Leichhardt’s supine pub scene has been given an overhaul with the newly renovated The Royal bringing back the historic hotel’s charm and charisma. The Royal Botanical, situated upstairs, is the schmick new dining room, bar and garden terrace that is offering up not only an appealing new menu, but also a welcoming venue at which to sample this fare. The layout of the main room is traditionally bistro-style, yet freshened up with hanging baskets and framed botanicals on the wall, as well as views over the district, should you nab a window seat. The sophisticated outdoor terrace is a horticulturalist's heaven — wall-to-wall plants and greenery make the covered space a verdant, airy alternative — especially in the warmer months. Those seeking a change from Norton Street’s Italian flavour will be rewarded with a jazzed up menu that hasn’t boycotted the usual pub culprits. To start with, sharing plates such as the salt & pepper squid ($14) is a staple that can’t be missed, nor the potato wedges ($8) with sweet chilli sauce and sour cream (a match made in heaven). Even more tempting is a 1kg bucket of hot chicken wings ($17.50) — get your napkins ready, with flavours of coriander, chilli and lemon punching through, these are tasty sticklers. For the main fare, hearty pub grub lives up to its name with the classic schnitzel ($19), or dressed up with chunky tomato sauce and melted cheddar to turn it into a parmi ($21). The royal burger ($17.50) is indulgently royal: with everything you could want in a burger, plus more, same with the pulled pork roll ($16.50). The sirloin steak ($24) will curb any appetite — nothing like a 300g Black Angus steak served with gravy and green beans on a bed of mash. As for something more refined, crispy skin salmon ($23) is perfectly seared, yet hungrier bellies may be craving that bed of mash to really hit the spot. If you’ve got room for dessert ($11), go for it — the chocolate trifle will convert anybody who detests the old favourite. But our bet is that you’ll want to get started on the cocktails — the decent list has got numerous tantalizing options, all at reasonable prices. The Quince Cup ($14) is a sweet and fragrant blend of gin, pear, quince and lemon but it’s the Ginger Nut ($13) that’s the standout — Frangelico with vodka, apple juice, lemon and bitters shaken through, topped with ice cold ginger beer ($13). The bar also has a solid selection of craft beers and top notch wines from Australia- a Mr Riggs shiraz from McLaren Vale is a tasty drop at $8 a glass and the Margaret River Semillon sav blanc ($8/$38) is delicate, yet balanced with a fresh acidity. Needless to say, the hotel — which has been a part of Leichhardt’s fabric since 1886 — has been spruced up a notch, yet managed to stick to its customary roots with class.
Musicals don't get much bigger than Les Misérables. That's been evident on the stage for more than four decades. When the production has been adapted for the screen, too, it's also been clear. In Australia, next comes Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular, which will put on a show set in 19th-century France on a three-city tour from April 2025. Do you hear the people sing? Audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane definitely will when the production gets the music of the people, plus the songs of angry men, echoing. A stacked cast and a 65-plus-piece orchestra will bring Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular to life at ICC Theatre, Rod Laver Arena and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, with the format heading Down Under after playing the UK and across Europe. Starting on Wednesday, April 30 in the Harbour City, Australia is getting a five-week-only run, before the show travels through Asia — including Japan, Taiwan and China — and then returns to Europe, with American and Canadian seasons also planned. What makes this an arena spectacular, other than the venues that it's playing? The production isn't just taking the stage iteration of Les Misérables as is to sizeable sites — as a concert, it has been specifically created and designed for such locations. Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular was born to celebrate a hefty milestone for the song-filled theatre take on Victor Hugo's famous 1862 novel: the London production of Les Misérables reaching its 40th year in 2025. Yes, it's West End's longest-running musical. But the arena spectacular's origins hail back earlier, to not long after Les Mis debuted on the stage in 1980 — and also have ties to Australia. "I have long dreamt of taking an Arena Tour of Les Misérables around the world, but I am especially thrilled to be bringing it back to Australia where the outrageous of idea of doing Les Mis as a concert began," explains producer Cameron Mackintosh. "When I first did the stage production of Les Misérables in Sydney in 1987 — with the wonderous Marina Prior as Cosette (only two years after its London opening) — we were invited to do a concert in Sydney's Domain in January 1989 as part of the Sydney Festival. It was very early in the life of Les Misérables, so we had no idea if anyone would turn up, let alone know the music, as the show had only been playing for a year in the 1000-seat Theatre Royal. But, to our astonishment, 135,000 people turned up and embraced the show with a mighty roar — it was a night I will never forget, and the concert was born." On its three Aussie stops, Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular will star Tony-winner Alfie Boe and British talent Killian Donnelly sharing the role of Jean Valjean, while Michael Ball — who featured in the original London 1985 production — plus Bradley Jaden are doing the same with Javert. Prior is back as Madame Thénardier, as part of an international cast that also includes Little Britain's Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine, Jac Yarrow as Marius and Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette. Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular Australian Dates 2025 From Wednesday, April 30 — ICC Theatre, Sydney From Wednesday, May 14 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne From Wednesday, May 28 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular is touring Australia from April–June 2025. Ticket presales start at 1pm local time on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, with general sales from 1pm local time on Friday, November 29, 2024. Head to the production's website for more details and to sign up for the waitlist. Images: Danny Kaan.
Thanks to a certain chest-bursting franchise that first hit screens more than four decades ago, Ridley Scott has long been synonymous with science fiction. So when the veteran filmmaker jumps onboard a sci-fi TV series — featuring androids again, but no aliens this time around — it's definitely something worth paying attention to. That show is Raised by Wolves, which is set in a dystopian future in the 22nd century, when the earth has been destroyed by war. Two androids, known only as Mother and Father, head to the planet Kepler-22b with two human embryos in their care, with the obvious aim of restarting civilisation. While it's immediately apparent that little will go as planned — that's just not human nature — don't go thinking that you'll be able to pick this striking, big-thinking series' every twist and turn.
From Etymon Projects, the team behind the north shore's popular Loulou Bistro, Boulangerie & Traiteur, comes an elegant venue in an art deco building within Sydney's CBD. Much like its counterpart north of the bridge, The Charles Grand Brasserie & Bar folds many different types of establishments into one multi-faceted one-stop shop. This time, the King Street spot is part-European brasserie, part-laidback café and part-bar. "The Charles celebrates the charm of old-school hospitality without the stuffiness," says The Charles Grand's Director of Culinary Sebastien Lutaud. "The grand brasserie experience is elegant and decadent, but with ambience too. A busy, open kitchen; duck press on the pass; tableside saucing and carving; and roving dessert trolleys create a wonderful sense of theatre that's reminiscent of the warm and welcoming brasseries of Europe." Taking from the tradition of many of Europe's longstanding brasseries, the restaurant boasts two must-try house specialities. The first is a MBS9+ black oak wagyu rump cap ($82), while the other is the classic French Canard à la Presse ($170), both of which are designed to be shared. The whole dry-aged Maremma roasted and dressed duck used in the Canard à la Presse is prepared in a dedicated duck and poultry room which allows The Charles' chefs to dry-age 100 birds at a time, for ten days each. From there, they're roasted until they have a perfectly crispy skin. Marinated octopus ($24) and steak and anchovy tartare ($34) are highlights from the entree menu, alongside a must for any luxurious French spot — caviar service ($140–420). As for the mains, you can opt for a grand schnitzel topped with salted roe ($55), crayfish vol-au-vent ($62), or an aged rack of lamb ribs ($58) just to name a few. "Refined, elegant food created using predominantly French techniques is how I've approached this menu. We hero the superb produce by serving it simply with a delicious sauce or consommé poured tableside, for example, rather than with overly complex or fussy garnishes," says executive Chef Billy Hannigan who will be flexing his classic French culinary training in the kitchen. There's a collection of more than 600 both French and Australian wines to sort through, with up to 50 available by the glass for those that like to sample throughout the night. Over at the bar, things are a bit more casual. Opening from 7am each day, city-dwellers and CBD workers can come in for an espresso and a freshly baked croissant ($6), crumpet ($6) or pastry. From 11am, the menu shifts to approachable French and European-inspired dining, ranging from pork crackling ($9) and chicken liver parfait ($22) through to flat-iron steak ($68) and butter lettuce salads ($14). Etymon Projects enlisted to H&E Architects, in collaboration with COX to create a venue that celebrates its building's historic art deco design with flourishes of black nero marble and brass. The venue will provide Sydneysiders with the opportunity to set into a decedent European holiday, any time of day, with both venues to remain open until midnight. Top image: Steven Woodburn
Ichi-ban is a well-known ramen in Sydney for a reason. It's cheap, it's delicious and you have it in front of you just minutes after ordering — which is handy given the queue you can expect at peak times. While there are plenty of options on the menu, including some great gyoza, the ramen is the real hero here. The noodles are made fresh and cooked al dente and we recommend the karaage ramen, which is topped with melt-in-your mouth fried chicken. Having said that, their miso ramen is also worth your money, particularly if you want to stick to the cheapest $18.90 option. While there are a few Ichi-bans now in Sydney, head to their flagship restaurant at The Galeries for the best. As of just recently, the restaurant now takes card.
The turn of the season isn't far away, so now might just be the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe. And this four-day warehouse sale could give you the chance to do so without spending your holiday budget in one go. Running from Thursday, August 14–Sunday, August 17, Bassike and Studio Amelia are teaming up to host a one-of-a-kind event at the Rosebery Engine Yards. Spanning Bassike's archival and sale pieces of clothing and accessories, Studio Amelia is offering its premium footwear at exclusive prices. If you're not yet familiar, Bassike was launched in Sydney's beachy community of Avalon in 2006, making a name for itself over the last two decades thanks to its focus on natural fibres, airy wool and complementary silhouettes. Meanwhile, Studio Amelia is more of a newcomer. Born in Sydney in 2019, the brand offers a similarly luxe but simple design philosophy, working to reinvent classic styles with surprising details. Time for a new look? Treat yourself.
This is the first solo show in Australia for Chinese artist Chen Qiulin. Her practice draws upon her experience growing up in Wanzhou City in Western China and the confluence of natural and urban landscapes. In recent years, the rapid urbanisation of China has becoming central to her work, which explores the intricacies of city planning, architectural hierarchies as well as tensions between tradition and technology. The centrepiece and namesake of the show is the impressive One Hundred Names, consisting of the most common Chinese family names, carefully carved out of tofu. This edible artwork is designed to gradually decay over time, symbolising the material transformation that inevitably follows intensive labour. The exhibition will also feature a range of photographic, video and performance works. 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art have proved their deftness in programming some of the most stimulating and socially-engaged practices coming out of Asia. This exhibition is shaping up to be no exception. Images: Chen Qiulin, 'The Garden No.2' (2007), cMtype print. 100 x 82xm. 'The Garden No.3' (2007), cMtype print. 100 x 82xm. 'Old Archway' (2009),cMtype print, 154 x 124cm. 'A Hundred Surnames in Tofu' (Chen) (still) (2010), video installation. Courtesy the artist and A Thousand Plateaus Art Space, Chengdu.
Bluesfest has officially cancelled its 2026 event. In a statement on Friday, organisers attributed the decision to "rising production, logistics, insurance and touring costs, combined with softer ticket demand and international uncertainties." "For more than three decades, Bluesfest has brought extraordinary artists and audiences together in Byron Bay while also driving significant tourism and economic activity for the Northern Rivers and New South Wales," Festival Director Peter Noble said. "This makes the decision incredibly difficult. After careful consideration, we concluded we could not proceed in a way that would meet the standard our audiences, artists and partners expect." The festival had a stacked lineup planned for 2026. Headliners included Parkway Drive, Erykah Badu, The Wailers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sublime, Counting Crows, The Black Crowes, Buddy Guy, and more. Bluesfest director Peter Noble announced last year that 2025 would be the final year, however, shortly after, he said that declaration was as much a call to action as a resignation to fate. "Do we have to say it's the last Bluesfest to get people to focus on us?" he asked at the time. Confirmation of Bluesfest 2026 then came on the same day that the Australian Greens unveiled a $20 million-a-year rescue plan to keep the country's festival scene alive and kicking. With 109,000 punters through its gates in 2025, the announcement comes as a major shock to the music community. Head to the website for more information. This article first appeared in Rolling Stone Australia. Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get more stories straight to your inbox.
When it comes to forming habits, three weeks is often bandied about as the right amount of time to cement a new part of your routine. With annual massive music, technology, screen and gaming festivals, perhaps three years is a better fit. After initially making its debut in 2023, then returning in 2024, SXSW Sydney will be back again in 2025. Mark your calendar accordingly. You can now call the huge event a fixture of not just the Harbour City's cultural calendar, but also Australia's. The dates for its third iteration: Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19. Although there's no lineup details as yet, attendees can expect big things again after 2024's fest built upon 2023's successes. The second-ever SXSW Down Under featured 1400 conference sessions, 95 screenings, 315 performances and 150 games. It also hosted more than 92,000 unique visitors, with folks attending from 56 countries. In terms of total visits, the seven-day festival notched up 300,000 — including 190,000-plus people heading along to the 163 events as part of the free programming in Tumbalong Park. Darling Harbour, Chippendale and Broadway will be among the places playing host to SXSW Sydney in 2025, but more details there are still also yet to be revealed. "SXSW Sydney 2024 was a great success on all fronts, and was bigger than its debut year in attendance numbers and sessions throughout the week," said SXSW Sydney Chair Geoff Jones, announcing the 2025 dates. "We look forward to paving the way for more innovators across the tech and innovation, music, screen, games and creative industries by providing these creators with an opportunity on a global stage." Whatever graces the bill in 2025, it'll follow on from Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker, Chance The Rapper, Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb and Nicole Kidman in 2023, plus The Kid LAROI, human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, author Johann Hari, The New Boy filmmaker Warwick Thornton, The Babadook composer Jed Kurzel, Grace Tame and Tim Minchin in 2024 — and heaps more. SXSW Sydney 2025 will run from Monday, October 13–Sunday, October 19 at various Sydney venues. Head to the SXSW Sydney website for further details. Images: Paul McMillan, Jess Gleeson, Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for SXSW and Nina Franova/Getty Images for SXSW Sydney.
