UPDATE MARCH 23, 2018: If you like smoked meats and good deals, you're going to like LP's latest offering. The Chippendale eatery has just launched a happy hour running from 5–6pm, Tuesday to Friday. The drinks on offer include the usual suspects — $10 glasses of wine, $5 Peroni Reds — and creative concoctions like the Lynchburg Lemonade ($10) made from PS40's smoked lemonade. For food, there's a rotating menu of $10 snacks. Expect smoked and cured delights such as 'nduja toast, Basque anchovies and croquettes stuffed with house-made jamon. Find more info here. If you're not addicted to smoking, then you haven't tried LP's Quality Meats, a European beer hall which carves up the city's best smoked and cured delicacies. Located in a leafy pocket of Chippendale lies LP's secret smokehouse, and you're bound to find it quicker by nose than sight. The venue still retains the charm of its former life as a mechanics — it's one expansive warehouse space with polished concrete floors, tiled walls and high ceilings. Communal tables create aisles across the room and the atmosphere just sings with happy patrons, intoxicated by the promising smells of smoky goodness. The LP in question stands for Luke Powell, the ex-Tetsuya's chef and mastermind behind Mary's famous burgers. He's joined by James Audas of Noma and Tetsuya fame as sommelier and front of house. Don't judge the waiters by their butcher-style tees; this casually clad team are a well-trained, knowledgeable bunch and professional from top to tail. The menu is short and sweet, and particularly short on the sweet items with just one dessert listed. The cured and cold cuts of bierwurst ($14), salami cotto ($14), and mortadella ($14) make a great charcuterie, served on a silver platter with mustard and house-made grissini. There are a host of main-sized menu items, including smoked chicken ($24/$42), lamb belly stuffed with merguez ($36), beef short rib ($48) and smoked sausage ($14), and they all rely on the same tried and true recipe of salt and smoke, a winning combination. At this point of the night even the Young Henrys cider tastes of smoke, but there's no complaining here. The bar has interesting brews on tap — including the Nomad Pale Ale and American Brown Ale BrewCult — and depending on where you sit, you get a great view of the open kitchen and the meat-slicer in motion. Does the single dessert stack up? The proof is in the pudding. While the sad-sounding pouding chômeur (or poor man's pudding) is made from day-old pancake batter, it's surprisingly top-notch. The delicious, crispy, pie-tin pancake soaked in a sticky, jammy sauce is an absolute sensation. With so many first-class elements, LP's Quality Meats is sure to rise to the top. You know what they say: where there's smoke...
Brisbane's Damian Griffiths is doubling down on his mission to put the entire population of Sydney — and indeed, Australia — into a diabetic coma. After giving us our first taste of his insanely popular Doughnut Time creations, the sugar-mad restaurateur is bringing his retro ice cream parlour, Mister Fitz, across the border. The first Mister Fitz opened in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane last December, followed quickly by a second location in South Bank. The Sydney move was first announced in April 2016, and while we're still waiting for a concrete opening date for the permanent store, Griffiths is kicking things off with a pop-up in Sydney's CBD, opening Friday, May 26. You will have to head into a shopping mall to find it though, as one half of Myer's winter Alpine Village activation beside a sibling Doughnut Time pop-up. Mister Fitz's pop-up menu is just four ice-cream sandwiches strong including the Gimme Macklemore (chocolate cookie sandwich, s'mores ice-cream and hot chocolate sauce), and the 24 Carat Magic with a slim shady doughnut sandwich, milk and cookies ice-cream and unicorn crumb), and warm offerings like the Sticky AF (sticky date pudding with vanilla ice cream topped with hot caramel sauce and unicorn crumb). The Mister Fitz and Doughnut Time Alpine Village is located on Level 6, Myer Sydney, 436 George Street, Sydney and will be open during Myer trading hours from May 26 to July 16. To celebrate the opening, both brands will be giving away free ice-cream sandwiches and doughnuts from 12-1pm on Friday, May 26.
After moving to Holt Street in December, the Porteño team have closed their OG HQ on Cleveland Street for events only — so they've decided to put on their own event. 'The Sweet Creeps and Outlaws Tour', featuring Henry Wagons, Jonny Fritz and Ruby Boots, is headed to Sydney this week and kicking off the Easter long weekend right — with a one-off show at Porteño's original digs on Thursday, April 13. Presented by Porteño Events and Love Police, the gig will mark the first in a series of live music nights being held at the revamped venue. It's a solid trio they've got lined up for this first event — from the enigmatic character that is Henry Wagons to the country lyricism of Jonny Fritz and the soulful swagger of Ruby Boots. The stage will also be graced by Fritz' fiddler and sidekick, Joshua Hedley. The trio will play their own songs, each others' songs and covers in a night filled with Americana, rock, folk and blues. Tickets are $73.45 a pop and include the show, two drinks and Argentinian snacks from the Porteño kitchen.
It's true every time that the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras announces its annual program: whether you're keen on the parade action, browsing stalls, partying in pools, hitting the dance floor, catching drag performances or plenty more, there's no shortage of options at the Harbour City's celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and culture. For 2025, the just-revealed lineup spans the return of Fair Day, the festival's usual beloved splash-filled soirees, Honey Dijon and Romy from The xx headlining the Mardi Gras Party, plus Trixie Mattel — and that's just the beginning. In total, more than 80 LBGTQIA+ events will take over the Harbour City between Friday, February 14–Sunday, March 2, 2025. One highlight was first a Sydney WorldPride hit in 2023: the Blak & Deadly First Nations gala concert at City Recital Hall. The overarching theme in Mardi Gras' 47th year: "free to be", which nods to the fight for equality, while also championing individuality and the strength of community. "Each year, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras brings people from all corners of the globe together for a celebration of community, visibility and progress. The 2025 festival embodies this spirit, reflecting the resilience, creativity and unity of our LGBTQIA+ communities," explains the event's CEO Gil Beckwith. "We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this year's festivities and look forward to continuing to champion the values of inclusivity and equality." Fair Day's comeback follows its cancellation in 2024 due to asbestos being found in Victoria Park's mulch. In 2025, it'll be at the same site with 200-plus stalls. The pool action comes courtesy of the Kaftana Pool Party and Paradiso Pool Party, which are just two more of Mardi Gras' signature events that are on the 2025 bill. Also in the same category: the parade and the Mardi Gras Party, of course, alongside the Sissy Ball and Laneway shindig. 2024's Ultra Violet is also back, again celebrating LGBTQIA+ women — as is trans and gender-diverse celebration Hot Trans Summer, which'll take over a floating venue, as well as opening ceremony First Nations First Light: A Festival Welcome at Bondi Beach. Among the new additions for 2025, Mardi Gras is teaming up with Qtopia Sydney on a suite of shows and exhibitions, such as the drag king-focused They Will Be Kings and the millennial pop culture-loving I Want It That Gay. Over at Sydney Opera House, Samuel Barnett's one-man show Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen is another highlight. From there, The Kaye Hole, family-friendly Disco on the Green, Kate Bush tribute An Evening Without Kate Bush and a Pride in Sport Festival featuring everything from self-defence workshops to volleyball tournaments are fellow standouts. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2025 will run from Friday, February 14–Sunday, March 2, 2025. For more information, or for tickets, head to the event's website. Images: Jordan Munns, Joseph Mayers, Ann-Marie Calilhanna, Vic Lentaigne, Ken Leanfore, Lexi Laphor, Jess Gleeson.
When Frozen the Musical opened in Sydney in December 2020, it was a very big deal. Sydney was not only the first stop on the stage production's international tour, but it was one of the only places in the world where people could see a Broadway show — and it still is today. So, if you've got your hands on one of those hot tickets, you should make the most of it. Luckily, a bunch of local venues have jumped on the bandwagon to celebrate this cultural phenomenon coming to town. If you've found yourself swept up in the magical story of Princesses Anna and Elsa — and you just can't get 'Let It Go' out of your head — make it last with these Frozen-themed treats. TREAT YOURSELF TO A WHIMSICAL BRUNCH Darling Square's Auvers Cafe has pulled out all the stops with its themed menu to celebrate Frozen the Musical. The menu is available throughout the production's Sydney run, giving you the perfect excuse to indulge in a decadent brunch before or after you see the show. For drinks, there's the Ice Palace Mocktail, the Warm Hug white hot chocolate and the Snow Queen cocktail. Sweet tooths can pair their drink with The Coronation Croissant (stuffed with creamy spirulina and blue caracao sugar flakes) or the North Mountain Pancake Stack (vibrant blue spirulina pancakes topped with lychee marscapone, vanilla ice cream and berries). After something savoury? Opt for the Arendelle Fjord (blue-eye cod with risotto, tempura oyster, spirulina fish broth and edamame) instead. [caption id="attachment_803745" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jasper Avenue[/caption] GET A BRAIN FREEZE FROM THIS ICY BLUE DESSERT All Frozen fans know ice plays a crucial role in the story, so it should be a big part of your experience seeing the musical, too. Darling Square's Dopa Don and Milk Bar has just the thing. The Frozen Storm is Dopa's spin on kakigōri, a Japanese-style shaved ice dessert. Kakigōri is traditionally sweetened with condensed milk, but this limited-edition version incorporates blue pea flower, blue spirulina syrup and coconut and banana cream. And as you dig into the delightful domed dessert you'll come across purple potato, sago, coconut jelly and another surprise ingredient. ORDER THIS OTT CAKE MADE BY DESSERT ROYALTY When Elsa accidentally sets off an eternal winter in the Kingdom of Arendelle, it's, well, pretty bad. But Masterchef Australia alum Reynold Poernomo has once again proven his dessert king title with this Eternal Winter cake. Available through his popular dessert bar KOI, Eternal Winter features raspberry, vanilla, mint, chocolate brownie and strawberry marshmallow. Given how intricately decorated it is, this cake is only available for click-and-collect, which you can do here. KOI has also just announced a special Frozen-inspired Snowflake Egg, with white chocolate, vanilla and citrus, which will be available for click-and-collect from its Chippendale and Ryde stores between March 18 and April 1. SIP THIS COOL BLUE COSMO Whether you're a Sydney local or you've travelled from afar to see the award-winning show, one way to break the enchanting spell after the show is heading straight home. Instead, book a night at Novotel Sydney Darling Square, which is just around the corner from the Capitol Theatre, and take advantage of its proximity to some of Sydney's best restaurants and bars. One such spot, which is conveniently connected to the hotel, is Pumphouse. The heritage-listed bar is serving this brilliantly blue Frozen Cosmo, garnished with blueberries and mint, for $20 while the show is running. Keen to pair your cocktail with a feed? Pumphouse also runs a pre- and post-theatre dining special. All you have to do is flash your theatre ticket to score a main meal and drink for $25 per person. For the latest info on NSW border restrictions, head here. If travelling from Queensland or Victoria, check out Queensland Health and DHHS websites, respectively. Top image: 'Frozen the Musical', Lisa Tomasetti
Negronis go down well after a hard day at work. Espresso martinis go down well at a boozy weekend brunch. Aperol spritzes go down well... well, most of the time. But, shelling out for these, oft $20-plus, cocktails on the reg doesn't go down well for our wallets. Luckily, there's a slew of Sydney bars and pubs serving up these libations for a tenner — every day of the week. MONDAY CORRIDOR, NEWTOWN What's the deal? All cocktails are $10 between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Thursday. This aptly-named small bar is brimming with more than its fair share of goodness. There's a private table at the front, stools along the wall, a space hidden under the stairs, a lounge room and the upstairs courtyard. And during the week, from 5–7pm, you can pick anything of its cocktail list for only $10. Sit back with a Hot Blooded (a spicy tequila creation), a maple-infused old fashioned or a mojito and be happy knowing your savings are safe for another evening. TUESDAY [caption id="attachment_594712" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] East Village Hotel[/caption] EAST VILLAGE HOTEL, DARLINGHURST What's the deal? $10 daily cocktails between 5pm and 7pm, Monday to Thursday. This three-tiered Darlinghurst bar, which had a facelift in late 2016, has some of the suburb's best rooftop views. It also has some standout midweek cocktail deals. Each day, from Monday to Thursday, the bar offers a different cocktail for $10. Fan of Tommys margaritas? Head in on a Monday. Like your drinks carbonated? There are spritzes on Tuesdays. Campari connoisseur? Negronis on Wednesdays. And when you make it to Thursday, you deserve a round (or two) or $10 espresso martinis. WEDNESDAY [caption id="attachment_547543" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The Carrington[/caption] THE CARRINGTON, SURRY HILLS What's the deal? $10 negronis, Aperol spritzes, espresso martinis and margaritas between 9pm and 10pm, daily. Locals love the Carrington. It's in walking distance of the SCG, it's dog friendly and it has great nightly food deals (including meal deals for your dog). It's also one of the few bars offering late-night drink specials. Every day from 9–10pm the pub is serving up $10 negronis, Aperol Spritzes, espresso martinis and margaritas — so, even if you need to clock a few overtime hours at work, you can still bag a bargain. RESTAURANT HUBERT, CBD What's the deal? $10 negronis between 4pm and 6pm, daily. This basement French restaurant is better known for its luxe design and refined fare than it is for its bargains. But, this changed when it launched its aperitivo hour. Every day from 4–6pm you can knock back negronis for a tenner. If you're peckish, you can snack on $5 devilled eggs and $10 burgers, too. And that's just the start — you can read about the rest of the aperitivo hour deals here. THURSDAY [caption id="attachment_532433" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Hotel Steyne[/caption] GLASSHOUSE, HOTEL STEYNE, MANLY What's the deal? $10 gin cocktails between 5pm and 7pm, Thursday and Friday. Perched on an eastern corner of the Manly Corso, the Hotel Steyne is just a stumble away from the beach. When it comes to dining and drinking at this multifaceted venue, you have a few options. And on Thursday and Friday afternoons, we suggest heading directly for the Glasshouse. This gin and tonic bar has an extensive list of botanical cocktails, charcuterie boards and between 5pm and 7pm it's offering up gin cocktails for only $10. FRIDAY [caption id="attachment_534073" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Bellevue[/caption] BELLEVUE, PADDINGTON What's the deal? $10 espresso martinis between 6pm and 8pm, Friday. Nestled in the leafy back streets of Paddington, Bellevue (formerly The Bellevue Hotel) has been trading since 1880, but a few years ago it was renovated and reinvented. Its renovation included a host of daily specials (including 2-for-1 meals and $1 oysters) but our favourite by far is on Fridays — $10 espresso martinis. Congratulate yourself for surviving another working week with a round of drinks and a caffeine buzz. SATURDAY [caption id="attachment_648889" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Shady Pines Saloon[/caption] SHADY PINES SALOON, DARLINGHURST What's the deal? $10 margaritas and negronis between 4pm and 6pm, daily. The underground whiskey bar recently launched a new menu. And alongside it — lucky for us — it launched a daily happy hour. Between 4–6pm the peanut-shell filled bar is mixing and shaking $10 margaritas and negronis. If you've only got a pocket full of loose change, no stress. It's also slinging $3 house spirits and beers. SUNDAY [caption id="attachment_586723" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Moya's Juniper Lounge[/caption] MOYA'S JUNIPER LOUNGE, REDFERN What's the deal? $10 negronis from 6pm, Sunday. Tackle the doom and gloom of Sunday's dying hours with a local dose of chilled-out jazz and a delightfully priced cocktail. Every Sunday in from 6pm, Moya's Juniper Lounge will host live jazz and $10 negronis — the perfect combination to help you forget about the looming Monday morning. CAN CAVA PINXTOS & WINE, BONDI BEACH What's the deal? $10 seasonal cocktails from 2pm, Sunday. Can Cava Pinxtos & Wine is giving Sydneysiders a reason to welcome the last licks of the weekend with Sunday Funday. The Bondi bar hosts a weekly party with live music, cheap-yet-fancy booze and Barcelona-style eats. All-day drink specials include $10 cocktails off the seasonal menu — think passionfruit martinis, grapefruit margaritas and daiquiris for summer. LL WINE AND DINE, POTTS POINT What's the deal? $10 bloody marys between 11am and 4pm, Sunday. If you wake up on Sunday feeling a bit dusty, LL Wine and Dine has a solution. Every Sunday from 11am the Potts Point eatery is serving up $10 bloody marys (the ultimate hangover cure) and all-you-can-eat yum cha for 30 bucks a head.
