Stay tuned. More info on its way. Image: Ian Tom Ferry.
Originally from Windsor in Melbourne, restaurant and cocktail bar Sash has embraced the concept of fusion cuisine. It marries Japanese flavours with familiar dishes from other countries. Think pizza, tacos and sliders dished up with a Japanese twist. And it has just arrived in Surry Hills. Sash's best-known, and most popular, dish is its pizza. With ingredients like tuna tataki, twice-cooked pork belly, strawberries and tonkatsu, the menu enters a territory that no other pizzeria has considered. As well as the unusual combination of flavours, texture is also an important part of the pizzas. "The experience starts with a slightly crunchy, thin base, balanced by textures of soft fish and wasabi mayo. There's also a contrast in temperature. The pizza has a hot base topped with cold fish," explains co-owner Kyle Stagoll. "Even though the combination of sashimi and fruit in poke bowls is now common in Sydney, the way we do our pizzas provides a much richer flavour and totally different experience." Other dishes on the menu, created by Executive Chef Peter Wu, include charcoal bao filled with crisp-fried prawns, sushi nachos and tacos topped with wagyu beef or miso eggplant. Some less left-of-centre items also feature, including kingfish sashimi and a lineup of hand-rolled sushi. If you'd like to stick to pizza, though, you can also have one for dessert — in the form of a apple crumble version with sweet miso and white chocolate and raspberry ice cream. Drinks are also a big part of this big (in personality and size) venue, which spreads itself across two neon-lit levels on Wentworth Street. Fifteen signature cocktails are available, designed by bartender Kyle Rose (Chin Chin), and feature almost as many Japanese flavours as the food. Think lots of yuzu and sake, as well as spritzes and shots (the latter for those wanting a larger-than-average night). If you are wanting to linger over drinks, it's suggested you settle yourself into a leather booth in the bar area, while those wanting to eat can perch themselves at wooden tables in the restaurant. Either way, you should be able to nab a spot — the venue has a 160-person capacity, and is open every night of the week. Sash is now open at 82 Wentworth Avenue, Surry Hills from 5.30pm till late Monday and Tuesday, and midday till late Wednesday through Sunday.
Based out of the architecturally textured Albury Library Museum, Write Around the Murray (WAM) is now celebrating a decade of reading, writing and storytelling. The five-day festival will return from September 13 through 17 and with it comes over 30 events featuring authors from around the country. This year's featured events include a Poetry Slam Bootcamp for a crash course in performance prose and Designing Stories For Games, a look at narrative for all you gamers out there. There will also be book sales and launches, round tables and even fabric painting classes for kids. The festivities aren't limited to reading and writing, either. Expect festival dinners and literary lunches to accompany poetry slams, workshops, author talks, performances, panel discussions and writing competitions.
Redfern's Cult Design has been Sydney's acclaimed home of designer furniture for over 20 years now. Here, you can nab expertly crafted pieces from both international and local brands, many of which you won't find anywhere else. Expect designs from the likes of Denmark's Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen & Søn and Louis Poulsen, as well as Italy's Poltrona Frau, Zanotta and Cappellini. On Aussie shores, Cult's own design brand, Nau, promotes Australia's leading designers. While Cult has showrooms across Australia, the Chippendale outpost is the main branch, so it has the best of the bunch. Can't make it into the shop? Check out the online store, which will ship heaps of designs to your doorstep.
The difference between a finely tailored suit and the off-the-rack variety is like chalk and cheese. Zink & Sons is for the discerning customer who knows their coattails from their cufflinks. The tailoring business, set in a gorgeous art deco building on Oxford Street, has operated for six generations — since 1895 in fact — and it has seen many changes in the area over the years. This longevity comes down to the quality of bespoke suits and shirts, made for both business and special occasions. A custom-fitted suit can make the wearer feel like a king and that's exactly how you'll be treated at this Darlinghurst institution from the moment you enter the store. Images: Cassandra Hannagan [caption id="attachment_779028" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption]
If you're vegan, or just generally into vegan-friendly things, then the Vegan Grocer Store is your one-stop shop for food, beauty, fashion and home goods. Starting off as an online-only business, this bricks-and-mortar store on Glebe Point Road has been serving animal-loving and sustainability-minded Sydneysiders since it opened back in 2012. In store, you'll find groceries, wine, instant meals and vegan recipe cards alongside fashion items, shoes and cosmetics — all, of course, cruelty free. Images: Trent van der Jagt
This winter, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is hosting a major exhibition by celebrated British artist and sculptor Cerith Wyn Evans, his first comprehensive showing of work in the Asia-Pacific. Titled Cerith Wyn Evans .... in light of the visible, the exhibition transforms the MCA's galleries into a shifting, radiant landscape of light, sound and space that evolves with the natural light of Circular Quay. [caption id="attachment_1008799" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Cerith Wyn Evans, Sydney Drift, 2025, installation view, Cerith Wyn Evans …. in light of the visible, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2025, image courtesy and © Cerith Wyn Evans, photograph: Hamish McIntosh[/caption] Visitors will be able to walk through and experience the towering neon wall of F=O=U=N=T=A=I=N (2020), the suspended lights of Sydney Drift (2025), sonic installation Composition for 37 Flutes (2018), and site-specific works that react in real-time to the light and sound of Warrane (Sydney Harbour). It's a full sensory experience that invites you to wander around and find something unexpected around every corner. There's also a stack of related events happening over the next few months, including improvised dance and music performances, walking tours through the city, exhibition tours, plus an early morning meditation and Tai Chi experience. The Museum is also open late until 9pm on Saturday June 14. [caption id="attachment_1008798" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Installation view, Cerith Wyn Evans …. in light of the visible, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2025, image courtesy and © Cerith Wyn Evans, photograph: Hamish McIntosh[/caption] 'Cerith Wyn Evans …. in light of the visible' is showing at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia until Sunday, October 19. Find out more and book tickets at the MCA Australia website. By Jacque Kennedy Header image: Installation view, 'Cerith Wyn Evans …. in light of the visible', Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2025, image courtesy and © Cerith Wyn Evans, photograph: Hamish McIntosh
If you've been to A Tavola in either Darlinghurst or Bondi or Besser in Surry Hills, you'll know what to expect at Flour Eggs Water. As the name suggests, the main focus of the Tramsheds hang-out is quality handmade pasta made from the namesake ingredients. With an epic pasta-making setup on display, guests can sit down for a bowl of the good stuff and watch their pasta made right in front of their eyes, or take it away to cook at home. Renowned chef-owner Eugenio Maiale deliberately deviated from the traditional restaurant formula to create something special. "A Tavola is more of a restaurant, while Flour Eggs Water is more of a pasta bar," says Maiale. "It's a place to come for fresh, handcrafted, hand-filled and extruded pastas using the best possible ingredients." A pasta bar sounds like something from our dreams, as do most of the dishes on Maiale's morish menu. The crowd-pleasing pappardelle with beef, tomato, red wine and parmesan ($33) is full of warmth and flavour while the cauliflower and mint orecchiette ($29) is deceptively simple and extremely delicious. With the basics covered — perfectly cooked al dente pasta — there's room to focus on the bucketloads of fresh seasonal produce. The venue boasts a comprehensive, cleverly curated wine list which showcases a throng of family-run wine producers that are dedicated to crafting the very best natural wines. It also has plonk from small Italian and local wineries on tap — yep, just when we thought we couldn't love this place anymore.
New bars and restaurants are always finding their way onto the ever-changing streets of Surry Hills. From Korean delicatessens, to Melbourne pizza empires, the suburb is always offering up fresh spots to duck in for a meal or martini. The latest venue to pop up in the bustling streets of the inner city suburb is Bar Suze, the brainchild of long-time hospitality mainstays and friends Gregory Bampton, Phil Stenvall and Brenton Hassan. Located on Foveaux Street just down from Excelsior Hotel, Bar Suze offers a cosy, candle-lit wine bar experience with food inspired by Stenvall's Swedish heritage and a wine list handpicked by Bampton. Together, the venue's central trio bring years of experience from Sydney favourites like Pinbone, ACME, Vini and Johnny Fishbone — and they've named the bar after fellow hospitality star and friend of the trio Sarah 'Suze' Simm. Bar Suze is designed to be friendly and welcoming, as inspired by late nights Bampton, Stenvall and Hassan have spent in local wine bars and restaurants across the world. "It's really important to us that Bar Suze feel like a place you can hang out for hours at a time," says Bampton. At the heart of Stenvall's menu is the combination of Australian seafood and Scandinavian flavours. Across the 'smorgasbord' menu you'll find smoked prawns accompanied by saffron aioli, smoked mussels paired with nduja and anchovy rye toast. "Australians are very proud of their prawns, but nobody smokes them," Stenvall says. "It's a very typical thing to do in Sweden, but when done with Aussie prawns it's a dish to get really excited about." Those looking for something more substantial can satisfy their hunger with honey bug and ricotta gnocchi, or wood-smoked eggplant with brown butter, sour currants and sheep's cheese. A small but decedent dessert menu includes bombe alaska, cloudberry sorbet, and a cheese selection. Bampton's wine list showcases a reserved selection of Australian, Italian and French wines, and is accompanied by sour beers, farmhouse ales and organic spirits. Bampton will also be serving his own house-made apple wine. Open until midnight Tuesday–Saturday, the bar promises after-work and late-night snacks and drinks five days a week. And, by late, it means late. Bampton promises "we're not going to be one of those places that says we're open late and then close the kitchen at 9pm. If you walk in at 11.30 at night, we're still serving the whole menu". Find Bar Suze at Shop 1, 54 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills — open 5pm–12am Tuesday–Saturday. Images: Nikki To.
While gifts are a splendid way to spoil mum this Mother's Day, the most meaningful gesture is clearing your calendar and spending quality time together. Throw in a share-worthy feast and a glass (or bottle) of bubbles, and you have yourself a memorable Mother's Day. Whether you're celebrating your mum, you're a new mum yourself, or you're looking for a way to treat the incredible women in your life this May, we've teamed up with G.H. Mumm, Perrier-Jouët, and Mumm Terroirs to round up eight of the best champagne-fuelled specials in Sydney. Cabana Bar There's few better ways to celebrate Mother's Day together than with a crisp champagne before a long lunch—and Cabana Bar in Sydney's CBD is an ideal place to raise a glass. For just $89 per person, you can kick things off with a glass of Mumm champagne before leaning into a specially-curated tropical-inspired Mother's Day menu teamed with two hours of bottomless margaritas and seasonal cocktails, on the city's largest outdoor terrace. Plus, there's a photobooth so you can take home an adorable keepsake you'll both cherish. Book your outdoor terrace table here. Cafe Sydney If your mum relishes the finer things in life, Cafe Sydney is offering up the ultimate indulgence every Sunday throughout autumn: champagne and caviar. For just $55, spoil your mum with unobstructed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a glass of 2016 Perrier-Jouët 'Belle Epoque' champagne paired with a divine tart of Black River Caviar - Tradition Oscietra, served simply with créme fraiche. Secure your table here. China Doll Found on Woolloomooloo's Finger Wharf, China Doll is one of Sydney's most distinctive fine dining spots. This Mother's Day, for one day only, treat your mum to a glass of Mumm Grand Cordon Rose for $30 before tucking into an award-winning modern Asian a la carte menu featuring its signature bold dishes like pork belly with chilli caramel and Nam Pla Phrik, and tea-smoked duck with tamarind and plum. Secure your table here. Darling Pavilion If you're looking for a vibrant, central lunch location with a backdrop of Tumbalong Park and sparkly Darling Harbour views, Sydney's Darling Pavilion in the heart of Darling Quarter is where you'll find it. Here, you can pamper your mum with a delicious day out in Sydney starting with Darling Pavilion's special Mediterranean Mother's Day set menu, which includes a free glass of Mumm for all mothers, all for just $55 per person. Secure a booking here. Four Hundred If your mum is a little on the mischievous side and loves to let her hair down, then Four Hundred in North Sydney is the perfect spot to kick back and spend some quality time together over a few bevvies. For one day only this Mother's Day, and for just $89 per person, you can treat mum to a glass of Mumm champagne on arrival before channelling that energy and diving into a Mexican-inspired feast, featuring two hours of bottomless margaritas and tequila spritzes. Secure a booking here. Henry G's Wine Parlour Step away from your standard lunch this Mother's Day and surprise your mum with an intimate wine tasting experience at Manly's boutique bar, Henry G's Wine Parlour. Savour a glass of Mumm champagne on arrival before soaking in a 90-minute sommelier-guided tasting featuring four expressions of Mumm champagne: Cordon Rouge, Central Otago, Tasmania and Marlborough—all for just $50 per person. There are two ticketed sessions, running at 2pm and 5pm, but last year's event sold out fast, so you'd better book asap. Secure a booking here. Nola For a taste of opulence this Mother's Day weekend, treat your mum to some champagne teamed with some of Sydney's freshest oysters at New Orleans-inspired smokehouse Nola, in Barangaroo. With a Barangaroo backdrop, you can devour $2 oysters (max six per person) for every glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne sold — or enjoy a complimentary dozen oysters for every bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne sold. There's also a special extended cocktail menu featuring a special French 75 Perrier-Jouët champagne, plus you can score a complimentary glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne when you order the Big Easy set menu. Secure a booking here. Robin Hood Eastside this Mother's Day? Lorraine's Bistro, located on level one of The Robin Hood in Waverley, is an ambient French-inspired restaurant that's perfect for a laidback family affair on the coastal side of town. Grab a booth or table in the sun-drenched bistro and enjoy a free glass of Mumm champagne when you order the set Mother's Day menu, available on the big day only. Secure a booking here. Mother's Day is just around the corner. Be sure to indulge your mum this May by treating her to a glass of G.H. Mumm, Perrier-Jouët, and Mumm Terroirs at any of these Sydney restaurants and bars. By Elise Cullen.