In the on-screen sea that is the never-ending list of films and television shows constantly vying for eyeballs, Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby have frequently proven gem-dappled treasure islands. When the immensely funny New Zealand talents have collided, their resumes have spanned four of the most endearing comic hits of the big and small screens in the 21st century so far, aka Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows, Wellington Paranormal and Hunt for the Wilderpeople — and now, with HBO Max pirate parody Our Flag Means Death, they've given viewers another gleaming jewel. The brainchild of writer, showrunner and executive producer David Jenkins (People of Earth), this show was always going to swashbuckle its way into streaming must-see lists — and into comedy-lovers' hearts — based on its concept alone. The inimitable Darby stars as Stede Bonnet, a self-styled 'gentleman pirate' and a great approximation of Flight of the Conchords' Murray if he'd existed centuries earlier. Meanwhile, Waititi dons leather, dark hues aplenty, an air of bloodthirsty melancholy and a glorious head of greying hair as Edward Teach, the marauder better known to the world as Blackbeard. While the latter is a household name — pop culture has been inserting him into stories for decades: Ian McShane played him in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Hugh Jackman did the honours in Pan, for instance — Bonnet will be a new discovery to most of Our Flag Means Death's audience. Also a real-life figure, he left his life of wealth, privilege and comfort to rove the oceans. That's a scenario that this ten-episode comedy has plenty of fun with, complete with Bonnet's onboard library decked out with classics and summer linens-filled auxiliary wardrobe. In its first three episodes, Our Flag Means Death establishes its fish-out-of-water situation — or its tale about a ruffled shirt-wearing aristocrat seemingly out of his depths while sailing across treacherous waters, to be more accurate. Bonnet is not one for the usual pirate stereotypes, and that takes some adjusting to by his crew. Among those with him on the Revenge: Lucius (Nathan Foad, Bloods), his righthand man and official scribe; Buttons (Ewen Bremner, First Cow), a seasoned seafarer and source of advice; Black Pete (Matthew Maher, Marriage Story), who constantly claims to have worked with Blackbeard; the fire-obsessed Wee John Feeny (Kristian Nairn, aka Game of Thrones' Hodor); and the initially secretive Oluwande (Samson Kayo, Truth Seekers) and Jim (Vico Ortiz, The Sex Lives of College Girls). Scene-setting and ensemble antics abound in the series' opening instalments, including a run-in with a British navy captain (Rory Kinnear, No Time to Die) with ties to Bonnet's past, and another a fellow pirate captain-turned-bar owner (Leslie Jones, Death to 2020) and one of her husbands (Fred Armisen, Los Espookys). But then Blackbeard arrives, taking over the Revenge with his first mate Izzy (Con O'Neill, The Batman) — and Our Flag Means Death starts becoming a rom-com. From the outset, it's already a gloriously inclusive and emotionally astute comedy. Bonnet wanting his crew to be in touch with their feelings, rather than simply solve everything with swords and violence, is one of the aforementioned ways that he bucks expectations. But that trend deepens and grows as its two key swashbucklers gravitate towards each other, riding the waves from adversaries to co-captains to potentially something more. From its first trailer, Our Flag Means Death delivered answers to questions that no one knew they had, such as "what'd happen if Waititi and Darby played pirates?" and "what if Waititi and Darby played pirates alongside Spud from Trainspotting and Hodor?". Now that the results have played out across an entire season — all of which is available to stream in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon — it's sweeter than a bottle of rum to a buccaneer (or oranges to fend off scurvy, which definitely get a mention in the show). Smartly, Our Flag Means Death doesn't just satirise pirate archetypes. It isn't content with finding easy laughs at the whole 'gentleman pirate' caper, either. Instead, it's a comedy about plundering one's own depths to find out who you really are, where you truly belong and who should comprise your chosen family — whether you've been set up for a life of luxury, you're the world's most fearsome scourge of the seas or you're simply roving the oceans with them. When Waititi's Blackbeard steps into the story, meet-cute and all, less of its focus resides upon its other supporting characters. When you've got comedic greats such as Waititi and Darby bouncing off of each other — as they do from episode four onwards, and with pitch-perfect comic chemistry — you let them have the spotlight. Still, subplots that flesh out the remainder of the Revenge crew's histories wholeheartedly link in with Our Flag Means Death's focus on reinvention and rediscovery, and its open heart. Relationships are laid bare, and secrets, too. In the process, cliches are dismantled, correct pronouns are used, and everyone helps build a thoughtful and sincere comic caper. Indeed, add Our Flag Means Death to the list of delightful sitcoms that beam with warmth, even when it's soaking cat flags (yes, that's a pirate banner adorned with a feline) with blood. Stellar talent doesn't always equate to a must-see, something special or both, of course; however, Our Flag Means Death ticks all of those boxes — and the who's who that is its guest and supporting cast also includes fellow Conchords alum Kristen Schaal, Big Mouth's Nick Kroll, Arrested Development's Will Arnett, and Aussies Claudia O'Doherty (Sarah's Channel) and Angus Sampson (Bump). With Waititi also helming the pilot and executive producing, his winning ways with TV comedies continue, too, after a top-notch few years that've included the What We Do in the Shadows television spinoff and Reservation Dogs as well. Ahoy, streaming lovers — let Our Flag Means Death sail into your queue right now. Check out the full trailer for Our Flag Means Death below: Our Flag Means Death's first season is available to in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. Images: Aaron Epstein/HBO Max.
When your nine-to-five plays out like a well-oiled machine, it can sometimes feel like each week is a little same-same. But Sydney is brimming with a fine bounty of things to experience and explore each and every day. So aside from casual laziness and a little lack of inspiration, there's really nothing stopping you from squeezing some adventure and spontaneity into your schedule. We've teamed up with Mazda3 to help you celebrate the little things that bring a sense of adventure to life. Shake things up, as we give you seven different detours to take each week in Sydney. From Monday to Sunday, enrich your everyday with one completely achievable activity that inspires you to take the scenic route as you go about your daily routine. This week, get some solid roller excercise, sing karaoke until your lungs are sore and go for a relaxing stroll down to Blackwattle Bay. Plus, we've got your future detours sorted for the next few weeks here. All require no more effort than a tiny break from the norm — what's your excuse for not trying them all?
Parties, art, music, performances, food, stripping bare for a swim to celebrate the winter solstice: that's the Dark Mofo way, and so is weaving its anything-can-happen vibe, its beloved regular highlights, and its array of expectation-exploding shows and events into a ritual as much as a festival. The Tasmanian winter arts fest is a place to commune, with attendees and with its boundary-pushing program alike. Challenge, confrontation, evoking a strong response: Dark Mofo is a place for that, too. The festival sat out 2024, spending the time to regroup for the future ahead instead. Late that year, it announced its return for 2025, however. The full program will be unveiled at the beginning of April, but organisers have already announced the first new work. When attendees look at Nathan Maynard's We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep, they won't forget it. Set to premiere at Dark Mofo 2025 — which runs from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025, except for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21 — the new commission by the multidisciplinary Trawlwoolway artist will take over a Hobart CBD basement. Inside, expect a commentary on cultural theft and erasure via Maynard's mass installation, using sheep heads to make a statement. "Languishing in museums and their storerooms are the remains of ancestors of First Nations people from all around our globe. They have been stripped of identity and, without consent, treated like specimens for study and scientific inquiry," explains the artist. "We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep speaks to the sadistic power white institutions flex when they deny First Nations people the humanity of putting our ancestor's remains to rest in the physical and the spiritual." When Dark Mofo's 2025 comeback was first revealed, so were the returns of a number of its beloved festivities: the aforementioned Nude Solstice Swim; Night Mass, which fills downtown Hobart with art and music; culinary highlight Winter Feast, which popped up in 2024 despite the festival around it taking a break; and the Ogoh-Ogoh. If you're wondering if the world missed Dark Mofo, the response to Night Mass alone so far says it all. When 6000 pre-release tickets were made available late in 2024, they were snapped up in less than four hours. "Taking the year off in 2024 was a difficult decision, but Dark Mofo is back with renewed energy and focus, ready to deliver an enormous program spanning two packed weeks this June," notes Dark Mofo's new Artistic Director Chris Twite. "It was encouraging to sell over 6000 Night Mass tickets in less than four hours during our pre-release late last year, indicating that demand for the festival remains strong. We are hoping for a similar response when we release the full program on the 4th April." Back in November, Twite gave a few more hints at what's in store this year. "Dark Mofo is back. For our 11th chapter, once more we'll bathe the city in red and deliver two weeks of inspiring art, music and ritual," he advised when announcing the event's 2025 dates. "Night Mass is a beast, and this year it will evolve once more — worming its way through the city with new spaces, performances and experiences to dance, explore or crawl your way through." Dark Mofo returns from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025 and for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21. Head to the festival's website for further details — and check back here on Friday, April 4, 2025 for the full lineup. We threw them down the rocks where they had thrown the sheep images: Jesse Hunniford, 2025. Image courtesy of Dark Mofo 2025. Night Mass images: Jesse Hunniford and Andy Hatton, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Winter Feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
Sydney artists will have the opportunity to access a new, affordable creative space in the heart of Sydney's CBD from early next year. The City of Sydney has signed a new 99-year lease, securing five storeys of creative studio space on Bathurst Street from developer Greenland Australia. The 2000-square-metre space will be operated by Brand X for at least the next three years, with the city council and not-for-profit coming together to create an affordable space for emerging and established artists in the inner city. The creative studios will help support dancers, musicians, filmmakers, digital creatives and visual artists with a series of dedicated spaces. Creatives will find two double-height rehearsal spaces available for dancers, actors and performers; five soundproof recording and rehearsal studios for musicians; production and editing suites for media and filmmakers; wet-dry visual arts studios, an artist-in-residence apartment, meeting spaces, dressing rooms and a cafe. "It has long been a priority of the city to increase centrally located, affordable space for our artists and creatives," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. "By delivering workspaces and venues, we're not only supporting the arts post-lockdown, but also making our city a more interesting and inspiring place to be." Brand X currently operates the East Sydney Community and Arts Centre in Darlinghurst, and has been the creative tenancy manager of live and work apartments in Darlinghurst and Waterloo, assisting more than 100,000 artists to find affordable space. The not-for-profit's Access and Inclusion Panel and Industry Advisory Panel will oversee the selection of projects at the creative studio, "with a focus on developing new voices from a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds," according to Brand X Director James Winter. Artists and organisations interested in utilising the new space can register interest at the Brand X website. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ʙʀᴀɴᴅ x ᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ɪɴᴄ (@brandxinc) The City of Sydney Creative Studios is located at 119 Bathurst Street, Sydney. It is set to open in early 2022. Top image: Paul Patterson
Inner-city hospitality hub 25 Martin Place has quickly cemented a reputation as one of the most reliable dining go-tos in the CBD, but for the past few months, one-half of this multi-venue complex has been conspicuously dormant. New Zealand steakhouse chain Botswana Butchery, which occupied the expansive three-storey east wing of the site, announced in April that it was entering voluntary administration and given the economic uncertainties that have forced a rash of similar closures across Sydney in recent months, it was unclear if or when a new tenant would be able to take up residence. Now, one of the city's most successful hospitality companies, Point Group, who also operate the ever-popular Shell House, has announced ambitious plans to launch not one but three venues in the former Botswana Butchery digs, creating a new hospitality hub within a hospitality hub. The International will feature a wine bar, a fine diner and a rooftop watering hole showcasing a worldly array of culinary experiences that celebrate the cultural diversity that is so essential to Sydney's identity. [caption id="attachment_974166" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jonny Valiant[/caption] "We're excited for The International to become the cultural cornerstone of this lively and engaged part of the city," Point Group CEO Brett Robinson said. "Our approach will be simple: if it's fun, delicious and exciting, it's on the menu. Our team has had the opportunity to pull together this new project with total creative freedom and without limitations to define a new standard of big-city dining. The International is not just a restaurant; it will be a social and culinary destination where the only rule is that the food, the wine and the hand-crafted beverages must be delicious and of exceptional quality and the service dedicated, inspired and authentic." Sydney already has an excellent pedigree when it comes to pyro-powered cuisine, championed by the likes of Neil Perry at Rockpool, Lennox Hastie at Firedoor and Corey Costelloe at 20 Chapel. The Grill will join this impressive list of woodfired fine diners with culinary director Joel Bickford delivering a menu driven by provenance, high-quality produce, seasonality and simplicity. [caption id="attachment_974167" align="alignnone" width="2560"] The Grill[/caption] Custom mid-century furniture and bespoke joinery will create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. Guests will enter through a glossy walnut bar where they can enjoy artisanal martinis or a flute of chilled champagne. The dining room will feature striking geometric marble flooring and a cold bar showcasing local seafood, complemented by an open kitchen where licks of open flame will catch the attention of diners. Bickford envisions The Grill as a destination for celebrating special moments while also being somewhere guests can enjoy everyday pleasures through exceptional food and wine. "Ultimately, it's about the food; provenance, best-in-class produce, seasonality and simplicity with absolutely no cutting corners, delivered by the very best chefs in the city working to deliver a unique perspective on classic traditions, internationally renowned preparations and worldly perspectives," he said. [caption id="attachment_974168" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Wine Bar[/caption] The Wine Bar will deliver a more casual (yet no less refined) offering, with a menu by Executive Chef Danny Corbett leaning on small plates inspired by worldwide cuisines. The venue will comprise three distinct spaces: a 60-seat piazza-style courtyard restaurant with an outdoor bar, perfect for all-day dining and socialising; an intimate 40-seat wine bar with a terrace overlooking Martin Place and an open kitchen featuring a Marana Forni pizza oven; and a 60-seat circular dining room with plush decor, ideal for special occasions and wine tastings. In addition to the food offering, there will, of course, be an extensive wine list, including generous by-the-glass options, curated by sommelier Alex Kirkwood. Finally, The Panorama Bar on the top floor of The International will be a vibrant social hub, made for sun-soaked lunches, golden hour drinks, and after-dark get-togethers. The bar will offer all-day dining and late-night drinking. Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Executive Chef Danny Corbett have created a menu of sharing plates and bar snacks, including cold bar options and Japanese bites prepared over Hibachi grills. Guests can enjoy a seasonal drinks list curated by award-winning bartender Josh Reynolds, including signature cocktails and an extensive champagne and chablis selection, perfect for a summer thirst-quencher. With views of the art deco architectural masterpieces of Martin Place and the bustling courtyard at the foot of Harry Siedler's iconic skyscraper, the outdoor terrace of the aptly named The Panorama Bar will channel a glamorous yet playful vibe. Fire pits, comfortable loungers and leafy planting will set an enticing tone while live DJ sets in the evening will pump up the party atmosphere. [caption id="attachment_974169" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Panorama Bar[/caption] The International will open at 25 Martin Place in the CBD in November.