Good news, chicken lovers. El Jannah is spreading its wings east with the launch of a brand-new location in Randwick. To celebrate, the charcoal chicken fanatics have put together a grand opening celebration, with anyone named Charlie (or close enough) earning a special treat. Happening on Saturday, July 26, a charcoal chicken meal is on the house for the Charlottes, Charlenes and Charles of the world — you get the idea. But don't think the rest of us have been forgotten. El Jannah Randwick will serve quarter charcoal chicken meals to all-comers for $5. "Opening in Randwick is a milestone moment for us and a reflection of Sydney's ever-growing love for charcoal chicken," says Adam Issa, Head of Marketing at El Jannah. "What began as a single family-run store in Granville has grown by keeping true to our founding principles; serving honest food, made with care, and shared with community." The arrival of El Jannah Randwick has also thrown a wrench in the 'Red Rooster Line.' Emerging from the western suburbs, the cult-favourite chicken joint has ignored the buffer, finding a new home among Chargrill Charlie's territory. It only makes sense — juicy chicken and legendary garlic sauce know no boundaries.
The older we get the more we are faced with the stark reality that with each passing year, our ability to handle an innocent drink declines… rapidly. Gone are the days of 3am tequila shots and dancing all night only to wake up fresh faced and carefree, ready to tackle the rest of your weekend. It can be said that even a few arvo beers at the pub or night of wine-fuelled deep conversation can pose a risk to a fresh head in the morning. And, if you've got a to-do list waiting the next day — or you simply want to avoid nausea, head aches and the dreaded Sunday Scaries —sticking to sobriety can be the most obvious choice. While going sans-booze is never a bad idea, it's not always ideal. Celebratory jugs of beer between mates, delicious drops, artful cocktails: dreamy. If you agree, we've got news for you. Tend-2 is your answer if you truly cannot risk feeling sad and sorry the next day. The product? Vitamin-laden capsules, for both pre- and post-drinking. Organic, natural and with the science to back the efficacy up, Tend-2 capsules are ARTG listed and your first purchase comes with a money-back guarantee. Pop two before you start drinking, making sure to party responsibly and hydrate regularly, then pop another two once you've had your last bev. Simple. And once you've sorted your next-day self out, what better than a standout morning meal to celebrate your win? Brunch is a staple in any city-slicker's weekend routine, so join the rest of the fresh-faced crowd. Whether you're in the mood for an expertly crafted classic or are looking for something a bit more out-there (like breakfast ramen), here are the spots you need to visit when you're feeling smug. BREAD & CIRCUS, ALEXANDRIA You can always count on Bread & Circus to deliver immaculate vibes and great food. An atmosphere that manages to be both bustling and calming, its signature pops of pink and a regular crowd of loyal locals: the ideal spot for your smug self. What to order? Keep it simple yet satisfying with summer on toast, which heroes seasonal tomatoes with a backdrop of goat's chevre and fresh herbs. There's a breakfast salad and a breakfast curry, if you want something deliciously different. Or, if you are thinking sweet, the bowl of "foxy porridge" is for you. Caramelised banana, blueberry, pistachio, mint and maple — heaven. Wash down your wholesome meal with a selection from their extensive fine tea menu, a coffee (using Padre beans) or a cold-pressed juice. Bread & Circus, 21 Fountain Street, Alexandria ST KAI, MORTDALE This Japanese-leaning cafe serves some seriously special eats, just the ticket if you're looking to mix up your usual brunch routine (or just know what's good for you). In the event of being smug and hangover free? You're primed with a stomach of steel to get experimental. Enjoy a fish and kimchi sausage roll served with housemade ketchup, or switch up your usual eggs on toast for a serve of silky smooth folded eggs with black-herring roe and lao gan ma (the holy grail of chilli oil) atop milk toast. Or, who said you couldn't have ramen for breakfast? Opt for the warming bowl pictured above for a morning umami bomb. At St Kai, there's drinks aplenty too: standout coffee, tea and matcha, plus plenty of room to explore. Ditch your regular latte for something a little more fun, like a bebop with coffee jelly, iced milk and strong espresso. St Kai, 38 Balmoral Road, Mortdale [caption id="attachment_888364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jonathan Gregson[/caption] BILL'S, BONDI It is only fair to give an honourable mention to the reliably lovely Bill's. With that beautiful, glowing, legging-clad Bondi crowd and an aura that screams 'I have my life together', this is not a place to try and bear with a hangover. However, if you're feeling fresh, soak in the beautiful ambiance and feast on the classics — you really can't go wrong. Try the now-iconic ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter (a fluffy heavenly dream); or opt for another signature dish, the sweet corn fritters that come perfectly balanced with a citrusy avocado salsa (hot tip: add bacon). And, if you're looking to really try your luck, wash it down with a spiced bloody mary — start your day right. Bill's, 79 Hall Street, Bondi Beach MISC., PARRAMATTA Proving west is best, Parramatta's new Misc. is pairing an authentic neighbourhood feel with delicious eats that are great to feast on with company or solo. The extensive breakfast menu is curated to keep everyone happy. In the mood for classic-yet-elevated eggs? Hankering for a loaded mushroom toastie (complete with sage butter, gruyere, caramelised onion and pickles)? Hate deciding and looking to share lots of small plates? You're catered for here. There's cilbir (garlicky, yoghurt-y Turkish eggs), complete with a smoky-sweet Aleppo pepper oil and housemade focaccia (to soak up all that saucy goodness). Enjoy it all in this sleek 300-seat venue with plenty of room to settle in either inside or alfresco. Misc, Little Coogee, Byrnes Avenue, Parramatta NORMA'S DELI, MANLY Manly's hottest new venue is serving all the Med goodness you could need for a hangover-free morning meal. You can find the terrazzo-floored beauty on The Corso, complete with vibrant thrum of diners, a stunning tiled logo and — why you're here — a Greek-inspired breakfast. Think pink with the taramasalata toast served with soft boiled eggs, zested lemon, bottarga and chives. Or lean green with the viridescent shakshuka complete with a lashing of citrusy yoghurt. If you really can't decide, opt for the Norma's Platter (for one or two people) which'll have you devour eggs, a selection of fresh housemade bread, buffalo mozzarella, Sicilian olives, cucumber and deli meats — the menu item perfect for when you want to sample all the fresh and quality produce your heart desires. Norma's Deli, 74–78 The Corso, Manly SOULMATE, NEWTOWN For your classic Aussie-cafe vibe, you want to make a beeline for Soulmate. Its corner location (far from the bus-lined King Street and Enmore Road) and thrown-open doors make it the perfect spot to settle in on a sunny Sydney day (though prepare to wait if you weren't first out of bed). Sip on your Single O coffee with a Soulmate B&E (complete with sambal and cheese) or be brave with a black sausage sanga with herb aioli and plenty of kick. There's the tofu scramble for the meat-averse, or beans on toast (a super special plate of charred corn and borlotti beans on top of crunchy toast with pecorino and chilli oil). We're calling it: sans hangover, a classic cafe brekkie never tasted so good. Soulmate, Unit 12/39 Phillip Street, Newtown [caption id="attachment_887877" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jack Fenby[/caption] A.P BAKERY, SURRY HILLS Head to the Paramount House Hotel rooftop and stealthily snag a seat at A.P House. The Cali-inspired venue is usually bustling, so it's best to save a visit for a hangover-free day so as not to overwhelm yourself. From 7.30am, Wednesday to Sunday, the team's serving some of the best pastries in the game. Among the lineup there's 'nduja-topped focaccia straight from the oven, buttery croissants with an infinity of layers, warrigal-greens pies and fruity tarts (all optimal for taking away after you've finished your choice from the regularly changing menu). Consider this your warning to come with a good appetite — we doubt you'll be able to decide on just one thing. A.P Bakery, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills If you're looking to dine smugly (sans hangover) and drink smarter, head to the website for more information. Top image: Misc.; Anson Smart, Bill's Bondi
Daniel Boyd is a re-maker of Australian history. Through artistic methods of satire and appropriation, he deconstructs narratives of British imperialism and confronts the dark undercurrents that whitewash our sense of national identity and culture. Drawing upon 18th and 19th century paintings, he subtly inverts heroic depictions of colonial conquest into portraits of invasion, rampant with buccaneers and profiteers. In a slight change of pace, Boyd’s current exhibition, Pineapples in the Pacific, revolves around Pentecost Island in the South Pacific, the birthplace of his paternal great great grandfather. Based on photographs taken during a series of Anglican Melansian missions in 1906, Boyd approaches these images with contemporary candour and an eye for satire, amplifying their residual flavours of exoticism and ‘otherness’. As well as stitching and unstitching the flexible fabric of history, Boyd also reworks the traditional aesthetic of Aboriginal dot painting, merging together abstraction and figuration. His series of untitled paintings are veiled by glossy, translucent dots of archival glue. These dots, whilst adding brilliant textural complexity, are allowed to converge like raindrops. They appear to function as miniature lenses that distort and magnify the content. This masking and manipulation of perspective means you have to dig deep to discern the details. Like subjective histories, Boyd is perhaps emphasising subjective modes of seeing. Upon entering the gallery space, a picturesque coastal landscape looms large. Coloured with luminous blues and greens, it teems with tropical allure. Whilst the work is a postcard perfect capturing of foreign beauty, with the elevated viewpoint and the historical context, there is a creeping sense that we are seeing through the possessive lust of the coloniser. Interesting also is Boyd’s curiously isolated pineapple. It is as if he is harnessing this well-worn icon of lush utopia and using it as an ironic statement, implying that it masks a set of derogatory racial and cultural assumptions. Boyd’s re-worked portraits are more obviously rooted in archival photography. In his shadowy representations of indigenous figures, an elder man is dressed in ceremonial garb and weaponry, whilst in another work, there is a faint echo of Gauguin’s Tahitian muse, summoning up the notion of ‘exotic beauty’. You get the feeling that the original photography was guided by the antiquated stock character of ‘the noble savage’; however, Boyd’s elusive and monochromatic reproduction of them suggests that this romantic notion is a blurry memory — that there is something intangible and out of reach about this identity. The locale may be different, but Boyd's magnified and reworked reproductions continue to be subtle provocations of Western colonialism and their shifting approaches to 'otherness'. It's one case where a pineapple is most definitely not just a pineapple.
Cleveland Street's Norfolk Hotel might not be Sydney's oldest pub, but it's got a case to make as the city's most consistently evolving. In just the past decade, the Redfern watering hole — which poured its first beer in 1921 — has passed through the hands of no less than three different hospo groups. And now, its latest iteration has been unveiled. After being taken over earlier this year by local hospo juggernaut Solotel (the group behind the likes of The Abercrombie, Chiswick and Oxford House), the new Norfolk is leaning into its long-held reputation as an easygoing, no-nonsense local, complete with trivia, spin the wheel and a badge draw. The opening follows a months-long restoration, which sees the century-old institution return with a new look and mission as it embarks on its next chapter. Helming this next chapter are GM Marcella Guilfoyle and Executive Chef Toby Wilson (pictured below), whose buzzy taqueria Ricos Tacos is still holding down the fort in the pub's courtyard, while the upstairs Club Ricos also remains intact. Wilson has also turned his attention to the Norfolk's new pub menu, which champions local suppliers — Good Ways Deli is both providing the focaccia and teaming up with Ciccone & Sons for a lamington ice cream sandwich — while showcasing pub classics with a thoroughly contemporary remix. On the menu, you'll find the likes of house-made pork and fennel sausage roll sold by the inch, beef and VB party pies, a roast chicken and sage roll with a side of dipping gravy, and those lamington ice cream sandwiches. "The new menu keeps it classic, but everything's made with heart," says Wilson. "It's a team effort to bring the best of the 'burb to the table." At the bar, you'll also find a bit of the surrounding 'burbs (and slightly further beyond) with boutique local wines available by the glass and a dark lager collab with Alexandria brewers Yulli's. There's also a selection of aperitivo-style cocktails, with some available on tap. "The Norfolk has always stood for good times, great food and that sense of belonging you only get from your local," says Guilfoyle. "We're proud to be back, collaborating with some of the neighbourhood's greatest success stories and creating a space where everyone's welcome." The Norfolk is now open at 305 Cleveland Street, Redfern. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Steven Woodburn.
Popular Sydney hospitality figure Reynold Poernomo has unveiled his flagship venue in Chippendale, with the opening of a new KOI Dessert Bar featuring three distinct areas. KOI has moved to Central Park Avenue after half a decade in Kensington Street, expanding to a larger more extravagant space two streets over which Poernomo has described as his "dream venue". Reynold initially opened the dessert bar with the help of his brothers Arnold and Ronald after winning fans over on MasterChef. "This is big for me, the team and the family, because as you all know, this is the first restaurant that my family and I had started over five years ago," Poernomo said. Tucked behind Central Park Mall next to the Chippendale Green, KOI Dessert Bar now invites sweet tooths to their choice of three dining experiences. The first section is your standard dessert bar reminiscent of the original Chippendale location. Here you'll find a stone and japanese tile benchtop presenting KOI's signature range of desserts for takeaway or eat-in. The daily cake selection changes, but you can expect creations like black truffle basque cheesecake or matcha, yuzu and pistachio slice, paired with St Dreux coffee and Tavalon tea. In the evening you'll enter through the second space — the revamped Monkey's Corner cocktail bar which has also moved across from Kensington Street. At the bar, the cakes are traded for noodles and coffee swapped for sake. Highlights from the food menu include chili crab egg noodles, trout tartare, torched wagyu strips and king prawns. There's also an affinity for truffle, with a black truffle and mushroom noodle dish a mainstay of the bar, and a seasonal truffle menu on offer during winter. The final — and possibly most exciting — element of the revamped venue is an intimate 12-seat restaurant. A chef's table of sorts, diners at KOI Experiential will have a front-row show as Poernomo creates a ten-course degustation spanning the sweet and the savory. The experience resembles that of Sydney's new wave of omakase restaurants, with the head chef taking patrons through that night's intricate and expertly crafted dishes. Seatings at the degustation are available at either 5.30pm or 8pm and will set you back $130pp. KOI Dessert Bar and Monkey's Corner are located at 6 Central Park Avenue, Chippendale. The dessert bar is open 11am–10pm Tuesday–Sunday, KOI Experiential is open from 5.30pm and 8pm Wednesday–Sunday and Moneky's Corner is open 5–10pm Tuesday–Sunday and midday–3pm Saturday and Sunday.