Since opening on New Year's Eve 2020/21, Cafe Freda's has become the bustling restaurant, neighbourhood bar and creative space Sydneysiders hoped it would be following the closure of its beloved predecessor. Five days a week, the Taylor's Square venue serves up selections from its ever-changing menu and hosts local musicians, artists and DJs. However, this Sunday, June 20, something special is going down with the next iteration of Cafe Freda's Sunday chef pop-ups — and it's all for a good cause. This installment of the series is a collaboration with Sydney-based Syrian food caterer Racha's Syrian Kitchen and Welcome Merchant, an organisation that works with refugee and asylum seeker entrepreneurs to support their businesses in Australia. The pop-up will help support Racha's Syrian Kitchen and raise money for Welcome Merchant, so you can order a range of a la carte goodies or splurge on the set menu ($65) guilt-free. Those that elect for the set menu will start with kishqeh, fatoush salad and kebet selek made with finely ground potato, sauteed swiss chard, onion, garlic, pomegranate and walnuts. The two choices when it comes to the main meal are a chicken shwarma plate and fattet magdous, an eggplant and fried pita bread dish, which will be followed sha'ebeyat made with handmade filo pastry filled with thick fresh cream or walnut. Above Cafe Freda's at the Abstract Thoughts gallery, Welcome Merchant will also be presenting a group exhibition titled Finding Self from 2pm–6pm. Four artists, Emmanuel Asante, Nadia Obeid, Najla Sbei and Raneen Shamon, will present works exploring the construction and deconstruction of cultural identity. Dylan Berg will be on hand for the exhibition, playing tunes from African and Middle Eastern regions. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
After hosting a sellout weekender in 2024 to celebrate its 15th birthday, Strawberry Fields is turning sweet 16 in 2025 with another three-day festival filled with impressive acts hitting the decks and the stage, all on the banks of the Murray River. When you're not catching Detroit Love featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann, Gilles Peterson, Chaos in the CBD and Interplanetary Criminal at Tocumwal in regional New South Wales this November, you'll be seeing Tommy Holohan, Malugi, Lady Shaka and ISAbella. They're a mere few of the 80-plus DJs and live acts on the lineup. Other names on the bill across Friday, November 21–Sunday, November 23 include KOKOROKO, WITCH, and Circle of Live featuring Albrecht La'Brooy, Move D and Sebastian Mullaert — plus Dita, Wax'o Paradiso and Horse Meat Disco. Or, for more than three hours, Mama Snake, DJ Scorpion and Andy Garvey will play B3B. Aurora Halal, DJ Sweet6teen, Fafi Abdel Nour, DJ PGZ B2B Yikes and Karen Nyame KG are on the roster, too. Strawberry Fields is among the Australian music festivals that aren't just about who's providing the soundtrack, even though it clearly doesn't skimp on talent. This fest boasts a setup and setting worth spending a weekend enjoying no matter which acts are on the bill, with its location is a hefty drawcard all by itself. Having multiple stages pumping out tunes in leafy surroundings, and also a bush spa for a soak between sets, will do that. Folks lucky enough to nab a ticket can look forward to epsom salt baths, plunge pool sessions and sauna trips, then, plus hanging out in the festival's Mirage Motel space again, and hitting up an expanded range of workshops and talks — alongside onsite glamping and camping. Strawberry Fields 2025 Lineup DJ Afrodisiac Anu Aurora Halal Ayebatonye Baby J Bella Claxton Chaos In The Cbd Dameeeela Detroit Love (featuring Carl Craig and Moodymann) Dita DJ Friday B2B Sweetie Zamora DJ Pgz B2B Yikes DJ Sure DJ Sweet6teen Fafi Abdel Nour Gene On Earth Gilles Peterson Horse Meat Disco Interplanetary Criminal ISAbella Jenny Cara Josh Caffé Karen Nyame Kg Kirollus Kuzco B2B Quicksticks Kyle Hall Lady Shaka Malugi Mama Snake B3B DJ Scorpion B3B Andy Garvey Mazzacles Messie Mismeg Move D Myles Mac B2B DJ Possum Naycab Neptunes Trident Poli Pearl Regularfantasy Roka Sampology B2B Frank Booker Slothboogie Super Flu THC Tommy Holohan Toni Yotzi Vanna Wax'o Paradiso Wolters B2B Ned Bennett Zalina Live Asanti Beats Becca Hatch Bumpy Circle of Live (featuring Albrecht La Brooy, Move D, Sebastian Mullaert) Close Counters Corto.Alto D.D. Mirage Devaura Drifting Clouds Drmngnow / Bricky B Ella Haber Ella Thompson Empress Ferrari Party Flewnt Inkabee Jerome Thomas Juman Kokoroko Mathew Jonson Minyerra Moontide No News Rodriguez Jr. Serebii The Pro-Teens (MF Doom Tribute) Waari Wilson Tanner Witch Wrong Way Up Xpress Point Images: Duncographic / Will Hamilton-Coates / Max Roux.
Chat Thai has been one of Sydney's best Thai eateries for more than two decades, and now you can enjoy their beloved street food at the Gateway dining precinct in Circular Quay. Rejoice, Chat Thai fans. Joining the likes of Gelato Messina, Neil Perry's Burger Project, Four Frogs Creperie and The Gozleme Co. in the new eating destination, it's their biggest place yet — with a noodle bar, two kitchens and 145 seats to prove it, as well as more than 100 meals on the menu (including some brand new additions) and a hefty booze list. The Gateway Sydney restaurant joins Chat Thai's other spots in Haymarket, Centre Point, The Galeries, Manly and Randwick, meaning that you're never too far from your favourite food fix.
Few suburbs have undergone as much of transformation in the past decade as Chippendale. With neighbouring Darlington and Eveleigh, the area has been restyled as one of Sydney's most creative districts. After a place to splash out on a fancy meal? Or, perhaps just a cheap and cheerful feast? What about seeing mind-blowing works by emerging artists or catching a gig? Chippendale has all this to offer and more. To help you explore the area and uncover some of its hidden gems, we teamed up with City of Sydney to ask Concrete Playground readers what businesses they love to support in Chippendale, Darlington and Eveleigh. Here are some of your top picks. Read on to discover some of the most popular picks to visit during the day. Then, flick the switch above and we'll dim the lights to show your favourite things to do once the sun goes down.
The oldest floral festival in Australia, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival focuses on the hundreds of lilac-blossomed trees that line the town's streets. First held in 1935, the festival brings together art exhibitions, live music, markets and parades for a week-long celebration from October 27 through November 4. While the jacaranda blooms are of course the main attraction, it's by no means the only event you'll have to look forward to during the festival — think a dragon boat race and a riverside circus and carnival, along with buskers, fireworks and stallholders aplenty. Grafton takes their tree heritage seriously and currently holds the title for biggest jacaranda on the National Tree Register of Big Trees (yes, it is a real registry). While in town, visit 'The Gorge', a tree which measures at a massive 30 metres high with a six-metre circumference. It deserves a nice big hug, we reckon.
The floristry team at Avalon Floral Art are local favourites, having been providing artistic arrangements for 20 years. It's worth giving the store's Instagram a follow for up-to-the-minute inspiration to help you decide what bunch you'll be after when you arrive. On offer are fresh posies, roses and native blooms from the Sydney Flower Markets and other local suppliers. You can also pick up a lovely new house plant like a peace lily or bromeliad — NASA has proven these help air quality, so it's not only good for your home but also your health. The store's Floral Art Club is free to join, and gives you discounts, floral advice and (very helpful) reminders, so you will never miss a birthday or anniversary again.
Paddington Markets is a Sydney institution. Rain or shine, it operated every Saturday since 1973 until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Now, after a coronavirus-enforced break, it's making a comeback — so prepare to start your weekend with a spot of shopping. In the past, the event has drawn the best of Sydney's emerging designers and has been the launching pad for designers including Lisa Ho, Bracewell and Dinosaur Designs. Focusing on the new and the exciting has always been part of its aim — so you'll browse less vintage fare here than you will at other markets around Sydney. And, along with fashion and jewellery, you'll find plenty of art, flowers, plants, homewares, candles and other craft on the market menu. When it returns from 10am–4pm on Saturday, September 26, a new growers market will also be part of the weekly event — so you can nab some seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as artisanal bread and cheese, sustainably sourced meats and seafood. If all that food makes you hungry, there's also an international food court offering a vast array of eats — from crepes and brekkie rolls to bowls of curry noodles and laksa to the classic sausage sanga and some fish and chips. And, for some eye candy, a new mural by artist Stephen Ormandy will brighten up the place. Paddington Markets returns from 10am–4pm on Saturday, September 26, and will then run weekly at the same time.
North Shore lovers of organic coffee, kale, and other stuff that generally helps to stop you getting sick, you've cause to cheers over another wheatgrass shot. About Life, one of Sydney's healthiest institutions, has come your way. Self-described as a "holistic lifestyle hub", About Life was already taking care of trying-to-prevent-your-early-death in five locations: Bondi Junction, Double Bay, Surry Hills, Rozelle and Cammeray. But why stop there, when millions of city dwellers are in need of shinier skin, brighter eyes and internal makeovers? Opened on March 31, the Lane Cove branch is doing just as its predecessors have done: bringing you not only a grocery store specialising in all things whole, local, fresh and organic, but also a cafe, a self-serve food bar and, in case you're planning a not-very-naughty party, catering service. The coffee is just as you'd expect it: 100 percent organic, from the beans to the milk, and, if you're considering improving your caffeine hit, you're invited to try a ginger turmeric latte. In the food bar, dubbed 'Nature's Servery', you'll find About Life's signature creations, from cacao rich bircher to coconut cinnamon rice pudding to raw zucchini noodles with kale pesto and cauliflower tabouleh. A hectic special events calendar is in the works, too. Keep an eye out for cooking demos, book launches, product launches and Q&A sessions led by experts. Find About Life at 62 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove. Open 7am-8pm daily and 8am-5pm on public holidays.