There comes a time when each of us wants an upgrade: to take a grown-up step away from flat-packed, ready-made living and start turning that ‘Dream House’ Pinterest collection into a reality. Beachside hut, slick city unit or terrace house in the leafy ‘burbs – whatever your style, Concrete Playground has the pick of Sydney’s best interior (and a little bit of exterior) design stores right here. So you can put away that IKEA catalogue, pronto. Chee Soon & Fitzgerald Stocking both local and international designers like Georg Jenson, Artemide and Marimekko, as well as their own brand CSF, this Crown Street store is known for its modern decorative fabrics, wallpaper and lighting. They also provide a custom design service in store for all sorts of soft furnishings like lamp shades, rugs and throws. 387 Crown Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9360 1031 Clothfabric Whether you're covering your bed, sofa, tables or walls, Clothfabric has handmade pieces from local craftsmen who use local materials. They design all of their items from a 'surf' tea towel and 'seaweed chalk' cushions to abstract wallpaper and floral bed linen. 35 Buckingham Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9699 2266 Corporate Culture From tables to beds, lighting and acoustics Corporate Culture in Chippendale has everything to make your house designer from top to bottom. With designers from Arne Jacobsen to Hiromichi Konno you will definitely find something to fit your style. 21-23 Levey Street (off Buckland Street), Chippendale; (02) 9690 0077 David Met Nicole Vintage amazingness is what can be found at David Met Nicole with quirky pieces from the UK, France and America. Mannequins, world globes, clocks, furniture is what you will find from the 1900s to the 1950s. 382 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9698 7416 Dust For lovers of antiques and bric-a-brac, Dust is the place to be for all things unique. From headdresses, taxidermy and chandeliers to vases, lamps and artworks. 381 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst; (02) 9332 2854 Elements I Love Genuine vintage furniture and homewares collected from France and India, including ornate antique wooden doors, cast iron chandeliers and brass keys (in case you've lost your own, obviously). Personally, we're coveting the delicately (and lovingly) string-bound, battered and fraying paperbacks in the store window. 2/276 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9698 8884 Great Dane Great Dane, located in Redfern is a mix of modern and classic Scandinavian designs from furniture to accessories and lighting. Brands include And Tradition, De Vorm, NUD Collection and many more creative designers to choose from to give your home a Scandinavian edge. Slick, modern Scandinavian and Danish interior designs, from hand-crafted timber chairs and coffee tables to oak and walnut work tables and lightweight metal, timber and plexi shelving. 613 Elizabeth Street, Redfern; 0417 279 548 Hub With an array of designers that will help you fit out every nook and cranny of your living quarters Hub lives up to its name for all your furniture needs. A focus on chairs, lighting, living and floor coverings from designers across the globe such as Fatboy, Skitsch, Celine Wright and David Mellor. 66-72 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9217 0700 Ici et La Ici et La has an abundance of all things Francaise - deck chairs, striped fabrics, French garden furniture and accessories. Pieces are continually shipped from France which means there is always something new that may be perfect for your home. 7 Nickson Street, Surry Hills; (02) 8399 1173 Jardan All designed and made in Melbourne, Jardan has a wide range of sofas, chairs, tables and beds that are custom made through a family owned and run company. 650 Botany Road, Alexandria; (02) 9693 2288 Koskela At Koskela, owners Russel Koskela and Sasha Titchkosky have a philosophy to produce environmentally-friendly, sustainable furniture that is also beautiful. All of the stock at their Rosebery warehouse store, including wooden kitchen stools or a classic timber base sofa, are designed by Koskela and, where possible, made from reclaimed timbers. They also sell inspired wicker light frames, loom rugs and a colourful range of recyclable polyethylene stools for your garden or balcony. 1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery; (02) 9280 0999 Latitude If your idea of a dream pad involves white-washed pine, wicker chairs and fleece blankets for curling up after a day at the beach - Latitude in Manly is the interior design store for you. Here, inspiration is drawn from chic, contemporary beachside living. Whether or not you have the beach view, you can certainly kit out your home to feel like you do. 12 Sydney Road, Manly; (02) 9976 5623 Living Edge Living Edge is Australian owned offering beautifully designed furniture from around the world with a mix of iconic and classic pieces. Priding themselves on the most carefully chosen pieces offering a huge range of pieces for your home or office. Designers such as Charles & Ray Eames, Mark Newson, Pierre Paulin are just a few of the names you will be able to find architecturally sound space. 74 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9640 5600 Macleay on Manning With brands in store like Missoni, Fornasseti, Kenzo, Paul Smith, Bouvier and Jasper Conran (and many more besides), Macleay on Manning is interior design with a little va va voom. From modern classics like Andy Warhol prints on your crockery to eery ghost-like faces engraved into the bottom of your whiskey glass, owners Jill and Rod Ordish have handpicked both local and international designs in furniture, art, jewellery and books, among other homeware treats. 1/85 Macleay Street, Potts Point; (02) 9331 4100 Object Gallery Celebrating the work of Australian designers, Object Gallery provides a sales platform for as many as 200 different artists and designers each year. The Surry Hills shop stocks an eclectic mix of ceramics, fabrics, glass, and other gifts and home knick knacks. 417 Bourke Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9361 4511 Orson & Blake If you prefer your furniture with bold prints, adventurous colour and that luxurious feel, Orson & Blake in Surry Hills is likely to have a sofa, cushion set or canvas painting to suit your style. Stocking almost everything you'd need to kit out your home, from leopard print, cowhide or shiny gold ottomans (yes please!) to your own wicker hanging chair: they have it all. 483 Riley Street, Surry Hills; (02) 8399 2525 Planet Planet prides itself on simple designs and sustainably-sourced natural fibres like oak coffee tables, muslin lampshades and oversized jute rugs. They stock a solid collection of ceramics, textiles, lighting and those big investment pieces of furniture, like a strong oak frame bed. It's like the antidote to IKEA. 114 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9211 5959 Seasonal Concepts Stepping into the wonderland that is Seasonal Concepts, in Redfern, will feel every bit like you've stumbled upon an indoor marketplace. There's a vast collection of varied and unique items, everything from antique and retro furniture to a taxidermy peacock. Pick up truly one-off, pre-loved items (quick) before someone else gets there first. 122 Redfern Street, Redfern; (02) 8399 2435 Space Space has a huge variety of creative pieces from designers and brands from around the world such as Fiam Italia, Roll & Hill and Triangolo. The showroom is big and has something for every room and taste. 84 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria; (02) 8339 7588 Shelf/Life Simple, elegant products and homeware designs with a conscience. Shelf/life carefully sources handmade, local and ethically produced stationery, kitchen accessories, gifts and ornaments to decorate your home with products that have been designed to outlive the trends. Shop 1, 50 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9211 2858 Vampt Vintage Design At their main showroom in Surry Hills, you’ll find one off vintage and retro pieces like a teak boomerang sofa table, 1960s ‘futuristic’ chairs, an Art Deco drinks cabinet, and even Danish Tivoli pendant lights by the very same Jorn Utzon who designed Sydney Opera House. 486-490 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9699 1089 Wall Candy Wallpaper Delicious, fun, playful or simple, elegant and classic. This store has a never-ending collection of Wall Candy wallpaper designs: floral, geometric, striped - you name it, and we betcha, they have every colour. 420 Crown Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9331 5884 Workshopped Like an exhibition in upcoming Australian designers, Workshopped has been supporting and selling locally designed homewares and home accessories for over a decade. Inject some fun and flamboyance in your home with some quirky, playful products like Takeshi Iue's Japanese-style fruit bowl which elegantly fans out like a flower, or a porcelain fish bowl inspired by George Orwell's 1984, offering your goldfish a touch more privacy than the average cylindrical glass bowl. 2/8 Hill Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9146 4353 Words by Emma Joyce & Jane Fayle
Situated on Kent Street alongside the likes of Papa Gede's and PS40 is Vinabar — a cosy microbar hidden behind a door disguised as a banh mi cart. If you're simply walking by, it could easily be mistaken as a spot for a quick bite as you venture through the city. Each detail throughout the moody yet sophisticated fitout tells a story. The space is adorned with vibrant silk lanterns hanging from its ceiling — which have been imported from Hoi An — a replica of the Golden Hand Bridge from Da Nang, and photographs of pre- and post-opening memories along its walls. Take a seat on either the comfortable lounge seating or at the sleek bar, and you'll be in for a treat. The brainchild of Ashwin Arumugam and Reymark Tesalona takes cues from Vietnam's lively nightlife and hospitality scene, with the intimate cocktail bar serving up stellar, Asian-inspired sips until 2am every night. Vinabar's food offering simply consists of a baby pork banh mi accompanied by a shot of Vietnamese coffee, which serves as a small bite to sustain casual drinking, or the perfect snack to satiate those hankering for a treat. The cocktail menu, however, focuses on inventive drinks with a creative Asian twist, with a new special launched every fortnight. Vinabar's main menu has four signature cocktails and one signature shot, alongside a short selection of beers, wines and mocktails. Highlights include the lychee-forward Rumble in the Jungle; a Vietnamese spin on the espresso martini known as the Cã-Phê martini; an martini inspired by banh mi; and the ginger, calamansi and tequila-starring Gaslighter — which appears similar to water but is made up almost entirely of alcohol. Plus, all of the classics are available upon request. Whether you're out on the town bar-hopping through Kent Street, enjoying an intimate night with a mate or a date, or keen for a small celebration, Vinabar is the spot for you, with space for up to 32 people. Vinabar is located at 332 Kent St, Sydney, open from 5pm–2am daily. Find out more at the venue's website. Image credit: James Scevola
As much as we all love our coffee, it's no secret that the coffee bean industry is fraught with ethical issues, from exploitation of farmers to deforestation. What's more, coffee is the world's second most traded commodity, deferring only to oil. More than 2.25 billion cups are drunk every day worldwide. Here are five Sydney coffee spots where you can maintain your caffeine addiction while knowing that your cash is supporting chemical-free, ethical agricultural practices. THE O CAFE The O Cafe went certified organic before any other cafe in Sydney. Their coffee comes from Woolloomooloo homies Toby’s Estate, but it’s the Fairtrade Organic Blend. So you get all the earthy tones, spiciness and smooth finish that you’re used to, with minimum wages and humane working conditions added. Plus, there’s a seriously serious menu of potent superfood smoothies, with names like Liverlicious Green Smoothie (kale, spinach, parsley, mint, celery, cucumber, apple, camu camu, flaxseed and coconut water) and Mactac Energy Smoothie (avocado, mango, silken tofu, kale, spinach, almond milk and maca). 487 Crown Street, Surry Hills ESPRESSO ORGANICA At any one time, gourmet boutique roaster Espresso Organica sells up to 30 Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and organic single origins and blends. They’re constantly on the hunt for the latest in Grand Cru coffee beans, which they source from all over the world. And whenever they come across an outstanding crop, they buy it up — the whole kit and caboodle. So there’s every chance you’ll find yourself drinking a coffee that can’t be drunk anywhere else on the planet. 43 Majors Bay Road, Concord EARTH FOOD STORE If you need a caffeine hit to boost your swim, surfing session or coastal sprint, do it sans pesticides at the Earth Food Store. The team has been keeping the starving, salty, sandy crowd organic since 1992. Service is especially friendly, the vibe unpretentious and the coffee a delicious nutty, chocolatey house blend. Plus, you can match it with an array of exotic food products, like locally sourced honey from the Urban Beehive and Luvju organic chocolate. 81a Gould Street, Bondi Beach GET YORK COFFEE This light, airy cafe is smack bang in the middle of the CBD. Their coffee comes from Marrickville-based roasters and blenders Sacred Grounds, where the beans are 100 percent Arabica, fully certified organic and Fairtrade. Every producer is featured on the company's site. The Sacred blend has its origins in Nicaragua, Colombia, Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia and delivers a well-balanced flavour, combining sharp acidity, sweet and spicy tones, and a dark chocolate finish. 1 York Street, Sydney ABOUT LIFE Wherever you are in the inner city, you're never more than a hop, skip and jump away from an About Life organic cafe. Their beans are of the premium roasted, Fairtrade variety, and there's a range of organic milks to choose from - including dairy, soy, rice, almond and oat. In an added bonus for our beleaguered environment, coffees come in BioCups, which are sourced from managed plantations and 100 percent biodegradable. At $2.70 each takeaway, they're more affordable than many a non-organic hot beverage. 605 Darling St, Rozelle; 31-37 Oxford St, Bondi Junction; 520 Miller St, Cammeray Top image: Toby's Estate.
Among the many great filmmaker-actor pairings that cinema has gifted the world, Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan have spent more than a decade cementing their spot on the list. It was back in 2013 that the two first joined forces, one for his feature directorial debut and the other for his first lead film role, on Fruitvale Station. Each time that a new Coogler movie has arrived since, including 2015's Creed, then 2018's Black Panther and its 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Jordan (Creed III) has been a key part — and after playing Oscar Grant, Adonis Johnson and Killmonger for his go-to helmer, Jordan is at the heart of 2025's Sinners, too. Five pictures into their collaboration now, how does Coogler manage to double down on working with Jordan? Literally, actually. This time, in the director's first horror film, he has cast his favourite actor in two roles. Sinners focuses on brothers — twins, in fact, called Elijah and Elias — who find more than familiar faces awaiting when they try to start afresh upon returning to their home town. They also find much greater troubles than have been haunting them in their lives elsewhere. This is a movie set in America's south in the Jim Crow-era, as well as a film where being able to enjoy blues music at their local bar is a welcome escape for Sinners' Black characters. But as the just-released second trailer for the feature makes clear, there's more than a touch of the supernatural to Coogler's new flick. Yes, things get bloody. Cast-wise, the movie also gets stacked, with Hailee Steinfeld (The Marvels), Wunmi Mosaku (Loki), Delroy Lindo (Unprisoned), Jack O'Connell (Back to Black), Jayme Lawson (The Penguin) and Omar Benson Miller (True Lies) co-starring. Sinners marks the first time that Coogler hasn't either explored a true story, jumped into an existing franchise or brought an already-known character to the screen — and alongside him working with an original tale, he's also telling a personal one. Inspiration came from members of his family, including for the film's setting and pivotal use of music. But Coogler also considers every feature that he's made to be personal. Asked at a press Q&A about the movie and its new trailer if this tops the list in that regard, he advises that "it's interesting because at each point in my life, that statement has been correct — but never like this one". [caption id="attachment_988567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] "I don't want to give all of this away, but each time I make something — and none of the films that I worked on have had the horror or the thriller element like this one has — but each time I'm conquering a fear, a personal fear of mine, and this one is no different," Coogler also shared. For Sinners, Jordan isn't the writer/director's only returning collaborator. For a picture that's partly shot on IMAX — "I got to get some advice from Chris and Emma, who are masters of the form," Coogler offered, speaking about Christopher Nolan and his producer and wife Emma Thomas — he also reteamed with pivotal talents behind the lens. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw (The Last Showgirl), production designer Hannah Beachler (Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé), editor Michael P Shawver (Abigail), composer Ludwig Göransson (Oppenheimer) and costume designer Ruth E Carter (Coming 2 America) each return from either Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever or both — some, such as Göransson and Carter, with Oscars for their past efforts working with Coogler. The filmmaker also chatted about his clearly rewarding creative partnership with Jordan, Sinners' origins, its mix of genres and supernatural elements, and his aim with using large-format visuals — plus how Stephen King's Salem's Lot proved pivotal, the eeriness of twins, why making movies is a form of catharsis for him and more. On Making Five Films Now with Michael B Jordan — and How Their Collaboration Pushes Coogler Creatively "It's incredible. With Mike, he was a working actor when I met him. He had been on some incredible television shows, basically been a professional actor since he was a school-aged kid, but he hadn't had a feature-length role where he was the lead just yet. So when we worked together on Fruitvale, that was his first time in a lead role in a movie, and it was my first time making a movie — so in many ways, we've grown up together in the industry, in these situations. I've definitely found a kindred spirit in him. He's somebody who's incredibly gifted. In some ways, it's god-given: his charisma, his ability to channel empathy without even trying. But the other facets are the things under his control: his work ethic, his dedication to the craft. And the other thing is his constant desire to want to push himself, to increase his capacity, to continue to stretch. Having both those things rolled up into one, and being somebody who's around the same age, we became work friends and eventually have become like family since. It's an incredible gift to have somebody like that, who you can call up and say 'hey, I've got a new one for you, what do you think?'. And I know he is always trying to look for new challenges constantly. He doesn't want to rest on his on his laurels. And I thought that this role would be something where we could challenge each other." On Injecting Personal Elements Into Coogler's First Horror Film "Each time I've made a film, it's become more and more personal. With this one, I was really digging into two relationships. One with my maternal grandfather, who I never met, he died about a year before I was born — but he was from Merrill, Mississippi, and eventually moved to Oakland, married my grandmother, and actually built the house that our whole family was based out of in Oakland. And I had an uncle named Uncle James who I came up with my whole life, he actually passed away while I was in post-production on Creed, and he was from another town in Mississippi — and he wouldn't really talk about Mississippi unless he was listening to the blues, unless he had a little sip of old Italian whisky, then he would reminisce. And I miss him profoundly. With this film, I got a chance to dig into my own ancestral history here in the States — not dissimilar to what I was doing with the Panther films, like that generational ancestral history, this is right there for me. And I had a chance to really go to the south and scout and think. And the film is about the music that was so special to my to my uncle — and I couldn't be happier with the film that we'll be able to show you guys in a few months." On the Movie's Supernatural Aspects "The film is very genre-fluid. It switches in and out of a lot of different genres. Yes, vampires are an element of the movie. But that's not the only element. It's not the only supernatural element. The film is about more than just that, and I think it's going to surprise folks in a good way. My favourite films in the in the genre, you could take the supernatural element out and the films would still work — but the supernatural element actually helps to heighten it, helps to elevate it. So I was aspiring to make something in that in that tradition. And the film has elements of all of the things that I that I love. It's really a personal love letter for me to cinema, to the art form, specifically the theatrical experience. It's interesting working in a post-COVID time, when everybody was sequestered — and I know I found myself missing that experience of experiencing things in a room with folks I didn't know, but still reacting in the same way, or maybe reacting in different ways and getting to enjoy that. The film is meant to be seen in that capacity." On Using Large-Format Visuals, Such as Shooting in IMAX, to Draw Audiences In "The whole effort was for the experience to be immersive. We wanted to let folks experience this world. And for me, it's the world that my grandparents were a part of. It's the world that they came up in. And it's a time that's often overlooked in American history, specifically for Black folks, because it was a time associated with a lot of things that maybe we're ashamed to talk about — but I got to talk to my have conversation with my grandmother, who's nearly 100 years old, and do some really heavy research, and it was exciting. To bring that time period to life with the celluloid format that was around then, but with the technological advancements that IMAX can provide, it's really exciting — really exciting." On How a Stephen King-Penned Vampire Novel Proved an Influence "A big inspiration for the film is a novel called Salem's Lot, and in the novel — it's been adapted quite a few times and in some really cool ways, but what's great about that novel is when Stephen King talks about it, for him it was Peyton Place, which is another novel, meets Dracula. What happens when a town that's got a lot of its own issues, a lot of interesting characters, meets up with a mythological force of nature and it starts to influence the town? So that idea for me was a great way to explore some of the real things in this place that my grandparents and uncles who influenced my life came from — but also that a lot of American pop culture came from, right there. One of the things we explore in the film is blues music and blues culture, and that became so many other things that affect what we do today. So it was great to be able to explore that. And that music has a has a very close relationship with the macabre, so to speak, with the supernatural. You hear stories about Tommy Johnson and Robert Johnson selling that souls to be able to play the guitar the way they do — the deals being struck. It was called the devil's music — and the dichotomy of these incredible singers, even still to this day, they learned how to make music in the church, but yet they chose to make music that maybe was frowned upon." On the Catharsis of Making Movies for Coogler "I'm blessed to have been able to have found this medium. I found it out by accident. But where I can work out deep, philosophical, existential questions that I may be struggling with, I get to work them out while contributing to an artform that that means so much to me and my family. Watching movies for us was a pastime, and it was a way to connect, it was how we travelled. So I feel like the luckiest person on the planet — but yeah, it is a form of therapy. Each film brings me closer to understanding myself and the world around me, I think." On Jordan Portraying Twins — and Why Twins Feel Supernatural "These are guys who there's nothing supernatural about them outside of them being identical twins. Now, when you dig into the research on twins, it is pretty strange. We still don't totally understand how we have specific identical twins, because it's not something that can be inherited. It's an anomaly. What we did on this was I hired a couple friends of mine who are filmmakers, Noah and Logan Miller — we hired them as twin consultants. They're about the same age as me and Mike, and they were able to talk to Mike and myself while we were working on the script, and he was working on prepping the characters, on what it is like to have an identical twin. Some of that work was just fascinating — like this idea of ever since you achieved consciousness, there was another version of you, right there, right there in front of you, sharing space. And how they see the world — how they see the world as 'us versus everybody else'. The other aspect of it is the fact that they're not totally different. They're actually are quite alike. They're different in subtle ways that Mike found. But it's an absolutely brilliant performance — both performances. I can't wait for folks to see him. It's Mike unlike I've ever seen him before, and I know him pretty well." On Why the Time Was Right for Coogler to Tell an Original Story "I think in terms of timing — and timing is everything, it can really make or break a project, now more than ever. But for me, in being a writer/director, the timing first has to start with me. And it felt like I was at a point in my life where I did want to try to do something original. And I realised I had been working on things that were based on pre-existing things, maybe a real-life situation, maybe a pre-existing franchise and cinema, a pre-existing comic-book franchise, and so I felt the itch to want to try. I could kind of feel like the kids are growing up, I'm getting older, I can feel time on my on my backside. So it turned out to be the perfect timing for me, personally. And at terms of looking around at the world and where we are, those two things seem to be lining up. But at the same time, you don't have any control over that one. You've got to kind of start with yourself. Even then, I did want to still play with archetypes. I guess it's original, but I'm dealing with a lot of archetypes — not just a vampire, but the supernaturally gifted musician, the twins. When I was coming up, every neighbourhood would have those twins who were well-known, sometimes notorious, just had a reputation as local celebrities. That idea is something that we're exploring in this, and a lot of other ideas. So I'm still digging into pre-existing things and culture as best I can, but synthesising them through my own personal lens." Sinners releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Joining beloved venues XOPP and Chase Kojima's Simulation Senpai on the top floor of Darling Exchange, Haidilao Hotpot has opened an expansive new restaurant, throwing its hat in the ring of Darling Square's dining precinct. The 200-seat venue offers traditional hotpot from midday seven days a week. Guests choose up to four soup bases for their hotpot with bases like spicy oil, mushroom, tomato and chicken all on offer. From there, diners can mix-and-match from the menu which is divided into meat, seafood, beans and noodles, vegetables and snacks. Highlights of the meat menu include wagyu beef M8, XO tongue, pork kidneys and marbled pork belly. Be sure to order the 'dancing noodles' at some point in the meal, where staff will hand-stretch them in front of you before dropping them into your hotpot. Pre-meal fruit and self-serve condiment bars featuring house-made sesame paste and a variety of oils and sauces are on hand to complete your meal, while added comforts like complimentary hair ties and plush toys to accompany solo diners are all provided to ensure you have the perfect hotpot experience. Those waiting for a table can also be treated to a complimentary manicure, subject to availability, so waiting has never been easier. Originating in China, Haidilao is an international restaurant group with venues across Sydney, Australia and the world. Walk-ins are available but if you want to ensure your spot, you can book by calling the restaurant on 02 7252 3500. Haidilao Hotpot is located at Level 5, The Exchange Darling Square, 1 Little Pier Street, Haymarket. It's open from midday with last orders at 8.30pm.
