Tins and Tunes is coming to Beach Road Hotel from Sunday, October 1 to Sunday, October 22 with the official launch party on Sunday, October 15. Merewether Surfhouse will host Gins Tins & Tunes from Sunday, October 8 to Sunday, October 29. For more information, visit the website.
Darlinghurst nightlife institution Club 77 will temporarily close in 2026 to undergo a major accessibility-focused redesign, made possible by Sound NSW's Venue Upgrade Grant. The venue will shut its doors on Monday, April 13, 2026, and aims to reopen on Thursday, June 4, 2026 with a completely reimagined space that prioritises inclusivity. "We believe inclusivity and accessibility are no longer just nice-to-haves, but essential components of any successful venue," the club said in a statement. The redesign will be led by Inochi Design Life, and will introduce a suite of new features: an accessible entrance with a wheelchair lift, upgraded bathrooms, an accessible bar with a lowered top, an inclusive DJ booth and live music area, accessible seating and 1.5 metres of wheelchair turning space throughout the venue. There'll also be a new dedicated sensory room, braille signage for blind and visually impaired patrons, and haptic vests available for deaf and hard of hearing guests to enhance their live music experience. Club 77's Music Director Dane Gorrel said, "It's been both a dream and mission of Club 77's long-term plan to make the venue accessible and truly inclusive. Thanks to Sound NSW, this dream is now becoming reality and we couldn't be more grateful. Everyone should be able to experience live music in an accessible, inclusive and safe environment." The upgrades have been developed with support from Accessible Arts, Electronic Music Conference, Night Time Industries Association, Green Music Australia, plus artists Aquenta of Crip Rave Theory and Transenergy director Sophie Forrest. [caption id="attachment_803921" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Club 77[/caption] A reopening party is already in the works in partnership with Crip Rave Theory, although details are yet to be announced. Images: Supplied.
Woolloomooloo favourite Flour and Stone is loved among locals and visitors alike for its top-notch pastries, delicious sandwiches and overall simple comfort food. Its counter treats are baked daily and change regularly, with sweet options including a strawberry and rosemary brûlée, a quince and custard tart, a delightfully crunchy rocky road and blueberry scones with jam and cream. If you're after something more savoury try a cheese and chive scone (only available Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday), a leek and gruyere cheese tart or a spanikopita. [caption id="attachment_747204" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samantha Mackie[/caption] For something more substantial it also offers a great range of sandwiches, including a sage roasted pumpkin with taleggio, walnut, cavolo nero, bechamel and cayenne pepper; a leg ham option with gruyere, smokey wholegrain mustard and aioli on sourdough; as well as a poached chicken variety with mayonnaise and granny's pickles. The pies here are famous too, with people making the trek from all over Sydney to enjoy one. Options include chicken, leek and tarragon; beef Rendang; dahl-tadka; and a scrumptious pork and caraway sausage roll. Images: Destination NSW/Alan Benson/Samantha Mackie. Appears in: The Best Bakeries in Sydney for 2023
Everyone loves having a big night, whether it's celebrating a friend's birthday, a cheeky date night indulging in one too many vinos or a low-key group dinner that escalated well into the AM. What's not so great? The day after — when you wake up with a splitting headache, parched throat and regrets on caving in to the pleas of "just one more". Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of life-saving meals to revive you to full health when you're feeling a little dusty. Best of all, you can get every one of these meals delivered to you via DoorDash so you won't have to drag yourself out of the house or out of your pyjamas. Go on, sink your teeth into a B&E roll and sip your morning coffee from the comfort of your own bed. We won't judge.
That blank space in your calendar that you were hoping to fill with Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour? It's now taken care of. Australian Swifties, yes, your wildest dreams have finally come true. It definitely won't be a cruel summer for fans of the global music star Down Under, after the singer-songwriter announced five Aussie shows for February — although you'll have to be in Melbourne or Sydney to head along. Swift will play two gigs at the MCG in Melbourne across Friday, February 16–Saturday, February 17, then head north to hit the stage across three dates at Sydney's Accor Stadium from Friday, February 23–Sunday, February 25. At all shows, she'll also have company: Sabrina Carpenter in support. [caption id="attachment_906253" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] The Eras Tour kicked off in March in the US, where it's still playing. As well as revealing Aussie dates, Swift locked in international stops in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil in 2023 — and in Japan, Singapore, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Poland and Australia until August 2024. The tour sees the Swift work through her entire career so far, playing tracks from each of her studio albums in a three-hour, 44-song, ten-act spectacular. 'Fearless', 'Enchanted', 'We Are Never Getting Back Together', 'Shake It Off', 'Bad Blood', 'Look What You Made Me Do', 'You Need to Calm Down' — expect them all to get a run, plus tunes from albums Folklore, Evermore and Midnights as well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) This'll be Swift's first tour Down Under since 2018, when she brought her Reputation shows to not only Sydney and Melbourne, but Brisbane and Perth, too. In the US, it's been breaking ticketing and venue records — expect tickets to get snapped up quickly Down Under as well. [caption id="attachment_906254" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR AUSTRALIAN DATES 2024: Friday, February 16–Saturday, February 17 — Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Friday, February 23–Sunday, February 25 — Accor Stadium, Sydney Taylor Swift will bring The Eras Tour to Australia in February 2024. Tickets for the Melbourne shows go on sale at 10am AEST on Friday, June 30, with the Sydney shows on sale at 2pm AEST on Friday, June 30. The American Express VIP Package pre-sale runs for 48 hours from Monday, June 26 — from 10am in Sydney and 2pm in Melbourne — and the Frontier Members pre-sale runs 24 hours from Wednesday, June 28, again from 10am in Sydney and 2pm in Melbourne, or until all pre-sale tickets have been snapped up in both instances. Head to the tour website for further details. Top image: Ronald Woan via Wikimedia Commons.