Five years after Sydney's lockout laws were introduced by Liberal Premier Barry O'Farrell, it could be a Liberal Government that finally winds them back. The Parliament of NSW has this morning released its extensive review of the city's nighttime economy — and it looks like it could be the final nail in the coffin for the lockout laws. The 126-page report makes 40 recommendations in total, most notably recommending that that the 2014 lockout laws be removed across the CBD, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, the top half of Surry Hills and Oxford Street with "appropriate urgency". The report says that the 1.30am lockout, bans on shots after midnight and the 3am closing time should all be lifted across licensed venues in this area. The Kings Cross precinct won't be as lucky, with the report citing that it "requires a specific, nuanced approach" as it's a high-density area with a "high risk" that violence would increase again if the laws are lifted. It does, however, recommend that the lockout laws be reviewed again in 12 months. The report also suggests that the sale of alcohol be extended until midnight Monday to Saturday (and 11pm on Sunday), extend the standard closing time of small bars until 2am a request for Transport for NSW look into 24-hour transport on weekends. [caption id="attachment_637655" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frankies in the CBD, which would be affected by the lockout law change. Image: Katje Ford.[/caption] The parliamentary inquiry, which was first announced in May by Premier Gladys Berejiklian, was undertaken by a ten-member cross-party committee made up of politicians from both the upper and lower house, the NSW Government and cross-benchers. It considered close to 800 submissions from business owners and industry members including police, health, entertainment and live music stakeholders to make the reccommendations to the government. While they are all just recommendations at this stage, it looks likely that the legislative changes to the lockout laws will be entered into parliament by the NSW Government. Plans to scrap the lockout laws (in terms that seem to reflect this report) were announced earlier this month by the Premier herself, who told The Daily Telegraph that "Sydney is Australia's only global city and we need our night-life to reflect that." And if the Coalition is bringing the motion to relax the lockout laws, it's likely it will be successful — especially as the Shooters, Farmers and Fishers Party has already expressed its support for scrapping them. You can check out the major parties' views on live music and the lockouts in our pre-election wrap-up. The CBD's nightlife and live music scene has struggled under the stifling legislation — and has seen a reported 176 venues, including institutions like The Basement, close — the lifting of the lockout laws together with the City of Sydney's plans to introduce 24-hour trading to the CBD could mean big changes for the area. It won't change overnight, but the repeal of the lockout laws would allow Sydneysiders to head into CBD bars, pubs and nightclubs after 1.30am — and those same venues to remain open after 3am — while the City of Sydney is hoping to encourage the 24 hour trading of unlicensed CBD businesses. Now it's over to the NSW Government to make the next move. We'll update you when we have any new info. Top image: Kimberley Low.
In a normal year, the Sydney Film Festival doesn't just host the huge city-wide event that it's best known for, but also takes a touring program around the country via its Travelling Film Festival. We all know that there's little that's normal about 2020, of course, so the fest has been adapting accordingly — firstly, by going virtual for its big attraction; and now, by launching a new film event designed to encourage movie buffs to head back to the nation's independent cinemas. Running across November and December, My Cinema My Film Festival is a collaboration between SFF's Travelling Film Festival and Independent Cinemas Australia — and it's hitting up 19 picture palaces across New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the ACT. Crucially, the event is heading to both cities and regional locations, with different programs and timeframes for each. So, whether you're a cinephile in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Bunbury or Mt Gambier, you'll be able to head to the flicks and check out new indie and arthouse movies. When the mini film fest arrives in regional and rural cinemas from November 19–30, and then metropolitan cinemas from November 27–December 10, viewers will be able to check out Adam, a moving Casablanca-set drama about a pregnant woman and the single mother who helps her; documentary The Painter and the Thief, which picked up a prize at Sundance; and Descent, a doco about free diver Kiki Bosch. Max Richter's Sleep peeks behind the scenes of Richter's eight-hour Sleep performance, while drama Charlatan steps inside the Nazi Occupation of Czechoslovakia — and, in regional areas only, powerful Aussie western High Ground is also on the bill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yJ4r7ON974 Across both legs of the event, 12 features will screen in total, as will five Australian short films. Announcing My Cinema My Film Festival, SFF CEO Leigh Small noted that "Australian cinemas everywhere have been struggling under the weight of COVID-19 factors such as lockdowns, reduced audience capacities, or access to films due to delayed and limited theatrical film releases globally". She continued, "this is one step we can take together to help bring audiences back to the cinemas responsibly, with outstanding films they are unlikely to see anywhere on streaming platforms". MY CINEMA MY FILM FESTIVAL LOCATIONS: New South Wales: Dendy Newtown, Forum Cinema Wagga, Scotty's Cinema Raymond Terrace, Picture Showman Merimbula, Forum 6 Cinema Tamworth, Odeon 5 Cinema Orange, Gala Cinema Warrawong Queensland: Dendy Coorparoo, Dendy Portside, Big Screen Cinemas Hervey Bay, Gympie Cinema, Gladstone Cinema Western Australia: Bunbury Grand Cinemas, Grand Cinemas Armadale, Grand Cinemas Joondalup South Australia: Oatmill Cinema Mt Gambier, Wallis Mt Barker, Wallis Mitcham ACT: Dendy Canberra My Cinema My Film Festival screens in regional and rural cinemas from November 19–30, and in metropolitan cinemas from November 27–December 10. Head to the festival website for further details, session times and to buy tickets.
When you wish upon a star, do you wish for all things Disney to be worked into your daily life? If so, then you'll be familiar with Sydney fine-dining institution NEL and its Once Upon a Time degustations. Since 2019, the Harbour City restaurant has been regularly plating up 11-course meals featuring dishes inspired by the Mouse House and its movies. In fact, it's done so four times so far. 2024's run will mark the enchanting dining experience's fifth chapter, then — and NEL's Executive Chef and namesake Nelly Robinson has new film-themed culinary creations in store. From Tuesday, April 16–Saturday, August 10, fans of top-notch meals and Disney alike can flutter into the Surry Hills eatery to enjoy courses that take their cues from Frozen, 101 Dalmatians, The Jungle Book and more. Both savoury and sweet dishes are on offer, with or without beverages — including cocktails — that also help tell a magical tale. For those who'll never be able to let their Mouse House obsession go, cured ocean trout Nordic-style — complete with a pickled onion snowflake, snow made out of cream cheese, and dustings of lemon and dill done at your table — is on the menu. Of course the Cruella de Vil-themed plate goes with a black-and-white colour scheme, featuring ricotta gnocchi, pan-seared mushroom and a celeriac velouté. And there'll be far more than the bare necessities tempting your tastebuds with the banana-shaped cream paired with roasted white chocolate and peanut butter brittle. Other courses include a nod to Peter Pan via a golden sweet pastry crumble, aka the Once Upon a Time degustation's version of pixie dust; saying "hi ho, hi ho" to a Snow White-inspired dish; and also paying edible tribute to Mulan, The Lion King, Bambi and The Nightmare Before Christmas. There's even NEL's version of a wand, aka a chicken and eggplant pastry that comes in a crisp tulle. "I am taking our diners on a journey of nostalgia. It is so much fun creating this menu. The films continue to inspire me. With the team at NEL, we have crafted the menu to ensure a moment of joy and wonder in every single dish," says Robinson about his fifth Once Upon a Time menu. NEL is known for its themed degustations, also spanning KFC-inspired dinners, Moulin Rouge!-themed and Christmas degustations, and heroing native Australian ingredients in the past. Unsurprisingly, the Once Upon a Time spread is especially popular — and because it serves up new and fresh dishes riffing on the Mouse House's favourites each time, it's always a different experience each year for locals and Disney-adoring visitors to Sydney. Price-wise, this childhood-inspired feast will require an adult salary, costing $185 per person, with beverages matched for an extra $165. Reserving a spot ASAP for dinner Tuesday–Saturday from 5.15pm, and for lunch from 12pm on Saturdays as well, is recommended — this always books out. NEL's Once Upon A Time (Chapter Five) degustation is on offer from Tuesday, April 16–Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. For more information or to book, head to the NEL website.
Following a very exciting relaunch in 2023 as a part of the Cambridge Market family, The Cannery Markets have flourished. It's fair to say they know what they're doing, bringing over 45 high-end food, drink, homeware and other boutique retailers to Rosebery on the first weekend of every month. If you're wondering what to expect, there's a wide range of flavours and products to look forward to. A Tiny Bit Decadent is a specialist in all things chocolate; Shadow Baking appear regularly with legendary baked goods; Ola Lola never fails to bring Latin American flavours; Matcha and Forest have a range of green tea goodies; Meraki Lane offers lovely decorations for the home; and I Dream of Silver has all your jewellery needs sorted. The Cannery Market is open the first weekend of every month, from 9am to 3pm. For more information on The Cannery Markets or its vendors, visit the website.
Since winding up the breakfast show at Triple J last year, comedian Tom Ballard has not slowed down in the slightest. Sure, he might not have to get up so early every weekday morning, but in between nationally touring his stand-up comedy shows, writing op-eds and returning to radio for a six-week Chatback stint, Ballard is one busy lad. Now he's set to launch and host his own show on ABC TV called Reality Check, which will look exclusively at the bizarre world of reality TV. Before that all happens, we were lucky enough to pull him over for a quick chat about his stand-up comedy career, Dry July, Thorpie and RuPaul's Drag Race. Congrats on the new show. What made you want to explore the world of reality TV? Ahhh, the money? Since I left Triple J breakfast I'm destitute and living on the street, so having a regular paycheck is pretty good! But it's also a bonus that it's a really fascinating topic that we don't talk about enough, and I get to do it with CJZ [the merger of Cordell Jigsaw Productions and Zapruder's Other Films, independently responsible for shows such as The Gruen Transfer and Go Back to Where You Came From] and ABC who make pretty awesome TV together. There is a wealth of material that hasn't been mined yet, there's a shitload of really important, moving stuff, but there's obviously a ton of jokes as well. It's the perfect sweet spot for me. You'll be joined by previous reality TV 'stars' — I use that term very loosely! Who are you most excited to have on the panel? (Slyly giggles to himself) Well, I have to be a bit boring and tell you we're keeping that one close to our chest at the moment. We've had a bunch of producers whose names you may not know, but they're actually responsible for huge reality TV hits, as well as previous judges and contestants. We've spoken to some people who have been the voice of Big Brother, some people who have won a major series, and people who have worked in the UK and America who have batshit crazy shows so it's really fascinating talking to them. Every week there will be names who are very familiar to reality TV addicts but also people who only follow it on the periphery. We worked really hard on getting some good names who can give us a lot of insight on the shows and the issues we want to talk about. https://youtube.com/watch?v=RmfHMNkhtn8 What reality TV shows did you watch growing up? Or are there still some that you watch now? Australian Idol was huge for me. I watched the first series. I was a big MasterChef head as well. I love RuPaul's Drag Race as well, and that is a really funny show. Come Dine With Me, and just stupid shit like the Kardashians. For this show we've watched a shit-ton of stuff and looking at the crazy moments that have happened in other countries like Nigeria's Got Talent and China's Got Talent, Big Brother Houses in other countries, one which was full of short-statured people. There's a UK show called Tourettes: Let Me Entertain You, which was basically a talent search for young people with Tourettes, just insane shit like that. I'm really excited about bringing that to the fore and laughing and celebrating all that stuff we get to see. You have just wound up your return to Triple J with Chatback: What was it like being back? It was great. It was really lovely, I was starting to miss everyone quite a lot so I got to go in on Thursdays and say hello to everyone. It reminded me how much I love radio and all the cool and crazy stuff that station does. There were also a few of your famous friends calling in under aliases, did any of them give you a heads up about their characters, or did they just let you have it? Yeah, we workshopped them all, a lot of that stuff was pre-recorded. We went back and forth with a few ideas, and then characters that people really liked, like Rebecca or Dr Jangles, came back in later weeks. It was really fun to have a character on twice because people were really keen to hear more from them and find out how their lives are going. I just think radio like this is underutilised. At the BBC in the UK the amount of comedy radio out there is amazing and I'd love to see more of that in Australia, because there's just so much fun you can have on a very low budget. It's just messing with peoples minds. That's what Chatback was — it was funny how worked up people got who thought they were real people. You also wrote a great op-ed recently about Thorpie coming out and why that was so important. It's no secret you're an opinionated young man, but what has to happen for you to decide, right, I'm going to write an op-ed about this? Well, to be honest a friend of mine who works at Fairfax called me and they wanted a young gay person's perspective on the issue. But honestly I did think about it, because there were a million think pieces and even for the next two days everyone and his dog had an opinion on the whole situation. I felt like I had something to say that I hadn't seen in many other media outlets so I thought that was a good chance. I want to be a comedian, that's what I want people to think of me as so I don't want to get on my high horse too often, but it is something that's really important to me. I'm really passionate about the mental health of young queer kids, and I wanted to remind people that when someone comes out, we should be happy. Yes we can have our criticisms about it, but ultimately it's a good news story. Have you enjoyed having more time to focus on your stand-up comedy this year? Although to be fair, it looks like you've had a million other side projects going. The first six months of the year had a lot of touring, so I wasn't being very visible on other media. It was all about getting out there and doing a whole bunch of stand up which was really fun. The truth of the matter is if you want to make a living from being a stand-up comic in this country you do need to push your media profile to make sure people are aware of you from other areas. It's kind of a balancing act. I am really excited about this show, I think it's going to be super fun, but I'm also excited about the fact that hopefully more people will come see me live and laugh at my jokes in front of me. Finally, how did your Dry July go? [Tom was on a team called 'Alco-Hellllll No!' with Megan Washington, and Triple J staff including Zan Rowe and Kyran Wheatly] Hahaha! Ummm…. Bad? I've raised money and it's been great not drinking, I feel a bit healthier and it's for an awesome cause, but it's much tougher than I thought it would be! Reality Check premieres on ABC TV on Wednesday, August 13, at 9pm.