Heartbreak High obsessives, your time is now: the 90s favourite has been revived by Netflix, bringing a new generation of Hartley High dramas into your streaming queue. Let's be honest — if you loved the show since way back when, it's always been your time; however, now you can experience the ups and downs of the Aussie series' next batch of high schoolers. A fan since the OG run, and always wished you lived in the show when you were at school? Just discovered the homegrown classic via the new version? Either way, if you're in Sydney on Saturday, September 17–Sunday September 18, you can nab some free threads to look the part. Netflix loves launching its big titles with pop-ups, and this one's no different — joining its The Gray Man barber, Stranger Things rift and Squid Game doll over the past 12 months. One thing that this boasts that those others didn't? That free clothing, with 1000 pieces up for grabs all up. Head along and you too can look like you've just stepped out of class — at a school that doesn't have a uniform, aka most teenagers' dream. Netflix has badged the pop-up a 'uniform shop' to fit the theme, though, but the range includes local designers and keenly sought-after thrifted items. Sydneysiders and folks who happen to be in town for the weekend just need to make a trip to 520 King Street in Newtown, where the thrift shop will be handing out pieces by HoMie, Clothing The Gaps, Jody Just, Off White and more. It's a first come, first served affair, and there'll be 500 pieces on offer each day. So, as always with give aways, getting in early during the shop's 10am–6pm operating hours is recommended. Given that the new version of Heartbreak High decks out its characters in everything from bursts of colour to grunge 90s attire, expect a variety of styles on offer. And, expect free temporary tattoos, too, as well as a photographer capturing high school portraits.
You eagerly await the arrival of summer. You picture yourself hitting the beach multiple times a week — sunrise walks, swims in your lunch break and sundowners at a waterside bar. Then suddenly the end of the sunny season is nigh and you realise you've not spent nearly as much time with sand between your toes as you'd hoped. It happens to the best of us. Thankfully, Sydney is blessed with dozens of beautiful beaches that'll help you enjoy those summer vibes a little longer. Exhibit A: Manly Beach. Even if Manly is your local, when's the last time you spent a full day enjoying what it has to offer? So, we've teamed up with White Claw to curate a sunrise to sunset itinerary to show how to pack the most into an excursion to the legendary Sydney beach. 7AM: GO FOR A SUNRISE SWIM You may have seen those bright pink swim caps on a rare sunrise stroll in Manly — or, more likely, you've seen them on Instagram. But since today is about changing up your routine, why not throw one on yourself and join the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad for an early morning dip? The squad meets at 7am, seven days a week, in front of Manly Life Saving Club, before diving into the deep blue and making the journey to Shelly Beach and back — it's 750 metres each way. Who needs coffee when you can wake up with an ocean swim instead? [caption id="attachment_717595" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] 8AM: PICK UP A PASTRY AND COFFEE AT ROLLERS BAKEHOUSE You've likely worked up an appetite so, after you've dried off, make tracks to Rialto Lane where you'll find Rollers Bakehouse. This Palm Springs-inspired spot is home to some of the tastiest (and most decadent) pastries in Sydney, including sweet and savoury croissants, pies and scrolls. The flavours are constantly changing, but you can expect creative spins like sticky oat chai croissants, cereal milk cruffins and duck pancake sausage rolls. In fact, the options are so innovative that you'll struggle to select just one. Order a few — you've earned 'em — along with a batch brew or latte, nab a bench in the bright pink courtyard and enjoy. [caption id="attachment_784919" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NSW National Parks[/caption] 9AM: HEAD TO COLLINS FLAT BEACH FOR SOME LEISURELY BEACH TIME Instead of heading to Manly's main beach, opt for Collins Flat Beach, a tiny little harbour inlet that sits between North Head and Little Manly Cove. Here, you can have a splash in the calm, shallow waters and admire the views across the harbour to The Heads — all sans crowds. There's also a legit waterfall to enjoy. Though it feels quite remote, it's quite easy to get to Collins Flat. You can drive down Collins Beach Road and park near the Australian Institute of Police Management, which marks the start of a small track to the sand. Or you can drive or catch the free Hop Skip & Jump bus from Manly Council Chambers to Little Manly, walk down Stuart Street towards Skinner's Reserve and then follow the short track to Collins Flat. 11AM: TAKE A SURFING LESSON Is learning how to surf one of those things that has always been on your bucket list but you've never gotten around to actually doing it? There's no time like the present, friends. Manly Surf School runs lessons every single day for people of all ages and abilities. Adult lessons cost $75 per person (but get cheaper if you buy multiple) and last for 90 minutes. All equipment, including a surfboard and a wet suit or rash vest, is included. All you need is a towel, sunscreen and a good attitude. We're not going to sugar-coat it — it's pretty tricky. But it is also a whole lot of fun. And when you finally manage to stand up (and stay standing), the sense of achievement you'll feel is on par with winning an Olympic medal (we're guessing). [caption id="attachment_717428" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] 1PM: GET A LITTLE RETAIL THERAPY It's no secret that the water is Manly's main drawcard, but the beachside community has plenty more on offer, including several boutiques worthy of a visit. Spend a little time wandering the streets and poking your head into the retail stores that catch your eye. Looking for an outfit for a special occasion? Pop into Sir for chic minimalist designs or Coco and Lola to shop labels like Ena Pelly, Bec and Bridge and Manning Cartell. If you're more interested in dressing up your home, visit Nordic Fusion to browse chic Scandinavian-designed furniture, decor and accessories. And, of course, no trip to Manly is complete without a visit to boutique bottle-o Winona to replenish your stores of natural wine and craft beer. [caption id="attachment_715896" align="alignnone" width="1720"] Kitti Gould[/caption] 2PM: ENJOY A CONVIVIAL LUNCH AT CHICA BONITA We're not sure what it is about Mexican cuisine and salty sea air that pair so well together. But a long lunch at much-loved Chica Bonita may be the best way to figure it out — short of booking a flight to Cancun, that is. Settle in for lunch at this brightly coloured arcade bar to snack on guacamole, fish tacos and tuna tostadas before sinking your teeth into a hearty chicken burrito, loaded with black beans, red rice, chorizo and cheese. Or, you could opt for a bowl filled with crispy eggplant, chipotle, macadamia, caramelised carrot and quinoa. Pair your feast with a margarita — there are eight varieties to choose from. 3PM: CRUISE THE STREETS ON AN E-BIKE We know it's tempting, but try not to order that second serving of guacamole at lunch because the next activity is, well, active. Head to Manly Bikes on West Espalanade and hire a two-wheeler so you can spend the afternoon exploring more of the neighbourhood at your own pace. Of course, a cute aqua cruiser bike ($18 for one hour or $24 for two) will look the best against the beach backdrop but if you're feeling a little lazy after lunch, opt for an e-bike ($32 for one hour or $39 for two). The friendly staff will be happy to share route recommendations but we suggest pedalling along the beachfront from Manly Lagoon to Shelly Beach — then, if you have time, you could keep going all the way up to North Head and the Q Station. [caption id="attachment_827084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliott Kramer[/caption] 5PM: DRINKS AT THE OFFICE If there's one quintessential Manly pasttime that needs to be on your hit list, it's sundowners at The Office. How the nickname for the small stretch of grass at East Esplanade Reserve came about is something of a mystery, but the main takeaway is this: between the hours of 8am–8pm, alcohol consumption is permitted. It's one of the very few outdoor spots in Manly where you can BYO booze, so it's best to take advantage. Swing by a bottle-o, grab a four-pack of White Claw hard seltzers and watch the ferries zip across the harbour as the sun begins to set. 7PM: WATCH THE SUN SET OVER DINNER You're coming to the end of your long day in the seaside suburb. If you're keen to grab one last drink and a bite to eat before waving goodbye, stop into the recently renovated Wharf Bar. Here, you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters, tiger prawns, salt 'n' pepper squid and sweet potato fries while watching the sun set over the harbour. Alternatively, you can extend the adventure by jumping on a ferry over to Watsons Bay (it takes just 15 minutes) to enjoy dinner and a boogie at the ever-reliable Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. For more information on White Claw, head to the website. Top image: Paros Huckstepp
Whether you're looking for somewhere close by for an overnight staycation or you're planning a Saturday morning sojourn out of the city, put this leafy and light-filled cafe on your list. Greenhouse on Flora is your next-go brunch destination situated in the heart of Sutherland Shire — about 25 minutes out of Sydney's CBD. Locals Paula and Pablo opened this tranquil cafe back in January 2021, after Pablo (head chef) had spent about 15 years in the culinary game as a chef in two-and-three-hatted restaurants. Now they're providing a leafy oasis where slowing down is the name of the game, amid the hustle and bustle of Sutherland's busy retail strip. Enjoy excellent coffee in the tranquil (and to be honest, extremely 'grammable) interior and watch the world go by. If you think the only meal with having is brunch, you've come to the right place. The all-day breakfast menu changes seasonally — but sweet-toothed diners might opt for the cinnamon banana bread, or the vanilla and cinnamon French toast topped with coconut mascarpone, roasted coconut, banana, blueberries and maple syrup. And yes, you can add ice cream. If you're more of the savoury brunch persuasion, there are all the big breakfast and benedict options you know and love. But branch out and try one of the Greenhouse's specialities like the open omelette with crispy potatoes, pancetta, caramelised onions and manchego cheese served with fermented crumpets. Our pick? The three cheese toastie containing gouda, gruyere and cheddar, along with chives, bacon and jalapeno jam, fried egg and crispy leek. And if brekkie foods aren't your bag, don't worry. There are burgers, spaghetti, and even a lamb backstrap. Once you've appropriately fuelled for the day, spend a few hours checking out Sutherland Shire — there are sparkling waterways, national parks and boutiques. It's a soothing antidote to the rat race of Sydney's CBD.