If you haven't yet had a chance to sit on a bean bed under the night sky while feasting your eyes on the big screen and filling your stomach with a picnic, aka the annual Moonlight Cinema experience and an Australian summer staple, here's your next round of motivation: the outdoor picture palace's January lineup, plus a few other highlights for the next few months. This cinephile heaven drops its program in parts, so its December bill arrived in November, and now it's time to see what'll be kicking off 2024. On the way: a heap of upcoming releases getting sneak peeks at Moonlight Cinema before they hit general release, plus old-school throwbacks aplenty. So, whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, you have much to look forward to in scenic surroundings. The preview list includes Adam Driver (65) stepping into Enzo Ferrari's shoes in Ferrari, which is also filmmaker Michael Mann's first feature 2015's Blackhat; the new musical silver-screen version of Mean Girls, as based on the stage show adapted from the OG flick; and Mare of Easttown, Devs, On the Basis of Sex, Bad Times at the El Royale and Pacific Rim: Uprising actor Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley, plus Australian Euphoria and Saltburn star Jacob Elordi as Elvis, in Sofia Coppola's Priscilla. Moonlight audiences around the country can also grapple with wrestling biopic The Iron Claw, which features Zac Efron (Gold) and Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) as part of the Von Erich family — and then check out spy action-comedy Argylle. In Sydney and Melbourne only, the haunting and swoonworthy All of Us Strangers with the internet's boyfriends Paul Mescal (Foe) and Andrew Scott (Fleabag) will also get a spin. Films that are or will already be in cinemas everywhere will also grace Moonlight's screens, such as Wonka, Saltburn and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. For blasts from the past, The Mighty Ducks, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, She's The Man, The Parent Trap and Clueless will welcome in audiences nationwide, as will Hocus Pocus, The Devil Wears Prada, A Cinderella Story and The Princess Diaries. Sydney scores a date with Mamma Mia!, while the Harbour City as well as Melbourne and Perth will watch The Goonies and The Princess Bride, too. The lineup always varies per city, and the films and the setting are just two parts of the Moonlight Cinema setup. Also on offer: an official Aperol spritz bar, which is new for 2023–24. Nosh-wise, the event lets you BYO movie snacks and drinks (no alcohol in Brisbane, though), but the unorganised can enjoy a plethora of bites to eat onsite while reclining on bean beds. There's also a VIP section for an extra-luxe openair movie experience, plus a platinum section that levels up a night at the movies even further in Sydney and Melbourne. A beauty cart is handing out samples, too. And, dogs are welcome at all sites except Perth — there's even special doggo bean beds, and a snack menu for pooches. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2023–24 DATES: Brisbane: until Sunday, February 18, 2024 in Roma Street Parklands Sydney: until Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Centennial Parklands Perth: until Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Kings Park and Botanic Garden Adelaide: until Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in Botanic Park Melbourne: until Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Royal Botanic Gardens Moonlight Cinema runs through until March 2024, with dates varying per city. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the cinema's website — and we'll update you with further program details when they're announced.
After collaborating with The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, nabbing a Coachella spot and spinning her way to international success over the past year, Sydney's Alison Wonderland is embarking on her second tour of industrial warehouse parties. Wonderland Warehouse Project 2.0 is set to hit the road nationwide from late May, the highly anticipated sequel to her wildly successful 2014 tour of the same name. Armed with a fresh set of tracks from debut album RUN, Wonderland will be popping up in secret locations across the country for what's pinned to be some seriously huge shows. Bringing electronica out of the clubs and into a string of mystery warehouses, this powerhouse Sydney DJ is going to run some rather unconventional, mega-scale dancefloors. Set to make her first appearance at Coachella in the States in April, off the back of casually working with Wayne Coyne for her latest record, Wonderland appears to have quite the 2015 in store. After last year's sell-out tour, get in quick to secure your spot at these epic warehouse shindigs. Tickets are only $40-45, so they sell quicker than you can fall down a rabbit hole. WONDERLAND WAREHOUSE PROJECT 2.0 DATES Brisbane — Friday May 22 Melbourne — Saturday May 30 Sydney — Saturday June 6 For tickets and more info, head to wonderlandwarehouseproject.com.
Printhie Wines, run by brothers Ed and Dave Swift, has also taken its cellar door experience into the online realm, cracking the top off a new weekly virtual wine tasting series. The Molong-based winemakers are hitting screens from 4pm AEST every Friday, to help you wind down and kick-start the weekend in style. Or at least, in some good, wine-loving company. Via Facebook, the guys will guide viewers through a double tasting each week, showcasing a range of drops from their own label and answering plenty of audience questions along the way. To get you in the zone, Printhie is currently slinging a virtual tasting pack via its online store, starring six of the wines featured across the next few weeks' live streams. Get one delivered to your door so you can taste along with the guys and discuss your favourites as the camera rolls.
If you heard the name 'Funland' in Australia, you'd think it was one of two things: an offshoot of Dreamworld where you'd be surrounded by obnoxious tourists, or an offshoot of Sexyland where you'd be harangued by middle-aged sex pests. Neither sound all that desirable. But in New York this week, Funland is an 'erotic playground' designed by British artists Bompas and Parr at the Museum of Sex — a bizarre combination of both Dreamworld and Sexyland that's infinitely better than either. One of the most obviously titillating (lol) attractions at the frisky fairground is an enormous bouncy castle full of giant protruding breasts. Appropriately titled, Jump for Joy this artwork is for those of us constantly frustrated by the absence of adult playground equipment, and also for lovers of big squishy Skywhale-scale boobies. In addition to this absolutely amazing thing which might be worth booking a flight for on its own, Bompas and Parr are also presenting four other fairground attractions with a sexual bent. There's an R-rated cinema, The Tunnel of Love — a mirrored labyrinth where patrons must go in search of the Gräfenberg (G) Spot, a mechanical horse-riding game where the animal is replaced by a certain male appendage, and a climbing wall made out of body parts knowingly titled Grope Mountain. The artists behind this utter excellence actually have quite the reputation outside of giant grope-able genitals too. Known for their extraordinary culinary innovations, they were responsible for London's NYE celebrations last year creating the world's first edible fireworks display. They also make the most incredible artisan jellies you've ever seen. What a life, eh? The entire Funland installation is of course a great celebration of sex positivity — an important principle of the NY institution in which it will be held. But the artists also claim they're responding to the erotic nature of fairgrounds themselves. Bompas explained to Wired this week that fairgrounds were a place to "hold hands and have a snog"; they're a place of thrills, pleasure and climaxes. Gives you a whole new perspective on the Royal Easter Show, right? Via Wired and Gothamist.