Three years in the making, SPON is a new kind of bottle shop for NSW. For several years, the Odd Culture Group has been pushing to open a venue where you could sample the wines before buying after seeing the success of similar venues in Melbourne and overseas — but Liquor and Gambling NSW is a tough negotiator. "Being able to finally open the doors to SPON is due to the landmark decision to allow these cohabitating licenses and a sign that the regulatory environment is shifting and red tape is finally starting to be lifted," says Odd Culture Group CEO James Thorpe. "The two-license model is convoluted and contrived — so, very NSW — but it works, and we're excited to finally get a cab off the rank, and be able to operate a business of this type in Sydney." The decision has seen a couple of these exciting new hybrid venues pop up in recent weeks — namely Famelia down Enmore Road and Frankie & Mo's in the Blue Mountains. And, it's allowed Odd Culture to finally transform its King Street bottle shop into the venue the team always imagined in the space. The result is SPON, a small 20-seat bar and bottle shop named after the process of spontaneous fermentation. As with the previous Odd Culture bottle shop, SPON is all about the weird and the funky in the drinks world. Rare wines and eccentric ales are available here, either for takeaway or to be drunk in the venue with the addition of a touch of corkage. If you love to bring a natural wine over when you're catching up with friends but your mind goes blank when presented with a wall of exotic pét-nats and skin contacts, this is the spot for you. Each day, 12 wines and ales are added to the open-bottle list — two chosen by the house and ten by customers as they venture in and want a try of something. This means you can sample your way through a couple of different vinos before deciding what to purchase — and if you're in early, you can even add a bottle to the open list for you and any other visitors that day to taste. "The concept lends itself to being able to open some really cool, rare and exciting stuff that wouldn't normally make it on by-the-glass lists in your standard bars or restaurants," says Group Beverage Manager Jordan Blackman. For those who are dining in (or rather drinking in), there's an ever-changing and affordable by-the-glass list featuring a mix of wine varieties and price points. To celebrate the opening, SPON is even offering $6 glasses of pét-nat, orange and chilled red wines, alongside half-priced corkage, throughout the rest of August and September. "The spirit of SPON is to make the inaccessible or esoteric into the easily consumed and understood and increase the level of interaction and knowledge sharing with our guests which is our favourite part," says Thorpe. Snacks like yellowfin tuna, LP's charcuterie and Odd Culture's beer bread will also be brought down from the group's beloved King Street restaurant. Plus, the space will be used to host local and interstate winemakers so they can share their craft with Sydney's wine lovers. It really is your one-stop wine shop. SPON is now open at 256 King Street, Newtown. Both the bottle shop and bar are open 12pm–10pm Monday–Thursday, 12pm–12am Friday and 11am–12am Saturday.
What turns a house into a home? Opinions vary. It could be precious memories, it could be building it with your own hands, it could be a renovation, or it could simply be turning a room into a space that's shared with the people you love most — and doing so with your own special flair. For Sophie Biet, co-owner and designer at Marrickville furniture studio and showroom So Watt, it's the power to make a space your own through big and small means. Alongside her co-owner, director and husband Jonathan, she has created a bespoke studio that helps clients transform unassuming materials and spaces into something more than the sum of their parts: into a home, through and through. With the studio celebrating its 10th anniversary, we spoke to Sophie to learn about their journey, their shared love for sustainability, as well as what So Watt does differently, and the dos and don'ts of interior design. Turning Childhood Dreams Into Professional Degrees Childhood is spent with a certain spark in one's eye about how we could end up living our lives. Maybe you wanted to be a racecar driver, an astronaut or a famous singer. For many of us, it's a dream we never got to see through — but not for Sophie or her husband, who each turned childhood dreams of becoming inventors into professional careers in design and manufacturing. "I was convinced it was possible to build a two-storey cardboard cubby house to allow me to move into my own home at nine years old, while Jono took to the go-kart track competing against the other kids and tinkering away on his pee-wee motorbike in his spare time. This passion never went away, so eventually, we were both off to university to study Industrial Design, mine at RMIT and Jono at UNSW." Two dreams, manifesting differently over the years, aligned into one story when the two met on an exchange program in the prestigious Dutch engineering university, TU Delft. The North Star of Sustainability Sophie and Jonathan knew So Watt would need an edge to stand out in the furniture industry. Furniture and other manufacturing industries generate a large amount of waste, so for two recently graduated designers, a sustainably focused store was non-negotiable. While that may seem broad for a business approach, it's resulted in a store experience and catalogue unlike anything else in the area. "There was never an 'ah-ha' moment when it came to our sustainability focus, it was more something that grew from the early introduction to sustainable design at uni and the observance of the increased need for all of us to be making it a critical part of anything we do. When it came our time to launch our own company, it was more of an assumption that it would be focused on sustainable practices." "One of our most unique traits is that everything we do is manufactured in-house, at our workshop below our showroom. For a company of our size, that's pretty unusual, as the manufacturing is more commonly done in larger off-site locations or overseas. This means we truly are an Australian-made company, not just designed in Australia and made overseas." The Ups and Downs of Making Customers' Dreams Into Reality So Watt isn't a run-of-the-mill furniture chain showroom. While there are a variety of products on offer and an in-store experience to be had, the mission of So Watt is one of guidance. Instead of pushing goods to whoever wants them to meet a bottom line, the So Watt team takes clients through it all, from aesthetic tips to full-blown custom furniture builds. "No two days are ever the same! We have such big dreams for So Watt that there are always new product designs on the go, or new system designs to improve the experience for our clients and streamline the workflow for our team. Because we offer custom furniture and joinery, there are always interesting project briefs being sent our way." Is there a common mistake in briefs that makes you cringe? "White! We always have a small cringe response when clients want us to build something completely white and cover all the ply up as much as possible … Nothing beats a beautiful sheet of ply with all its timber grain swirls on show. You can't beat a natural material, but you can definitely make it pop with complementary colours or textures across the whole project." Turning Simple Spaces Into Something Special with IKEA Hacks When considering furniture, the most recognisable name in the game is IKEA. The So Watt team bounces off the Swedish brand's success and service in a surprising way: hacking (not literally) their custom kitchen service into something sustainable and, perhaps most importantly, affordable. It's simple enough: Measure out your kitchen (thoroughly), build out a placeholder project with the online IKEA Kitchen Planner, and then take your shopping list of parts to the So Watt catalogue. You can book a free discovery call to scope it out with the pros first, or even let a design team take care of the whole process on your behalf for a fee. "We started to have enquiries from clients for a more built-in concept or larger fit-out that continued the styling of our furniture, and this began our joinery service. Being built-in, we took control of all the site measures, design concepts and drawings as well as the install so it could only be offered to our Sydney metro-based clients. Adding the 'IKEA Hack' offering has allowed us to expand into joinery projects Australia-wide, allowing customers as far away as Perth to create bespoke-styled built-in joinery with the classic So Watt details and materials." Any final words of wisdom for aspiring customers out there? "Stay open-minded! It's great to have an idea of what you want, but it never helps the outcome if you try and force things to adhere to a preconceived idea. Also, the most helpful thing a client can bring to the table is some well-thought-through consideration as to how they will store their belongings. There's nothing worse than commissioning your dream bespoke home office only to forget about a spot for that laminator you use daily." "After ten years, we feel like this is still only the beginning … We've been learning and watching, and are excited to be working on some pretty big concepts to crack the industry open and allow homeowners a more accessible option for custom furniture and joinery that isn't complicated and won't break the bank." If you're interested in browsing the So Watt collection before you head in store, the team have curated their favourite designs into a ready-to-order catalogue, starring favourites like Speckle Billi Stool and Hardwood Peg Collection. Browse the options, pick a colour option and the team will begin on your piece in the workshop. For more information on So Watt, to shop their collection or to book a consultation, visit the website.
Travelling sure has its perks — sightseeing, cultural experiences and new landscapes among them — but we'd argue that the best part is sampling all the local food. And while we'd all like to get on a plane every time we started craving some specific food, that's not very affordable or at all convenient. To combat that, we have food precincts — so you can eat your way around the world without walking more than a few footsteps. Sydney's newest is Eat Street at Western Sydney's West HQ. On top of a new gym, pool, hotel and bowling alley, this dining spot has pulled some top chefs so you can hop across the pond to New Zealand with a Kiwi-inspired burger or go further afield to Naples with a slice of pizza without leaving — or going further than — Sydney's west. Keep this on-hand for the next time you're craving French pastries or a hot Thai curry. USA: STEAK & CO If you're a meat lover, Steak & Co is the spot for you. Under the reign of renowned English Australian chef Sean Connelly (The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room), the restaurant is one of the sleeker options in the dining precinct. So, it's perfect for anything — from a first date, casual catch-ups and dinner with the in-laws. The steakhouse boasts six different steaks, so you can have your cut of beef exactly to your liking. There are also lamb, pork chops and a selection of seafood, including everyone's favourite: the prawn cocktail. ITALY: PIZZAPERTA MANFREDI Those that were fans of Stefano Manfredi's PizzAperta Manfredi in Pyrmont will be happy to know that the restaurant has been resurrected at West HQ. Think traditional Napoli-style woodfired pizza — and plenty of it. These aren't just any slices of pie, either. Here, the dough is leavened for a minimum 24 hours for a slow fermentation process, then topped with simple, fresh ingredients. While the menu changes seasonally, you can expect fresh options like prosciutto with buffalo mozzarella, and prawn with zucchini and mint, or richer slices topped with fennel sausage and lamb belly. Plus, salads, salumi and classic Italian desserts. THAILAND: NEW TOWN THAI STREET FOOD Sure, Thailand has stunning islands, misty mountains and bustling city streets. But most people will agree when we say it's the street food that makes Aussies flock there. If you're craving authentic East Asian eats, then head to New Town Thai Street Food. The food is designed to be shared, so you can order a plethora of dishes and taste a bit of everything. Think rich flavours, aromatic scents and plenty of zest and freshness in dishes like satay chicken, noodles and duck salad. Your gluten-free and vego mates will be taken care of, too. And, just like the streets of Bangkok, this spot is vibrant, loud and fun. NEW ZEALAND: CHUR BURGER Chur Burger took Surry Hills by storm years ago. Then it opened more stores in Sydney and Melbourne — and now Rooty Hill. So it's safe to say these burgers are good. Chur combines the softest buns, the juiciest meats, relishes and pickles to create some downright tasty burgers. The grilled beef and cheese is at the top of the menu for a reason. But the signature lamb burger is worth a look-in, too. If you're vegetarian, grab the meat-free option with a spiced chickpea fritter, grated beetroot and honey labne. Then, add a side of chips and an alcoholic milkshake. CHINA: CHU RESTAURANT Woolloomooloo's award-winning China Doll has been serving Sydneysiders fine Chinese fare for a while now. And, after opening China Lane in the CBD, the team will soon be bringing delectable dumplings to a 200-seat 1940s Shanghai-inspired restaurant in late-2019. Although heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine, Chu Restaurant is a modern take on traditional dishes from China, Hong Kong, Japan and, more widely, Southeast Asia. The menu features dishes from our pan-Asian neighbours that are jam-packed with flavour, including dumplings, locally sourced seafood and roast Chinese meats. The wine list is pretty impressive, too. West HQ's new dining precinct, Eat Street, is located in Western Sydney. To celebrate the launch, West HQ is giving you the chance to win one of five holidays worth $15,000 to a destination inspired by West HQ cuisine — Thailand, Italy, New Zealand, China or New York. For more information and to enter, visit the West HQ website. Image: New Town Thai Street Food.
When we asked Concrete Playground readers to tell us their favourite spots in and around Alexandria, no shop, restaurant or bar received as many shout-outs as Social Society. The cafe is only relatively new on the scene — it opened in December 2019 as a tenant of Green Square's new food precinct — but it's quickly gained a loyal fanbase for its Pinterest-worthy fit-out and next-level dishes. Let's start with the space, which was produced in collaboration with interior designer Blank Creatives. It's a millennial dream with pink leather booths and curtains, neon signs and terrazzo tables. The menu is designed around dishes that are as photogenic as they are tasty, so expect the likes of pink pasta, with prawns, pickled beetroot and pink caviar cream, and eggs benedict served in a flaky croissant. But that's just the start of the OTT options. You can also indulge in fried chicken and waffles with maple-infused gravy, ricotta pancakes topped with popping candy, and bone marrow served with charcoal garlic toast. And coffee is by Sydney-based roastery Gabriel Coffee. Images: @elleshungry, courtesy of Media in Action
High Street Music has been in business for a decade. Not only does the store stock some impressive musical gear, including Gibson Guitars, but the shop also hosts music lessons to help you express your inner rockstar. Looking for a unique gift? How about one of its colourful and compact ukuleles — perfect for that mate who seems to have everything, even if it ends up being largely decorative. Drop in and see the ultra friendly team, as the service is some of the best we have ever received. It's a mainstay local business that we hope sticks around for many more years to come. Image: Katrina James.