Among Sydney's extensive selection of breweries, from instant institutions like Marrickville's the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre to new additions like Chippendale's Flamin Galah outpost, there is always room for one more. And with Future Brewing's new joint, the Inner West has scored yet another indie winner. The relative newcomer to Sydney's drinking scene is now serving ice cold schooners at a spacious dog- and family-friendly taproom in relaxed St Peters digs. Future Brewing is brought to life by a team of three on eight legs. Owner and brewer of the joint, Brady Hannett, hails from a diverse (and prestigious) background in beer, having visited a few of the world's top-ranked breweries and logging experience in California at Alvarado Street Brewery following his completion of UC Davis' Master Brewer's program. Second-in-charge, Laura Howard, handles the business operations, while the duo's beloved Great Dane, Deon, serves as the brewery's semi-official mascot. From hazy and West Coast styles to small-batch sours, the aim of the venue is to serve up clean, well-balanced sips fit for casual drinking sessions where visitors can experiment. A rotating selection of beers across 12 taps keep things interesting from visit to visit. If you need a breather from beers, the team's got a tight range of juicy natural wines from P&V too. And if you're looking to pair your drink of choice with a bite, you can order in slices from Epic Pizza or turn up for appearances by Uncle Ay-Jay's tacos on select weekends. The Future Brewing crew has upcoming plans to team up with a range of renowned brewery talent including a collaboration with the UK's Track Brewing Co launching on Thursday, January 25, and a pop-up stall at the upcoming Juicy Beer Festival in Brisbane. You'll find Future Brewing open from 4pm to 9pm on Thursdays, 12pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12pm to 8pm on Sundays at 82 May Street in St Peters.
After almost a decade in Paddington, Tequila Mockingbird has come to an end. But that doesn't mean the story is over. Housed in a heritage-listed, 19th-century terrace, the venue won countless fans throughout the years with its Latin American share plates and innovative cocktails. Plus, it offered one of the city's most comprehensive tequila and mezcal lists. Yet Michael Fegent, owner and Director of Atticus Hospitality, isn't one to rest on his laurels, delivering a dream concept that's been years in the making — tqm. Opening on Thursday, May 8, the old restaurant has undergone a full-scale refurbishment. Leading the culinary revolution is newly appointed Atticus Hospitality Executive Chef Jose Garcia — a Michelin-rated chef who last served as Executive Chef of Fogón Asado in Buenos Aires, which was ranked the 36th best steak restaurant in the world, according to the respected World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants list. With Fogón Asado also renowned for its theatrical flourishes, tqm guests can expect a similar playfulness on the menu. Garcia has placed several of his signature dishes on tqm's menu, including XO prawns rice, fried green plantain with smoked fish, and blood sausage croquette. Meanwhile, smaller dishes, like grilled haloumi and tomato salad, and sweet potato puree with nut dukkah, are long-standing recipes of the renowned chef. With each dish inspired by an aspect of Garcia's life — from road trips across Venezuela with his dad to his mum's love of seafood — an upbeat personality will ripple through tqm's food. "My inspiration comes from multiple past experiences, from my favourite chefs, and from my Latin and family roots. Every time I have the chance to highlight something my mum or grandmother taught me, I try to do it," says Garcia. "Since I was a kid, I've loved cooking, eating, and being in the kitchen. From the age of 13, I knew I wanted to be a chef. And when I started studying, one of my goals was to be part of the group of chefs who have worked to showcase and elevate Venezuelan cuisine and flavours around the world." With Tequila Mockingbird renowned for its cocktails, a host of new creations will carry on this legacy at tqm. For instance, the Grande Chartreuse Colada features green Chartreuse, Bacardi, pineapple and coconut, while the Caribbean Queen combines Plantation pineapple rum, Rhubi and Averna with fresh strawberry and pineapple. The new venue will also debut its first-ever collection of house wines, with red, white and rosé varieties made in collaboration with two distinct winemakers in the Hunter Valley and McLaren Vale. As for the refurbed decor, things are looking a little brighter. The facade now dazzles in bright yellow, speaking to the restaurant's Venezuelan connection. This golden hue is also used extensively across the bar, dining room and lush courtyard. For Fegent, it's all about bringing home the culinary passion he encountered in South America a decade ago. "Over the course of many trips, where I visited 30-plus local restaurants, Jose's restaurant Fogón Asado was the absolute standout… I can't wait to showcase his extraordinary, world-class cooking from our little part of Sydney and give our customers something truly unique and special." tqm will open Tuesday–Thursday from 4.30pm–late and Friday–Saturday from 12pm–late at 6 Heeley St, Paddington. Head to the website for more information.
Marrickville's new Metro Market is a collaboration between the creators of design and arts store Hypmotive and the folks behind fresh food retailer Panetta. The result is set to be the suburb's largest maker's market, with an array of artists, designers and suppliers from the area and beyond set to be slinging their wares.his month's iteration will run on the ground level of the Smidmore Street Precinct. If you miss anyone one iteration of the market, don't worry — it's set to be held every month, so you've got plenty of time to peruse the edible treats, homewares, fashion and art. The lineup is set to change and grow, but this week you'll be able to glaze your own ceramic pots and buy bespoke dry bouquets and arrangements. The little ones can get their faces painted, while older shoppers can enjoy the live entertainment on offer. If you're looking for a winter wardrobe update there will be stalls of vintage fashion, while creative home cooks can peruse the 15 stalls of fresh local deli products and speciality grocery goods. And yes, there will be tasters.
The heritage-listed Hibernian House is home to an eclectic mix of creative professions including artists, musicians and tailors. One such resident is Hibernia Tattoo Studio — an appointment-only studio with a team of six expert (and in demand) tattoo artists. The experience is personalised, starting with one-on-one consultations and a dedicated artist that will be assigned to you for the full process. Each artist has their own unique style, specialising in Japanese Irezumi, florals, geometric and oriental designs.
While it seems the large majority of Australian expats have decided to put down roots in London or New York, Hong Kong has one heck of an Australian population — especially in the culinary scene. From Melbourne-style coffee bars and roasteries to underground contemporary Chinese fusion restaurants and Western Australian iron ore mine-themed cocktail bars (really), Honkers is brimming with little pieces from home for Australian travellers. Embracing the traditional cooking styles of HK with a little contemporary twist, these Aussie expat hubs aren't just for travellers, seeing locals queue up as much as visitors every day and night of the week. If you're planning a visit to Hong Kong, pop by and see how Aussies are representing. THE IRON FAIRIES One of the most talked about cocktail bars in Hong Kong is themed around nothing less niche than a Western Australian iron ore mine. Think Flintstones-like private cave nooks, gritty mining tools lining the back bar, live jazz, and a casual 10,000 dead butterflies suspended from the ceiling. Prolific Australian designer Ashley Sutton simply ran with what he knows — he really is a former miner from Western Australia. Sutton makes his own gin, Iron Balls, which features in a few of the highly decadent cocktails (a craft beer or wine-focused bar this ain't). Try the 'Underground Martini'. Pull up a leather Chesterfield armchair around what looks like a macabre bonfire of bodies but is actually a pile of iron fairies (hence the bar's name). Each fairy has its own name and personality — word is that each is named for Sutton's ex-girlfriends. Don't steal them like a jerk, instead you can buy a fairy and have it packaged up with magic dust and wishes. But what's this tunnel, and where does it lead... LG, 1 Hollywood Road, Central. J.BOROSKI Followed the tunnel? You've emerged into one of the city's newest, most unique and most visually jaw-dropping cocktail bars. Also designed by Ashley Sutton and run by owner/mixologist Joseph Boroski, this bar is a syndication of its sister bar in Bangkok and apparently operates on an invitation-only basis. Horned beetles tile every inch of a curved tunnel ceiling, while framed giant spiders line hidden alcoves made for intimate conversations. There's no cocktail menu at J.Boroski, only particularly intuitive bartenders who'll quiz you on your preferences before producing your perfect elixir. "Have we shown you the sex room?" asks the manager. We can't tell you about the sex room, but we can tell you it exists and involves 1950s porn. You'll just have to find it for yourself. Your only clue? Follow the spiders. Secret location. To request an invitation call +852 2603 6020 or email hk@jboroski.com. HO LEE FOOK Taiwan-born chef Jowett Yu has created one heck of a Hong King must-visit with his modern Chinese, Elgin Street restaurant in Central, Ho Lee Fook (say it out loud, you got it). The name literally translates to "good fortune for your mouth" and is inspired by old school Hong Kong cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) and late night Chinatown haunts in 1960s New York. Yu's known in Australia for his Tetsuya's training and for co-opening Sydney restaurants Mr Wong and Ms.G's with Eric Koh and Dan Hong. You won't have trouble missing this highly publicised spot — just look for one of the most Instagrammed walls in the city, a clinquant assembly of waving cats. Just try and keep tipsy passersby away from this selfie trap. Downstairs, in his dimly lit, Chinese street art-adorned basement, Yu weaves contemporary Chinese magic through street food staples like French toast (Yu hides peanut butter in his version, and casually serves it with condensed milk ), prawn toast done okonomiyaki-style, and roast wagyu short ribs with jalapeño purée. But it's the roast goose that has foodies aflutter at HLF — order that bad boy 48 hours in advance. 1 Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong PEEL STREET ESPRESSO If you're looking for a little piece of Australian cafe life in Hong Kong, head for Central and seek out Peel Street Espresso, the brainchild of Scottie Callaghan from local wholesale roasting company Redback Specialty Coffee (co-owned by Keith Regan and Craig Jackson). Opened in February 2016, this modernist, cement corridor space looks straight out of Melbourne or Sydney, and plays host to locals and visitors to the city alike, with the Ho Lee Fook team regular coffee fiends. Perch up at the window bar with a black, white or filter coffee ($3.30 each), a freshly baked and schmeared bagel ($5-11) or the quintessentially Australian avo toast ($14) before a big day of exploring. If you pop back after closing time, the coffee beans are whisked away and the space transforms into a wine bar. 38 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.redbackcoffee.com.hk [caption id="attachment_600511" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Maison Libanaise[/caption] MAISON LIBANAISE Fancy a spot of Lebanese in the middle of Hong Kong? Head for SoHo's Maison Libanaise, a three-storey, canteen-style restaurant inspired by 1960s Beirut, the 'Paris of the Middle East' with its French-inspired architecture and contemporary food scene. On the ground floor you'll find takeaway nosh from Le Comptoir, on the first floor lives Le Salon, a seated, sharing-focused restaurant doing Lebanese mezze, and on the rooftop you can sip on a wine or two at La Buvette, overlooking SoHo's streets. Head chef James Harrison hails from Melbourne and trained under Greg Malouf at MoMo. He's dishing up honey-glazed haloumi, eggplant fattoush and hearth baked pita bread daily. 10 Shelley Street, SoHo [caption id="attachment_600509" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Ophelia[/caption] OPHELIA Yeah, yeah this one's another Ashley Sutton, but look at it. An epic peacock-themed cocktail bar inspired by 19th century opium dens and located in the nightlife-happy area of Wan Chai, Ophelia polarises bar fans in the city (like any venue boasting a penchant for blatant voyeurism, decorated female performers and onstage debauchery). Chef Angus Harrison, who's previously worked with Martin Boetz and Luke Mangan, does tapas here, perfectly paired with the bar's Asian herb-heavy cocktail menu. Shop 39A-41A,1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai. OTHER AUSTRALIAN-HELMED RECOMMENDATIONS Belon Carbone Le Garcon Saigon Images: Shannon Connellan unless otherwise specified. Concrete Playground travelled as a guest of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Fans of skyward beers, listen up — a Chippendale favourite has reopened its rooftop bar. As you might know, The Lansdowne and its sky-high outdoor area have a storied history. The rooftop spanned a few different iterations while the Mary's team was at the helm. Now, under the guidance of the crew behind the Oxford Art Factory, The Lansdowne has brought back sun-soaked sips two days a week. Head upstairs on a Friday or Saturday and you'll find a bright-blue oasis high above City Road that's perfect for a weekend catch-up with mates. The openair bar was given a quick-fire revamp during the summer and now boasts retro beach umbrellas to shade you from the sun's rays, as well as the full suite of food and drinks from the pub downstairs. Sweetening the deal is a brand-new deli menu that The Lansdowne has introduced in conjunction with its new Head Chef Eugene Novikov. The accomplished hospitality veteran takes the reins of the beloved pub's kitchen after previously working at three-hatted Queenstown restaurant Amisfield and Hamilton Island's Qualia. Sandwiches are the heroes of this new culinary offering, with options including a wagyu meatball sambo, a chicken schnitzel sanga, a classic reuben and a cajun-spiced prawn po boy. Accompanying the sandwich selection, you'll find a Chicago-style hot dog, beef and vegan burgers, chicken wings, wedges and waffle fries. [caption id="attachment_895476" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] "The Lansdowne was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how food, music and culture can all come together as the city comes back to life with activity," says Novikov. Rounding out the fresh additions to the venue is the return of its weekly music series, Graveyard Shift. The late-night sessions run free gigs in the downstairs bar every Friday from 10.30pm, serving as the ultimate kick-on spot for Sydneysiders looking to start their weekend right. VB and Brookvale Union have come on board to support the series, slinging $7 VBs and $8 ginger beers each Friday. You can head to the Lansdowne website for any upcoming Graveyard Shift lineups, as well as the full suite of gigs happening at the venue. [caption id="attachment_895478" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] The Lansdowne is located at 4pm–12am Wednesday–Thursday, 4pm–5am Friday–Saturday and 4pm–10pm Sunday. The Lansdowne rooftop bar is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
2024 marks a big milestone for an unsung Sydney cultural pillar, one you might not be aware of. As of October, the Entertainment Quarter markets are celebrating 23 years of connecting Sydneysiders with fresh produce and artisanal products from all around Australia and the world. After 23 years, most Sydney residents have likely wandered the stalls at least once, whether they knew the name of the market or not. It's a memorable experience to see the empty showground transformed with the sights, sounds and smells from 100+ stalls. The Entertainment Quarter was organised with an activity-first approach, but the markets bring depth to the usual range of Hoyts, Strike Bowling and al fresco pub dining. Current vendors include Mayfarm Flowers (which brings buckets of flowers directly from its local farm), Vegie King, Prickle Hill Produce and Organic Bread Bar. Choose a delicious lunch option from an array of international options — like Spanish from Mojo Picon, Vietnamese from Pho Bay, Israeli from Food Theatre and Ottoman Turkish Gozleme. Or, stick to old favourite Two Duck Trading Co. with its French provisions, baskets and striped tees. Beyond the food, you can also browse a beautiful natural range of handmade body washes, creams and candles from Verve Candles, and get a jump-start on silly season planning by stopping by Wrappsody and stocking up on premium wrapping paper, cards, ribbons and Christmas bonbons and decorations. The lineup of stalls shifts week to week, changing with the seasons and reflecting growing conditions. If you prefer your shopping to focus on sustainable products, made authentically by original vendors, plan a trip to Moore Park for the EQ Markets. The markets are open from 8am–2pm, every Wednesday and Saturday. Visit the website for more information.