Rising above cookie-cutter treats, Butterboy has become one of Sydney's favourite destinations for creative and choc-filled cookies. Following the success of its Manly and Chatswood stores, the much-loved bakery has launched its third location at Broadway Sydney. Arriving in the inner city, Butterboy fans will notice a slight change in aesthetic, as the Broadway store trades in the brand's usual laidback, coastal vibe for something a little more future-focused. Gleaming with stainless steel and polished chrome finishes, a lilac-accented design draws inspiration from science labs and test kitchens. "Broadway gives us a totally different energy — it's fast, central, and full of people from all over the city," says Butterboy founder James Sideris. "We wanted the space to reflect that dynamism and feel a little unexpected, while still bringing the warmth and joy people associate with Butterboy." While the design is changing, the beloved menu is still very much the same, featuring all of Butterboy's best-known classics. From rotating cookie six-packs and tins to its signature soft serve and syrupy milkshakes, the new location will also serve up the bakery's famed limited-run seasonal drops. While nothing is exclusive to the Broadway store, a new part of Sydney can get a convenient taste. Sidaris launched the brand in 2019, after discovering a passion for whipping up cookies and muffins from his home kitchen during his university days. As his inventive ideas and clever branding attracted a following, he traded in his commerce books for the dessert business. Alongside Butterboy, Sidaris is also the co-owner of Manly's Rollers Bakehouse and Norma's Deli. Butterboy is open Monday–Wednesday and Friday from 10am–7pm, Thursday from 10am–9pm, Saturday from 9am–6pm and Sunday from 10am–6pm at Broadway Sydney, 1 Bay Street, Glebe. Head to the website for more information. Images: Dexter Kim.
We've come to expect a little more from a Japanese restaurant than simply delicious teriyaki. Japan is all about aesthetics, so why not Japanese dining experiences? Sometimes, though, those animated order screens are a little too intense. This is where Wa steps in. More Hokkaido than Tokyo, Wa's interior is all pale wood and marble, with everything minimal and in its right place. The true gem however, is the courtyard. Seated amongst greenery and delicate dried fronds, you can pick a table and pass the time watching the large screen flick through peaceful moonlit landscapes. The atmosphere is perfectly balanced and as unobtrusive as the service. The menu offers an enviable range of choices, authentic dishes retouched slightly to make the most of fresh Australian ingredients. My picks are the Miso Eggplant, with hearty halves of eggplant and a delicious blend of two sauces, and the Agedashi Mochi, sticky rice balls in agedashi sauce. A comprehensive set menu is an alternative to picking and choosing, offering six courses with options. Vegetarians will also be at home, with loads of dishes to choose from or a set menu of their own. Alcohol is BYO but with a bottle shop right next door, this isn't an inconvenience. The only tricky part, in fact, is making sure you get a table. I'd recommend booking, particularly if you're looking to bring a group.
Sydney's pub scene has been dealt some massive news this morning, with Merivale announcing that it has snapped up yet another beloved local pub. The hospitality empire will take over the Marrickville mainstay — and one of our personal favourites — The Vic On The Park later this year. The Justin Hemmes-led group has bought the venue for an unconfirmed amount from the Australian Pub Fund, who recently also sold Newtown's Marlborough Hotel to Matt Moran's Solotel group. Regulars and fans of the inner west pub can breathe easy — for now, at least — as Merivale's confirmed there are no plans for any major shake-up once it takes over on November 13 and that the venue will continue to trade as normal for the moment, albeit with a renewed food focus. If alarm bells are ringing, you're not the only one hearing them. The Vic's vibe is wildly different to that of the hospitality heavyweight's other venues, so it's anyone's guess what the future holds for the beloved boozer. With this latest move coming just months after the group's acquisition of The Collaroy Hotel and less than a year after buying the Tennyson Hotel for a whopping $37.5 million, Merivale's appetite for pubs shows little sign of waning. No doubt this is not the last pub to be acquired by a big hospitality group, but it seems to be a significant signpost in the growing homogenisation of Sydney's hospo scene. We'll wait with baited breath to see which venue is next.
After a long, quiet COVID-19 stretch, Sydney's CBD is starting to bustle with workers again. And that means it's time to hunt down the city's best lunchtime eats. If you're missing your favourite venues and dining out with your coworkers — but aren't looking to dip into your savings — you're in luck. We've rounded up the Sydney CBD's best cheap eats under $20. Think giant sambos and Chinese-style burgers for a tenner, some of the city's best bánh mì for $6 and handmade pasta for $18. Yep, we have your next few weeks of budget lunches sorted.
Want to drink wine and support a great cause while you do it? The team at Vinomofo has you covered. The online wine cellar has just launched its limited edition Homeless Grapes Project Yarra Valley chardonnay, and it's donating 100 percent of proceeds to Australians who are sleeping rough. The mineral-rich drop comes courtesy of De Bortoli Wines, Rochford Wines and TarraWarra Estate, who all donated grapes to the project. It goes on sale on Monday, February 4 at $25 per bottle, sold in a case of six, with only few hundred cases available. All proceeds from the sales will go to St Mary's House of Welcome, which provides food, shelter, showers and emergency assistance to Melburnians doing it tough. Last year, the sale of 200 cases of Homeless Grapes Project shiraz raised more than $50,000 and was able to provide housing for 570 clients, over 40,000 meals and 3000 appointments with nurses. The Homeless Grapes initiative has been running since 2015 and has already raised more than $150,000 for charity. "Homelessness is a community issue that can be solved by the community and initiatives like Homeless Grapes," said Vinomofo co-founder Andre Eikmeier. "We can raise money for the front line to help make a real difference. And importantly, we change our attitudes." The Homeless Grapes Project Yarra Valley chardonnay is available from Monday, February 4. To find out more about the Homeless Grapes initiative and to buy a couple of bottles, head to vinomofo.com.
In the ultimate food-meets-fashion fusion, Ralph Lauren has opened his first New York City restaurant next door to the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Polo Bar is Lauren's third restaurant, following his original RL Bar and Grill in Chicago and Ralph's in Paris. Inspired by the brand's signature Polo range, the lamp-lit New England style design takes luxury to new and heady heights. Caramel tones dominate the interior, with parquet floors underfoot and wood panelling extending onto the ceiling, while equestrian-themed art and an exclusive Henry Koelher polo match mural adorn the walls. If you're popping in for oysters and cocktails, then the brass-topped bar is where you'll head, with its rows of gleaming bottles and oversized silver champagne coolers. For those power lunches (and dinners-to-impress), sink into the tan banquettes of the restaurant itself. Polo Bar's menu features American classics, served on the restaurant's own tableware. There's a meat-heavy bent to the homestyle fare, with steaks and burgers the apparent focus of the kitchen, and beef sourced periodically from Lauren's own ranch in Colorado. We like the sound of the New York strip steak with brown butter, or the famous Polo Bar Burger with cheddar and crispy bacon. Alternatively, go for the roast chicken or the Loch Duart wild salmon, and succumb to outfit-envy as the Ralph Lauren models — or rather, waitstaff — serve you in their leather wingtips and silk ties. While there's apple pie and five-layer chocolate cake for dessert, you can’t go past Ralph's Coffee Ice Cream with dark chocolate shortbread cookies, made with the brand's own custom blend coffee. So while you're saving for that airfare, scrounge up a little more for a luncheon or two at this pretty establishment. Polo shirts welcome, of course. Via Grub Street. Images: Polo Bar.