The zero-waste movement is on the rise in Australia. People are using fewer single-use plastics, recycling more and thinking differently about what and how they cook. But creating a fully zero-waste kitchen at home can be a super daunting task. That's why we've spoken to Matt Stone, one of Australia's leading sustainable chefs. Stone (pictured above) has been interested in zero-waste practices ever since he started cooking at Margaret River's Leeuwin Estate back in 2003, and has continued to be a leading advocate for sustainable philosophies and ethical food concepts. Zero waste is clearly important to Stone. "Eating food in the current industrial food system is probably one of the most destructive things humans can do. Monocropping, the transportation of food and food wastage are the main problems within this system," he shares. But there are many ways to embrace zero waste — and we all have a role to play. While it can seem overwhelming, Stone urges us to take it all one step at a time: "Nothing is too small. Even if you just start with buying a tote bag and taking it with you everywhere. It can become overwhelming to think about moving to a complete zero-waste lifestyle — there are a lot of stepping stones to that, so just start somewhere." To help break things down, Stone has given us some tips on how to create your own zero-waste kitchen at home, in partnership with the NSW Government's Return and Earn scheme. [caption id="attachment_777555" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unsplash[/caption] SOURCE LOCAL PRODUCE "For me, the first thing to look at is getting as close to your food source as you possibly can. The less distance the food travels and the less the food needs to be packaged, the better. It also means it's going to be more delicious." "And it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can go to a farmers market once a week, or simply ask your butcher where the products are from, and get something that's local over something that's come from afar." [caption id="attachment_770182" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Briscoe (Unsplash)[/caption] FIND MORE TIME TO COOK "Making time to cook is really important. When you have more time, you can do more with your ingredients. For example, it's best when you have time to make a delicious broth from leftover bones after roasting a chicken. Instead of just throwing out the carcass and leftover vegetables, you can turn it into a whole new meal." "I think taking time to nourish yourself and your family is a really important thing. People have had time in the last couple of years, and I hope that people continue to take time to cook." [caption id="attachment_807358" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pexels[/caption] ALWAYS BE PREPARED "Make a habit of always having a few items with you. I think you should always have tote bags, a coffee cup and a water bottle when you go out. Tote bags because you never know when you might go past a fruit stall or need to stop by the market or grocery shop and grab something. It's really basic stuff, but if it becomes a habit then it really sets in. And that's a stepping stone to embracing more and more zero-waste strategies." [caption id="attachment_766152" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lisa Fotios (Pexels)[/caption] START COMPOSTING "When creating a zero-waste kitchen, one great thing is to do some composting at home. And there are many methods of composting, from traditional open composting to electrically run machines that run off a small amount of power." "The more food waste we can save from going into landfill, the better. We need to stop looking at food waste as waste and start seeing it as fuel for future crops. And that can be done on a small scale from home with a little benchtop bin that you have for your organic waste, then taking it out to your composting system. It's a brilliant way to get closer to having a zero-waste kitchen." EAT LESS MEAT "Eating more of a vegetable-based diet is a huge way to minimise waste. Because when you buy proteins from butchers, they often come in polystyrene trays, plastic film and so on. Alternatively, vegetables are often bought in their raw form." "Having a few meat-free days is a really great way to minimise waste and live sustainably. Think of using vegetables a bit more deeply — grains, legumes, pulses, mushrooms and seaweed are great meat substitutes that can bring a lot of substance to a meal." "It's still okay to eat meat and fish. But spending more and eating less of those products is the way forward — getting better quality meat that's ethically sourced." [caption id="attachment_857454" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Markus Spiske (Unsplash)[/caption] GROW YOUR OWN PRODUCE "Another great little tip is to grow a pot of parsley or basil. For one, herbs will never taste better than when they are freshly cut. But it's also a really easy way to reduce waste. It's best to avoid buying a packet of herbs in a plastic bag being shipped from farm to supermarket. And people often throw half of their herbs out because they don't use them all. There is a huge amount of waste in that." "Keep an eye on your surroundings. Rosemary is a great example — there aren't many neighbourhoods in Australia where you can't find a rosemary bush. When you spot one, keep it in the memory bank for the next time you're cooking a roast lamb and you can just go for a walk and snip yourself a bit. You'll be surprised how much food you can find on the streets." [caption id="attachment_791852" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Polina Tankilevitch (Pexels)[/caption] RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY "Think about what you're bringing [into your kitchen] and what can be done with it [afterwards]," Stone emphasises. "Also, when recycling, make sure you are rinsing things and not contaminating your recycling with dirty food containers that might leak onto other stuff, stopping it from finding its future potential. Being conscious about how you're recycling is a big thing." A great way to start is by recycling your plastic, glass and aluminium drink containers — which have the '10c refund' printed on them — through Return and Earn. The NSW Government scheme is readily accessible (with over 600 return spots throughout the state) and gives you the choice between a refund and a charitable donation. So you're being green and giving back to your community. Ready to put your recyclables to work? Look no further than Return and Earn. Crunch your numbers at the impact calculator and see the real-world benefits your recycling will have.
For more than two decades, acclaimed New York artist Spencer Tunick has been staging mass nude photographs in Australia — and he isn't done yet. Sydneysiders, or anyone who's keen to disrobe for a new piece of art, you'll want to be in the Harbour City at the end of November. Your destination: a yet-to-be-disclosed beach. It's been 21 years since the country's first taste of the internationally famed talent's work, when 4500 naked volunteers posed for a snap near Federation Square in Melbourne as part of the 2001 Fringe Festival. Tunick then photographed around 5000 nude people in front of the Sydney Opera House during the 2010 Mardi Gras, headed back to Melbourne in 2018 shoot over 800 Melburnians in the rooftop carpark of a Prahran Woolworths, and went to the Whitsundays with almost 100 Aussies in 2019. Elsewhere, he's photographed the public painted red and gold outside Munich's Bavarian State Opera, covered in veils in the Nevada desert and covered in blue in Hull in the UK. But with his new Aussie installation, he's getting sandy and raising funds for — and awareness about — skin cancer. Saturday, November 26 is the date earmarked for the shoot, with Sunday, November 27 on hold in case the weather isn't quite right for naked folks on the beach. Tunick is hoping to amass around 2500 volunteers, with each participant honouring one of the 2000-plus Aussies who pass away each year due to skin cancer. "Skin unites us and protects us. It's an honour to be a part of an art mission to raise awareness of the importance of skin checks. I use the amazing array of body types and skin tones to create my work, so it feels perfectly appropriate to take part in this effort in that my medium is the nude human form," said Tunick, announcing his new installation. "It is only fitting that I use my platform to urge people to get regular check-ups to prevent skin cancer. I have not had a skin check in ten years, so I am one of the many who have wrongly ignored getting them regularly. One can say I am traveling all the way to Australia to get one!", Tunick continued. Dubbed Strip Off for Skin Cancer, the artist's latest work is timed to coincide with National Skin Cancer Action Week, which runs from Monday, November 21–Sunday, November 27 — and it is looking for volunteers. Tunick hopes to have a diverse mix of bodies in the shoot, with participants each getting a print of the photograph and, we're sure, a big boost of body confidence. The catch here is, of course, the location. Exact details of where the shoot is taking place will only be given to folks signing up — but if you're not usually located in Sydney, you will need to travel there at your expense. Those that do will not only be part of a piece art, but will also help a great cause. Strip Off for Skin Cancer will be shot on Saturday, November 26 on a Sydney beach. Head to the installation's website to register to take part. Images: Spencer Tunick.
It's finally footy season again and, now that stadiums are back in full swing, fans are being welcomed back to the field with open arms. After two adrenaline-fuelled hours watching a game at Sydney Cricket Ground, odds are you and your crew won't want to head straight home. Instead, spend the rest of your Saturday arvo with a drink in hand at a nearby watering hole. To make this next step easier, We bring you a a list of the best bars near the SCG that are perfect for post-match kick-ons. Whether you're celebrating or commiserating, head to these seven spots for margaritas, cold ones and pub grub — without even needing to wave down a taxi. Recommended reads: Where to Go for a Pre-Match Drink and Feed Near the SCG The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Restaurants in Sydney
Here at Concrete Playground, we're big proponents of the night-time economy. Cities that keep things moving after dark often offer the best in food, beverages and culture. And while Australians are notorious morning people (who love their 8am flat whites), data from Visa has shown that we still find a lot of value in getting out in the evening. The Visa Australia Night-time Economy Index 2025 is a new in-depth analysis measuring data such as spending, vibrancy, venues open and even the number of nightworkers who are boosting the economy after dark. According to the data, Melburnians are getting off the couch the most frequently and spending their hard-earned dollars on bars, restaurants, and late-night feeds. Sydney and its surrounding metro areas also nabbed 12 of the 20 top night-time hotspots, proving that the city is slowly bouncing back from its lockout laws. Of course, it's not exactly surprising that the two most populous East Coast cities are ruling the after-dark economy. However, there are also several regional areas, such as Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, that are tapping their cards once the sun sets. Canberra is also increasing its evening spending, thanks to tourists and the opening of more eateries. To learn more about the future of the night-time economy and what's trending after dark right now, Concrete Playground's Managing Editor, Eliza Campbell and Staff Writer Alec Jones shared their insights. CP: Melbourne was named the number one night-time hotspot in Australia according to data from Visa. Does this surprise you? Eliza: It doesn't surprise me at all. This city has an inherent underground nature that invites you to always be exploring and looking beyond the surface — particularly after dark. And nightlife isn't limited to weekends, either. Between gallery exhibitions, secret music gigs and speakeasy bars, there's something to get lost in at all hours, any day of the week. CP: 12 out of 20 of the night-time hotspots were in Sydney and its metro areas. What's your favourite thing about Sydney after dark? Alec: This began to pick up in late 2023 after we all shook off the last of lockdown fever, but it's that feeling of merriment in the air. It's like static electricity. Walking past busy bars and restaurants in suburbs like Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and Newtown, hearing the chatter and seeing people share food and drinks with their friends and family, it never fails to make me smile. CP: What's one trend you're seeing emerge in the night-time economy that excites you? Eliza: The resurgence of secret gigs and DJ sets. I love the idea of last-minute announcements to see some of the world's best artists in intimate settings — first-come, first-served. There's less of a distinction between going to a live gig and going to a bar now. We want once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences that blend seamlessly into the fabric of our city's nightlife, and I'm so here for it. Alec: Venues in Sydney that are really performing are the ones with a loyal audience, but also a hook. Something you can't find anywhere else, whether it's on the menu or just in the space. People aren't going out just to get drunk or have a feed; they're doing it to go to these specific places. [caption id="attachment_885691" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Above Board[/caption] CP: What's your top tip for planning the perfect night out? Eliza: Have a rough outline of the kind of evening you want to have — but leave room for spontaneous adventures. There's nothing worse than not knowing where to go or what to do next, but equally, some of the best nights are all about the memories you make getting from point A to point B. CP: What's a venue or precinct that gets the night-time experience right? Alec: YCK Laneways in the Sydney CBD has actually done a great job of revitalising an area that doesn't really scream "nightlife." The bars in that area are some of the most interesting venues you'll find in the city and are all within walking distance of one another (and your bus or train home). Eliza: One of my favourite Melbourne venues that absolutely nails the night-time experience is Collingwood's Beermash — and its (somewhat secret) adjoining speakeasy bar, Above Board. Beermash spotlights independent craft beer and wine producers and lets you take-away or drink-in at bottleshop prices. Al fresco drinks on the Smith Street terrace can be followed by award-winning cocktails upstairs in what's, in my opinion, one of Melbourne's most unique hidden bars. From casual and fun to cosy and intimate — the perfect evening trajectory. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beermash (@beermash) [caption id="attachment_1025682" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Hyde Park[/caption] CP: How is nightlife intersecting with other parts of culture (like art, fashion, live music) in interesting ways right now? Eliza: What's interesting about the intersection of nightlife and culture right now is that there's less separation than ever before. With the rise of low- and no-alcohol trends, nightlife in 2025 isn't just about partying or bar-hopping anymore. People still want to experience their city after dark — but that now spans the full spectrum of the arts: galleries and museums staying open late, fashion infiltrating the food and drink scene, and live music spilling out from bandrooms into public (and often free-entry) spaces across the city. CP: Where's your favourite after-dark venue? Eliza: An after-dark venue needs good music, good drinks and just the right amount of grunge. For me, that's Heartbreaker in the CBD. Catch me screaming post-punk revival with a negroni in hand in the early hours of the morning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heartbreaker Bar 💔 (@heartbreakerbar) Alec: Crows Nest on the lower North Shore has exploded since the Metro station opened, Parramatta is packed with great venues, and love it or hate it, Bondi continues to be iconic without trying very hard. Ask a local who lives in a different part of Sydney from you and follow their advice. [caption id="attachment_994726" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Carriageworks[/caption] CP: What do you hope to see more of in our after-dark spaces from both venues and councils? Eliza: I'll always scream and shout about supporting the Arts. Free entertainment like live music, performance and exhibitions not only supports our incredible local arts community but also helps people stay connected to the endlessly inspiring, exciting and thought-provoking creative industries — especially in tough political and economic climates. The more we can bring people together, the better. Alec: Regular events like night markets consistently draw big crowds from locals, but what if instead of the same old gozleme and chips-on-a-stick stands, we got famous restaurants from around Sydney to get involved? That'd help connect communities with food and drink they can't usually find on their side of whatever the closest bridge is (we don't cross any of them enough). CP: For people who say, "There's nothing to do after 9pm anymore", what would you tell them? Alec: You're not trying very hard. You can find something really cool if you just look a little bit harder. Eliza: I'd say, "Where are you? Obviously not in Melbourne." Discover the vibe near you. Lead image: FG Trade Latin / Getty
To lovers of bread everywhere: you've all gotten around the dipping breads, focaccia and naans of the world, giving them their fair share of time in the limelight. Now, it's time to shine a spotlight on roti in all of its glorious forms. An innovative roti-centric eatery has set up shop on the edge of the Sydney CBD. Tucked away in a cosy corner of Ultimo is Kafe Kooks, an out-of-the-ordinary casual spot that celebrates the flaky flatbread. Kookiness and rebellion is at the heart of this joint's purpose, with the venue paying homage to David Bowie by name, aiming to build an environment where the eccentrics, creatives and wild childs feel right at home. But whether you're headed in to join the roti revolution or are visiting for a lunch date, you are guaranteed to leave with a newfound appreciation of the previously untapped versatility of roti. Conceived by Andrew Ray, Kafe Kooks has brought his alliterative roti vision to Australian shores. Ray's menu pulls inspiration from a range of Asian influences, featuring food items from Indian, Indonesian, Singaporean and Chinese cuisines, to name a few. If you are trying out roti dishes for breakfast, keep your eyes peeled for the dippy eggs which comes with roti soldiers, the classic Sarang burung — a roti and egg take on a bird's nest with a side of sambal, and the eggs Florentine — served in a roti 'coin'. Take a look at the rest of the menu and you'll find you are spoilt for choice. The dishes range from curries and roti paratha wraps to Asian salads like gado gado, and grilled lamb souvlaki or wasabi prawns. For something different, opt for the madtarbak which is similar to a toasted sandwich. The beef and the curbano madtarbaks are highly recommended. You'll spot fusion dishes on the snacks menu, too, like the signature mooncake — roti paratha paired with luxe chicken liver parfait encased in whipped butter. And for something sweet to round out your meal, try the banana roti or the apple crumble. Pair your selection with a fresh coffee courtesy of Genovese coffee, a milkshake, the dairy-free coconut iced coffee, or a selection from the excellent Simon Says Juice range.
One of the best coastal walks in Sydney, Spit Bridge to Manly is all the better with your pup by your side. Unfortunately, your doggo is not allowed within the Sydney Harbour National Park section of the hike (at Dobroyd Head), but it's easily avoidable on this walk — and the rest of the trek is completely dog friendly. Start this nine-kilometre trip with a swim at Spit Reserve, where fur babies are welcome and allowed to roam off-leash at certain times. Then, cross the bridge and hike along the Fisher Bay Walk. Stop off for another sand run at Sandy Bay on the way, which is also a pooch's paradise. Instead of continuing along the coast on the Clontarf Track, turn into the lovely residential streets of Balgowlah Heights. From here, you can link back up with the coast (outside of the national park) and continue on your way to the Manly Wharf. Image: Destination NSW
Sydneysiders from all corners of the city flock to Addison Road each weekend for Marrickville's organic market, which takes place every Sunday from 9am–3pm. In addition to all the fruit, veg, eggs, pastries, breads, cakes, tarts, quiches and pies — all of which are organic — the market also offers all manner of other treasures, including vintage clothes, secondhand books and records, house plants, bespoke homewares, eco products, and even healing crystals and tarot readings. There are also plenty of affordable eats to fuel you during your shopping spree, from pho, loaded bagels and lamb rolls to raw vegan treats, specialty coffee and loaded yoghurt cups. When you're not perusing the many stalls, we suggest you stretch out on the grass behind the community hall where you can enjoy live music and other entertainment. And while you're in the area, be sure to pay a visit to Marrickville's legendary Reverse Garbage workshop, where you can transform discarded materials into unique items of jewellery, clothing and art.
Recently, a wave of international hotel chains have been choosing Melbourne as the first spot to drop their luxury accommodations in Australia — Lanson Place and The StandardX. And the latest to join the fold is 1 Hotels, which is preparing to open a luxury hotel at the newly revitalised Northbank Precinct in May 2025. Located right on the Yarra River, the pet-friendly hotel will be home to 277 guest rooms and 114 hotel-branded residences, a slew of drinking and dining destinations, a resident-only rooftop and a lavish day spa. The level-five spa will have a large sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and swimming pool, plus its own gym with in-house trainers. As with 1 Hotels in London, Hollywood and New York, this Melbourne site will include swathes of reclaimed and recycled materials as well as stacks of plants and other natural elements. All in all, you'll find over 2000 plants scattered throughout 1 Hotel Melbourne, plus there'll be direct access to a 3500-square-metre riverside park. This park is part of the new Seafarers Rest precinct, which sits within the broader Northbank Precinct. This oft-forgotten wedge of land between Flinders Street and the river — located opposite Southbank and accessed via the Seafarers Bridge — is preparing for a massive glow-up. And 1 Hotel will be one of its main attractions. 1 Hotel Melbourne is slated to open in May 2025, and will be found at 9 Maritime Place, Melbourne. For more information, you can check out the hotel's website.