While seltzers are all the rage right now, there's a new boozy beverage coming for the crown of hottest drink on the market: alcoholic kombucha. One local brand crafting the fermented favourite has welcomed the warmer weather by opening a hard kombucha tasting room — Sydney's first. Local Manly brand Bower is giving you the chance to sample its summer-ready bevs at its limited-time tasting room pop-up, open six days a week at 5 Marine Parade. You have until Sunday, December 10 to head in to chat with the Bower crew about the drinks and taste-test the range. The hard kombucha is double fermented, organic, gluten-free and comes in two flavours: Summer Fling (watermelon and mint) or Sunset Passion (passionfruit and raspberry). If you're already sold, you can purchase them from the Bower website — but if you want a tester first, head to the Northern Beaches while the tasting room is open.
Prove your adventure credentials on the first date by booking a picnic hanging from a cliff. We're not suggesting an awkward meal perched on a rocky ledge, but rather one of the fancy cliffnics organised by Shoalhaven-based business Outdoor Raw. You and your date will be suspended on a bench hanging off the side of a cliff, legs dangling, while baskets of locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, bread, preserves, wine and beer are lowered to you for feasting. This dramatic cliffside affair pops up at numerous locations with spectacular beach and mountain views and requires little physical exertion to walk to the sites and clamber onto the platform — just a whole lot of gusto to actually relax while suspended high above ground level.
The Source Bulk Foods is a busy little slice of Glebe's best shopping strip. The corner store offers a healthy, organic and waste free approach to stocking your home full of ingredients for delicious snacks and fragrant meals. Since 2012, the family owned business has sprung up multiple successful stores from its home in Byron Bay all the way to Glebe Point Road. The focus is simple: healthy, organic food free from plastic packaging. Take a few jars down and fill up on what you need, minimising waste and embracing a healthier lifestyle.
As Mother's Day fast approaches, finding the perfect way to honour the incredible women who have shaped our lives can be a challenging endeavour. But what better way to show gratitude and celebrate than with a glass of champagne? Mother's Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in the best, so together with G.H. Mumm or Perrier-Jouet Champagne, we've rounded up we've rounded up a selection of experiences featuring great cuisine, creative pursuits, and (of course) premium champagne that you can book now. Reign at the QVB Celebrate Mother's Day in the stunning, light-filled champagne parlour, Reign. Located in the QVB, the space exudes that old-school, classic charm with sprawling marble floors and iconic arched windows that overlook the city. For Mother's Day, Reign will host brunch and lunch sessions for $79 per person ($29 for kids). The Shared Feast Menu (fittingly) features a glass of complimentary G. H. Mumm upon arrival. Plus, a live DJ will set the vibe to commence the celebrations. You can book your table here. [caption id="attachment_786070" align="alignnone" width="1918"] Robert Walsh[/caption] Infinity at Sydney Tower Head up 81 floors to the top of Sydney's iconic Infinity at Sydney Tower, an unforgettable way to treat your mum this Mother's Day. Infinity is offering a three-course menu for $179 per person. Enjoy a decadent lunch with revolving city and harbour views, a glass of G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, and live jazz from their two-piece band to set the mood. After dessert, your mum will walk away with an individual rose and homemade truffles, a perfect Mother's Day treat. Reserve your table here. Nour Treat your Mum to a Modern Middle Eastern feast at Nour in Surry Hills. The hatted restaurant will serve a special Mother's Day banquet lunch for $119 per person, featuring classic Lebanese flavours with a contemporary twist. Soak in the ambience in the light-filled dining room and give your mum the day she deserves. You can even elevate the occasion and organise some bubbly or oysters on arrival. The best part? Nour will send every mum home with a complimentary G. H. Mumm Champagne — a perfect end to the perfect lunch. Book your Mother's Day banquet here. Icebergs Club There's nothing that exudes a more iconic Sydney moment than looking out over Bondi Beach at the legendary Icebergs Club. The sun-drenched venue is a perfect place to celebrate Mother's Day. Enjoy a laidback, bistro-style lunch with that signature Iceberg flair and raise a glass to Mum with some Mumm champagne. The Club will offer $99 bottles of Mumm for the month of May to celebrate Mother's Day — a great deal to help you celebrate with the finest. Book your spot here. Finer Rings Jewellery-Making Class at Four Hundred Treat your mum to something special this year and relish bonding time with a jewellery-making class on Saturday, May 11. North Sydney's Mexican bar and kitchen, Four Hundred, will host Finer Rings, an afternoon of creativity and indulgence. For $120 per person, enjoy half a bottle of Mumm champagne and a gourmet grazing platter as you create a stamped initial necklace and pearl earrings. The class is intimate, so book in now to secure your spot. Book your spot here. Henry G's Wine Parlour Looking for a unique Mother's Day experience? Intimate boutique wine bar Henry G's in Manly will host a Mumm champagne masterclass with a paired menu of signature pintxos. Celebrate Mum with Mumm and discover the world of champagne while enjoying Perrier-Jouet Belle Époque by the glass. The immersive experience also includes a live pianist for that signature Henry G's touch, making it a Mother's Day celebration to remember. The event is spread across the Mother's Day weekend, and you can book your spot here. Mother's Day QTea High Tea by Adriano Zumbo For a real taste of opulence, indulge your mum in a High Tea experience at the QT Hotel. The world-famous pâtissier Adriano Zumbo has crafted a selection of decadent treats to enjoy for the very special occasion. Start off with 'Sconez' with Tasmanian strawberry, lemon myrtle jam and clotted cream, then move on to the Japanese Miso Chicken Roll with yuzu, avo and sesame. The tea can be perfectly paired with Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne for $130 per person to ensure you sip in style. Spoil your mum and book a High Tea celebration now. Bistro Mosman Celebrate Mother's Day in style at Bistro Mosman, the resort-style dining room will be serving a three course menu of Provencal French cuisine, embracing classic charm for the classic woman. Or, if you are looking for something a little less traditional, head to the intimate Juniper Lane for the signature ½ lobster and fries, served with a glass of Perrier-Jouet – a truly decadent Mother's Day treat. Every Mum will receive a beautiful flower upon arrival, along with a special surprise treat from The Beuna team. Whether it's lunch or dinner, make a reservation now to ensure a memorable celebration for the special woman in your life. Spoil your mum this Mother's Day by treating her to a glass of G.H. Mumm or Perrier-Jouet Champagne one of these stunning restaurants in your city.
Opening its doors earlier this year, North Sydney's Miji Bar & Grill attracted more than a few eyeballs thanks to its vibrant izakaya design, complete with neon lights, signage imported from Japan and even a replica Shinjuku Arch. Plus, it became perhaps Sydney's first restaurant to offer self-serve sake, with guests invited to pour 24 wines, sakes and mocktails for themselves. Guided by Michelin-trained Executive Head Chef Jacob Lee, the venue's modern interpretations of izakaya cuisine have also earned Miji Bar & Grill a stellar reputation. The team is taking things up a notch for the cooler months, with two new seasonal offerings that combine Lee's fine-dining background with the venue's approachable setting. First up, there's a brand-new Hotpot Set Menu, available for $75 per person. Served from May–July, this exclusive offering is designed for sharing with your pals. Packed with tantalising ingredients, the menu kicks off with edamame topped with sea salt and two serves of steamed abalone with awabi kimo sauce, kombu jelly and pickled radish. Then, the main event is a sukiyaki beef hot pot, adorned with wagyu beef, wombok and fresh mushrooms in a rich sukiyaki broth. Before the feast is over, choose from a pair of desserts: hojicha choux or a Mont Blanc. However, that's not all Miji Bar & Grill is changing up. Looking beyond winter, Lee and his team have launched a new lunch menu, featuring a broader range of traditional and contemporary Japanese comfort dishes, including teriyaki eggplant, and egg and crab custard. For something a little larger, delve into hearty donburi — like sukiyaki, hambagu and miso cod — or explore udon options including prawn bisque, beef, and carbonara. If you've got an extra $5 to spare, consider upgrading your don or udon dish to a lunch set menu. You'll score a miso soup, a mini wafu salad and a small plate of your choice, with beef tartare, chicken karaage and grilled scallop up for grabs. With Lee having learned his trade at New York's Michelin-starred A Voce Columbus, as well as Seoul's acclaimed Mingles and Tartine Bakery, get set for a memorable dining experience. Miji Bar & Grill is open daily from 11.30am–10.00pm at 100 Miller Street, North Sydney. Head to the website for more information.
Before European invasion, the Parramatta River was flanked with mangrove forests. These days, many of them are gone, but, on Badu Mangrove Boardwalk, you can still surround yourself with trees that are centuries old. Wandering among the twisting branches and above water roots, you'll also see the many creatures that call mangroves home, from crabs to cormorants. Be sure to wander north to the waterbird refuge to see all sorts of birds, including Australian pelicans, black-winged stilts and sharp-tailed sandpipers. Take your binoculars with you. Image: City of Parramatta
If you want to know what it feels like to have Siri laugh at you, ask them to search for "small garden hideaway with excellent food, drink, music in Sydney's CBD". Once you've done that, head back here so we can give you what you want. Since I Left You is a 21st century city speakeasy nestled in a heritage-listed storehouse in the centre of Sydney. You can check it out any day of the week (except Sundays), but we recommend stopping by the next instalment of the bar's SILY Sessions. The bi-monthly sessions are live gigs, but not as you know them. Rather than spending the day being elbowed in the face at varying intensities, the gig takes place in SILY's courtyard oasis, and is small — 50 people max — and generally acoustic. October's session will see northern beaches busker-turned-musical wunderkind Taj Ralph take the stage alongside the inner west's own Zepha. Tickets are only $20, which includes unlimited access to the antipasti table. The bar also serves up $12 cocktails and six-buck beers all arvo. Take that, Siri.
AH Shop Salon, housed in the heritage-listed old Newtown Post Office building, is part salon, part store, and part co-working space for local creatives. It's easy to see why the community loves it. First of all: the stunning space is airy, open, and filled with natural light and greenery. Secondly, the salon, which was founded in 2015, is now filled with dedicated hairstylists and beauty experts who care about their customers first and foremost. Treatments range from hair cut, colour and keratin treatments to facials, custom intravenous infusions and lash treatments. The space also stocks dozens of top-tier beauty and lifestyle brands, including Helmut Lang, Murad, Christophe Robin and Maison Balzac. You'll find everything you need to look and feel good in one place. Images: Arvin Prem Kumar
Keeping the romance alive can be difficult when your girlfriend is thousands of miles away and sometimes phonecalls, frequent visits and even video chat don't cut it. But Walter C. May has officially upped the ante on romantic gestures with this viral love letter. With his roommates, who just happen to be a band called the Daylights, May wrote a song called "I Hope This Gets To You", filmed silvery hands coming together to form faces that mouth the lyrics and unleashed it upon the Interwebs. It's already been tweeted by Katy Perry. May is hoping this video reaches his girlfriend, who's on the other side of the country at grad school, solely through the power of the viral internet, because he wants to show his lady that they "can feel close without having to be close every day." All together now: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. https://youtube.com/watch?v=EjgtxVxE14A [via Gizmodo]
Watching television can't solve many problems, but some woes can be temporarily soothed by spending your evenings enjoying cartoons from three decades ago. Had a terrible day at work? Feeling overstretched and underappreciated? Stuck hovering under a cloud of meh? You can now feast your eyeballs on Australia's new free-to-air Nickelodeon channel and its retro lineup each weeknight for a pick-me-up. Switching to channel 13 from Tuesday, August 1 Down Under now means being greeted by Nickelodeon's wares. It's the first-ever premium free-to-air Nickelodeon channel in Australia, and it's catering for all ages. That includes adults via the Nick@Nite lineup, which also makes its Aussie debut on free-to-air, and will feature Ren & Stimpy, Angry Beavers, Rocko's Modern Life, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters and Catdog. It was true when you were a kid — whether you grew up in the 90s or discovered it later — and it's true now: watching a perennially angry chihuahua and a good-natured cat fight and pal around is cathartic viewing. Nickelodeon will also screen late-night movies, digging into the brand's catalogue. Here's hoping that the SpongeBob films get a run — they're as much of a delight for adults as they are for kids, as any big-screen franchise that features What We Do in the Shadows' Matt Berry as a talking dolphin and John Wick's Keanu Reeves as a sage is meant to be. During the day, the new channel will focus on Nick Jr preschool fare such as PAW Patrol, Blue's Clues & You!, Baby Shark's Big Show! and Santiago of the Seas. In the afternoons, it'll air season 12 of SpongeBob SquarePants, plus everything from The Smurfs and Double Dare to iCarly and The Thundermans. Indeed, if you have children or sometimes babysit nieces and nephews, you might want to take note of the daylight programming, too. Watching SpongeBob will always be for everyone, though. Find Australia's new free-to-air Nickelodeon channel at channel 13 from Tuesday, August 1.