In case there was still anyone out there who thought donning a Native American style headdress was a totally appropriate, acceptable, fun-loving thing to do, one of the world's biggest music festivals has just laid down the law. Glastonbury has officially banned the sale of these offensive accessories from their 2015 festival. The decision announced today comes after a well-researched Change.org petition was submitted to the festival's organisers. Though it only gained a humble 65 signatures, the petition made some salient arguments that have been echoed by most of the world for the last few years. "[Wearing these headdresses] is an offensive and disrespectful form of cultural appropriation," the petition read. "It homogenises diverse indigenous peoples, and perpetuates damaging, archaic and racist stereotypes." Amen. Though cultural appropriation is still a contentious topic with no hard and fast answers (see: bindis/everything to do with Miley Cyrus), most people are on the same page in regards to headdresses — well, everyone except Harry Styles. And, if the thought of being on the same side of this debate as One Direction didn't irk you out enough, trust us, there are a lot of other reasons to stand against it. Though a couple of other festivals around the world (including Australia's own "no dickheads" darling Meredith) have banned these headdresses from being worn at all, the new ban at Glastonbury will only relate to their sale. Though we'd obviously rather they get rid of them completely, it's a great step in the right direction. Last month, Glastonbury was declared "the most influential festival on the planet" after a survey conducted by Spotify. Here's hoping this policy proves as popular as their headline acts. Via Music Feeds. Photo credit: Shell Daruwala via photopin cc and Hipsters in Headresses.
New panoramic sky bar, Henry Deane, will have you falling in love with Sydney all over again. We've all had our doubts from time to time. Perhaps you took a trip to Melbourne and chanced upon a warm, sunny day or maybe you just don't like the idea of being forced to rent (or live in sharehouses) your entire life. But when you're drinking champagne, slipping down creamy rock oysters and staring out across our city's magnificent waterfrontage — boats cruising below, twinkling city lights and a sunset so beautiful you'll have to fight back the tears — you'll remember all the reasons why you chose to make Sydney your home in the first place. Located on the top two levels of the historic Hotel Palisade in Millers Point, Henry Deane is one of the most beautiful bars Sydney has ever seen. Of course, much of that credit goes to interior design goddess Sibella Court, renowned for her work on Palmer & Co, Ms G's and Mr Wong. Flatly ignoring the trend for palm tree wallpaper and exposed brick walls, Sibella has chosen a new style to play with: 1920s Hollywood glamour. Drawing on a palette of dusty pink and dove grey, Sibella has filled the glass-walled salon with pink leather lounges, Malawi rattan chairs, opulent copper furnishings and colourful swirls of marble which stain the tabletops and walls. Now, just add a multi-million dollar view that puts the Sydney Tower Eye to shame. Hell, even a freak tornado makes for a charming view from here. Henry Deane's menu is dominated by boutique spirits — pages and pages worth. Whisky alone is divided into eleven subheadings; don't even get me started on the gin. But let's flip back to the first two pages: food and cocktails. Forego the beer, you can drink that anytime, and live it up like Rita Hayworth with a coconut and pandan daiquiri ($19) made with Coconut Havana 3-year-old rum, lime and salted sugar, infused with fresh pandan leaves (not the cheap paste) and served in fine crystal glassware with a precariously long stem. Like many of the cocktails here, it's not a loud, cheap drink — the flavours are subtle and sophisticated, mingling in perfect harmony. The second page of the menu is filled with sexy little share plates. The oysters with merlot vinegar ($4.50) and the scallops with vanilla miso butter served in the shell ($4.80) are an absolute treat — and proof that you don't need a black American Express card to enjoy the finer things in life. With chopsticks in hand, we pick our way through a plate of deftly-carved kingfish sashimi topped with pickled ribbons of cucumber and bok choy with wasabi and bonito dressing ($19), but the real showstopper is the horseradish spiced lamb tartare ($23). Pile it high on the house-made lavosh with a stem of watercress and you're in heaven. The mixed grains with confit potato, bell peppers, roman beans and soft egg ($24) marks a lull in the otherwise impressive lineup — it's the kind of healthy salad you probably should eat, but don't necessarily want to. However, we're soon back on track with a sweet pudding of coconut and vanilla sago sprinkled with macadamia nut crumble and astringent pearls of pomegranate and passionfruit ($12). Sure, Sydney's hectic housing market might mean you will never be able to afford that Darling Point apartment — but you can always go to Henry Deane's and pretend it's all yours.