Vivid Fire Kitchen has returned to The Goods Line for 23 nights of smoky, fire-fuelled feasting. Running until Saturday, June 14 as part of Vivid Sydney, the nightly event will welcome a stellar lineup of local and international pitmasters, barbecue experts and chefs, from Firedoor's Lennox Hastie and Viand's Annita Potter to US-based, Australian live-fire chef and TV host Jess Pryles and American chef and TV personality Nyesha Arrington. On the menu, you'll find fire-flecked fare from celebrated Sydney kitchens like Aalia and Bar Copains alongside food trucks slinging a veritable world of flavours, including Filipino skewers by Hoy Pinoy, South American-style barbecue by Burn City Smokers, and creative plant-based Indian bites by Pocket Rocketz. There's also a dedicated seafood barbecue stand showcasing the best of Australia's fruits of the sea — plus, Mapo Gelato and Korean donuts from Miss Sina sweetening the deal. There'll be heaps of masterclasses and demonstrations, too, including wine sessions led by Mike Bennie at a bar pouring drops exclusively from NSW. First Nations Nights will spotlight Indigenous chefs and traditional fire cooking, highlighting native ingredients and cultural connections to fire. The National Indigenous Culinary Institute and chef Mindy Woods — recent winner of the Champions of Change award as part of The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 — will also be appearing to share their knowledge. Entry is free — you'll have to pay for what you eat and drink, though — and with so many demos, masterclasses and chefs, no two nights are the same. And if you're still hungry, there's plenty more on the menu at this year's Vivid, from a plant-based 1950s-style American diner — complete with roller rink — to openair street eats on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
One of 2023's most-anticipated films is hitting Palace Cinemas' big screens on Saturday, October 28. That flick: Strange Way of Life, the latest work by inimitable Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar (Parallel Mothers). It's a 30-minute short, hence the fact that it won't get the usual silver-screen release — and it's also a sublime queer western starring Ethan Hawke (Moon Knight) and Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us). Almodóvar? Hawke? Pascal? Queer western? Yes, that's Strange Way of Life, which is why it's such a must-see. It made its Australian debut at this year's Sydney Film Festival, heading to our shores straight from premiering at Cannes — and now it's showing in the Harbour City again at Palace's Fashion Focus Premiere sessions at Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central. In this bite-sized film, Sheriff Jake (Hawke) and rancher Silva (Pascal) share a history, working together as hired gunmen a quarter-century ago. Then, circumstances bring them back together; however, a reunion isn't the only reason they've crossed paths again. "The strange way of life referred in the title alludes to the famous fado by Amalia Rodrigues, whose lyrics suggest that there is no stranger existence than the one that is lived by turning your back on your own desires," explains Almodóvar. Tickets cost $25 for Palace Movie Club members and $30 otherwise, for sessions that include a glass of prosecco or wine upon arrival — and are all about celebrating not only the short, but also the costumes designed by Anthony Vaccarello, with fashion house Saint Laurent producing the film. Also on offer: an interview with the one and only Almodóvar before the short plays. Palace Norton Street and Palace Central are doing drinks at 6.45pm and the screening at 7pm, while the times are 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start at Palace Verona.
It's no secret we love a swimming hole. From Bondi Beach's glistening Icebergs to out-of-town ocean pools and hot bore baths in outback NSW, we spend our spare summer days driving in search of a swimmable body of water, and the other seasons eagerly awaiting the ripeness of summer. And the best part is that this fine state of ours is full of swimming spots unique to our sunburnt landscape, both on rugged coast and hidden in-land among bush and desert rocks. Caroline Clements and Dillion Seitchick-Reardon visited a whole heap of them as 'research' for their new book, Places We Swim Sydney. While the book collates handy information about 40 pools, beaches, waterfalls and dams within two hours of Sydney's CBD, here, they detail five of the stunning spots that you should most definitely plan to visit before summer ends. [caption id="attachment_785508" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon[/caption] CASTLE ROCK BEACH, NORTH SHORE This tiny cove is part of the Manly to Spit walk, so if you're coming in via the coastal trail, you will find some respite along the ten-kilometre track at the jungly section between Clontarf and Grotto Point. But if you're not walking, there is some limited parking located on Cutler Road and in the Ogilvy Road cul de sac. Look out for the signposted MSW (Manly Scenic Walk). Steep, worn stairs descend from Ogilvy Road to this small beach. The namesake is a large, freestanding boulder that has been a little ambitiously titled. It's unusual to find detached rocks like this in the Harbour, so despite its lack of turrets or drawbridges, it does carry some significance and is a useful marker for anyone approaching via boat. If you're capable, it is also fun to scramble up here and sit on top of the rock to take in a sunset. Beachgoers tend to gather at the base of the stairs, which is good enough on a quiet day, however hundreds of metres of reef and beach extend in both directions, giving Castle Rock plenty of space for visitors, without impacting privacy or ever feeling too crowded – an essential quality in any revered harbour beach. Swimmers float up and back past oyster-covered rocks in deep, clear water, careful of where they put their feet down. Back on shore, groups of teenagers collect in gaggles on sandy towels, constantly adjusting their bathers to avoid dreaded tan-lines. On a hot day, with a strong northerly wind, it is a popular place for boats to seek shelter. Prepare yourself for an amplified mixed tape of 80s, 90s and noughties dance hits. But that is just about anywhere in the Harbour over the summer. Speed boats pull right up to the sand, collecting friends like it's an Uber Pool ride, or arrive delivering ice creams on a circuit to some of the north shore's remote bays. Most of the time, however, it's calm enough to forget that you are in a city at all. [caption id="attachment_785515" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon[/caption] GORDONS BAY, EASTERN BEACHES Clovelly, as a suburb, has perfected the sand-less swim. It's a quality that is gleefully celebrated by at least one half of this author team. No buried children, or castles, or lightly crumbed human schnitzels will be seen here. No awkwardly sliding a grainy foot into a pair of jeans and sending shivers up your spine. No bringing the beach back to your car, your shower, and your bed. If those things excite you, then it is best to look elsewhere. The only thing you will take away from Gordons Bay is a good time and new dog friends. In the winter you can get it all to yourself, while the summer brings a festive, communal atmosphere. Gordos is a high-walled bay fringed by hulking boulders and rock-shelves. People lay about on rock slabs around the perimeter, as if claiming a private island. To be honest, there is also a small sandy beach, but that isn't why you come here. The deep water (about 15 metres in the centre) is protected by an offshore reef, providing a safe place to swim in almost all conditions. The clear, calm ocean is incredibly inviting, which makes it a popular destination for standup paddle boarding, snorkelling and diving. In fact, just below the surface is an underwater nature trail that was constructed by the Gordons Bay Scuba and Dive Club. Above water, it's always a fun scene. Walkers are constantly dropping in from the track above and if you stay long enough you will inevitably run into someone you know. Or better yet, someone you'd like to know. Sharing a sandstone slab with new people is a fast way to make friends, especially if one of them is a poodle. Dogs chase balls into the ocean or stumble around the boulders in hot pursuit. Although it is not an official dog beach, the council tends to look the other way so long as everyone remains on their best behaviour. The same can probably be said for humans. [caption id="attachment_785509" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchik-Reardon[/caption] MACCALLUM POOL, NORTH SHORE This historic 30-metre-long pool is hidden on the western side of Cremorne Point. Some may say it's one of Sydney's best-kept secrets. You didn't hear it from us. Tucked into the leafy hillside (along the Cremorne Foreshore Walk), this harbour pool has prime views back towards the city skyline, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This was once a members only facility for locals and still retains a certain air of exclusivity. In the 1920s, it was named the Cremorne Bathing Pool, and entry required wearing a patch on your swimsuit bearing the red initial 'CBP'. Back then, swimming here cost five shillings a year. Entry is free these days and no gang affiliation is required. Maccallum Pool is up there with some of the most iconic places to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve, and may be the closest most of us will get to owning a boat on the Harbour. To be clear, it is not where you go to swim a kilometre. It's too short and notoriously cold, due to its sheltered position. However, the perimeter timber decking catches the afternoon rays and is what makes this such a special place. Visitors drop in from the footpath above, walking the timber deck as they marvel at the views just beyond the picket fence. This is where people go to enjoy their own company. It's meditative and thoughtful. The afternoon sun feels healing and gentle. On any given day, you will likely find someone drinking a beer and reading a book, making a long phone call to an overseas family member, or stretched out on a yoga mat. As we break bread and cheese with our friend, we are grateful for this stolen moment and to live in a city where such things are possible. [caption id="attachment_785510" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Helena Dolby[/caption] MCIVERS LADIES BATHS, EASTERN BEACHES There is some kind of unspoken sisterhood established between swimmers at the sanctuary that is McIvers Ladies Bath – the last women's only swimming pool in Australia. It might be a nod, eye contact in the water or a gentle smile as you arrive. Tucked into the cliffs between Coogee Beach and Wylie's Baths, this is a meditative space to escape and relax. Throw a $2 coin into the donation basket and follow the cream-coloured balustrade as it winds down the hill, leading you to the sunlit pool overlooking Coogee Bay. Since 1876, ladies have swum laps and read books in the sun here, with the company of others, giving women of all swimming abilities and cultural backgrounds a safe way to experience the ocean. [caption id="attachment_785505" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dillon Seitchick-Reardon[/caption] BILGOLA ROCKPOOL, NORTHERN BEACHES At the base of a steep coastal valley studded with cabbage palms, Bilgola is usually a quiet place and one of the northern beaches' most concealed 50-metre swims. We're sure if you didn't know it was here, you'd easily drive right past this coastal enclave. In fact, it's hard to see Bilgola from almost anywhere else. The land rises steeply behind the beach to Bilgola Plateau (169 metres high) and then descends to Clareville on the western side of the peninsula. Houses pepper the valley walls, with 3000+ residents united by a love of the precipitous waterfront location. From the pool, you can look down the length of the 500-metre beach, where waves roll and crumble over sandbars, making it a mellow place for beginner surfers, and those escaping the crowds at popular neighbouring breaks. Weekdays are leisurely here, with regular lappers before work and seniors who meet every Wednesday, year-round, followed by a coffee at the kiosk on the south end of the beach. If you grew up swimming in Australia you'll remember a few of these things: the ringing of a whistle to approach the starting block, a belly full of nerves before you dive in and the sound of muffled chants through waterlogged ears. These are memories we associate with school sports, and it is this nostalgic feeling that comes flooding back when we arrive at Bilgola Rockpool. On Saturday mornings from October to March, this secluded spot turns into a full-blown carnival. Cardinal red and myrtle green flags are hung at either end of the pool (we've heard it is a nod to the Rabbitohs). Lane ropes, that aren't usually there, are strung up across the pool. The smell of sausages, eggs and bacon cooking on a barbecue waft over from a marquee, selling iced cupcakes and lollies. Kids are either covered in sand, draped in towel ponchos or are collecting seaweed to throw at each other. Meanwhile, surf club members round-up swimmers aged three to 80 to race, so long as they can swim a lap. On most days at Bilgola, there's no time-keeping, no megaphone and no fanfare, and we love it for its slow pace and peaceful outlook. This is an edited extract from Places We Swim Sydney by Caroline Clements and Dillon Seitchick-Reardon, published by Hardie Grant Travel RRP $39.99 and is available online and in stores nationally. Top images: Bilgola Rockpool by Remy Gerega.