You and a mate can co-captain a canoe through the tempestuous rapids of the Nymboida River when you sign up for a high-octane wilderness excursion with Exodus Adventures. The backdrop of lush forest hideaways and soaring escarpments is a splendid contrast to the heart-thumping experience of navigating through fast-flowing rapids that'll bring you to tranquil pools and corners of the region only accessible via the river systems. Whether you're a weather-beaten paddler or new to canoeing, the team at Exodus will blaze a trail to suit your experience level. You can spend a day gliding and bumping along the river (from $235 per paddler) or make it a multi-day excursion, which involves camping under the forest canopy (from $405 per paddler). Food and nearby transfers are included.
As restrictions continue to ease and Sydney's cultural calendar begins to fill up, the city's theatres are starting to come alive with shows, performances and gigs once again. But, if you've been to a theatre any time in the past couple of months, you would've noticed quite a few empty seats — even at sold out shows. Under current NSW restrictions, indoor entertainment facilities, including theatres, music halls and dance halls, can only have a 75 percent capacity audience and a maximum of one person per two square metres. In exciting news for theatre-goers, however, one Sydney venue has just been given the go-ahead to perform shows to a full house. Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has become the first live performance venue in the state allowed to host shows with 100 percent capacity audiences, with NSW Health granting the company an exemption from the current Public Health Order. https://twitter.com/SydneyTheatreCo/status/1367610943564251139 This means, STC will be able to have a full house for Playing Beatie Bow at Wharf 1 Theatre from Tuesday, March 9, and for Appropriate and Fun Home at Roslyn Packer Theatre when they open later this autumn. New seats for these performances will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday. As performances at Sydney Opera House and Seymour Centre are not covered by these exemptions, STC's Home, I'm Darling and The Wharf Revue will remain at 75 capacity. As part of the STC's COVID-19 Safety Plan, masks are currently mandatory for all theatre-goers 12 years and over. You can check out all the company's safety protocols over here. [caption id="attachment_802326" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Playing Beatie Bow' at Wharf 1 Theatre by Daniel Boud[/caption] The announcement comes as NSW records its 47th consecutive day of no locally acquired cases of COVID-19. The state's restrictions were last eased back on Friday, February 26, when indoor private gatherings were allowed to increase to 50 and cinemas could return to 100 percent capacity. Seated outdoor entertainment facilities are currently allowed to run at 100 percent capacity with a max of one person per two square metres. More restrictions — including allowing vertical drinking — are expected to be announced on Wednesday, March 17. Sydney Theatre Company will be allowed to host 100 percent capacity audiences at its Roslyn Packer, Wharf 1 and Wharf 2 theatres. Additional tickets for Playing Beatie Bow, Appropriate and Fun Home will go on at 10am on Tuesday, March 9 via sydneytheatre.com.au. Top images: The Wharf Theatres by Hugh Hamilton and Brett Boardman.
Located on the second floor of the Hotel CBD, York 75 is a classic sports bar in the heart of Sydney's CBD, with an unrivalled twenty screens and reservable leather booths — perfect for game day with your mates. The walls of this upscale college-style spot are adorned with an eclectic mix of vintage sports memorabilia from sports books to rackets and trophies. A highlight for many sports fans are the 20 screens (two in 3D) and bookable eight-seater booths – each with personal LED screens, so you won't miss a minute of the action. York 75 also offers in-house sports betting and an on-site TAB, so you won't need to leave to place a punt. On tap, you'll find the usual favourites plus craft beer, non-alcoholic cans and an extensive wine list also on offer. For those that like some grub with their sports, choose between an extensive burger offering (including a beer-battered fish burger with Japanese mayo), beloved Aussie pub classics like fish and chips, steak and ale pie, chicken schnitzel and, of course, a chicken parmi.
World Chocolate Day is nearly here, but as much as we love them, you don't have to settle for a fancy block or bar on Monday, July 7. Instead, mix things up by biting into a special sponge-based collaboration between Pana Organic and Tokyo Lamington, with a free giveaway making the occasion an unforgettable treat. Putting their minds together to craft the ultimate dessert, this dream team has created three limited-edition lamingtons, fusing the high-end chocolatier's handmade single-origin bliss with the light, fluffy sponge that has made Tokyo Lamington a hit from Singapore to Melbourne. So, what can you expect from this decadent lamington trio? The Golden Crunch features a delicious mylk mousse, golden comb and plant-based chocolate sponge lamington, while the Crunchy Hazelnut Chocolate blends hazelnut mousse and milk chocolate ganache with a plant-based chocolate sponge coated in delicious cake crumbs. Finally, Mint Crunch is a plant-based chocolate sponge, made with Pana Organic mint crunch cream dipped in chocolate sauce and coated with coconut. Best of all, these incredible creations are available for free if you swing by Tokyo Lamington's stores on World Chocolate Day. Available from the Newtown, Sydney and Carlton, Melbourne locations, there's even the chance to score a free Pana Organic chocolate bar. Just arrive within the first 100 customers at either store to secure a second complimentary treat. With flavours this enticing, there's a good chance you'll be rushing out to grab your own. This triple-threat of soft, chocolatey goodness is being served up throughout July at both Tokyo Lamington locations. Priced at $8 each or $24 for a box loaded with all three, pick up from your nearest spot or have them delivered to your door. This inventive collab isn't one to overlook. Founded in 2012 by Pana Barbounis, Pana Chocolate is a hugely respected name in the world of chocolate, pioneering a fully plant-based, gluten-free and organic-certified lineup. Meanwhile, Tokyo Lamington focused on impressing overseas tastebuds with Australia's humble sweet treat, making its mark in Singapore before launching the brand at home in Sydney and Melbourne in recent years. Tokyo Lamington and Pana Organic's limited-edition treats are available from Saturday, July 5, with a free giveaway taking place at Newtown and Carlton stores on Monday, July 7. Head to the website for more information.
Beau was afraid. In Ari Aster's third feature — another excellent and unforgettable film after Hereditary and Midsommar — Beau was anxious and unsettled and agitated and knocked off-kilter, too. Sheriff Joe Cross is all of these things also, with Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux) again taking on a key role for a writer/director responsible for some of the best movies, and viewing experiences, of the 21st century. Along with the filmmaker's initial two pictures, Beau Is Afraid earns that description, as does Eddington, Aster and Phoenix's mid-2020-set, COVID-era-probing, brilliant and chilling and equally very amusing latest collaboration. Its focus: a small New Mexico spot struggling when normality as everyone knew it just months prior has vanished and seems as if it might never return. The Sevilla County official at Eddington's centre is as much a man interrupted, as his community is — but the Cross way of coping is to flout and defy anything that doesn't match his preferred status quo. His dislike of incumbent Mayor Ted Garcia's (Pedro Pascal, The Fantastic Four: First Steps) way of handling the pandemic, aka respecting social-distancing restrictions and mask mandates, inspires the Sheriff to take action, entering the race to lead the town (population: 2345) himself. Eddington is a western, as well as being an unnerving thriller and a hilarious dark comedy; Aster has Cross and Garcia headed for showdowns and standoffs more than once. With a Best Actor Oscar for Joker to prove it, Phoenix has been enjoying a recent stint of playing characters who are fixated, obsessed, unyieldingly determined and driven to act of late — since before the outstanding You Were Never Really Here, but that's firmly a recent example prior to his time as Arthur Fleck and now Joe Cross. He hasn't necessarily noticed that trend, he tells Concrete Playground, or recognised that anything particularly draws him in that direction. "I've never thought of it that way, but you say that and I go 'I don't even know what the last two movies I made are'," Phoenix advises. "But maybe you're right. I don't know why. I think I'm always just — it is an instinct. I either react to something that I'm reading it or I don't. And I don't really analyse why." Eddington is easy to spot trends and parallels in and around. Given that it peers into very recent history, to a period forever seared and scarred into memories — and has the era's paranoia and polarisation in its sights, spotting how neither have subsided since — that's by design. Another piece of mirroring comes via Aster's filmography. Chatting with Concrete Playground in 2018 when Hereditary released, he described his debut as "a family tragedy that curdles into a nightmare". Grief over a mother and grandmother begets worse in the feature that won Toni Collette (Mickey 17) a deserved Best Actress Gotham Award — in a movie, too, that cemented itself as an instant horror great. That "curdling into a nightmare" idea resides in each of his features, Eddington included. "I think that could be one way of describing this film," Aster tells us. "I would say that this is a film about a bunch of people who are all very paranoid, and who have very clear but kind of oppositional ideas of what is happening. And everybody's picture of the world is pretty sinister. Then, by the end of the film, the film itself becomes gripped by this paranoia — and so the movie too becomes paranoid." He continues: "and in that way, the film goes off the rails in a way that I like. It's got a long, sustained climax, which I like, especially in a genre film. It's easy to make this film, in an interview like this, sound like eating your vegetables — but it's supposed to be fun, even though what it's talking about is no laughing matter. But the film is about the circus of America, and the tilt-a-whirl goes faster and faster until the teacups start flying off." Cross' blatant and inescapable acrimony for Garcia, Joe's depressed wife Louise (Emma Stone, Kinds of Kindness) embracing online conspiracy theorists and becoming particularly enthralled by the charismatic Vernon Jefferson Peak (Austin Butler, The Bikeriders), local teens staging Black Lives Matter rallies to share their anger over the death of George Floyd, tech company SolidGoldMagikarp's plans to build a data centre on Eddington's outskirts, doomscrolling feeding the pervasive sense of distance between townsfolk: these all help that rotating ride spin. As the whirring of conflicting attitudes and opinions that's unbalancing its setting gains speed, Aster's film digs into America's contradictions, patently, as well as conservative-versus-liberal clashes. Internet hokum's easy spread, our immensely tech-reliant lives and AI earn attention; giving up power to the powerful without realising it, too. Anti-fascist activism, performative bandwagon-jumping, ignoring health-protection rules when folks are dying, not knowing how to cope with this chaos: they're also among the swirl. Aster doesn't see it as a horror movie; however, Eddington is as perceptive a portrait of 2020 and the times since as had reached screens so far, and as disquieting yet clear-eyed. The path to the feature started with an old idea predating the pandemic, which also came up while talking to the director, as did piecing the narrative together, living in a world where no one agrees on what's true anymore, reteaming with Phoenix and more — alongside chatting with Phoenix about that repeat collaboration and reuniting with filmmakers of late, interrogating fear and anxiety with Aster, what he recognised in the script, and bringing humanity and humour to Cross. On How Aster Following His Instincts in the Early Days of the Pandemic, and Picking Up an Old New Mexico-Set Idea, Lead to Eddington Ari: "Well, I feel like we're living in a very, very weird time. And the human capacity for adaptation is amazing, and everything becomes normal very quickly, and things that might be obvious become less so once they become ambient. And I just found that I wanted to pull back as far as I could, and try to describe this new reality that we're living in as well as I could — which is that everybody is living in a different version of reality, and we totally distrust anybody and anything that falls outside of our little bubble of certainty. And we've become unreachable to each other. So I wanted to make a film about that. And I'm from New Mexico — and that's really what the project was that had already been there waiting for me, which is that I have just been wanting to make my New Mexico movie. And I wanted to make a western. And it felt like the right framework for this." On Whether Returning Collaborations with Directors, Such as Ari Aster Here, Todd Phillips on Joker: Folie à Deux and Ridley Scott on Napoleon, Help Phoenix Challenge and Extend Himself as an Actor Joaquin: "I think that's what you would hope for, right, because it's almost like a long relationship, just the value of growing with somebody and changing — and somebody that learns to read you better after time. We all put our best foot forward when we first meet people and are working with them, and I think after some time we start really showing ourselves and there's real value in mining that. With Ari, it's weird, because I had one of those experiences where when I first met him, when I first just talked to him on the phone, I instantly knew that he was — I don't know, a friend just doesn't even sound like it's enough. I just knew that we were going to be working together closely, and I knew that he was somebody that I loved the way that he talked. And I understood