Blooming gardens, citrus fruits and delicious local food and wine are on the lineup of the annual Griffith Spring Fest. Headlining the event — which will run between Sunday, 8 October and Sunday, 22 October — is the Garden Festival where green thumbs can wander through six delightful landscaped sites, created and nurtured by local gardeners. If you can make it to the official launch party on Friday 13 October, we highly recommend you do. If for no reason other than to tuck into the super-sized communal paella that will be whipped up on the day (it's served in a very covid-safe and hygienic way, just in case you had concerns). Other standout activations include over 50 unique citrus sculptures which will line Banna Avenue for two weeks. Made from more than 100,000 locally grown oranges and grapefruit, these displays are proof that when life gives you lemons in Griffith, you transform them into robots, reclining chooks or a giant giraffe. Go old-school and join a guided bus tour, or DIY and discover the best that Griffith has to offer all by yourself. The only non-negotiable is that you squeeze the day. (Sorry). Griffith Spring Fest will run from Sunday, 8 October till Sunday, 22 October 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
Love hanging in your local park and patting all the good boys that run past? Do you find the cool demeanour of cats cute? And don't get you started about rabbits doing zoomies, right? If you've answered yes to all of the above, we're guessing you're a big animal lover. Or, even if you wouldn't say you love animals, we're guessing you don't want to cause them harm. That's why factoring critters, both great and small, into your daily decisions is important, from the clothes on your back to what you eat. To help you out, we've teamed up with the animal-loving folks at nutritious plant-based meal delivery service Soulara to bring you five simple swaps to introduce to your daily life. Because you shouldn't have to choose between yourself and adorable animals. SIGN UP TO A PLANT-BASED MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE As they say, you are what you eat — and a plant-based diet is just one way you can live your best animal-loving life. It also has a bunch of health benefits and is one of the biggest ways you can lower your environmental impact. So, really, it's a win-win-win. But, whether you're all in or trying it out a few days a week, making the switch to plant-based can be tricky. One way to cut out the guesswork is by signing up to an animal product-free meal delivery service like Soulara. Every meal is designed by nutritionists and prepared by chefs, packed with vital nutrients and delivered fresh, not frozen, so you can simply pop it in the microwave when you're ready to eat. You'll enjoy the likes of choc hazelnut and chia seed pudding for brekkie, tofu laksa for lunch, and shiitake mushroom carbonara for dinner. It's got bliss balls, kombucha and cold-pressed juice packs that you can tack onto your order, too. There are plenty of dietary requirement-friendly options, too, as well as for the calorie conscious. If you're worried about not getting enough protein, don't be; Soulara's high protein range offers veg-based meals with 25-plus grams of protein in each serve. To top it off, it's a pretty affordable option, with meals starting from $8.50 and, right now, you can also nab $60 off your first order, too — just sign up here. GO CRUELTY-FREE WITH YOUR BEAUTY REGIME Breaking into labs and freeing rabbits isn't something Hollywood made up. Yep, the world of beauty has an ugly side. So, if you want to go cruelty-free with your daily beauty regime, it's important to know what brands to opt for. One thing to remember is that vegan and cruelty-free products are not one and the same. Vegan means no animal products or animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, are used in the product, whereas cruelty-free means no animal testing was carried out in the making of your face mask, perfume, moisturiser or body scrub. If you're a hardcore animal fan, you want to be buying beauty brands that do both. The good news is more and more companies are shifting to creating more ethical products. Natural skincare brand Sukin is a great go-to as it's good for your skin, animals, the environment and, for the most part, your wallet. Otherwise, Aussie beauty retail giant Mecca stocks a bunch of vegan and/or cruelty-free products, from brands such as Frank Body, Josie Maran, Korres, Stila and its own Mecca Max — just be sure to check the label. Animal welfare organisation PETA Australia has a handy guide, too, which you can check out here. ADOPT OR FOSTER AN ADORABLE ANIMAL While more of us are working from home — or, at least, spending more time at home — it makes sense that we're increasingly wanting a furry, four-legged friend by our sides. So, if you've been thinking about adding a pet to your fam (and have considered it thoroughly), now might just be the time. Rescue organisations such as the RSPCA and Petbarn adoption centres work to find permanent and foster homes for pups, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs surrendered into their care. In 2019, the RSPCA found new homes for 2654 pets Australia-wide, and we can only assume this year the numbers will be even more impressive. If you can't commit to taking a pet in permanently (but still think you'd make a great fur parent), fostering is also a great way to help out animals in need. Rest assured that the usual procedures and standards still apply, so every furry and feathered friend ends up in a happy home — whether it's forever or just for a little while. GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY We're not suggesting you follow Fido into a mud puddle, but there are ways you can directly help out animals that aren't fostering or adopting. For one, you can get to work on your green thumb. If you haven't already heard, bees play a pretty big part in how the world goes round; however, due to things like land development and pesticides used in farming, the global bee population is in danger. Just by getting a little garden growing in your backyard, you can help bees to do their work transferring pollen, which aids the growth of certain fruits, plants and, in turn, provides sources of food for much wildlife. Or, you could skip the dirt and get yourself this nifty Bee Pollination Grow Kit. Another way you can help is through animal conservation work. After last summer's devastating fires, there are a lot of native critters that need your help, which can involve everything from volunteering in national parks and joining WIRES to simply putting water out for distressed animals. [caption id="attachment_779786" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] LEVEL UP YOUR WARDROBE WITH ETHICAL LABELS No one ever said fashion had to be all fur, leather and feathers, but according to PETA, more than one billion animals are killed each year for their fur and leather alone. It's 2020 and we're a far cry from medieval times. On top of that, now it's easier than ever to pick up ethical threads — so why wouldn't you? While ethical is a broad-stroke term, when talking about animal-friendly fashion specifically, you don't have to look too far. Global retailers such as Zara, Uniqlo, Dr Martens and Topshop sell a bunch of 'vegan' leather goods, as well as alternative animal-free materials. You'll find some Aussie labels doing that, too, including Nico, Kowtow and Tasi Travels. For a one-stop ethical clothing shop, head to Well Made Clothes, which has a wide range of vegan clothing and accessories. And leading the charge of animal welfare in the high-end industry is Stella McCartney, which uses alternatives for everything from leather to fur, silk, feathers and wool. One of the biggest ways you can care for animals is to switch to a plant-based diet. To help make that part easy and fuss-free, Soulara delivers nutrition-packed meals straight to your door. And, if you need to, you can also pause or skip a week of your subscription at no extra cost. Better yet, Soulara is currently offering $60 off your first four deliveries — just sign up here.
Street art already has a magical quality about it. It pops up in laneways, on buildings, and on forgotten street corners every night; in a single sleep your city can be transformed. But now, one artist has taken things a step further. Spanish photographer and motion designer A.L. Crego enriches these creations with even more intrigue — he brings them to life. Utilising the almighty power of the GIF, Crego expertly animates the street art he finds on his daily travels. In an attempt to boost the meaning of each work, he spends between a couple of hours and two days creating each animation. "Some of them are easier than others because the painting was made with a few elements, but other ones were made with a lot of techniques and elements," he told Pixable. Though GIFs are usually there to be laughed at or shared in addictive listicles, over the past few years they've really taken off as a legitimate art form. There are a number of artists using the medium in incredible and unexpected ways. Far from their most common use as vehicles for Lena Dunham quotes, GIFs (or cinemagraphs, if we're being fancy) can actually be quite beautiful. Take a stroll through A.L. Crego's collection below. Your imagination will thank you for it. Via My Modern Met and Pixable.. All images: A.L. Crego.