Amidst Sydney's ever-changing hospitality landscape, there's a collection of establishments that has stood the test of time. The independent venues that make up YCK Laneways, tucked away down alleyways and occupying unassuming corners around York, Clarence and Kent streets, have weathered economic fluctuations, shifting trends and a global pandemic to remain pillars of consistency in the Harbour City. Read on to be reminded of some of your ol' faithful CBD haunts — you may even discover a few places you (somehow) haven't tried yet.
It added booze to bowling, turned mini-golf courses into bars, and gave mashing buttons and hitting the arcade an alcohol-fuelled makeover as well. That'd be Funlab — and, if you like indulging your inner kidult over a few drinks, odds are that you've hit up its venues such as Strike, Holey Moley, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, and B Lucky and Sons over the past few years. That's the company's remit, after all: taking the kinds of activities that you enjoyed back when you weren't old enough to knock back cocktails, then adding the hard stuff. And, that's exactly what it's doing at Hijinx Hotel, its next venture. No, you can't stay there — but the world-first concept will see you hanging out in a space that's been decked out like a hotel, and then solving mental and physical puzzles as you wander through it. Funlab has dubbed Hijinx Hotel a 'challenge room hotel'. So, each of its 15 rooms will be filled with challenges for you to work through — with points awarded for how well you do within four minutes. Some rooms will see you play Twister or The Floor is Lava. Others will be decked out like the Titanic. There's one called the cereal ball pool room as well, which sounds chaotic. Basically, if you're a bit of a sleuth or you're never known to turn down a dare, you'll be in luck. Set to open in Alexandria in Sydney on June 3, Hijinx Hotel aims to riff on the escape room concept — but serve up fun that's far less stressful. Design-wise, it will look still like a hotel, even if you can't slumber there. There'll be a faux hotel reception and all, and the venue will take its aesthetic cues from the likes of The Grand Budapest Hotel and Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Based on the renders so far, there's also a bit of an Overlook Hotel vibe — but sorry, The Shining fans, this new hangout isn't meant to be sinister. And yes, obviously there's a bar. Actually, there'll be three. Exactly what'll be on the menu hasn't yet been revealed, but expect booze and bites to eat. Whether you're a Sydneysider now planning your next stint of kidulting or you live elsewhere and you're making plans for a trip to the Harbour City, Hijinx Hotel visitors will find the venue alongside a huge new Holey Moley that'll feature 27 holes — including some that are ten times the size of those at other spots. And if you're wondering exactly where both newcomers will sit, they're joining the location that currently boasts Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Usually, Funlab launches its new concepts in one city, then shares the love across other east coast capitals. So Melburnians and Brisbanites, cross your fingers that Hijinx Hotel will eventually pop up closer to home. Find Hijinx Hotel at 75 O'Riordan Street, Alexandria, Sydney, from June 3 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. For further information about Funlab, head to the company's website.
A conglomerate of sights, sounds and savouries, the Auckland cityscape of things to do is vast. From Waitemata Harbour in the north, to Manukau Harbour in the south, there's a bounty of things to eat, drink and discover, not to mention see, with stellar views in pretty much any direction you look. But forgoing the tour guide route, how does one navigate their way through the City of Sails? We all know access to a local's knowledge is the best way, so we've partnered with Adina Apartment Hotels to locate some must-dos from Parnell to Britomart, Devonport to Waiheke Island. What's more, Adina Auckland has a new penthouse to book into, so you can up your city exploration with a stay in this three-bedroom apartment featuring Auckland's crème de la crème at its doorstep. So, break out of the tourist bubble, and venture out to take in the city like a local, order that top-notch coffee, soak up the key vistas of our fine city, and indulge in first class dining experiences. Herein lies our local's guide to some of the best hot spots to add to your itinerary. FOR INNOVATIVE, HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS: MEA CULPA Cocktails aren't just a drink at Mea Culpa in Ponsonby, they're an art form. A New York-style hole in the wall, the intimate narrow bar is a local favourite thanks to their innovative, ever-changing cocktail list, rustic interior and an eclectic music selection to boot. It's the kind of place where barman and owner Tim knows most by name and will happily stop for a chat while whipping up some spectacular creations. Here, cocktails are king and creativity, presentation and quality produce reign supreme. Everything is made from scratch and everything is organic, plus the team is passionate about supporting local suppliers and buy small batch made product — nothing is mass produced. This is a true neighbourhood gem you'd be crazy to miss. FOR WEEKEND BREAKFAST: WINONA FOREVER When you're feeling a bit dusty on the weekend, you want a big breakfast, you want it central, you want it tasty, and a bit of atmosphere doesn't hurt either. Introducing Winona Forever, a little Auckland eatery making big waves on the food scene. Competing for your attention, sugar-dusted pastries and flaky filo treats sit pretty in the front cabinet, but the real drawcard, however, is on the main menu. Expect beetroot salmon on kumara sourdough, pistachio almond ricotta doughnuts and breakfast bowls brimming with broccolini, kale, avo and lime. The beauty and flavours of each plate will render you speechless, but don't worry the restaurant comes strapped with an alcohol license to get the conversation flowing again over a sneaky breakfast tipple. FOR COFFEE WITH CHARM: ODETTES If you want to be charmed while you have your morning coffee, look no further than Odettes. Boasting the prettiest botanicals and Scandinavian fit-out in the city, there's no argument that this is an Auckland gem. You'll go for the textures, timelessness and luxury of the venue, but rest assured, you'll stay for their eclectic and extensive coffee and tea offerings. Caffeine and fare alike, everything is sourced from local and artisanal producers. A true pleasure to behold, Odettes should be on everyone's coffee itinerary. Image: Anna Kidman. FOR EXPERIMENTAL ICE CREAM: GIAPO Sweet, salty, spicy, sour — whatever ice cream your heart desires will be found within the emporium that is Giapo. Treating every customer like their first —even though they've been open for nine years — the team goes above and beyond to make your visit memorable no matter how short. With feijoa and chamomile, black Perigord truffle, peach and bush honey yogurt, you'll want to taste the lot before making that important final decision. And with their relocation to Gore Street earlier this year, there are even more unexpected food and ice cream pairings to discover, like ice cream with fries, jacket potatoes, gyoza dumplings or arancini balls. These cone connoisseurs have fine tuned the talent of combining technology, art and science into innovative batches of creamy cold goodness, bringing Auckland the tastiest cones in town. FOR DRINKS WITH A VIEW: DEVON ON THE WHARF The City of Sails offers high-ranking bars aplenty, serving up some killer drinks, but if you really want to impress and be impressed, there's one spot you should set your sights on. Make your way to the little bubble of Devonport, the fairy tale town perched on one of the city's most prized peninsulas, adorned with historical villas. Stepping off the ferry, you need not stray far before meeting your destination, Devon on the Wharf. Along with seaside inspired delicacies, crowd pleasing platters and a full gin and tonic menu, DOTW offers double views, either overlooking the city or the wide ocean expanse. Settle in with your drop of choice, and ready yourself for a lengthy afternoon session you won't want to leave. Image: @nattti / Instagram. FOR A WINE-FILLED DAY TRIP: WAIHEKE ISLAND Touring wineries surrounded by lush rolling hills, wandering from one vineyard to the next via pathways through the vines, indulging in several delicious, local drops — not much else compares to a day spent on Waiheke Island. Is there anything better than an entire island dedicated to wine? Rent a bike and wind your way through the hills dotted with vineyards, or jump on the bus that takes you from the ferry, all the way to Onetangi Beach. Stop off at Stonyridge for a glass of their award-winning Larose (best enjoyed on the deck among the olive grove), then wind your way through the vines to Casita Miro to sample their tapas and Spanish sherries, like their famed Madame Rouge. And if you opt for the car ferry from Auckland's CBD, and have a designated driver, the stunning, coastal Man O' War at the end of the island is certainly worth a trip. FOR VOLCANO VIEWS: MOUNT VICTORIA Marked by rolling hills and surrounded by ocean, Auckland holds some extraordinary views from One Tree Hill to Waiheke, but Devonport's Mount Victoria on the North Shore offers some pretty special sights. Challenge yourself, and take the steep 15-minute walk up to the volcano's summit for sweeping ocean views with the dramatic CBD skyline to contrast. Spanning the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, the city and the rest of the shore, this picture-perfect panorama is well worth that post-climb burn. Image: russellstreet / Flickr. FOR WEEKEND MARKET EATS: LA CIGALE FRENCH MARKET There's no mystery as to why La Cigale French Market has been voted Auckland's best market for eight years running. Held Saturday from 8am to 1.30pm and Sunday from 9am to 1.30pm, the Parnell market has become so popular it's expanded to a new location in Britomart. Here you can expect produce in abundance, fresh breads and pastries hot from the oven, cheeses, cured meats smoked salmon, giant pans of paella, organic salads and French delicacies galore. Teeming with live music, crepes sizzling, coffees brewing and the scent of fresh baked pastries wafting through the air, La Cigale is a sensory explosion just waiting to be explored. FOR A HIDDEN, SUNNY PICNIC SPOT: CORNWALL PARK Undoubtedly, the city's best place to park up and picnic is at Cornwall Park. Escape to the beautiful expanse of rolling green hills, just a 15-minute drive from the city. The parklands feature wildlife, stunning scenery, walks both on and off the beaten track, and to sweeten the deal, an ice creamery. No matter the season, locals flock here to spend their afternoons sharing the park with herds of friendly cows, roaming sheep and, in parts, free-range chickens clucking about. Lay out your rug in your own hidden valley, and embrace the feeling of leaving the city long behind you — despite being right on its doorstep. FOR NEW ZEALAND'S FRESHEST PASTA: AMANO Housed in a building more than a century old, Amano is one of the most beautiful eateries you will lay eyes on in Auckland. Picture bunches of dried wheat and Nelson hydrangeas hanging gracefully from the ceiling, and Mother of Pearl countertops emerging from Terraza marble flooring reminiscent of Saint Peter's Basilica. Amano means both 'made by hand' and 'with love' in Italian, which suits the fare perfectly. Claiming to have the freshest pasta experience in New Zealand, the restaurant dishes out pastas made with flour straight from their on-site mill and free-range eggs from Whangarei. Pair that with only seasonal and local ingredients — see Wairarapa Coast crayfish and Auckland Island scampi — plus big windows overlooking the port, and you're set for a decadent dining experience by the sea. Book yourself in at the Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland and tick all of these hot spots off your list. Words: Izzie Aldridge, Kristy Mayo and Quinn Connors.
Throughout Japan's history, the country has gone through several periods of rapid transformation. The NGV's latest exhibition, Japanese Modernism, explores one of them: the prosperous era from the early 1920s until the late 1930s, a time that spawned financial independence for women and access to international travel. As movie theatres, department stores and modern transport became widespread, life quickly changed for Japan's urban dwellers. Featuring 190 works that consider the country's shifting social and cultural values, Japanese Modernism highlights these changes through an array of creative mediums that see traditional Japanese techniques blended with European influence. There are colourful woodblock prints that fuse ancient ukiyo-e methods with modern elements, plus a plethora of kimonos, street posters and glassware. Running until Sunday, October 4, Japanese Modernism is completely free to attend. You'll be amongst the first to see these works in Australia, too — the NGV has spent the last five years amassing this impressive collection from around the world. To give you a quick primer before you head along to the NGV, we've picked out five inspirational works to see at Japanese Modernism. [caption id="attachment_763292" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Installation view of Japanese Modernism at National Gallery of Victoria. Photo: Tom Ross.[/caption] PREPARING TO GO OUT (1935) BY TANIGUCHI FUMIE As a key figure in Japan's emerging generation of the time, known colloquially as 'moga' and 'mobo' — modern girls and modern boys — Taniguchi Fumie burst onto the scene to great success in the 1930s. However, Fumie's glowing artistic career came to an early halt with the onset of World War II, as she was evacuated to the countryside and her work faded into obscurity. One of Fumie's most lasting works, Preparing to go out, was produced as a large-scale, sixfold design that draws directly from the 17th-century style of Matsuura screens. This modern take on a fundamentally traditional art form sees Fumie depict a group of friends getting ready for a fun night out, leaving behind their previously reserved existence. [caption id="attachment_763296" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Saeki Shunkō, Tea and coffee salon, Sabō 1939, ink, colour, paper, lacquer, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased with funds donated by Alan and Mavourneen Cowen, The Myer Foundation and the NGV Supporters of Asian Art, 2015[/caption] TEA AND COFFEE SALON, SABŌ (1939) BY SAEKI SHUNKŌ With many Japanese cities being quickly redeveloped during this era, a large population of women waved goodbye to the countryside and went in search of jobs and a modern lifestyle in the metropolis. This change gave rise to the first generation of financially independent female artists, who set about creating art that explored their new reality. Saeki Shunkō was one of these pioneering artists. Her 1939 painting, Tea and Coffee Salon, Sabō, presents two modern Japanese women wearing Western-style uniforms, highlighting the shifting dynamics of the country. This changing way of life for the nation's youth, especially women, showcased how they were no longer beholden to their parent's conservative values. [caption id="attachment_763302" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Takei Takeo (illustrator), Tōkyōsha, Tokyo (publisher), Children's land 1928, colour offset lithograph. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased NGV Foundation, 2018[/caption] CHILDREN'S LAND (1928) BY TAKEI TAKEO Inspired by popular European art movements like Cubism, Futurism and Fauvism, Japanese artists began mixing these styles within their own work. One magazine in particular, called Kodomo no kuni or Children's Land, which was groundbreaking at its time, began using these styles throughout its pages and on its cover. The magazine was popular with children and young adults, as it encouraged the new generation to embrace individuality. Takei Takeo was one of the magazine's key contributors, producing works that blended geometric shapes with shadows and bright colours. His 1928 cover design had a two-fold appeal to children of the time, as it linked an exciting style of art with the modern train system, which was beginning to roll out across Tokyo. [caption id="attachment_763303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hisui Sugiura, The first subway in the East 1927, colour offset lithograph. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Purchased NGV Foundation, 2018 © Estate of Hisui Sugiura[/caption] THE FIRST SUBWAY IN THE EAST (1927) BY HISUI SUGIURA Described as a pioneer of Japanese graphic design, Hisui Sugiura was at the forefront of the nation's commercial art industry. Although he had a traditional painting background, his interest in Europe's art nouveau movement led him to form the artist collective known as Shichinin-sha, aka the Group of Seven. Through his position as the Mitsukoshi Clothing Store's chief graphic designer, he exposed Tokyo's residents to a wave of contemporary design. Created in 1927 to celebrate the opening of the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line — the first subway in Asia — this poster is regarded as a cornerstone of Japanese modernist design. Expressing the changes occurring across Japanese society, Sugiura draws those at the distant end of the platform in traditional garments, while the families at the front of the scene appear in distinctly modern clothing. [caption id="attachment_763304" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Koike Iwao, Tokyo Mitsukoshi clothing store 1927, colour lithograph, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased NGV Foundation, 2018[/caption] TOKYO MITSUKOSHI CLOTHING STORE (1927) BY KOIKE IWAO The Tokyo Mitsukoshi Clothing Store is the oldest-surviving department store in Japan, with its origins as a kimono maker dating all the way back to the 17th century. Having opened as a modern-day department store in 1904, it was partially destroyed by the Great Japan Earthquake of 1923. However, it relaunched in 1926 with modernist architecture and a host of retailers that sold products that appealed to the new Japan. The above poster, by graphic designer Koike Iwao, announces the store's reopening and features Mitsukoshi's famed entrance lions. Iwao was also part of Sugiura's influential Shichinin-sha artist collective, which produced a vibrant magazine that signalled a new direction for Japanese artistry. Japanese Modernism is on display at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne until October 4, 2020. It's free to attend. Find more exhibition details at the NGV website. Top images: Installation views of Japanese Modernism at National Gallery of Victoria. Photos by Tom Ross
Don't be fooled by the last-century name, because 1908 Cronulla is as contemporary as they come. Hands down one of the more stunning venues in southern Sydney, this ivy-covered, high-ceilinged, glass-fronted building is a popular choice for weddings in the area. It's also a great place to go for a sophisticated dinner or drinks. Like many restaurants in Cronulla, 1908 celebrates its coastal proximity through a seafood-heavy menu. Tuna is served as a charred tataki with coriander butter and an elegant buckwheat and leek risotto and and the oysters come with a trio of garnishes: natural, prik nam pla (a sweet, spicy Thai dressing), and jalapeño mornay. If you're after something heartier, the steak frites is rubbed in pastrami spices and served with curried sauce. Make sure to accompany your meal with one of the options from the exceptional cocktail menu. To match the sophisticated setting, order the Champagne for Mixologists, which combines Veuve Clicquot Rich with grapefruit, cucumber, lime, ginger and cold tea. It will set you back $110, but then, this place is all about indulgence.