him, like I felt like I really understood. And I think he understood me. And so there's real value in that — and I hope, I think, that he did and does challenge me in ways that are really beneficial to me and helpful." On When Aster Realised That He Wanted to Reteam with Phoenix on Eddington Ari: "After working with Joaquin on Beau Is Afraid, I really wanted to work with him again. Before Beau, he was one of my favourite actors and somebody that I very seriously wanted to work with. But when I was writing Eddington, at least the first pass of it, I hadn't worked with Joaquin yet, didn't know him yet, and so I didn't really have anybody in mind. But after we shot Beau, then I rewrote Eddington and spent a lot of time in New Mexico, travelling around, going to different small towns and meeting different people, public officials, Sheriffs of different counties, police chiefs, Mayors — went to different pueblos — and tried to get as broad a picture of the political climate of New Mexico as possible. And then once I had incorporated all of that and I had a script, it was clear to me that I wanted to at least try Joaquin again and see if he was interested. And happily he was, and I really think he does something really special with this character, Joe Cross, the sheriff of Eddington — or the sheriff of Sevilla County. Eddington is a town in Sevilla County. These are made-up places. But I think what he does here is really wonderful. He brings so much humour and humanity to this character. And I think part of the trick of the film — or I don't know if it's a trick, or if it's just something that is important to the film working — is that you have to kind of like this guy, whether you have his politics or not. There's something winning about him. And then, of course, as the film goes on that should get more complicated — our relationship to him should change." On Whether There's Something Unique to Digging Into Fear and Anxiety with Aster Joaquin: "I don't think he's exploring these traits because they're good for a character, for a movie, but it feels like it's a genuine curiosity for him. And maybe it's part of his experience, or maybe it's the experience of people that he knows. I don't know why he has that curiosity — or I don't know if it's an obsession — but definitely it's a curiosity to explore those feelings, and I don't know where it comes from. I've never asked him 'is that your personal experience, or ... ?'. I think oftentimes writers obviously observe things in others and become fascinated by it. So there's definitely a real drive and curiosity. And so I think when you're — there's not a standard way of playing that for Ari, right? It always has to be something very detailed and specific. And I'm struggling with trying to come up with an example, probably because there's so many and they're all running together. But I wish we could come up with an example of a scene. Like even in the scene where I'm — it's such a brief moment, you may not even remember — but I go back to the police station and somebody that was in the police station that was locked up is no longer there. It was really this very quick scene that's in the midst of the most-manic moment. And it was a long process for us that went throughout the day, as we discussed all the possibilities of what would be going through the character's mind and then how that is translated to somebody else as he speaks or whatever actions he takes. And so I think with Ari, it always feels that we are trying to find something that feels very specific and unique to that character in that moment — versus a blanket approach to anxiety or fear." On the Crucial Elements to Create a Film About Living in a World Where No One Can Agree on What's Real Anymore Ari: "For me, the most-important thing was to pull back as far as I could, because what I wanted to talk about was the environment, right — and I feel like we've become so atomised, and things have become so complicated and so intensely partisan, that it felt very important to move back and just try to get a picture of the landscape. And to see just how many of those particles were floating around not actually meeting each other. And then it's a genre film, and so it's built on conflict. And so the question then became 'well, what happens when these atoms start bumping up against each other? What comes out of that?'. And the answer is almost always violence, because there's nothing in the ether to hold anybody together anymore. And so that was, I guess, the challenge, but also the thing that felt necessary." On Phoenix Seeing Himself and Reality in Eddington When Aster First Sent the Script His Way Joaquin: "My first reaction was 'I recognise so much of myself and my family and my friends and my neighbours in all of these characters, and that makes me uncomfortable at times. But I'm laughing and I can't stop laughing'. That was my first reaction. And then I think I was like 'oh yeah, it's us'. And as ridiculous as we were, we were scared. Like, everyone was scared. Whether they should have been scared or whether we overreacted, it doesn't really matter. In that moment, it was kind of like waking up from a nightmare and they're like 'yeah, in the moment, it really felt like that monster was going to get me and I was scared. And all the things I did in that that moment, it was just how I reacted. I couldn't help it.' And I think in some ways, it made me just have a lot of forgiveness and understanding for how we behaved." On Putting the Pieces of Eddington Together — Including the Societal Landscape, America and Western Society's Pervasive Polarisation, and COVID-19 — in a Western-Meets-Thriller That's Also Darkly Humorous Ari: "First of all, the film is set in 2020. It's a period piece, set in June 2020, and so it helps to have something as specific as that, right, because then you're asking 'okay, what is happening right now? Who are the players here?'. And of course, I would have liked to have included far more characters, but I jammed as many people as I could into the film without sacrificing coherence or narrative clarity. But it all felt pretty intuitive that we begin with the arguments of the day, the most popular ones, which had a lot to do with masking and personal freedom versus public safety and health. And from there, things start unraveling and spinning out. And then you have these more fringe figures coming in. And I think what's interesting about this moment, even right now in 2025, is that this counterculture had been building up in America for a long time that the prevailing culture at the moment wasn't aware of. And that counterculture meanwhile was being fed and agitated, and was growing. And now that counterculture has kind of taken over. And it's all become very, very distorted and strange. It's so interesting that the right kind of adopted the language of 1960s–70s radicalism. Everything has become — I want to use the word farcical, but none of this is any laughing matter. It's feels pretty catastrophic, what's happening. And it's also why the western felt right, because it is about the building of America and forging new societies. And it feels like right now we're living through the collapse of something — we're on the cusp of something, something new. And I think everybody's feeling it and there's a lot of anxiety and a lot of fear. And for some people, a lot of excitement. I wrote this film in a state of anxiety and fear." On Whether Trying to Convey the Humanity of Joe and Also Bringing Humour to the Part Helped in Stepping Into His Shoes Joaquin: "Nothing ever feels easy. You just feel that — yeah, it doesn't feel easy, but it seemed like very much from the beginning, I could not create any separation between me and Joe. Like, that if I at any point stood above him in judgment, I would lose it, I would lose him. And so it just felt important to humanise him as much as possible. I wanted to surprise anybody that might have a preconceived idea of what conservative Sheriff in a small town might be like, and so that definitely felt like my directive. But what helped me, probably most of all, was meeting with real Sheriffs. Ari and I went on a trip together in New Mexico and spent some time, and there were a few people that I met that I really connected with that seemed like great examples of who Joe could be. So it felt to me that as much as there's something very humorous and absurd about so much of this film, I wanted to make sure that Joe was really grounded and that he was recognisable to people that actually know a Sheriff like Joe." On Whether Aster Considers Eddington to Be a Horror Film — and What's at the Heart of the Film That Scares Him, Be It Humanity's Embrace of Existential Risks, Including Not Just Health But Also AI, or Stopping Questioning the Powerful Ari: "No, I don't consider it a horror film. No. But, I do think it's talking about something that scares me. There's a lot that scares me. I'm scared that the people who are leading us don't seem to believe in the future. You mentioned AI, and I would say if you asked me to say in one sentence what this film was about, I might tell you it's about a data centre being built. And that's happening on the periphery of the film, but it's really pretty central. And all these stories are really just data for this giant wooden wheel — to churn into what? What is coming? The film is about people navigating a crisis, but all the while, there's this other crisis that's incubating in a lab over here. And who knows, the utopian dream of what this thing could bring might be true. It might come to pass. But we really don't know what's coming. And yeah, I think that what's happening all over the world — and it's happening in the United States, but it's happening everywhere — it's something that's already happened to us, which is that we've been fortressed off. And I think that's very scary that we're completely unable to reach each other, and we're living out an experiment that has already failed badly. And it doesn't seem like anybody at the levers has any interest in slowing this thing down. It feels like, on the contrary, it's only accelerating." Eddington released in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Call it wild, weird and wonderful. Call it surreal and sublime, too. Whichever terms you want to sling Dark Mofo's way, there's no other event quite like it on Tasmania's cultural calendar — or Australia's. 2024 felt the winter arts festival's absence, after it sat out the year to regroup for the future ahead. Get excited about 2025, however, because Dark Mofo has confirmed that it'll be returning in June. "Dark Mofo is back. For our 11th chapter, once more we'll bathe the city in red and deliver two weeks of inspiring art, music and ritual," said Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite, announcing the event's 2025 dates, and advising that limited pre-release tickets for Night Mass, which fills downtown Hobart with art and music, will be on offer from 10am on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. "Night Mass is a beast, and this year it will evolve once more — worming its way through the city with new spaces, performances and experiences to dance, explore or crawl your way through," Twite continued. Not only Night Mass is returning, but so is the full Dark Mofo setup, largely taking place across Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025. The one exception: the Nude Solstice Swim, one of the festival events that still went ahead in 2024. Next year, it'll get everyone taking a dip on Saturday, June 21. Winter Feast, which also took place in 2024, will be back in 2025 as well — as will the Ogoh-Ogoh, plus a yet-to-be-announced (but sure to be jam-packed) art and music program that'll be revealed next year. If you spent a few days in 2023 attending a Twin Peaks-inspired ball and seeing a giant teddy bear with laser eyes — watching a stunning new take on Dante's classic examination of hell, purgatory and paradise, too — then you went to Dark Mofo's most-recent full run. Organised by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter arts festival fills Hobart with all manner of surprises every year, other than its gap year in 2024. When the break was announced, it was done to ensure that event could "move forward in a viable manner", said Twite at the time. "The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025" was the promise, and it's being lived up to. The year off came after a hit 2023 run that saw Dark Mofo smash it with attendances and at the box office — notching up record figures, in fact. Despite the event's success, the crew behind it have been working towards "a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025, and set the foundation for the next ten years", taking rising costs and other changing elements into consideration. Dark Mofo returns from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025 and for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21. Head to the festival's website for further details. Winter feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