Considering the whole "avocado on toast vs saving for a home" millennial conundrum we're currently living in, the thought of affording any property seems pretty far off for our generation at this point. But it doesn't hurt to dream, and if you're going to dream, you might as well go big. These three dream houses are up for sale in Sydney right now, and we have our imaginary sights firmly set on 'em. Think heritage buildings converted into award-winning designer homes with Tuscan marble finishes, Japanese-style gardens and endless bedrooms and balconies. Go on, put yourself in someone else's (extremely expensive) shoes for a minute. 177A ALBION STREET, SURRY HILLS This property is the equivalent of a modern-day castle, and it has somehow been wedged between the standard-sized terraces along Albion Street. Walk through the domed gated entrance and you'll be humbled by all that 1890s Victorian grandeur. Dubbed the 'Italianate House' by designers Renato D'Ettorre Architects, the residence is one of Surry Hills' oldest dwellings, with the land grant dating back to 1794. The design has, not surprisingly, won several awards, including the Sustainability Awards 2018. The restored home combines historic period detailing and natural materials with a contemporary interior. Three ensuite bedrooms feature fully Tuscan marble bathrooms (winner of the Architect Bathroom of the Year 2018), with the master also including a walk-in-robe, large balcony and access to a rooftop terrace with a wrap-around courtyard. Downstairs, there's an award-winning kitchen, multiple marble fireplaces, a mix of exposed brick and glass walls, vaulted ceilings and, last but not least, an salt water pool. If that's not enough, there's also a two-level converted guest house at the rear with a home office, bedroom and sun-filled conservatory to boot. Overall, you're looking at a 520-square metre, four bedroom, four bathroom, four carpark house. It'll cost just $13.5 million–$14.8 million and, if we could, we would. 44 GOODHOPE STREET, PADDINGTON Once owned by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, this extravagantly tranquil 528-square-metre home (10-metres wide and 55-metres deep) is kitted out with all the extras. The four-level terrace includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a two-car garage — and that's just the basics. Take a glance around and you'll find a built-in cinema room and wine cellar on the lower level. Another look reveals an outdoor, 25-metre lap pool that can be viewed from the indoor lounge room — yes, like a fish tank for humans. The entire terrace is set to focus on the expansive, two-storey Japanese gardens out back, which include a meditation pond, outdoor dining terrace with built in barbecue and several al fresco seating areas. The garden is woven into the house with a revolving glass door on the ground floor and massive bay windows in the bedrooms. All this gives an fluid indoor-outdoor feel that results in the ultimate inner-city oasis. And it'll only cost you $15 million. For a virtual tour, check out this video, close your eyes and dream on. 632-634 BOURKE STREET, SURRY HILLS These two-in-one restored heritage buildings have been the home and office of architect William Smart and his firm Smart Design Studio since the early 2000s. Smart bought the property for a mere $1.46 million in 2003, fully gutted and renovated the place into its multi-award-winning status, and is now selling for a cool $8 million. The rustic sandstone exterior at the base meets a modern metal scaffolding design at the upper levels. The main building contains a fully functioning, two-storey office that makes it ideal for another live-in architect or design firm — though it can easily be used by a developer for a mixed-use commercial and residential building, or by one really rich person who wants a seriously massive home. The penthouse above is an open plan, two-bedroom rooftop apartment with double-height ceilings, two bathrooms and a study. Bi-fold glass doors throughout fully retract onto sunlit balconies that overlook the leafy Bourke and Ridge Streets. Plus there's underfloor heating, an integrated Bose entertainment system, travertine floors and terracotta tiling in the bathrooms. A ground floor courtyard connects the main building to a two-level former stables — which has been renovated into a self-contained home with separate entrance, exposed sandstone walls, original ceilings, stone concrete tiling, more underfloor heating and an integrated stainless steel kitchen. All up, it's a three bedroom, four-bathroom masterpiece that spans 640-metres with a land size of 266-metres. If you want to take a glimpse inside, this property will go to auction on November 17 at noon.
Summer calls for margaritas, and this February, Patrón is hooking Sydney up. For the entire month, the premium handcrafted tequila brand will bring laidback Mexican luxury to Bondi's The Bucket List, featuring a specialty menu curated around top-shelf summer cocktails — and we're giving away VIP access to the opening night. The party will start on Thursday, February 1, with DJ sets by No Qualms and Andy Bird from 7pm. There'll be Tommy's Margaritas served from your own special Patrón bottle to order alongside some chipotle fish tacos. Next up, go for a grapefruit Paloma cocktail, and top off the evening with Patrón's Perfect Espresso Martini — their twist on the classic espresso martini using their Silver and XO Café tequilas. Along with serving Patrón's exclusive cocktails, The Bucket List's outdoor bar will be transformed into a Mexican oasis with whitewashed timber and woven seating, all embellished with blue agave plants and other Latin American native flora. Continue your journey into the luxe world of Patrón by way of a dedicated virtual reality experience that guides you through the Hacienda Patrón in Guadalajara, Mexico through the eyes of a voyeuristic bee. The event is open to all from 7pm, but if you want exclusive access to the launch, go in the running for one of our passes that'll get you and three friends a reserved booth and two free cocktails each. And because two parties are better than one, another lush Mexican-themed experience will also start at Mrs Sippy on February 1 and will run for the full month as well. If that still isn't enough tequila goodness for you, The Tilbury Hotel will host their own Patrón fiesta from February 8. Each venue will have its own exclusive food and drink pairings, but luckily you'll have the entire month to try them all. [competition]654850[/competition]
Everyone remembers studying ancient Egyptian history in school. Pyramids, pharaohs, boy kings, mummification: they aren't easily forgotten. Your next chance to explore this chapter of the past will get you walking through works from centuries ago, covering the time of Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Nefertari, Khufu and even Alexander the Great, all as part of an impressive exhibition at Melbourne's NGV International called Pharaoh. Meet the venue's midyear blockbuster for 2024, which will fall into Victoria's annual Melbourne Winter Masterpieces season. Following on from 2023's Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi, this middle-of-the-calendar spectacular will run from Friday, June 14–Sunday, October 6 and feature items from the British Museum. That loan is quite significant, too, with Pharaoh including the venue's biggest-ever borrowing of ancient Egyptian jewellery, as well as pieces that previously haven't been shown. [caption id="attachment_918948" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Statue of Ramses II as a high-priest, Abydos, Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Ramses II, about 1279-1213 BC, Limestone, H 171cm, W 71.5cm, D 98cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] In total, more than 500 works will be on display as the NGV peers back at Egypt from the 1st Dynasty to the Roman era — so, from around 3000 BCE to the 4th century CE. Expect to see plenty of gleaming artefacts given that focus on ancient Egyptian jewellery. The exhibition will also span coffins and other funerary items, as well as examples of architecture spanning tombs, temples, and also massive monuments and sculptures. "Pharaoh seeks to introduce a new generation of visitors to the perennially fascinating visual culture of