With Mystery Road, True Colours and now High Country, Australia's screen industry has been increasing its Indigenous detective tales of late. It's a welcome shift, and one that Leah Purcell chalks up to the strength of the genre. "I think a cop show is a great drama. You've got everything in it, and we do cop shows very well in this country," she tells Concrete Playground about her stint as Andie Whitford, the character that was written for her — in the series that was also penned for her — by Wentworth duo Marcia Gardner and John Ridley. "Then when you've got a mystery-thriller, it's an opportunity to get audiences together, sitting on the lounge at home with their family — and actually, it brings about discussion," Purcell continues. "That's when you know that you've got a good show. We did a screening, and people got around and were wanting to work out who'd done it, and they saw that opportunity with only one episode," Purcell continues. Debuting its eight-episode first season in March — which is now available to watch in full via Binge — High Country gives viewers much to talk about and sleuth along with. In the Mystery Road and The Dry mould, it's about a city detective digging into a rural case and cracking the secrets of close-knit communities. It's also about the landscapes that shape not only small towns but also the people in them, and reflect their strengths and struggles in the terrain. And, High Country follows a personal journey. Andie didn't grow up in the town of Broken Ridge, only to return now, as the protagonists of Mystery Road and The Dry did with their respective settings; however, she's trying to embrace the place as home after making a tree change with her artist partner Helen Hartley (Sara Wiseman, Under the Vines) and high-schooler daughter Kirra (Pez Warner, making her TV debut). The setup: Andie and her family move to Victoria at its most mountainous (where Force of Nature: The Dry 2 also traversed earlier in 2024) just as a spate of missing-person cases pile up. Sam Dryson (Ian McElhinney, The Boys in the Boat), the retiring police chief that she's replacing, has an older disappearance that he's determined to solve — a missing boy that he's insistent that former teacher Damien Stark (Henry Nixon, The PM's Daughter) abducted — but also notes that deaths and vanishings aren't uncommon in the region. He's still a helpful mentor, though, as Andie endeavours to stop people going AWOL or worse from being a local fact of the life. But even before she begins asking questions, the rest of the town isn't always as accommodating, nor are all of her new colleagues. [caption id="attachment_953804" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Narelle Portainer[/caption] Purcell's acting career spans three decades now, and everything from 90s dramas such as GP and Police Rescue, then Lantana and The Proposition on the big screen, through to the likes of Redfern Now, Black Comedy, Wentworth, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Shayda recently. It wasn't just the whodunnit Aussie-noir angle that appealed to her about High Country, but also Andie's complexity, the challenge of being first on the call sheet on a major series and co-stars that also include a first-time dramatic collaboration with Aaron Pedersen (High Ground). As she did with The Drover's Wife — which she made as a play, a book and then a movie — showcasing a part of the country that she fell in love with while filming Somersault and Jindabyne in the 2000s was a big factor. That passion on Purcell's part is evident in every scene that she's in throughout High Country, as it always has been whenever she's in front of the camera — or, with The Drover's Wife, also behind it. What gets her excited about a role, the series and the part of Andie being specifically penned for her, championing more than just the stereotypical vision of Australia's landscape, digging into Andie's backstory and the response to her arrival beyond the dialogue, working with the rest of the show's cast: we chatted with Purcell about all of the above. [caption id="attachment_953802" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martin Philbey[/caption] On Both High Country and the Part of Andie Being Written for Purcell "The project was written for me, so that was pretty awesome and humbling. Marcia Gardner and John Ridley, who were the creators behind Wentworth — when we were wrapping up that series, Marcia said 'we'd love to work with you again, Leah. And guess what? I've written something for you and a show around you'. And she said 'would you be interested in being in it?'. And I said 'mate, if you get it up, give me a call'. So six months later, she rings me and says 'I've got it up'. But what was also appealing is the beautiful high country. I'd just finished, a couple of years before, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, my first feature — that was done in the high country, the Snowy Mountains on New South Wales side. So to come across to Victoria to film in that location was amazing. The stories were really interesting. Who doesn't love a good cop show and a mystery-thriller whodunnit? To be a part of it and being in the rural area — I'm a country girl from country Queensland in Murgon, so to go back and portray that sort of setting on our TV was important to me as well." On Championing More Than Just the Stereotypical Vision of Australia's Landscape "Normally it's the reds and the brown and the heat. I fell in love with the high country when I did Jindabyne and Somersault in that area. And I just went 'gee, we don't utilise this landscape enough'. Then when I got the idea to pursue The Drover's Wife, I said 'we've got to do it in the high country and have that beautiful big sky, and the blues and the greens that we don't see'. Even when I was selling the project overseas, people said 'what, there's snow and green in Australia?'. And I thought 'yes, there is'. [caption id="attachment_815948" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson[/caption] As I said, it was one of the drawcards to High Country for me. And also because that landscape is so alive, it is a character within this show as well. It's also important to Andie on a couple of levels. One, yes, as the detective, the sergeant trying to solve the mysteries — because is it just that these people took a wrong step on a trail in the bush? Or is there more behind it? And also for her and her journey, the land really speaks to her and makes her look at herself. You want a character with many story threads to it, so you've got depth to play in emotionally. So that was another drawcard. But the location, your eyes will be stimulated — the beauty in the landscape is just phenomenal." On Purcell's First Read on Andie — and What She Knew That She Could Bring to the Part "She's a fearless woman, but also there's a vulnerability to her, which is nice. She's a great detective — and it was something that I had done before, but the challenge was to find what I could bring to her that was new to me as a performer. It was different from the other roles that I had done, so that's where the challenge was for me. And what I liked is that she's quieter, she's an observer. And I guess that's what makes her a great cop. She observes things, takes things in — and a deep, a deep thinker. But I really wanted to show her vulnerability as well as the brilliance in her detective work — and that she's a strong, strong woman in the face of what she has to do for her job." On Conveying the Tough Journey That Andie Has Had in an Unspoken Way "We're women. We've lived it. It wasn't anything too difficult. We've all had those sort things thrown at us — and it was just great to have an opportunity to play with that on-screen. And then Andie finding the power, and showing that she's worthy of the position that she's in, and that she's good at what she does, and the respect comes. But it's a great place to start in a series, so you've got a place to go — and she works hard to do it, but she does it." [caption id="attachment_910859" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shayda[/caption] On What Gets Purcell Excited About a Role Three Decades Into Her Acting Career "Getting a lead role is something that's important to having a look, because you want the challenge. And I think that I've earned my stripes. So that was appealing, of course. And I just want to be able to connect. To be challenged, I think, is important, so that you stay engaged and you want to be there, and work hard." [caption id="attachment_953803" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martin Philbey[/caption] On What Purcell Learns From a Part Like Andie and a Show Such as High Country "Be careful what you ask for in being number one on the call sheet. There's a lot of hard work, that's what I've learned. But I love that. Thirty-three years [in], I want to be engaged. I want to be challenged. That's what was appealing that for me in taking on the role of Andie." On Working with the Rest of High Country's Impressive Cast "Believe it or not, this is the first time that Aaron [Pedersen] and I have actually shared work together in a drama. It was awesome. Our chemistry is really, really great. And he was a pleasure to work with. Then you've got Ian McElhinney from Belfast in Ireland. Mate, what a legend — just what he brought. We all challenge one another. There's some really awesome people that are doing awesome acting, and it's a challenge in a friendly way. But it's like 'ohh, so you're going to do that — right, can I top you on this?'. So that made the project fun, and it was a joy to go to work every day. We had an awesome cast that worked so hard and tirelessly. That was pretty demanding. There were really cold days and rain, and there was snow, and there was minus-zero days where I had to stand there with no jumper on, and I had too many clothes on to put the thermals underneath. But it was just a pleasure to be on, and I'm so excited and I just want our Australian audiences to really support Australian stories — to tune in, and hopefully the ratings will be there and we'll be able to go again on a second season." High Country streams via Binge. Read our review. High Country images: Sarah Enticknap / Narelle Portanier.
Ever had that feeling of rustling around in a cupboard on the hunt for a beach towel, only to uncover something that looks suspiciously like a bath mat? Or maybe you're flush with beach towels but just feel like a fancy new one this summer. Whether you're in need of a new towel, are looking to buy one as a Christmas gift or have seen lots of snazzy ones at the beach and simply want to see what's out there, our list will help you out. From geometric shapes, to luxurious linen, towel with hoods and those roundies everyone seems to have nowadays, here's our favourite Australian and New Zealand-made towels and where to get 'em. CLASSIC TOWEL, VERTTY Nope, that's not an artfully folded stack of towels. That's Vertty's reinvention of the humble beach towel into a geometric design object. Not only does their unique design show that you can think outside the box (or, er, rectangle) for even the most everyday beach object, they've incorporated other handy design features like a waterproof pocket, and quick-drying, lighter weight fabric. Plus, it comes in a range of eye-popping colours to make sure summer is just the way you like it. Check out their matching geometric swimwear, too. $79. THE AZTEC ROUNDIE, THE BEACH PEOPLE Round towels. They're a thing. According to The Beach People, they dreamt-up "the original roundie" in the lush Northern Rivers region of NSW. That was back in 2013, and their first collection sold out in weeks. Current towels on offer include this hand-drawn black and white design, as well as other spiffy prints like The Paradis. Others have jumped on the round towel bandwagon — including Basil Bangs, whose round 'Love Rugs' also feature a waterproof pocket and fold down into a carry case with built-in shoulder strap. $110. LUXE TOWEL WATEGOS, SUNNY LIFE It's no secret, we love Sunny Life's beach towels just as much as we love their umbrellas. And for tropical colours that pop on an unmissable beach towel, it's hard to go past this velour-finished number. You'll never lose sight of your spot on a packed summer beach again. Pair it with one of their beach pillows and we reckon you're onto a winning combination. Or, if you're looking for something floating to stretch out on, these guys also do some pretty mean inflatables. Luxe lie-on floating cactus, anyone? $69.95. STONE PRINT TOWEL, MÖVE Here's an unusual one for you. Möve's towels feature lifelike digital prints, like this stone design. They also have one with a print of weathered wooden boards, rippled water, and even landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Brandenburg Gate. Those ones are a bit cheesy, but the pebble print is mint. Although it might look like you're lying on stones, you'll be a lot comfier — the 100 percent cotton velour towel has a snuggly weight and is soft and absorbent. Their bath towels are worth checking out while you're there, too – they even have a line of towels inspired by architecture, namely the drawings of renaissance master builder Andrea Palladio. Möve ships their towels worldwide. EUR €39.90. LINEN LAGUNA, COAST NEW ZEALAND Step aside, Turkish towels, because we just discovered linen towels — and can't get enough of them. Well, maybe we won't do away with them entirely, but linen is pretty great. Incredibly fast drying, versatile and lightweight in your beach bag, we reckon they might be the next big thing. This towel from Coast New Zealand is available in a range of fetching stripes, and comes all the way from an 100-year-old family mill in Lithuania. There are also these guys in the US who make a plainer linen towel which comes with a compression strap, or the House of Baltic Linen closer to home. NZD $149. THE ECLIPSE LINEN THROW, KATE & KATE This is one hella pretty linen towel. Yes, we're still on about how great linen towels are — and, yep, this throw counts as a towel. Its name is a nod to this multi-functional rectangle's nature. When you're not using it on the sand, it's equally as useful as a lightweight blanket, picnic rug, shawl, tablecloth, throw for your sun-drenched daybed… you get the drift. Designed to fade, they come in a stack of designs including a couple with some pretty nice bronze and metallic details. $159. MARINE TIGER HIDE BEACH TOWEL, MASLIN & CO Well, this was the first time we've come across a beach towel that folds out into the shape of a tiger hide (don't worry, it's 100 percent cotton). Manufactured by Maslin & Co, who take their name from Australia's first nude beach, these guys say they're inspired by nature, the surreal, and beach vagabond culture. You can choose which one's your jam from their collection of different-coloured animal-shaped towels. Plus, they come with either a classic leather short or longer cross-body strap holder, so it's easy to carry your new towel with you wherever you wander. $195-250. EXTRA LARGE RAINBOW POM POM TURKISH TOWEL, I LOVE LINEN Somewhere along the line we're sure our grandmas had a towel like this, brought out for summer beach picnics or to dry off after running through the sprinklers on the lawn. Now our retro towel memories have come back to life (albeit with a little upgrade) thanks to the clever people at I Love Linen. Designed in Melbourne, their towels are hand-woven in Turkey's central region, famous for the quality of its textiles. Retro pom poms, 100 percent cotton, and that distinctive Turkish towel edging. It's comfy, super-absorbent and big enough to be a picnic rug as well as a beach towel. $89.95. SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS TOWEL FOR TWO, PENDLETON A towel wide enough for two — now that's the recipe for a comfy beach session. Whether you've got a beach buddy or just want the extra room to stretch out yourself, this luxurious 100 percent combed cotton number from Pendleton has you sorted. Based in the States' beautiful Pacific Northwest, as well as making a range of other spa and beach towels (and their iconic woollen blankets) the sixth-generation family-owned business has a focus on social responsibility — community, country and planet. USD $79.50. HOODED TOWEL, TURKISH MURKISH A towel and hooded wrap? Why didn't we think of that before? This handy number brings the best of Turkish towels and beachwear together in a classic striped print. Each batch of towels are dyed and loomed by artisans in Turkey. The end product? A modern shape you can wear as well as lie on, served up in a fast-drying blend of bamboo and Buldan cotton from the inner Aegean region of southwest Turkey. $99.95. Top image: The Beach People.
Get ready to boogie: JAM Record Bar is here to shake up Sydney's CBD with a lively space filled with epic tunes. Merivale is behind the venue, with CEO Justin Hemmes and his Bettina driving a passion project that's aptly named after their parents John and Merivale. Residing in George Street digs, this newcomer opens its doors on Friday, April 19 with 15,000 vinyl records and an enticing Japanese snack menu created by Sushi e's Head Chef Michael Fox. Plus, there's cocktails that draw inspiration from Japanese favourites, as well as the classics, curated by Merivale's Creative Cocktail Lead James Irvine. The music-focused outpost's history is rooted in the legacy of its namesake, with the family, including John and Merivale, launching an array of JAM-titled projects from the 50s up until 2003. They ranged from JAM Jeans and its adjacent clothing store through to record label JAM Recordings, which founded national music festival Good Vibrations. While the venue may be small, the hits are anything but. Merivale's Head of Music and Entertainment Nick van Tiel has taken on the task of ensuring that the record bar's vinyl collection — which spins on a custom vintage JBL sound system — is wide-spanning. Thanks to the diverse selection of tunes chosen by the JAM Record Bar team, you'll walk into a different set of songs each time. This intimate spot takes cues from Tokyo's popular listening bars, putting its own spin on the concept. Justin and Bettina both worked with Akin Atelier and Merivale's in-house teams to bring the space to life. JAM Record Bar features pink plywood, cork and 'pink batt' insulation to create a surround-sound experience that emulates sitting inside a speaker box pumping out bangers. As for eats, expect snacks like Japanese-style sandos, spring rolls and grilled skewers starring ingredients like furikake and yuzu tartare. The drinks list highlights the iconic highball and plenty of sake, alongside margaritas and a stiff old fashioned. Find JAM Record Bar at 320 George Street, the Ivy Precinct, Sydney from Friday, April 19 — open 12pm–12am Monday–Saturday and 12pm–10pm Sunday. Images: Mattia Panunzio.