As the chill of winter settles in, it's easy to see your enthusiasm for a night on the town being replaced by a deep craving to don your long dachshund-print pajamas and settle in for a dry and drama-less night watching Netflix. But there's one thing we know that's worth braving the cold for, and that's cosy beers at one of Sydney's fireplace-equipped pubs and bars. It's your chance to feel like Hemingway with an alcoholic beverage in one hand as you relax in a room filled with that incredible open fire. Here are sixteen of the best. AUSTRALIAN YOUTH HOTEL, GLEBE An inner west institution that offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Broadway, the Australian Youth Hotel has cosy lounges by a crackling fireplace. Grab a seat here — in front of the big screens — and you won't want to leave. If you manage to drag yourself away from the fire, check out the 'nude' function space, which from 1967-1974 operated as a brothel. While you're up, order a hearty meal from the restaurant — it does $15 steaks on Mondays and schnitzels on Wednesdays. [caption id="attachment_660833" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] THE DOSS HOUSE, THE ROCKS A bootery, a boarding house and an opium den. These are just a few of the past lives of 77–79 George Street, but The Doss House is the latest moniker for this heritage-listed building — and this time round, it'll focus on whisky. The basement bar boasts five distinct spaces that each pay homage to a past tenant. The exposed sandstone walls and renewed original fireplaces are paired with brass fittings, antique mirrors, luxurious orange velvet banquettes and an antique chesterfield sofa. Behind the bar, you'll find over 150 different whiskies. Ask the knowledgable bartender to take you through them, then sit by the fire, whisky in hand, and forget about the dreary weather outside. THE LORD DUDLEY HOTEL, WOOLLAHRA Boasting the warmth and history of an old English pub, all dark woods and shadowy corners, The Lord Dudley is a perfect place to hide away this winter. A mock Tudor building complete with a creeping vine-covered exterior, it has a rabbit warren of adjoining rooms awaiting you inside. The maroon-carpeted floors sink in all the right places due to the storied halls being ploughed by a steady stream of drinkers who come seeking solace and warmth. You'll find the roaring fireplace in the lamp-lit, timber-panelled rear lounge, which is furnished with booth-style tables and doubles as the games corner. You can gather a mob of mates around and while away a winter night with a competitive game of Scrabble or the ever heart-quickening Connect Four. THE TREEHOUSE HOTEL, NORTH SYDNEY The Treehouse, an after-work retreat in North Sydney with an Alice in Wonderland vibe, isn't going to give you the typical old English fireside experience. Filled with gargoyles, vine-covered wrought iron and mirrors on every wall, the general whimsy of the bar is contrasted against some clean modern touches — the sleek, glass-encased fire being one of them. No wood logs here; this fireplace is treated as an artistic feature piece raised above the dining area, encouraging you to take a seat at one of the sleek black booths beneath and spend your night watching flames licking through a chrome hearth. While the menu isn't cheap (mains above $30), it's worth the price to sit after work with a glass of wine in hand. THE CRICKETERS ARMS HOTEL, SURRY HILLS A reliable local, the Crix has all the comfort and familiarity you need for a cosy winter's night. It's a beautiful old pub, boasting wooden floors and wall tiles, a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of character behind the bar. In winter, a fireplace is always lit and surrounded by cosy lounges. There's also a pool table that's free on Thursdays, so be ready for the fight. With $10 bar meals on Mondays, free trivia on Tuesdays and full roast dinnners of Sundays, it's the perfect place to make your warm home base all through the wintertime. HARPOON HARRY, SURRY HILLS Located on the corner of Goulburn Street and Wentworth Avenue, the century-old Macquarie Hotel building has been so beautifully restored that upon entering you immediately forget you're mere minutes from the CBD. With the wicker chairs, hand-painted Cuban detailing and sweet tunes, Harpoon Harry is the perfect place to sit by the fire and escape from the city grind. On the menu you'll find riffs on Mexican and southern USA dishes, such as smoked tacos, slow-cooked beef cheek, wagyu burgers and philly cheesesteaks. [caption id="attachment_663122" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Smallbone.[/caption] THE DUKE OF CLARENCE, CBD Named after the fellow who would go on to become King William IV, The Duke of Clarence is a particularly ambitious venture — it's an 1800s-style British tavern, somewhere Charles Dickens might have penned Great Expectations over a couple of ales and a pork pie. It's also the perfect place to escape to during the winter months — order one of the 500 spirits off the menu (and maybe the hearty bone marrow on toast) and settle down in front of the fireplace. Stay there long enough and you may be inspired to write a novel of your own. THE BUCKET LIST, BONDI BEACH Sometimes the perfect winter bar is in the last place you'd think to look — the beach. Nothing beats coming in from the biting winds of the coast to a shack warmed by a roaring fire, though it's too rowdy to ever be called 'cosy'. In winter The Bucket List serve a warming menu with the likes of fish pot pie (made with what's fresh that day) and lamb shank surrounded by glazed winter veggies and mash. You'll just need to add a glass of red to complete the hearty dishes. MORRISON BAR & OYSTER ROOM, CBD Enter, and you're greeted by an industrial-chic interior complete with exposed brick and concrete pillars. The mood lighting and dark wood add to the wintery appeal of Morrison Bar & Oyster Room, and the fireplace seals the deal. Well suited to the after-work crowd, it's a place to warm up next to open flame with drink in hand. For post-work noshing, it's the oysters that you're here for — head in between 6 and 7pm on Wednesdays and you'll get them for $1 each. THE DOLPHIN HOTEL, SURRY HILLS The Dolphin Hotel has made a splash in the Sydney food scene for its ultra-chic interiors, high-flying Italian cuisine and charming salumeria and wine bar. As you can probably tell already, this ain't no ordinary boozer. Aside from the dining room, The Dolphin boasts a number of different drinking and dining spaces, including a public bar, wine room, mezzanine and, our favourite winter spot, the open air terrace with fireplace. Cosy up with drink in hand and enjoy the rare winter sensation of feeling warm while sitting outside. The producer-focused wine list boasts more than 35 wines by the glass and over 150 by the bottle, so you'll have plenty excuses to get stuck in. THE FOXTROT, CROWS NEST The easily missed and almost unmarked Gothic doors on Falcon Street hide a darkened entryway to one of the city's most exciting hidden playgrounds. Forsake the lovely indoor courtyard for the season and head to the carpeted living room 'round the fire for a chance to feel the comforts of home with the addition of a luxurious drinks menu. Alongside a solid craft beer selection on tap, there is an impressively curated seasonal cocktail list, including the Disco Punch — with pisco, pineapple syrup and candied pineapple — and the Bison Grass Cooler with vodka, apple and lemongrass. Come Tuesday and Wednesday for $10 pizzas or Thursday for a $10 Jameson and apple juice. THE OAKS, NEUTRAL BAY The opulent fireplace at The Oaks Hotel is one of the finer you'll find at a pub in the city. Founded in 1885, The Oaks enter a new phase last year when the upstairs was redesign by Sibella Court. The pub's upper levels have been Courted into a bright, gaudy 1930s den of art deco meets art nouveau sophistication — with a serious amount of drapery. We're always down for drinking cocktails in venues that look like either the set of a Wes Anderson or Baz Luhrmann film, especially when there's a fireplace involved. LORD NELSON BREWERY HOTEL, THE ROCKS As Sydney's oldest pub (if we disqualify The Fortune of War for being demolished and rebuilt), this Australian monument is a great place to stare into the flames with a beer in hand and contemplate a long history of Australians taking shelter from the cold. With exceptional views straight across the harbour to watch for oncoming storms, naval prints on the walls and a warm atmosphere, it's the perfect old English-style pub in which to find sanctuary. The beer selection is particularly special, with seven beers brewed on-site. We suggest pairing a Victory Bitter (a classic English ale with a touch of caramel) and a beef pie with mushie peas and gravy for the perfect winter pig out. THE OLD FITZROY HOTEL, WOOLLOOMOOLOO With a theatre out back and roaring fire upfront, The Old Fitz has prided itself as a meeting place for artists, writers and musicians for over a century. After a night of supporting independent theatre by taking in a show and chatting with the locals, don't be shy about asking the bar staff for their marshmallow stash — they often have some in winter for you to roast over the fire (it's a bit of a local secret). The crowd is ebullient and warm, and industrial-levels of noise are rarely reached, meaning you can actually have a conversation with mates over a couple of brews. THE COMMONS LOCAL EATING HOUSE, DARLINGHURST Tucked back away from the rush of Oxford Street and behind a fern-filled sandstone courtyard, the Commons is a warm sanctuary of fireside whiskey, fine foods and maybe a little jazz. The heritage building has been kept intact, with sandstone and exposed brick walls a feature. The long, communal wooden tables surrounding the fire in the main room give you the feel of dining in an old farmhouse, which is exactly what the building was 160 years ago. Downstairs will reveal a cosy little bar with magazines, books and, if you're lucky, a jazz trio plucking out the tunes, and the well-balanced whiskey and cocktail menu will keep a fire in your belly. BAR NO.5, ALEXANDRIA Bar No. 5 doesn't just talk the talk about being a local joint. The repurposed warehouse Alexandria bar is focused not only on seasonality and sourcing local ingredients, but is also enacting a closed-loop policy for the venue — think foraging, bee keeping, solar panels and a composting worm farm to boot. It's a made-by-locals-for-locals venue, owned by Alexandria folk in an area keen for repurposed hospitality spaces. If all this doesn't make them neighbourhood champions, the bar also has an alcove dog area with leash hooks and a gas fire to cosy up by during winter. The best day to drop by is Sundays, when it's slinging weekly happy hour deals and live acoustic sets from 5–7pm. Top image: Australian Youth Hotel by Katje Ford.
Melbourne's got the Queen Victoria Market (and, more recently, Il Mercato Centrale). Adelaide's home to the Adelaide Central Market. And now, Sydney has scored its very own destination that'll finally give the Harbour City the market it's been crying out for, in the form of Hay St Market at Paddy's. The most significant new development in the Market City complex since the opening of the 1909 Dining Precinct, Hay St Market has radically transformed a 3,000-square-metre section of Paddy's Market into a bustling, world-class food destination, the likes of which Sydney has, surprisingly, never seen. The sprawling hawker-style market boasts over 48 traders plating up more than 25 international cuisines, and is open from morning until night, seven days a week. Headlining the food offer are star chefs Luke Nguyen and Mark Olive. Nguyen has his finger in a number of proverbial pies at Hay St Market: he's serving up his dad's closely guarded pho recipe and its 24-hour broth at Pho Chu Lap, creative dumplings (think: Singapore chilli crab and laksa varieties) at Luke Luk Dumplings, and reimagined banh mi at Madam Banh Mi — like the signature bo kho, in which a crispy baguette is filled with tender braised wagyu brisket and the traditional fixings, and is served with a bright, zingy salsa for dunking. Meanwhile, Olive's seafood-focused menu at Little Midden draws on Indigenous Australian flavours and techniques, like in the smoked blue gum barramundi and bell pepper skewers, which are given a lift with saltbush and pepperberry. Elsewhere, you'll find Cypriot barbecue, handcrafted pies, an oyster bar, smash burgers, Italian desserts, Spanish and Polish delis and more. There's fresh food available, too — former Rockpool head butcher Tim Casey is showcasing prime cuts at Love Me Tender, Paris-trained cheesemonger Christina Murphy is curating the selection at The Cheese Table, and veteran greengrocer Frank Canturi is bringing fresh local and seasonal fruit and veg at greengrocer The Signorelli Bros. Beyond the food, you'll also find flowers, homewares, books and more. Hay St Market is also Sydney's first fully licensed market, with two bars on site. Cans & Crates stocks over 180 canned drinks from around the world, including cocktails, beer, wine and zero-alc options, while Traders Bar serves up craft brews, regional wines and classic cocktails. "We've left no stone unturned in creating Hay St Market at Paddy's — an affordable destination that Sydney can be proud of, where visitors can eat, drink and shop," says Joseph Murray, group CEO at Doltone Hospitality Group, which is overseeing operations at the new precinct. "Inspired by some of the world's best markets, we've built something extraordinary that harnesses Sydney's cultural diversity, offers a twist on tradition and taps into our collective love of food and beverage." Hay St Market at Paddy's is now open at Market City, Haymarket. For more info, head to the venue's website. Images: Esteban La Tessa.
John Malkovich took time off from being John Malkovich to be Everyone Else for a change. Shot by Sandro Miller in Los Angeles, a new series of photographs dubbed Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich recreate some of the most iconic portraits in recent history — from John and Yoko to Che Guevara, Dorothea Lange's Migrant Woman to Andres Serrano's Piss Christ. According to the exhibition statement, Miller decided to undertake the project in 2013, wanting to honour the photographers whose work had inspired him and shaped his career. After selecting thirty five images to recreate, Miller got in touch with his ol' mate Malkovich — who apparently immediately agreed. "John is the most brilliant, prolific person I know," says Miller. "His genius is unparalleled. I can suggest a mood or an idea and within moments, he literally morphs into the character right in front of my eyes. He is so trusting of my work and our process… I'm truly blessed to have him as my friend and collaborator." All at once creepy and genius with Malkovich rocking an excellent Marilyn and a spot-on Dali, the series is actually less about Malkovich than it is an homage to the photographers responsible for the portraits themselves: Dianne Arbus, Annie Leibovitz, Art Shay, Dorothea Lange, Alberto Korda. That being said, it's supremely satisfying to see Malkovich in dress-up like this — his Jack Nicholson and Albert Einstein are top notch. Sandro Miller, Albert Watson / Alfred Hitchcock with Goose (1973), 2014 Sandro Miller, Philippe Halsman / Salvador Dalí (1954), 2014 Sandro Miller, Alberto Korda / Che Guevara (1960), 2014 Sandro Miller, Andy Warhol / Green Marilyn (1962), 2014 Sandro Miller, Andy Warhol / Self Portrait (Fright Wig) (1986), 2014 Sandro Miller, Annie Leibovitz / John Lennon and Yoko Ono (1980), 2014 Sandro Miller, Arthur Sasse / Albert Einstein Sticking Out His Tongue (1951), 2014 Sandro Miller, David Bailey / Mick Jagger "Fur Hood" (1964), 2014 Sandro Miller, Herb Ritts / Jack Nicholson, London (1988) (A), 2014 Sandro Miller, Andres Serrano / Piss Christ (1987), 2014
There's a crumbling, dinky old pub on Parramatta Road that you've probably driven past a hundred times. It's not on a corner, it's not particularly flash, and it's wedged between Ray's Outdoors and Istanbul on Broadway. But now it's set to be Camperdown residents' new go-to local — the lord mayor of Chippendale's The Lord Gladstone has revamped one of the suburb's legitimately hidden gems: The Hampshire. Playing partner pub to the Lord Gladstone, the Lady Hampshire (get it?) is the latest project from prolific Sydney publican Paddy Coughlan. Co-founder and ex-CEO of the Riversdale Group (The Vic on the Park, The Marly, Kinselas) and now founder of boutique Sydney pub company Bourke Street (The Glad), Paddy specialises in taking an underperforming pub and giving it new life, rather than building a brand newie. This time, it's Camperdown's long lost Hampshire, which has sat quietly closed for two years on Parramatta Road. The masterpiece of the pub has to be a giant mural by Sydney artist Scott Marsh, who's painted every last Aussie 'legend' you can think of, from Kath and Kim to Cathy Freeman, Adam Goodes to Steve Irwin (not sure about Reg Reagan, but that's just me). Out back, the Hampshire boasts a great openair beer garden, with a big screen primed for AFL grand finals and Rabbitohs matches — something pubs like The Vic have become known for. Alongside a custom smoker for smoked meats on the weekends, Paddy plans to lower the shed roof to create a hanging kitchen garden. Food-wise, the Hampshire will follow the lead of its predecessors, with classic pub grub done bloody well. They're going heavier on the tacos than the Gladstone, with eight on the menu, from baja fish to mushroom to 'drunk chicken' (tequila-drunk). Of course there's a range of burgers, featuring the 'Camperdowner' beef burger with double American cheese, streaky bacon, onion rings, fried egg, grilled pineapple, beetroot and the rest. Also on the menu, chicken schnitties and parmas, and a casual deep-fried Gaytime. But how will the Hampshire stand out in a renaissance of pub grub? "My theory on that, and I say this to all our managers, is you can go to most pubs in Sydney who have a pub-style menu, if you just read the menu they all read exactly the same — they've all got a schnitzel, a burger, a steak, a couple of other things right? But it's how it's cooked is the difference." His main piece of pub grub advice? "Beware the heart-shaped schnitzel... No two schnitties should look the same." The Lady Hampshire is open at 91 Parramatta Road, Camperdown. The kitchen is open 12-3pm for lunch, 6-9pm for dinner. For more info, visit their Facebook page. Check out the pub pre-renovation over here. Images: Steven Woodburn.