ancient Egypt through an unprecedented exhibition of sculpture, architecture, jewellery and more from the British Museum in London," said NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM, announcing the exhibition. "The NGV's exhibition will place precedence on the exceptional craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians, highlighting their refined artistic sensibility and technical skill." [caption id="attachment_918946" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shabti of Pharaoh Sety I, Tomb of Sety I, Valley of the Kings, Thebes, Egypt, 19th Dynasty, reign of Sety I, about 1294-1279 BC, Blue faience, H 22.8 cm, W 9.6 cm, D 9.6 cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] Among the specific highlights, a hefty wall from a 2.5-metre-high, three-metre-wide limestone wall from a mastaba tomb dating back to the Old Kingdom is one of them — complete with hieroglyphic texts carved into the surface. Also going big: a huge fist made of stone from a statue of Ramses II that hails from Memphis, in the temple of Ptah, and weighs in at almost 1.5 tonnes. Still on that particular ruler, Pharaoh will feature an enormous limestone statue of Ramses II that shows him as a high priest. Visitors will also be able to see a seated statue of Sety II, Ramses II's grandson, which is also notable for being one of the most complete sculptures that still exist from the time. Or, check out Pharaoh's oldest item, a five-centimetre-wide ivory label that shows the 1st Dynasty's King Den. Jumping forward, a green siltstone head of the 18th Dynasty's Tuthmose III wearing the cobra headdress will also feature. [caption id="attachment_918943" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ivory label with King Den, Abydos, Egypt, 1st Dynasty, about 2985 BC, Ivory, H 4.5cm, W 5.3cm, D 0.3cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] Among the gold, silver and gemstone-studded jewellery, everything from rings and necklaces to collars and girdles will be on display — and as sourced from tombs, so will amulets that were placed to protect the deceased, to examine the role that adorning bodies played in ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife. Pharaoh won't just focus on jewels used after death, however, with pieces from places such as Akhenaten's royal city Amarna also part of the exhibition as it examines everyday life. Still on royals, the showcase will boast objects from Deir el-Medina, where the craftspeople who were responsible for carving and decking out the Valley of the Kings' royal tombs resided. Here, attendees will see letters, notes, sketches and poems carved on limestone fragments. "The British Museum's collection of ancient Egyptian objects — one of the most comprehensive outside of Egypt — tells the fascinating story of life and death in the ancient Nile Valley in unparalleled depth and breadth. We are thrilled to be able to share the collection with the Australian public and celebrate the extraordinary artistry of the ancient Egyptians with a new international audience," added Daniel Antoine, the British Museum's Keeper, Egypt and Sudan. While Pharaoh is exclusive to Melbourne, it's about to become a great time to step back to this chapter in the past Down Under, with Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs also on the way to the Australian Museum in Sydney to display more 181 rare artefacts and treasures. [caption id="attachment_918944" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ornament of a winged scarab holding a sun-disc, Provenance unknown, possibly Thebes, Egypt, 12th Dynasty, reign of Senusret II, about 880-1874 BC, Electrum, lapis lazuli, cornelian and feldspar, H 1.8cm, W 3.5cm, D 3cm , © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_918947" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Statue of a lion erected by Amenhotep III, reinscribed by Tutankhamun, Gebel Barkal, Sudan, 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III, about 1390-1352 BC, Red granite, H 117cm, W 216cm, D 93cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum. [/caption] [caption id="attachment_918942" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Head of colossal statue, probably of Amenemhat III Bubastis, Egypt 12th Dynasty, reign of Amenemhat III, about 1854-1808 BC Granodiorite H 83cm, W 85cm, D 71cm © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_918950" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ostracon showing Khnummose worshipping Meretseger, Deir el-Medina, Egypt, 19th–20th Dynasty, about 1295-1069 BC, Limestone, H 16.5 cm, W 20.2 cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.[/caption] Pharaoh will display at NGV International on St Kilda Road, Melbourne from Friday, June 14–Sunday, October 6, 2024 — head to the NGV website for further details and tickets. Top image: Plaque of Amenemhat IV, Probably Byblos, Lebanon, 12th Dynasty, reign of Amenemhat IV, about 1808- 1799 BC, Gold, H 2.9 cm, W 3.1 cm, D 0.1 cm, © The Trustees of the British Museum.
Fans of skyward beers, listen up — a Chippendale favourite has reopened its rooftop bar. As you might know, The Lansdowne and its sky-high outdoor area have a storied history. The rooftop spanned a few different iterations while the Mary's team was at the helm. Now, under the guidance of the crew behind the Oxford Art Factory, The Lansdowne has brought back sun-soaked sips two days a week. Head upstairs on a Friday or Saturday and you'll find a bright-blue oasis high above City Road that's perfect for a weekend catch-up with mates. The openair bar was given a quick-fire revamp during the summer and now boasts retro beach umbrellas to shade you from the sun's rays, as well as the full suite of food and drinks from the pub downstairs. Sweetening the deal is a brand-new deli menu that The Lansdowne has introduced in conjunction with its new Head Chef Eugene Novikov. The accomplished hospitality veteran takes the reins of the beloved pub's kitchen after previously working at three-hatted Queenstown restaurant Amisfield and Hamilton Island's Qualia. Sandwiches are the heroes of this new culinary offering, with options including a wagyu meatball sambo, a chicken schnitzel sanga, a classic reuben and a cajun-spiced prawn po boy. Accompanying the sandwich selection, you'll find a Chicago-style hot dog, beef and vegan burgers, chicken wings, wedges and waffle fries. [caption id="attachment_895476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] "The Lansdowne was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how food, music and culture can all come together as the city comes back to life with activity," says Novikov. Rounding out the fresh additions to the venue is the return of its weekly music series, Graveyard Shift. The late-night sessions run free gigs in the downstairs bar every Friday from 10.30pm, serving as the ultimate kick-on spot for Sydneysiders looking to start their weekend right. VB and Brookvale Union have come on board to support the series, slinging $7 VBs and $8 ginger beers each Friday. You can head to the Lansdowne website for any upcoming Graveyard Shift lineups, as well as the full suite of gigs happening at the venue. [caption id="attachment_895478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] The Lansdowne is located at 4pm–12am Wednesday–Thursday, 4pm–5am Friday–Saturday and 4pm–10pm Sunday. The Lansdowne rooftop bar is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Winstons — the posh bistro inside the Nag's Hotel in Glebe — is launching a brand new dinner series. Over six nights, owner and chef Nelly Robinson, who's also head honcho at NEL Restaurant, will team up with six different chefs to bring you an eight-course feast. The first to dip their toe into the water is Colin Fassnidge. You might know him from the Four in Hand, 4Fourteen or even My Kitchen Rules. The two will take turns presenting dishes. Though we can't spill all the details just yet, we do know that Robinson's caviar-topped prawn charcoal tartlet will be making an appearance — as will Fassnidge's pig ear schnitzel with green sauce. You'll catch Robinson and Fassnidge on Thursday, June 12. Others coming up on the program are Justin North on July 24, Julian Cincotta on August 28, Shaun Christie-David on September 11, Damian Brown and Manu Feildel (dates to be announced) .