While the team behind laid-back Italian fine-diner Secolo bid arrivederci last year, the same crew has returned to the CBD with Tessuto, a nostalgic trattoria. Bringing Italian coffee specialties, stacked sandwiches, desserts, spritzes and more, this welcoming spot offers exciting takes on a host of classic combinations. Plus, terrazzo floors and timber panelling have given its 190-year-old home an authentic makeover. Perfect for early morning feeds or afternoon drinks, Tessuto's custom-made marble bar is the ideal place to perch with a strong coffee or cocktail. There's no shortage of tempting options to consider, but the tiramisu iced latte made with layers of mascarpone cream, double espresso, cacao sprinkle and Savoiardi biscotti will certainly satisfy any sweet tooth. Meanwhile, the Dirty Sicilian, a single shot of espresso served with Italian hot chocolate, is a one-two flavour punch. The Italian inventions keep coming, with the Picciriddu another highlight. This drink is a single espresso shot served with milk froth, pistachio cream and a decadent pistachio crumb rim. With the name meaning 'little boy' in Italian and inspired by a small Sicilian island renowned for its pistachios, Tessuto's co-owner and barista Salvatore Messina grew up amid this scenic spot, using the landscape to inform his creative menu. The food menu is similarly inventive, with head chef Mattia Senesi returning to the Tessuto kitchen with more than a few creative ideas. If you're heading along for breakfast, check out options like blue swimmer crab omelette, carbonara scrambled eggs and a sumptuous spread featuring soft-boiled eggs, avocado, fresh tomato and ricotta. Lunch extends into antipasti, house-made pastas, steak mains and, of course, a myriad of fresh focaccias like prosciutto with mozzarella, fresh tomato and house-made basil pesto. "Office workers don't tend to have a lot of time to stop for lunch during the week, but that doesn't mean they should have to sacrifice on quality and taste," says Senesi. "Our dishes are perfect for whether you're looking for a quick lunch to break up the day, or something more leisurely, where you can really savour the experience." There's also the chance to make your work lunch or weekend hang a little more indulgent with a booze lineup primed for a good time. Alongside a selection of Italian spritzes – Venetian, Disaronno and Limoncello – there are also iconic cocktails like Americano and Amaretto sours. Meanwhile, a rotating collection of Italian and Australian drops are poured by the glass, carafe and bottle. While this charming eatery has a forward-thinking approach to its Italian cuisine, it also pays homage to the history of its location. This spot was home to a bustling textile importer in the 1800s, specialising in fine soft goods like silks and cotton. With Tessuto translating to fabric in Italian, naming the venue was the ideal opportunity to honour the enduring memories made between these walls. "Every venue we've ever had has been located somewhere that has its own story to tell," says co-owner Tanja Arienzale. "It's something that's really important to us and particularly with the length of time this property has been around, we wanted to honour it." Tessuto is open Monday–Friday from 7am–4pm and Saturday from 8am–2pm at 32-34 York St, Sydney. Head to the website for more information. Images: Steven Woodburn
With so many beauty products floating around, it's hard to know if your current ten- (or one-) step skincare routine is making any kind of difference. It might seem obvious, but Carla Oates, founder of The Beauty Chef, recommends starting with what's on the inside — with products that work on improving your gut and skin microbiome. The Beauty Chef first saw success with its GLOW®️ Inner Beauty Essential: a probiotic supernutrient powder that features powerhouse ingredients such as vitamin C, biotin, niacinamide, prebiotics and zinc to give your skin a serious glow-up, while supporting healthy hair, nails, digestion and energy. The entrepreneur has since spent the past 15 years creating a line of innovative inner beauty products for skin, gut and whole-body wellness that are now sold at David Jones, MECCA and Sephora — as well as beloved by people across the globe. In partnership with Klaviyo, we caught up with Oates to uncover her path into the industry, her advice for fellow entrepreneurs and the importance of listening to your gut. How did The Beauty Chef come about? As a child, I suffered from eczema and allergies. My mum took me to see a naturopath who dramatically changed what I ate, removing processed foods and allergens like gluten and dairy. My allergies and eczema subsided, so I experienced firsthand that what we eat can affect our skin and health. My daughter also experiences eczema and allergies. With the assistance of health professionals, we removed specific trigger foods from her diet, and I began researching the link between gut and skin health. As I explored this link more closely, I decided to put my family on a gut-healing protocol, which included eliminating certain foods and introducing lots of lacto-fermented whole foods with beneficial bacteria into our diet. Friends and family took notice and I realised I was onto something. Why focus specifically on inner beauty? Inner beauty is so important. When people start to delve deeper into understanding what makes skin healthy, it's not so much about what they're putting on their skin but how they're nourishing it from within. I focus on inner beauty because so many benefit from it. I've spoken to people who have tried all sorts of concoctions to remedy their skin on the outside, but it's only once they look to support their skin and health from the inside that results become abundantly clear. Can you break down the gut-skin connection for us in simple terms? The simplest way is to use the analogy of our gut as a garden. If the soil in the garden isn't healthy, balanced and thriving with a good array of nutrients and bacteria, then the plants that grow within its soil will struggle to blossom. The gut is where 70 percent of our immune system lies. It's where we make nutrients, regulate hormones, detoxify enzymes, neutralise pathogens and make neurotransmitters, so it's super important to get your digestive health in check. For someone just discovering The Beauty Chef, where should they start? GLOW®️ Inner Beauty Essential or GLOW AGELESS™ Inner Beauty Essential are five-star probiotic supernutrient formulas that promote healthy glowing skin, hair and nails, energy and gut health. From there, you can target any other specific skin, gut health or wellbeing concerns with products from the rest of our range — all our products are designed to work together for enhanced results. What challenges did you have to overcome as a woman establishing her own business? When I launched in 2009, ingestible beauty was a foreign concept. Pioneering the category wasn't easy because retailers didn't have a category for it. One of the hardest things was convincing manufacturers to support our low volumes. I had to find my CEO voice and seriously hustle to help them see my vision and understand the product. In the beginning, I was wearing every single hat, from product development to marketing and even HR. Now, we have 30 full-time staff at our head office. A key learning for me has been understanding and accepting that I can't be and do everything all the time. And, as the business expands, it's imperative to support that growth with leaders who are specialists in what they do. Networking with other female founders is also very important for me, both professionally and personally. No matter how different our businesses may be, we face similar challenges. When you connect, you can relate to each other and share learnings. How has Klaviyo helped your business? Klaviyo email and SMS have helped The Beauty Chef streamline our communications with our customers. We now have one central platform for key communications to our customers and can effectively personalise and segment to ensure long-term retention. Do you have any advice for other budding entrepreneurs? Do what you love because success requires hard work, so you might as well spend the hard work doing something you wholeheartedly enjoy. Plus, you are bound to be more successful doing something you have fire, passion and drive for. Try not to get caught up in trends and make sure you're creating products that serve a purpose and provide a solution that is unique. And be gutsy and follow your gut instinct. Discover The Beauty Chef's full range of products at the website, and find out more at the Klaviyo website.
Vibey Potts Point izakaya Cho Cho San has brought back its annual Ramen Month for 2025. The kitchen will be serving steaming bowls of yuzu shio ramen every Monday–Thursday evening and Friday lunch until Friday, June 27, making it a perfect option for those looking for a weeknight warmer. This year's hero ramen is a bright, umami-laden, Tokyo-style chicken and bonito broth elevated with yuzu tare and finished with saffron ajitsuke tamago, green mizuna and negi. Toppings-wise, you can choose between king prawn and clam (which will set you back an extra $10), butter-poached chicken or hearty fried mushroom. [caption id="attachment_640610" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] You can grab a solo bowl for $25, but if you're keen to linger a little longer, you can level up with The Cho Ramen Set for $45. This option adds a drink on arrival (your pick of yuzu soda, sake or Sapporo beer), three pieces of tuna sashimi and a pork katsu bun. Limited portions of ramen are available each day, so you'll need to make a booking to guarantee yourself a spot. It's also long been one of Sydney's more popular winter dining deals, so if you like your comfort food with a bit of edge, this is one not to miss.
As we settle into the new year, many of us are prioritising our health and fitness goals for 2024. Fittingly, we've seen a rise in running clubs and events in recent times as both a fitness and a cultural movement – a way to get moving and connect with others. So why not take it to the next level? To raise funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (founded in the 1980s) and celebrate 40 years of helping Australians with cancer, the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10k and 5k race will be heading back to the 80s and 90s on Sunday, July 28. Retro Run promises a nostalgic journey along a scenic track, lit up with neon, lycra, and big hair, as well as music zones and pop-culture pit stops. [caption id="attachment_949841" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption] So get ready to lace up your Dad sneakers and dust off those leg warmers for a great cause. Whether you are a seasoned runner, a newcomer seeking a new challenge, or love to dress up, all are welcome to sign up and join in on some retro fun. [caption id="attachment_949840" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Supplied[/caption]
After seven years of bringing food to Australians' doors — and alcohol, kitchen and household products, and pop culture-themed board games in some places, too — Deliveroo has delivered a significant piece of news: it now no longer operates in the country. Via a series of messages to customers, on social media and on its local website on Wednesday, November 16, the company announced that it was shutting its Aussie service effective immediately. "Deliveroo no longer operates in Australia," the organisation's website now reads. "Deliveroo has taken the difficult decision to leave Australia. We have been proud to bring so many people amazing meals from Australia's great restaurants over the years," it continues. The company is now in administration, with KordaMentha appointed to oversee the process. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deliveroo (@deliveroo_au) In its statements on social media, Deliveroo called the news a "sad announcement" and reiterated that it "has been a very difficult decision to make". It also called out Australia's "amazing food" and "thousands of brilliant restaurants and riders". Obviously, the sudden shuttering will impact both considerably. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Deliveroo staff will receive compensation, and drivers who made a delivery in the past three months. As a result of the closure, Deliveroo's app is now no longer accepting orders, leaving customers to use competing food-delivery services such as UberEats, Menulog and DoorDash. Since opening in Australia in 2015, in efforts to stand out in a crowded market, Deliveroo has done everything from giving away burgers and Tim Tams, offering free delivery during lockdowns and slinging free fries based on vaccination levels through to even dropping off free Gelato Messina choc tops by boat. For more information about Deliveroo ceasing operations in Australia, head to the service's website.
With Lacoste tennis dresses donned, twee baked goods in hand and Famous Friend bingo card at the ready, we checked into Wes Anderson’s newest and wildly anticipated new pop-up book of a cinematic endeavour, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Murder, art theft, pastry and Adrien Brody's moustache — Anderson serves up his most diabolical, zany undertaking yet, using every trick in his own book. FUTURA IS DEAD Looks like Anderson has relinquished his hold on his longtime minimalist typeface go-to Futura, handing the reins to Lorde and Vampire Weekend and opting for a more weighted, slab serif font called Archer. Often featured in credits sequences of old Italian films, Archer is described by developers Hoefler & Co. as "sweet but not saccharine, earnest but not grave, Archer is designed to hit just the right notes of forthrightness, credibility, and charm." Film schools worldwide will undoubtedly be mass-installing the new typeface immediately. POLITENESS GETS YOU EVERYWHERE, EVEN OUT OF JAIL Sporadically reciting romantic poetry, giving lectern-delivered philosophical orations to the hotel staff about guest rudeness, serving up mush in prison with five-star finesse, Ralph Fiennes solidifies himself as downright godly in his role as M. Gustave, the flamboyant, charming and silver-tongued concierge of The Royal Budapest Hotel. Winning as many friends as he makes enemies, Fiennes sees Gustave balancing art theft, jailbreaks and cologne appreciation with breezy, theatrical conviction. Goes to show, a little complimentary affection will get you everywhere, darling. CELEBRITY BINGO MEANS A TOPNOTCH CAST A well-known fact, Anderson has accrued quite the crew of illustrious buddies simply by sticking with familiar faces all career long. Zissou-Tenenbaum-Rocket leads Bill Murray, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman have stepped back from the top spots for cheer-inducing pop-ins and supporting roles, making way for the new Wanderson Posse of Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton and Adrien Brody. Prompting constant outbursts of “Ohhh, it’s that guy!” from cinemagoers, we’ve come to actually wait for Anderson’s flurry of crafty cameos. Once again, Anderson’s cohort of well-liked celebs play dress up and wear All The Moustaches, with every screen guru from Tom Wilkinson to Jude Law and Harvey Keitel making their fleeting moments count. Now with added newbies Lea Seydoux and Saoirse Ronan, being in a Wes Anderson cast is now the hottest bill around. JEFF GOLDBLUM MAKES LEGAL JARGON SOUND UNBELIEVABLY EROTIC Jur-is-diction. Ex-ec-u-tor. If Jeff Goldblum wasn’t mystical and unnervingly alluring enough, he’s gone and landed himself one of his most potentially meme-worthy roles to date, with circular, thick-rimmed spectacles to boot. Using flashcards to describe a murder scene without taking one eye off the camera, dumping his dead Persian in a trashcan and being chased through an art museum by Willem Defoe aren’t nearly as exhilarating moments as Goldblum simply reading the contents of a last will and test-a-ment. IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT Meticulously premeditated and artful mise en scene, idiosyncratic scripting, perfectly flawed and outlandishly eccentric characters and a ukulele-fuelled soundtrack have become a formidable formula for Anderson, slowly developing into an extreme form of his own genre. After being royally reprimanded by critics for Moonrise Kingdom being a little too cute for their liking (heartless bums), TRBH sees the Twee King back on form with all the artful weirdness of The Royal Tenenbaums peppered with The Life Aquatic’s epic storybook set detail and The Fantastic Mr. Fox’s jolly good humour. With super zooms, painted landscape backdrops, frontal character portraits, horizontal tracking shots and whole lot of font, Anderson seems more settled in his own style than ever. And that’s quite alright, darling. The Grand Budapest Hotel opens April 10.
'Drink fresh' is the general rule of thumb when it comes to beer, but not all brews must be consumed according to a 'best by' date. Because really, some things are just better with age (see: wine, whisky, wisdom). And in actuality, some beers are better with some age. So, in celebration of Coopers' 2017 Vintage Ale release, we're exploring the idea of ageing, and more particularly, ageing beer, because time can be of the essence when it comes to some of the finest things in life. We've already looked at five unexpected things that get better with age (number one being beer), and now we're diving deeper into this idea of ageing brews. Chief brewer of the iconic Coopers Brewery, Dr Tim Cooper is an impressive figure within Australia's beer scene. Not only is he a certified medical doctor, but he also heads up the family business, continuing to grow its legacy. As part of this legacy, his team has explored the process of ageing beers since 1998 when they released their very first Coopers Extra Strong Vintage Ale. For the uninitiated, these beers are made with the intention that they should be cellared before enjoyed in order to help deepen flavour and bring out new aromas as the brew ages. Looking to dive a bit deeper into this cellaring process, we sat down with Dr Tim to talk through all things aged beer — why you should try it, which beers you should (and shouldn't) cellar and how to age them correctly. WHY YOU SHOULD AGE BEER "My father used to tell tales at the brewery of a Norwegian sea captain who would purchase a year's supply when docking in port closest to the Adelaide brewery," says Dr Tim. "He would hoard the beer for his travels, preferring to drink those stored from the previous years as they had matured. This was back in the 1970s, and showed that people were interested in ageing back then." Come the 1990s, numerous requests from publicans pressured the brewery to consider a vintage seasonal; by the time 1998 came around, the Coopers Vintage Ale was born. Whilst it's not entirely clear what will happen when a beer ages — there are just too many variables — maturation cannot be considered emphatically better or worse, it merely changes the beer's flavour. "Ageing takes some of the raw edges off the perceptible flavour and can definitely be an improvement," Dr Tim asserts. Ageing beer brings out new flavours, replacing harsher notes with softer, sweeter aromas. "Fermentation with ale yeast imparts fragrant esters of tropical fruit, pineapple and banana evident early on," explains Dr Tim. "These compliment the floral and fruity notes arising from the addition of aroma hops. Consumers will enjoy these flavours when drinking these ales fresh." Then, over a relatively short time, the fruity and floral character of the ferment esters and hops dwindle, so by the five year mark, the malt characteristics become fortified. This further ageing will foster umami and vinous characteristics of, say, port wine. When it comes down to it, however, it's all dependant on your own tastes. The reason you should try ageing beer exists in why you drink it in the first place — "the end goal should be for better enjoyment." WHICH BEERS CAN BE AGED Overall, beers with higher alcohol are up to the challenge of cellaring. "By and large the Coopers Vintage products are generally higher than average in alcohol," Dr Tim explains. Similarly, sour styles and beers you can buy already barrel-aged fend nicely, developing flavour and complexity as time goes by. These heftier, more alcoholic beers — think stouts, porters and barley wines — not only have natural means of reducing the negative effects ageing has on taste, but their flavours often benefit. Fruity, floral notes and any bitterness decrease due to the natural degradation of hop profiles, all while malt characteristics such as bready notes and sweetness generally take over. Just keep in mind that hop-centric beers, lagers and beers with lower ABV are generally brewed for fresh consumption. Their flavours will suffer from any prolonged ageing. HOW TO PROPERLY CELLAR Implicitly funky and unpredictable, beer is like a jazz musician who leads by listening rather than following any sheet music. So ageing beer can go in strange directions, both pleasant and less than. How should you cellar your beer to best bring out deeper flavours and avoid ruining the brew? It's best to avoid oxygen, heat and sunlight. A young beer will age gracefully under proper conditions. Coopers helps you out on the oxygen front, by naturally conditioning their bottles to help remove any free oxygen that will ruin your beer. Dr Tim explains how "naturally conditioned beers can be best [for ageing], as the yeast mops up the oxygen left over in the bottles helping to curb oxidation and spoilage." He also suggests storing a carton or two in a central part of your house that isn't likely to heat up, "preferably a dark cellar, but anywhere that is cool, around ten to 15 degrees, is good." A space with minimal light is also ideal to avoid too much sun. Without breaking open the chemistry textbooks, the reason to avoid storing your beer in sunlight is that ultraviolet light breaks down acids from the hops to the same sulphur radical as the smell of skunk spray — hence why as some beers age, they can become 'skunked', particularly hoppy beers and lagers like IPAs and golden ales. Quite possibly the biggest challenge of ageing beer is keeping it cellared long enough to allow for the ageing process to take place. "I'm completely hopeless," says Dr Tim. "I do always enjoy every vintage, but [I don't] always remember to take it home." We can appreciate that when it comes to tasty beers, it is hard to keep your hands off them. Sometimes ageing can be a great thing. Stock up on some Coopers Vintage Ale 2017 and try it yourself. Words: Mikey Lowe and Quinn Connors.