"A pink, glittery, existential dance party in their heart." That's what Greta Gerwig hopes that audiences will find when her third film as a solo director splashes its rosy — and rose-hued — frames across the silver screen. The movie in question is Barbie, marking Mattel's six-decade-old doll's live-action debut. And, no matter how you feel about the toy itself, the feature boasts no shortage of reasons to get excited: the Lady Bird and Little Women filmmaker guiding the show; the fact that Gerwig co-wrote the film with her Frances Ha, Mistress America and White Noise helmer Noah Baumbach; Margot Robbie not only starring but producing and originating the project; a killer cast, including Ryan Gosling as Ken; and the self-aware sense of humour that's bounced through not one, not two, but three trailers before the picture hits cinemas Down Under on July 20. Gerwig and Robbie know that Barbie is a product with history. First reaching stores in 1959, as one of the first-ever dolls that weren't of babies, the plaything has sparked more reactions than the toy itself sports outfits — and this figurine in all of its many guises has never been short on wardrobe options. As a flick, Barbie aims to unpack those swirling responses and, yes, play with them. The feature's marketing tagline might be adamant that "if you love Barbie, this movie is for you" and also "if you hate Barbie, this movie is for you", but Robbie adds to it. "It's also a film for people who feel indifferent about Barbie. But when I pitched that to marketing, it didn't really roll off the tongue in the same way." The Australian Babylon, Amsterdam and The Suicide Squad actor shared her thoughts in Sydney, as did her Maggie's Plan, Jackie and 20th Century Women star-turned-filmmaker helmer Gerwig. In the leadup to the picture's release, Barbie is going global, with a trip Down Under one stop on the feature's promotional tour. Also visiting: Issa Rae and America Ferrera, with the Insecure and Superstore talents popping up on-screen alongside Robbie. Rae plays President Barbie, while Ferrera is Gloria, one of the film's few non-doll characters. Weeks out from Barbie hitting cinemas, the Gerwig-directed, Robbie-led, Rae- and Ferrera-costarring movie has already achieved a feat that would likely seem unthinkable if any other talents were involved: this is one of 2023's most-anticipated cinema releases. Actually, Barbie scored that status months out — years even, after the Gerwig-and-Robbie pairing was locked in back in 2021. Audiences are eager, but the folks that've been given the chance to bring this Barbie flick to them couldn't be more thrilled, too. Talking about the film at a beachside Bondi event at Icebergs, where the venue's famous pool even scored a temporary Barbie-themed makeover, the team's enthusiasm is palpable. "It's a movie that I think can really cut across generations and gender," notes Gerwig, who advises that the feature has been made for everyone aged eight to 108. Also covered at Gerwig, Robbie, Rae and Ferrera's Australian press conference: making a "wild, bananas Barbie movie", the huge opportunity to play with something so globally recognised, expanding the character, challenging stereotypes, following Wonder Woman's lead and breaking all of the Barbie rules. ON HOW IT FEELS NOW THAT BARBIE WILL SOON BE IN CINEMAS Greta: "At this very moment, just being in this setting and being with all of you — and the beach, and we're in Australia, and all these talented people — I really am feeling like what a spectacular life this is. It's overwhelming and amazing, and I just feel very grateful that Margot came to me almost four years ago and said 'do you want to you write a Barbie thing?'. And I'm grateful that in my postpartum haze four years ago, I said yes. It's just been such an extraordinary confluence of so many people coming together who are just outrageous and smart and talented — and that we got to make this wild, bananas Barbie movie is just an extraordinary blessing." ON WANTING TO MAKE A BARBIE MOVIE IN THE FIRST PLACE Margot: "I was aware that the Barbie IP was floating around, had gone up and running, and hadn't come to full fruition. So we've been keeping tabs on the property, and when there seemed like there was an opening, we jumped at the opportunity. We sat down with the Mattel CEO, Ynon [Kreiz], and that was five years ago, and pitched what we as our production company would want to do with a Barbie movie. And I knew even at that time that I would want to do it with someone like Greta Gerwig. She was the dream writer/director for it. I didn't know if she was going to say yes to it, but there are very few people in my mind that I want to make a Barbie movie with, Greta being the top of the list — and thank goodness she said yes. But the reason we went after the property is because it seemed like a very big and exciting and scary opportunity. It's globally recognised — the word itself is globally recognised. And not only that, people have very strong feelings about Barbie in a lot of cases. So it felt like a really exciting place to start a film, and start with the audience, where they already feel a certain way — perhaps that, at the very least, they have associated childhood memories with it. And it seemed like we could do something special with it." ON BEING A PART OF BARBIE'S ON-SCREEN WORLD Issa: "It was spectacular. Greta approached me and, just in our interview-slash-meeting, told me that she envisioned a world, a Barbie world, where I was President. I was super flattered by that, and also questioned her taste in political leaders. But it's a world that is perfect and beautiful — and seeing her brilliant writing, and the cast attached, it was a no brainer for me. So I was just honoured to to play in the world." America: "It was Margot and Greta's involvement that made me interested in what the script was. It was irresistible to be invited to — to take a peek into the world that these two incredibly talented and intelligent, respected women in our fields were going to do with Barbie. I never imagined myself in a Barbie movie, and I just opened the script and I was laughing on page one and then I was crying — and then I was laughing and crying. I had so many feelings and, truly, my first thought was 'are they even going to let Greta make this?'. I did not go into it feeling invested in Barbie — I didn't grow up playing with Barbies, I didn't feel represented in the world of Barbie — but Greta and Noah's brilliance created a world that made it relevant to me. And it is really exciting to get to be a part of a moment that is expanding such a dominant, influential female iconic character in our global culture, to include more of us. And also to include people with perspectives that aren't necessarily positive and kind toward the very long legacy and history that Barbie has." ON TACKLING A CHARACTER WITH SUCH HISTORY — AND BREAKING ALL THE BARBIE RULES Greta: "I grew up with a mum who didn't love Barbie, which only made me more interested in Barbie. So I had a lot of hand-me-down Barbies — a lot of Barbies who were Kate McKinnon's version, like their clothes were all on backward. That Barbie is very close to my heart. When we signed on to write it and I went to the Mattel headquarters, they opened up all the archives and took me through everything from 1959 till now, and the designers and the people who work there were just really fun to talk to and really interesting. But I would say that actually what we we did is, if there were rules, I think we broke all of them. That was part of it, in a way: 'tell me what your sacred cows are and I will do something naughty with it'. Margot, as a producer, was so instrumental in the whole process of just saying 'I want to make this. I want to make her version of this movie, her vision and and really protect it'. But yeah, if anything, it was an introduction to all the rules so they could be broken." America: "I remember when Greta and I first started speaking, she gave me a list of movies to watch to get in the vibe and the feel and the tone, and actually one of the movies I watched was a documentary called Tiny Shoulders about the expansion of the brand. I learned so much watching that. I did know a little, but through the making of this movie and the little bits of research that are either in the movie or that you caught researching it, it's really phenomenal to get a sense of how long the Barbie legacy has been — and how there have been times in the legacy where she was a revolution, and other times where she was behind her times and she needed to catch up. Just the mere fact that she was the first doll a girl could play with that wasn't a baby doll is something that I didn't really ever know. So there was there was an appreciation right from the start of how long her legacy is and how varied her place in our culture has been." ON CHALLENGING THE BARBIE STEREOTYPE Margot: "I definitely didn't want to portray Barbie as being vapid in any way. The thing about our how our story is constructed is that Barbie can be anything — Barbie can be president, Barbie can be a Nobel Prize-winner, you see all this stuff at the beginning of the movie that sets up how incredibly intelligent Barbie is. But at the same time, she hasn't been exposed to so many of the concepts that she's going to be exposed to in the real world. So it was a fine line between playing naivety without it coming across as unintelligent, because I didn't want it to seem ditsy— and that's just not interesting to play. It's not interesting to watch, either. There are times in the movie where we lean into stereotypes — we literally call my Barbie 'stereotypical Barbie' — so we're very much leaning into some stereotypes so that we can, in a way of being self-aware, play up the comedy, and also have a deeper conversation about some sort of issue. But then there are other times where you're like 'okay, if we play up that particular stereotype, it's going to be boring for people for the hour and 40 minutes that they're watching this movie'. It was an interesting challenge to find 'okay, what how do we portray the fact that she hasn't been exposed to certain things that she's going to learn along the way, but it doesn't mean that she's not intelligent?'." ON GETTING HELP FROM WONDER WOMAN — AND PASSING THAT HELP ON Margot: "Obviously I want the movie to do well because we all worked so hard and we love it so much. But I think it is important when a movie like this does do well — like, if Wonder Woman hadn't done what Wonder Woman had done, I don't know if people would have given us the budget we got to. And if this does well, then the next person who wants to make [something female-led]. It's so important." Greta: "We were just saying this the other day. I think all the time, I was like 'I'm so grateful that Patty Jenkins made Wonder Woman'. And yeah, whoever comes next, it will be..." Margot: "I remember when they were trying to come up with comps [comparable films] for this movie, and there's not that many. And it's important to have them. It makes a difference on the business side of things to have those comps, and have the proof in the pudding that they've made money and done well. Hopefully we can be an extra stepping stone for the next thing." Check out the trailer for Barbie below: Barbie releases in cinemas Down Under on July 20. Images: Barbie press tour photography by Caroline McCredie for Warner Bros/NBC Universal. Barbie film stills via Warner Bros.
2026's Down Under live music calendar already boasts David Byrne, Lorde and G Flip, to name just a few big-name acts hitting the stage. Now, in another of the year's must-see tours, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have announced a slate of shows in Australia and New Zealand in January and February. The group's Wild God tour is finally making its way to this part of the globe, after dates across UK, Europe and North America in 2024 and 2025. Fans can get excited about a two-and-a-half-hour show focused on the band's 2024 record Wild God, but also spanning their four-decade career. 'Red Right Hand' and 'Into My Arms' have indeed been on the set list so far. Fremantle Park in Perth will host the first Aussie gig on Saturday, January 17, with Cave, Warren Ellis and company then heading to Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, January 20. Two shows will take over The Domain Sydney on Friday, January 23–Saturday, January 24, before a single-night stop at Victoria Park in Brisbane on Tuesday, January 27, then three concerts on Friday, January 30–Sunday, February 1 at Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne. In New Zealand, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds are headed to TSB Arena in Wellington over Thursday, February 5–Friday, February 6, in their only NZ gigs — which are taking place in association with the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts. "I can't wait to get to Australia and New Zealand with The Bad Seeds and to bring you our epic Wild God show. It's been a long time coming, and I've missed both Australia and New Zealand very much. It will be a wild and mighty joy," said Cave, announcing the Aussie and NZ leg of the tour. Cave and Ellis last hit the stage Down Under sans the rest of The Bad Seeds on the Aussie run of their Carnage tour in 2022, supporting the 2021 album that shared the tour's name — which actually marked Cave and Ellis' first studio album as a duo. Bandmates across several projects since the 90s — including Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, and Grinderman — Cave and Ellis are Aussie icons, with careers spanning back decades. Together, they also boast more than a few phenomenal film scores to their names as well, including for The Proposition, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Road, West of Memphis, Far From Men, Hell or High Water and Wind River. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds Wild God Australia and New Zealand Tour 2026 Saturday, January 17 — Fremantle Park, Perth Tuesday, January 20 — Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Friday, January 23–Saturday, January 24 — The Domain, Sydney Tuesday, January 27 — Victoria Park, Brisbane Friday, January 30–Sunday, February 1 — Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne Thursday, February 5–Friday, February 6 — TSB Arena, Wellington Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds' Wild God tour hits Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2026. Tickets go on sale at 10am local time in each city on Friday, August 29, 2025 — for more information, head to Nick Cave's website. Images: Megan Cullen.
Achieve a social good and feast on one slice after the next, as Divide 8 St Leonards hosts a charity drive on Saturday, June 14, from 12–3pm. With all donations going towards Canteen Australia — a charity that's supported young people impacted by cancer for nearly 40 years — a contribution of your choice will earn you a free pizza. Divide 8 is something of a charitable bunch, having put their pizza-making prowess to good use in previous years. For example, they've helped raise over $5000 for charities like MS Australia and Angel Flight, ensuring their slice does a little more for society. Excited to get involved? Just sign up for Divide 8's newsletter, make a donation to Canteen Australia and follow Divide 8 on Instagram to claim your pizza. There's a delicious trio to choose from, but note there's a one-pizza limit per couple or two per group. Score yourself a Pepperoni², stacked with double pepperoni, roasted capsicum and mushrooms, or indulge in the Miss Marg, featuring fresh tomato, buffalo mozzarella and 16-month-aged Grana Padano. Lastly, the Gr8 Deb8 offers layers of Lucas Meats leg ham, maple bacon, fresh-cut pineapple and 16-month-aged Grana Padano.