Writing a prescient tale is the science-fiction holy grail, and a feat that Philip K Dick firmly achieved. Making a movie that becomes the prevailing vision of what the future might look like in the entire world's minds? That's a stunning filmmaking feat, and one that Ridley Scott notched up as well. The reason for both? On the page, 1968's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. In cinemas, 1982's Blade Runner. And if you need reminding of how stunning a story that the iconic sci-fi author penned, or how spectacular a film that the legendary director then turned it into, look no further than Blade Runner's return to the big screen — with a live score. When Dick pondered the difference between humans and artificial intelligence more than half a century back, he peered forward with revelatory foresight. When Scott followed fresh from Alien, he did the same. Now, in 2023, with the clash between the organic and the digital a daily part of our lives in this ChatGPT-heavy reality, of course it's time for Blade Runner to flicker again. Film lovers, get ready for another dream movie-and-music pairing. Get ready for synths, too. Vangelis' stunning score will echo as Scott's feature screens at Melbourne's Hamer Hall, in the only Australian stop announced so far for Blade Runner Live — an event that premiered in London in 2019, made its way around the UK, then hit Japan earlier in 2023. The Victorian capital will host two sessions, on Saturday, November 4–Sunday, November 5, and show the Final Cut version of the movie. Wondering how it differs from the OG release, and also the House of Gucci, The Last Duel and Napoleon filmmaker's Director's Cut? First unveiled in 2007 for the feature's 25th anniversary, it's the only version that Scott truly had full artistic control over. Blade Runner's narrative, if you're new to the franchise — which also includes exceptional 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049 and recent animated series Blade Runner: Black Lotus, with a new Blade Runner TV series also on the way — focuses on the one and only Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny) as cop Rick Deckard. His task: finding replicants, aka androids, which turns into quite the existential journey. It's almost impossible to name a movie or TV series in sci-fi that's popped up over the four decades since Blade Runner first arrived that hasn't owed Scott's film a massive debt — and any synthesiser-fuelled score that hasn't done the same with Vangelis. And yes, add Blade Runner to the list of favourites getting another silver-screen run that celebrates their tunes heartily, alongside everything from Star Wars: Into the Spider-Verse to The Lion King to Star Wars and Harry Potter, plus The Princess Bride, Home Alone and Toy Story. Check out the trailer for Blade Runner below: Blade Runner Live will play Melbourne's Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, on Saturday, November 4–Sunday, November 5. Head to the event website for further details, and tickets from 10am AEST on Friday, August 11.
Twenty minutes from the heart of Sydney's CBD is a lovely Mosman village with boutique stores, harbour views, busy restaurants and cosy bars — and of course, the family favourite Taronga Zoo. Mosman is known for its always-busy Military Road, relaxed cafe culture and popular nearby bathing spots like Balmoral Beach and the clothing-optional Cobblers Beach. While you should never bypass a visit to see the elephants and giraffes, Mosman is a great place to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon browsing its independent shops and businesses. To get you started, we've teamed up with American Express to bring you a round-up of local businesses where you can shop small with your Amex Card.
When Hans Zimmer composes a film score, audiences remember it. His list of credits is as massive as his love of music, spanning everything from Dune, Top Gun: Maverick and No Time to Die through to Prehistoric Planet, Wonder Woman 1984 and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run in just the past three years alone. Also on the German composer's resume: helping put the bounce in The Lion King's score — both versions — and the droning in Inception's memorable tunes, plus Thelma & Louise, Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, Blade Runner 2049 and more. We could keen naming titles — flicks like Hidden Figures, The Boss Baby, Dunkirk, Widows, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, 12 Years a Slave, Sherlock Holmes, Mission Impossible II and Pearl Harbour, for instance — but all movie lovers know that the best way to appreciate the the Oscar-, Golden Globe-, Grammy- and Tony-winning talent is to listen. And, that's exactly what the Sydney Symphony Orchestra wants you to do on three big winter nights, thanks to its upcoming The Music of Hans Zimmer performances at the Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall. [caption id="attachment_724809" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hans Zimmer[/caption] Sadly, especially if you caught his 2019 Australian tour, Zimmer himself won't be there. But Australian conductor and composer Nicholas Buc will lead the charge as the SSO plays through a selection of Zimmer's work, focusing on The Dark Knight, Gladiator, Inception, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lion King. Buc is no stranger to Zimmer's tunes, after conducting the world-premiere live concert for The Lion King. And, he's no stranger to this kind of event in general, with doing the same for Beauty and the Beast, and just leading live film concerts around the country and the world, also on his resume. Taking place on Thursday, June 22–Saturday, June 24, The Music of Hans Zimmer will also feature The Art of the Score podcast hosts Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding talking audiences through the music with Buc. [caption id="attachment_886230" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sydney Symphony Orchestra[/caption]
In 1840 the Duchess of Bedford grew tired of that hunger-inducing interval between lunch and dinner, and to the benefit of humankind she invented the elaborate ritual of afternoon tea. Who doesn't like to while away an afternoon sipping tea and sampling a dazzling array of bite-sized treats extravagantly served on those three-tiered stands? But despite its traditional roots, the face of high tea is changing. No longer restricted to the retired and the rich, some of Sydney's best cafes, restaurants and dessert bars are plating up creative (both traditional and not-so) afternoon teas for every tea-swilling sweet lover to enjoy. From the cake-laden to the New Orleans-inspired, here are the best high teas in town.