High tea is typically considered a British tradition, however, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is giving it a decidedly Parisian touch. For a limited time only, the Sydney hotel is serving up a sophisticated spread every Saturday and Sunday from 1–3pm, for $89 per person. And, although you won't find scones and cucumber sandwiches on the menu, you'll still say "oui oui" to the selection of sweet and savoury delicacies being dished up. As well as taking inspiration from the couture catwalks of the City of Love, and treating guests to tea in the Sofitel's plush Velvet Room, the menu is also reminiscent of the kind of flavours you would find in a traditional French patisserie. Get started with a mini baguette with slow-roasted truffle beef, before tucking into petit pea choux and caviar, dainty quiche with smoked duck and porcini and traditional French chicken pithivier pies. Then, indulge in sweet treats such as elegant macarons, religieuse (choux pastries filled with rose and raspberry cream), mandarin-vanilla cannelés and a decadent Opera cake featuring lemon myrtle meringue. And while warm brews will be on the menu, we suggest complementing your feast with a glass of fine French Champagne — Moet Imperial to be precise. Whoever said "let them eat cake" was definitely onto something. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (@sofitelsydney) To make a booking, visit Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's website today.
TONI&GUY remains one of the most-recognised and trusted hair salons in Australia — for good reason. The brand exploded since opening in Australia back in 1995 and now boasts 19 locations across the nation along with an internationally-recognised hairdressing academy. Yes, they are overachievers. Needless to say, you're in safe hands at TONI&GUY in Bondi Junction. The team spans Style Directors and Technical Directors aka the seasoned salon experts. Services cover the full spectrum of cutting, blow-drying, colouring and treatment, with cuts starting from $105. All cuts include a complimentary consultation and blow dry, so you're guaranteed to walk out with something you love. Picking the right hair salon for yourself is something of an art. But with quietly confident hairdressers and warm, relaxed service, TONI&GUY makes it pretty easy.
Ethically accredited since 2012, Manning Cartell's sophisticated clothing is made right here in Sydney (a very rare thing, even for local fashion designers). Sisters Cheryl, Vanessa and Gabrielle Cartell chose to use their family name to set up the fashion brand in 2005. It's since amassed a celebrity following, including famous fans Amal Clooney and Margot Robbie. The socially responsible clothing label is all about kitting you out for the night (or a very fancy daytime do). It has embellished dresses, chic black jumpsuits and structured shirt dresses that range from $400–1000. Even casual polo dresses are made to stand out from the crowd. [caption id="attachment_779788" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] It also makes and sells sustainable and environmentally friendly leather jackets, pants and skirts, plus a range of party-ready mules, metallic heels and shiny jewellery. You could easily drop $1000 in store, but you'd walk out with an entire evening outfit stored, which has value in itself. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Sometimes, it isn't just enough to watch your favourite TV show. You want to live and breathe it, feel like you're stepping into it, and obsess over it any way that you can. For Yellowstone fans, that can now include hitting up a pop-up Dutton Ranch-themed bar — for three days only, to celebrate the Kevin Costner-starring western series' return for season five. Your IRL destination: Surly's American Tavern. Your mental destination: Montana, where Yellowstone's dramas play out. This pop-up by Australian streaming service Stan — which airs the show here — is all about immersing you in a Dutton-style hoedown, complete with different reasons to drop by on each day. Head along on Friday, November 18 for ropin' and bull ridin' all day long, as well as $15 wings and tinnies combos. That'll add a yeehaw to after-work festivities — cowboy hat and boots optional. Then, on Saturday, November 19 you'll be able to listen to live music from honky-tonk acts Amber Rose and James Ellis and The Jealous Guys from 6pm. There's a new $15 deal as well, pairing brisket and beer. Wrapping things up, the Sunday, November 20 agenda serves up burgers and bourbon for your $15, and also includes Yellowstone-themed trivia from 4–6pm. Images: @jadedamico.
The industrial grid-like backstreets of Brookvale are best known for their breweries, but among the tanks and taps, one spot is trading pale ales and parmies for garam masala negronis and slow-cooked goat curry. Bazaar & Bar reimagines the wine bar through an Indian lens, plating up bold, spice-driven dishes alongside natural wines and cleverly layered cocktails — and proving there's more to this patch of the Northern Beaches than just beer. The venue has been brought to life by experienced operator Kabir Arora (the brains behind Manly mainstay Sketch) and Head Chef Adwait Jagtap (Raja, Kolkata Social), whose produce-forward menu draws on personal memories and regional recipes. True to the wine bar template, there's a menu of small plates and share-style dishes — but instead of focaccia, you'll find pillowy naan, and kingfish crudo is swapped for a semolina-crusted kingfish collar with fiery recheado spice rub. The usual hanger steak gets a hearty upgrade in the form of champaran mutton, which replaces lamb for goat that's slow-cooked on the bone and dressed with a fragrant mix of smoky garlic and spice. It's confident stuff, but remains familiar and approachable. "We're not trying to reinvent Indian food — we're showcasing it in a setting people might not expect," says Arora. The cocktail list picks up where the food menu leaves off, showcasing classics with a distinctly Indian twist — think curry leaf gimlet, smoked jaggery old fashioned and a garam masala-infused negroni. A tight, accessible wine list champions Australian producers, with a handful of internationals also in the mix. It takes place in an inviting space that mirrors this blend of tradition and modernity, with design elements drawn from the vivid colours and textures of Indian bazaars. To that end, the venue's name isn't just a case of clever alliteration — a small spice bazaar shelf near the bar is lined with house-made pickles, chutneys and sauces available for purchase.
There are sandwiches, then there are sandwiches, and then there's Lucky Pickle. Take the sharp turn into High Holborn Street at the corner of Crown and Devonshire Streets, and you find yourself in a minuscule, hole-in-the-wall-type operation, where the staff stand behind a counter dishing out their own take on bread with fillings, and it's a take on things that's definitely worth trying. Opened by Tio's bartender Arash Katrak with Anna Berry, Lucky Pickle takes the approach of simplicity — simply choose from five different sambos. To accompany, there is a selection of soft drinks, and the whole deal is cash only. But rather than getting the feeling that there isn't much to choose from, it instead makes for a quick decision, and a high likelihood of being satisfied. The lunch variations are all a fancier version of classic sandwiches, using homemade sauces and ingredients prepared in-house. Take the pork belly sandwich, accompanied by duck liver pate, veggies and a crazily excellent sriracha. With the heat from the chilli and the spice from the coriander thrown in there, you get a unique twist on the classic Vietnamese banh mi. Sticking with the Asian theme, they also make a great chicken katsu, dished up with sesame and red cabbage, as well as the traditional Japanese tonkatsu sauce. It's not all meat (though there is also a mortadella with smoked mozzarella and pesto). The pescatarian option contains fish dip, radish, rocket and mayo, and a vegetarian option is always on rotation, whether it be a goat's cheese sandwich or quinoa salad. The style of the joint is, once again, in its simplicity. There's hardly room to sit, with a single communal table tucked in behind the door and a few bread crates outside. But that's the vibe of the shop — come in, grab a quick, tasty bite and be on your way. If you're going to sit down, grab a carafe of water and your sandwich on your canteen tray and enjoy with the magazines scattered about the place. It's important to get in quick, though, because this little gem is only open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 2.30pm, or until they're all sold out. It's silly to say that the guys at Lucky Pickle are reinventing the sandwich because, well, how? It is fair to say, however, that this one-stop sandwich shop is creating intensely tasty versions of classic sandwiches that are well worth taking an early lunch break for.
Leading stylist and Dyson Global Ambassador, Peter Thomsen has been working out of his luxury salon Chelsea Haircutters for over 25 years. Located on the stunning South Coast of NSW, Chelsea Haircutters is an ideal salon to book into when you have a fancy event to attend south of Sydney. Thomsen specialises in blonde and balayage, so you can trust him with any of your complex colouring needs. But it's not just colouring that Thomsen is known for. If you want a style service that'll turn heads at a special event, Thomsen will ensure you leave the salon with a gorgeous look created with the help of innovative Dyson tools.
If you're fond of cats big and small — fluffy, hair-free, scampering, sleeping and the like — then you'll know one golden rule: every day is better when there's meowing mousers involved. And, maybe you've secured that sweet situation thanks to your own purring pet. Or, perhaps you're just the kind of person who makes a beeline to any kitten they see, tries to become its best friend and can't focus on anything else while it's in the vicinity. Whichever fits, adding more cats to your day is something that every feline fan wants — and it's definitely a part of the Cat Protection Society of Victoria's new dream gig. It's a volunteer job, spanning a three-month stint in Melbourne, but it'll 100-percent bring kittens your way. The role: CPSV's official 'cat cuddler'. Yes, that's really what it's called. Obviously, what it entails is rather self-explanatory — because the lucky person who scores the position will be tasked with providing love, affection and enrichment to the cats and kittens in the society's care as they wait to be adopted. The word you're looking for? "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww". This is the organisation that offered cat cuddling gift vouchers as Christmas gifts last year, after all — but this is even cuter. The caveats: you'll need to be in Melbourne to take the gig, and you'll need to have a minimum of three hours per week — on one weekday each week, and during normal operating hours — to head to CPSV's adoption centre to give its kitties all those snuggles. If that sounds like you — or if you've got a pussy-loving pal that you know would love it — all applicants have until Friday, June 4 to apply to temporarily join the society's team of around 40 volunteers. To throw your name in the ring, you'll want to head to the CPSV website and upload a short video (up to two minutes max) that explains why you should be the official Cat Protection Society Cat Cuddler, and also complete the online application form. To apply for the Cat Protection Society of Victoria's 'cat cuddler' position before Friday, June 4, head to the organisation's website.
The beginning of a new year isn't solely about deciding how you'd like to change your life for the better. That's just one January tradition. Another: plotting out where around the world you'd like to travel to across the 12 months to come. Arriving mere days into 2024, The New York Times' annual '52 Places to Go' list is a handy guide for inspiration — including for Down Under spots earning global recognition. After 2023's list included Auckland, Kangaroo Island and Australia's Red Centre to soak in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park's wonders, 2024's counterpart features New Zealand by train, the entire state of Tasmania and Queensland capital city Brisbane. Experiencing Aotearoa's charms by rail placed fourth, while the Apple Isle came in at 29 and Brissie took 39th spot. The NYT gave a 17-day journey across NZ some love for being "a simpler and more sustainable way" to see the country, calling out stops at "transcendent sites like the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park and Te Papa Tongarewa Museum" to begin with. Also earning a mention: getting the ferry to the South Island, then taking "a ride through world-class vineyards and along the jagged coast", plus whale- and dolphin-watching in Christchurch, before hitting the Southern Alps for "views to white-capped peaks, rushing rivers and alpine lakes". Tasmania earned its placing for enabling visitors to get out in nature via guided walks, celebrate Indigenous culture and focus on local produce. Taking a three-day trek across Bruny Island, foraging for wattle seeds and pepperberries, and chef Analiese Gregory's wild-cooking dishes all scored a specific callout. Brisbane keeps popping up on lists like this lately — see also: travel guide Frommer's, which also named the city one of 2024's best spots to visit; TIME, which put it on its world's greatest places list for 2023; and the World's Best 50 Hotels, which picked The Calile as its only Australian and Oceanic entry in its inaugural countdown in 223 — and the obvious reason was called out in the NYT's first sentence. Yes, that'd be hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Queen's Wharf precinct and its towering Sky Deck, restaurant Agnes and the Brisbane Powerhouse — including eating dinner hanging off the side of the building at vertical dining experience Vertigo, and the upcoming Melt OPEN queer arts fest — all were singled out. So was The Calile, which is clearly Brissie's most-famous hotel. [caption id="attachment_921654" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Ravik[/caption] Topping the '52 Places to Go' rankings for 2024: North America's path of totality, where a total solar eclipse will be take over the skies in April, followed by Paris — the host of the 2024 Olympics — and Yamaguchi in Japan. Maui in Hawaii rounded out the top five, while Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni in Arizona (the sacred Indigenous land around the Grand Canyon), Singapore, O'Higgins in Chile, Ladakh in India and Geneva in Switzerland filled the rest of the top ten. Across the full 52 picks, Manchester in England, Negombo in Sri Lanka, Morocco, Lake Toba in Indonesia and Ireland's Waterford also featured. So did Mustang in Nepal, Vienna in Austria, the Albanian Alps and Flamingo in Florida — and plenty more spots to instantly put on your must-visit list. For The New York Times' full 52 Places to Go list for 2024, head to the publication's website. Top image: Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Whether your running shoes have been pounded to dust or you could just use a high-performance pair, ASICS is hosting a standout giveaway ready to help you leap into a brand-new exercise regimen. Held at Centennial Park on Saturday. January 17, Comfort Swap is offering runners the chance to trade in their old, smelly, blister-inducing shoes for a brand-new pair of ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28. What's more, making the trade couldn't be simpler. Ballot winners just need to turn up with their old runners, no matter the brand or condition, and swap them for one of 250 free pairs up for grabs. Meanwhile, all swapped shoes will be recycled through ASICS' partner Tread Lightly — an Australian footwear initiative that transforms unwanted sports shoes into running tracks, playground surfaces and more. On the day, a host of ASICS athletes will be in attendance to inspire everyone to add a little more movement to their lives. You'll find Australian men's marathon record holder and Olympian Andy Buchanan, Olympic 400-metre hurdler Sarah Carli, Olympic high jumper Brandon Stark, Olympic springer Kristie Edwards and South Sydney Rabbitohs star Cameron Murray. To help you get acquainted with the new shoes, this crew will lead a quick 3.5-kilometre run around Centennial Park's iconic loop. Ready to enter? The ballot is now open until 7am on Wednesday, January 14, with 250 winners randomly drawn from all valid entries. "Physical discomfort shouldn't be what stops someone from experiencing the mental benefits of running," says Mark Brunton, Managing Director at ASICS Oceania. "This event proves that when comfort comes first, everything changes. This is our Sound Mind, Sound Body philosophy in action: remove the physical barriers, unlock the mental uplift."
Another incredibly cool freebie, this whimsical fairground is just as much for adults as it is for kids. Think a Ferris wheel fitted out with toilet seats and a bicycle-powered carousel, all of which are made with recycled objects. The vision for the installation was created by a collective of artisans led by Jordà Ferré and Oscar de Paz, and is just one piece of the free summer nights at Parramatta's Alfred Square. Check out more of the best Sydney Festival events under $50 here.