Sydneysiders don't let a little cold or rain stop them from heading to the pub to catch up with mates. If you ask us, the biggest factor that'll make or break a drinking sesh is the food — whether it's a pre-game feast or some cheeky snacks to keep the good vibes going. From locally sourced produce to Mediterranean-inspired bites and juicy burgers, the menus at these beloved pubs cater to all palates. With the help of Solotel, we've rounded up five Inner West mainstays that offer impressive dishes to pair with your drinks, so your next get-together can continue well into the night.
We love our friends. Really, we do. But sometimes we just need a little me time. And when the urge for a few solitary hours strikes, one of our favourite things to do is take ourselves out on a little solo lunch or dinner date. But, with many restaurants and bars set up for dates or groups, finding a place to go solito can often be a bit of a challenge, tempting you to get that alone time by skipping lunch with the colleagues to eat a wilted salad at your desk or holing up at home with takeout and a series. To make sure that doesn't happen, American Express has helped us find nine spots, all Amex-accepting, where eating by yourself is both totally acceptable and incredibly fun. Equipped with single tables or bar seating, and with food so good you wouldn't want to share it anyways, these places make solo dining perfectly, deliciously comfortable. Whether you want a quiet break from the office during a particularly hectic day or are on the hunt for a bar you can go to when you don't feel like being with the mates, we've found the perfect place. Bring a book and you'll be well-prepared to linger over dessert and a few glasses of vino. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
For over a century now, HOYTS has been connecting Aussie audiences with all the big screen hits they've ever needed, and for the cinema chain's 116th birthday, it's giving a little something back to weekend moviegoers. In every HOYTS cinema around Australia this weekend, all day and night, tickets will be going for just $8, or $25 for HOYTS LUX tickets — now's the time to try watching a movie in recliner seating with cocktails, wine and gourmet food delivered straight to your seat. With 49 cinemas across the country, this is a treat we can all make the most of. HOYTS General Manager of Customer Engagement Brad Eaton said "We're extremely proud of our long legacy in cinema and this weekend is all about celebrating with our loyal guests. Whether you're after a new blockbuster or a fun experience with the family, there's something for everyone so all can take advantage of this exceptional offer." [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkgMaS5gbaA[/embed] So what's worth watching? New releases include Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman at their dysfunctional best in The Roses, Austin Butler getting caught in a crime caper in Caught Stealing and Liam Neeson saving the world (absurdly) in The Naked Gun. Not one but two small-screen series are getting big-screen finales at the moment, with Downton Abbey: The Final Chapter and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba- Infinity Castle both screening this weekend. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAtUHeMQ1F8[/embed] Prefer something to get your pulse pounding? Settle in for The Conjuring: Last Rites, The Long Walk or Weapons. If you've got kiddos in tow, they might be keen for Sketch or The Bad Guys 2. And if you missed any of this year's winter blockbusters — Superman, F1 The Movie, The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Jurassic World: Rebirth are all still wrapping up their theatrical runs. Find your nearest HOYTS cinema and get tickets to a screening of your choice here.
For those following a vegan diet, plenty of obvious items are off the menu: meat, dairy products and eggs in particular. So is anything made with gelatine, given that the substance is derived from collagen from animal body parts — which rules out many a sweet treat, too. Gummy and jelly lollies are definitely usually made with gelatine; however, with its newest release, The Natural Confectionery Co is giving vegans an animal product-free alternative. Already known for completely avoiding artificial colours, flavours and sweeteners, plus high-fructose corn syrup as well, the company is now launching a gelatine-free, vegan-, vegetarian- and flexitarian-friendly version of its fruity jelly lollies. If that's your next snack taken care of, you'll find packs of Vegan Fruity Flavoured Jellies in supermarkets from mid-August — starting with Coles and independent stores, then hitting Woolworths from mid-September. They'll cost you $4 for a 200-gram packet, which boasts five varieties of lollies inside: apple, blackcurrant, peach, pineapple and raspberry. The new addition to The Natural Confectionery Co's range comes in response to demand. "We couldn't ignore the requests from Aussies asking for a vegan-friendly option," explains Lauren Fildes, the Cadbury-owned company's Marketing Director for Candy, Biscuits and Meals. If you're a fan of the brand's other types of lollies — its snakes, fruity chews and sour worms, for example — you'll have to cross your fingers that they eventually get a vegan version as well. [caption id="attachment_779206" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Peter O'Connor via Flickr[/caption] Find The Natural Confectionery Co's Vegan Fruity Flavoured Jellies in Coles and independent supermarkets from mid-August, and in Woolworths from mid-September — costing $4 for a 200-gram pack.
It's official: Pad Thai has replaced pizza as Sydneysiders go-to dish of choice. As our culinary tastes reorient to the East, Concrete Playground explores some of Sydney's best Thai eateries, from the stalwarts to the style-setters and everything in between. 1. Senyai Regent Place has just given birth to its very own lan-caar bo-rancor (old Thai shop), Senyai. A laneway eatery resembling what one might expect to find in Bangkok's steamy back streets. Inside, the walls are scattered with colourful decorative plates, framed Thai pop stars and royal family, and cabinets full of vintage Thai paraphernalia. In the faux outside area you'll find a metal fence strewn with graffiti and posters. Yep, it feels just like the real deal. Start with a serve of miang kham ($6) — betel leaves topped with diced lime, red chilli, dehydrated prawns, nuts, red onion, and coconut sauce. Next try the po pia jaan ($12) — crispy prawn pancakes covered in layers of super-fine deep-fried rice paper, with an almost spongy inner texture. Let your Thai eating journey begin ... 486 Kent St, Regent Place; 02 9283 8686; www.senyai.com.au 2. Chat Thai Chat Thai is the worst kept secret amongst us Thai people living in Sydney. With a focus on Thai street food and dishes that are meant to be for Thai palates only, Chat Thai was meant to be a Thai person's Thai restaurant. But when you do the mainstay favorites pretty well, and at very, very reasonable prices, it's inevitable that the cat will get out of the bag. Located across from the Capitol Theatre, the open desert kitchen welcomes you in, with the bare brick walls covered with crayon artwork by a famous Thai comedian. If you’ve arrived during the dinner rush hour expect to be waiting at least 45 minutes or longer for a table; try and get in early and they might be able to offer you dishes still made from the lunch menu as well. 20 Campbell St, Haymarket; 02 9211 1808; www.chatthai.com.au 3. Spice I Am Spice I Am? It almost sounds like a challenge, or at least a state of mind. If there's anything to assist you reaching that state, it's red-hot Thai food. Where are you going to find it? At Spice I Am in Darlinghurst. And it's not just the food that's hot. This place is all style: exposed brick walls, another wall of expertly arranged clay pots, and a black and gold leaf bar. Drawing from north-eastern Thai cuisine, head chef Sujet Saenkham has concocted dishes away from the stir-fry stereotype. 296-300 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst; 02 9332 2445; www.spiceiam.com 4. Thai Pothong A Newtown institution since the '90s, Thai Pothong has gone from a cosy diner to a cavernous 350-seater restaurant with a quirky gift shop attached (anyone fancy a miniature model of the Predator?). Now offering dedicated gluten free and vegan menus, this inner-west stalwart only goes from strength to strength and continues to impress with its speedy service, group dining and authentic Thai cuisine. 294 King Street, Newtown; 02 9550 6277; www.thaipothong.com.au 5. Tapioca It's a far cry from the sandstone walls of Sailors Thai Canteen in the Rocks and the inner-city buzz of Sailors Thai Potts Point, but chefs Pacharin Jantrakool and Krongthong Akkachitto are still weaving their magic. Only this time they're doing it north of the bridge in Cremorne. On any given night Tapioca's smart, airy diner is filled with families, couples and canoodlers all clamouring for northern Thai favourites like the miang kum (betel leaves with smoked trout and roasted coconut). 318A Military Rd, Cremorne; 02 9908 1588; www.tapioca.net.au 6. Sailors Thai The doyenne of the Thai dining scene, Sailors Thai ushered in a wave of stylish Thai diners the likes of which Sydney hadn't seen prior and spawned a generation of talented chefs. Go back to where Sydney's love affair with classy Thai dining started at this heritage listed building in The Rocks where Thai favourites like Gang ped yang (red duck curry) continue to delight the palate. Want something casual? You'll find Sailors Canteen downstairs, renowned amongst other things for making communal dining de rigueur. 106 George Street, The Rocks; 02 9251 2466; www.sailorsthai.com.au 7. @Bangkok Stumble into @Bangkok late on a Friday or Saturday night and you might mistake it for a karaoke bar. You wouldn't be entirely wrong either. Late in the week this Capitol Square restaurant, launched six years ago to cater for the city's growing Thai community, doubles as a karaoke bar and pays homage to Thailand's favourite pastime. Sweet, sour, salty and spicy, you'll find your favourite Thai dishes alongside some lesser known but equally delectable offerings. Shop G 11, Capitol Square, 730-742 George Street, Sydney; 02 9211 5232; www.atbangkok.com.au 8. Longrain If Sailors Thai brought style to Thai dining, Longrain made it achingly hip. Set in a 100 year old converted warehouse with a sleek basement bar, the vibe is contemporary and upmarket. Head chef Martin Boetz has created a modern menu which reflects Longrain's inner city locale to a tee. Cocktails are sharp and zesty, like the lemongrass martini, whilst dishes like the crisp caramelised pork hock with chilli vinegar once sampled, are rarely forgotten. 85 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills; 02 9280 2888; www.longrain.com.au 9. Alphabet Street The folks who brought Thai fusion diner Rambutan to the Oxford Street strip — Oriana De Luca and Joe Natale — have headed south to work their charms on The Shire. Just like Rambutan, at Alphabet Street offer gorgeous cocktails like the spicy, kaffir lime-flavoured Thai Bloody Mary and a menu that straddles the staples and fusion dishes with ease. All set in a white-washed, industrial-chic venue with Cronulla Beach crowing distance away. 5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla; 02 9544 0756; www.alphabetst.net Photo credit: he needs food. 10. House You can't go past a north-eastern Thai diner that promises a dessert called Better than Sex, can you? A slice of a fried bread covered in sugar and caramel and covered with coconut ice cream, we're not sure how Better than Sex fits into House's Isaan-style cuisine but it definitely offsets the spicy heat of the menu. With the culinary backing of Spice I Am's head chef and co-owner, Sujet Saenkhan, this is one Thai experience not to be missed. 202 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills; 02 9280 0364; www.spiceiam.com/house-surry-hills
Taylor Swift has already played Australia in 2024, as the entire country knows. Billie Eilish will hit the country's stages in 2025. Arriving in-between: Olivia Rodrigo, with the former Disney talent — see: Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series — bringing her huge GUTS world tour Down Under in October 2024. When we say huge, we mean it. With the addition of four Aussie dates alongside new gigs in Bangkok, Thailand, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, the tour now spans 82 concerts around the globe. In Australia, Rodrigo has a two-night date with Melbourne and then another two with Sydney. Fans elsewhere, you'll be needing to travel. Touring in support of her second studio album that's also called GUTS, three-time Grammy-winner Rodrigo is hitting Rod Laver Arena Wednesday, October 9–Thursday, October 10 to start her Aussie visit. The next week, from Thursday, October 17–Friday, October 18, she'll play Qudos Bank Arena. In both Sydney and Melbourne, New Zealand singer-songwriter Benee will also take to the stage in support This is 'Drivers License', 'Good 4 U' and 'Vampire' singer Rodrigo's first arena tour, as well as her first tour Down Under — and she'll have her debut album SOUR to work through as well. The GUTS tour started in Palm Springs in February, saw Rodrigo do four shows at Madison Square Garden in April, and is currently making its way around the UK before heading to Europe, back to the US, then to Asia and Australia. Olivia Rodrigo GUTS World Tour 2024 Australian Dates: Wednesday, October 9–Thursday, October 10 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Thursday, October 17–Friday, October 18 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olivia Rodrigo is touring Australia in October 2024. Ticket presales start at 1pm on Wednesday, May 15, and general sales at 1pm on Thursday, May 16 — head to the tour website for further details. Images: Chris Polk, Polk Imaging.