A local Sydney gin distillery has placed itself right in the mix of the Marrickville brewery crawl with a colourful new bar. Unexpected Guest started as a passion project on the Northern Beaches and quickly picked up steam, building a cult fanbase for its vibrant orange Kombi that would operate as a portable bar at weddings and events. Now, the team has picked up and moved to the Inner West, opening a playful distillery bar just a couple hundred metres from The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre, Batch Brewing Company and Baba's Place. "We really played that waiting game because we wanted to be in Marrickville. We wanted to be amongst the breweries," says Communications Manager Carl McEvoy. "We want people to jump in, have a drink, learn about our gins and then move to another distillery, or move to a brewery, or go out for dinner. We love that culture." The new bar is decorated with Unexpected Guest's signature shade of orange and the four fun characters that appear on the front of the distillery's four varieties of gin. You'll also find the beloved Kombi parked down the back when it's not away at events. If you're lucky, you might even head in on a day when DJs have set up on its tow tray to provide the day's soundtrack. Alongside the splashes of colour around the bar, the bathroom has also been given a flashy makeover. "It was quite a feat, but we have made everything about those bathrooms hot pink," explains McEvoy. "This place was a mechanic workshop, and then it got turned into a gym, and now it's a distillery, but it was just like the most economical bathrooms, just for gym members. So turning them into fun bathrooms for a distillery was so much work." Catering to groups big and small, the distillery boasts a classic selection of drinks to showcase the crew's wares. There's a $20 tasting flight, a series of gin and tonics, and a standout cocktail to pair with each of the four gins on offer. The Young Tom's Bathtub Gin is paired with yuzushu and soda for a sleek take on a tom collins, for instance, while the Disco Flamingo's Pink Gin is transformed with Gelato Messina lemon sorbet and sparkling wine in the I Scream and Squawk cocktail. Gin-averse visitors who have wandered in with their spirit-loving friends can opt for Green Vineyards wine, Willie the Boatman beers or Strangelove non-alcoholic ginger beer. "We've had a really nice introduction to the breweries around us. And, when we chatted with them, we thought it was a little bit moot to sell their beer," continues McEvoy. "So, we talked to Willie the Boatman, who's sort of just out of our area, and they were really keen because it meant the people that were coming to us weren't necessarily going to go all the way over to them." Venture further down the menu, and you'll discover a refined list of bar snacks featuring gin nuts, olives, taramasalata and truffle salami. There's also a basque cheesecake sourced from A.P Bakery and paired with a raspberry gin coulis — perfect for a group nightcap where everyone leans in for a spoonful of dessert. Adding to the community energy of Unexpected Guest, the menu concludes with a suppliers list so you can source your own yuzushu or gelato, and a selection of beloved breweries, distilleries and restaurants nearby for anyone looking to kick on. Unexpected Guest is located at 12 Cadogan Street, Marrickville. The distillery bar is open 3–8pm Thursday–Friday, 12–8pm Saturday and 12–6pm Sunday. Images: Daniel Kukec.
In Sydney, you can roast any way you like — be it a massive Yorkshire pudding packed with meat, potatoes, stacks of veggies and buckets of gravy, or Dewsbury pork belly with sides of leek fondue, apple purée and mustard jus. But sometimes, there's nothing better on a Sunday afternoon than keeping it simple at a neighbourhood pub. If that sounds like you, factor the Red Lion Hotel in Rozelle into your weekend plans. Every Sunday, you can kick back with a traditional roast for just $27. Chilly day? Grab a seat by the fire, where you'll warm up in no time. After all, there's nothing quite like feasting in front of roaring flames when the wind's howling outside. Alternatively, rug up and head out to the balcony, where you'll catch lovely sunset views. People have been doing it since 1828, when the Red Lion opened. It's since had a $1.5-million reno, which has given the pub a good tidy-up — while still keeping its charming feel. Middle and bottom images: Kitty Gould
After the Sydney Opera House replaced its Festival of Dangerous Ideas with Antidote last year, we didn't think we'd see it again. But the festival is about to rear its head for its ninth iteration, this time trading in its Bennelong Point digs for a space at Cockatoo Island. Co-founded by The Ethics Centre (TEC) and the Sydney Opera House back in 2009, FODI 2018 won't just have a new venue, but a new partner as well — teaming up with the UNSW Centre for Ideas for the first time. But the concept will remain the same, again bringing together thought leaders and creative thinkers for a weekend of critical discussion around the most important global issues of today. This year's festival, curated by Festival Director Danielle Harvey and UNSW Centre for Ideas Director Ann Mossop, will examine the theme of Trust and Truth, and will aim to incite debate, push boundaries and inspire intellectual freedom. And it has some big names on its bill. Stephen Fry — the Englishman with many hats: writer, comedian, actor, activist — will be holding a talk on the art of furious oration at Sydney Town Hall, entitled The Hitch after the festival's inaugural speaker: the controversial author and critic Christopher Hitchens. On the topic of controversy, activist Megan Phelps-Roper will be taking the stage to discuss her time at the Westboro Baptist Church. The festival's international lineup also includes Israeli-American writer Ayelet Waldman discussing the benefits of microdosing LSD, and Angela Nagle, author of Kill All Normies, exploring the culture clash between the alt-right and the left. Locally, feminist and author Germaine Greer, who's latest novel On Rape just hit the stands, will chat about outrage, while activist Mick Dodson argues the existence of modern-day European colonialism. A heap of thought-provoking panels are also on the program, including discussions on sex robots, the Australian media, nationalism and whether or not inequality is always bad. Those wanting to experience something a bit different can head to a part monologue, part striptease with artist Betty Grumble — called Sex Clowns Save the World — philosophy workshops and a Counterstrike LAN party (basically, a gaming party), where an electronic sculpture shoots "blood" at gamers. As this year's festival is located on an island, you'll need to catch a ferry across to the insightful talks. Thankfully, festival passes include ferry transport to Cockatoo Island — and start at $89. Images: Yaya Stempler.
It has been more than two decades since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first brought its magic into our lives, and muggles still share one particular dream: to attend Hogwarts. Yes, it's a fictional setting. Yes, we all know that. But that still hasn't stopped all manner of places trying to make the school an enchanting reality, from HP-inspired wizarding schools to huge brunches held in Great Hall-like spaces to activewear decked out in house colours. London's Warner Brothers Studio Tour is going one step further as part of its The Making of Harry Potter exhibit: it's letting visitors try on authentic Hogwarts robes. Short of casting a spell to go back in time and star in one of the eight Harry Potter films — or somehow finding your way onto the Fantastic Beasts' set — that's as close as you're going to get to some actual Hogwarts action. The specific tour wizard obsessives will want to take is the Behind the Seams experience, which dives into the costumes created for the movie franchise — all 25,000 of them. Sketches, finished outfits and stories about their creation are all part of this wander through a workshop-like environment, with threads worn by Cedric Diggory, Professor Sprout and even Voldemort on display. That's all great and bewitching, but the main attraction is the chance to pick your house colours and pop on a robe that featured in one of the movies. We'd tell you to BYO wand, but you've probably already thought about that. Anyone finding themselves in London over the next few months can take the Behind the Seams tour between May 23 and July 22, with sessions running daily until June 2 and then every weekend afterwards. Tickets cost £65, which includes the one-hour costume frenzy — but no, you can't wear your Hogwarts garb for the whole hour, sorry — as well as the standard studio tour, complete with a walk through the Forbidden Forest and a wait on Platform 9¾. For more information, visit the Behind the Seams website.
It's the little things that make the difference. And no one knows it better than The Little Guy, the most recent watering hole to join the Glebe Point road strip. Boysenberry cider, (free!) popcorn, a homely upstairs lounge-room and a 16-strong beer list are just some of the things that make this place stand out from the ever-expanding universe of small bars. The insanely friendly owners Anna and Dynn – formerly of The Clock in Surry and World Bar in the Cross - have somehow managed to retain their love for bar-goers, welcoming every patron through the door as if they were a best bud. They even admitted that the inspiration for the venue's name came from a drunken night out in Melbourne (a 'research trip'), which makes this joint all the more likeable. The beer selection is pretty astounding, featuring mostly local, lesser-known brews like Port Mac's 'Wicked Elf' and 'The Hangman' pale ale from Sydney. The wine list too stays largely within Oz, but features the odd Albarino from Spain and Nero D'Avola from Italy. The Old Mout Boysenberry Cider ($9) is tart and refreshing, and is worth a try if you can get past the fact it looks like pink lemonade. Byron Bay's Stone & Wood Pacific Ale ($8) is very light and approachable but if you're after something a little more robust, hand your car keys over to the bartender and go for the 2-in-1 Sierra Nevada (8.5%). Their short and sweet cocktail list is also worth a gander. The Passion of Ryest ($14) makes for a perfectly balanced rye whisky sour with fresh passionfruit, rounded off with Wild Turkey American Honey. The eats list is brief, but sophisticated and well-crafted. Cheeses, dips, cured meats and seafood (courtesy of Australia On APlate) come separately ($8) or together on a tasting board ($20). The Black Peppercorn Pâté, coupled with Jamon Serrano and pungent Woodside Edith Ashed Goats Cheese (warning: it's a pash-killer) is top-notch. The Little Guy has only a small team of staff, so to get the most out of your visit head down early evening and nab yourself a spot up at the bar. Otherwise you'll be competing with a heaving Friday night crowd. It'll be exciting to see this Little Guy grow over the coming year. Dedicated to supporting local sellers, it's run by the little guys, for the little guys, and it's setting the standard for the rest of the small bars in the inner west. Put this one on your to-do list for 2012.
Following in Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's footsteps isn't easy, but someone had to do it when What We Do in the Shadows made the leap from the big screen to the small. New format, new location, new vampires, same setup: that's the formula behind this film-to-TV series, which is now streaming its fifth season via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Thankfully for audiences, Matt Berry (Toast of London and Toast of Tinseltown), Natasia Demetriou (Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) and Kayvan Novak (Cruella) were enlisted as the show's three key bloodsuckers in this US spinoff from the New Zealand mockumentary, all in roles that they each seem born for. The trio play three-century-old British aristocrat Laszlo, his 500-year-old creator and partner Nadja, and early Ottoman Empire warrior Nandor, respectively, who all share an abode and the afterlife in Staten Island. In cinemas, the film version of What We Do in the Shadows already proved that the concept works to sidesplitting effect. Vampire housemates, they're just like us — except when they're busting out their fangs, flying, avoiding daylight, sleeping in coffins, feuding with other supernatural creatures and leaving a body count, that is. On TV, What We Do in the Shadows has been showing that there's not only ample life left in palling around with the undead, but that there's no limit to the gloriously ridiculous hijinks that these no-longer-living creatures can get up to. Based on every season so far, including season five, here's hoping that this vampire comedy continues forever. It was true as a movie and it's still true as a television show: What We Do in the Shadows sparkles not just due to its premise, but when its characters and cast are both as right as a luminous full moon on a cloudless night. This lineup of actors couldn't be more perfect or comedically gifted, as season five constantly demonstrates. Berry's over-enunciation alone is the best in the business, as is his ability to play confident and cocky. His line readings are exquisite, and also piercingly funny. While that was all a given thanks to his Toast franchise, Year of the Rabbit, The IT Crowd, Snuff Box, The Mighty Boosh and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace history, What We Do in the Shadows is a group effort. Demetriou and Novak keep finding new ways to twist Nadja and Nandor's eccentricities in fresh directions; their characters have felt lived-in since season one, but they're still capable of growth and change. Some ensemble comedies only shine when their talents combine. Some let one or two stars do all of the heavy lifting. As stellar as Berry, Demetriou and Novak each are, What We Do in the Shadows is the sharehouse ideal of a TV comedy: everyone contributes no matter if they're together or alone. That includes Harvey Guillén (Werewolves Within) as Nandor's long-suffering and ever-dutiful familiar Guillermo, and Mark Proksch (The Office) as energy vampire housemate Colin Robinson. At the series' outset, Guillermo could've just been a tagalong offsider and Colin that exhausting friend everyone has, but with vampire-centric spins. Guillén and Proksch are now not only scene-stealers — especially the former's looks to-camera and the latter's deadpanning — but the source of some of the show's savviest jokes and the subjects of a few of its best episodes. With its game cast making everything they touch a comic gem, TV's iteration of What We Do in the Shadows has never been afraid to take risks as its episodes have soared by. In season four, that meant watching Colin grow up again from a baby — and it was hilarious. Over its run, the show has also seen Guillermo discover that he descends from the undead-hunting Van Helsings, a precarious history given his usual companions. He still desperately wants to be a bloodsucker himself, however. Indeed, that continuing conflict is season five's starting point, with a bitten Guillermo not quite sinking his teeth into anyone yet, worrying about why and also struggling with keeping his possible transformation a secret from Nandor. If Nandor finds out that Guillermo has been turned by his convenience-store cashier pal Derek (Chris Sandiford, Moonfall), wounded pride and a fractured friendship won't just be the end result. As the familiar discovers, being given the chomp by anyone other than the vamp he serves is a faux pas punishable by death — his own, and his master's out of deep shame — in otherworldly circles. This plot strand is season five's new direction for Laszlo, too, as he commits to helping understand why Guillermo isn't feasting on necks like a typical bloodsucker. As he experiments and assists, Nadja endeavours to battle a hex. She also learns that a Little Antipaxos neighbourhood exists right there in Staten Island, gaining a tonic for her frequent homesickness. Season five's storylines get Colin draining souls on the local campaign trail, running for the borough's comptroller purely to feed during debates and other political events. Plus, The Guide (Kristen Schaal, The Bob's Burgers Movie) makes her presence known — more than that, she'd like to be seen as one of the gang — after her time as an envoy to the Vampiric Council, then aiding Nadja with running her vampire nightclub. Visits to the mall and to space, staging a pride parade with perennially clueless neighbour Sean (Anthony Atamanuik, Little Demon), trying to get Nadja's ghost laid: that all happens in early episodes across this latest season. So does What We Do in the Shadows' best staple, aka this supernatural crew bickering, bantering and roasting each other. Case in point: season five finds occasion for Laszlo and Nandor to squabble over whether wit and charm or hypnotism is the best way to bend humans to a bloodsucker's will. What We Do in the Shadows' characters are so well fleshed-out now, and so delightfully performed, that having two of them argue and attempt to one-up each other remains gleaming comedy. The show's writers aren't slumbering. Sharpness and silliness still combine in gags everywhere — about Laszlo learning that he's Kim Cattrall in a Sex in the City quiz, just for starters, and in having Nadja's spirit ask speed-daring partners "how do you feel about taking the virginity of a dead ghost?" as well. Spending eternity with someone, or a quintet of seasons to-date, means loving hanging out with them, though, and this show is understandably mesmerised. Check out the trailer for What We Do in the Shadows season five below: What We Do in the Shadows' fifth season streams via Binge in Australia and Neon in New Zealand.
Nestled in one of Sydney's most historic spots is the latest venture by St Peters' Aslan Coffee Roasters. Bringing a slice of the inner west to the CBD, this cafe provides The Rocks with its best coffee — amd we're mighty glad to see good brews finally make their way to this part of the city. On the bar, you'll find everything from a house blend to on-tap nitro coffee and single origin drops, all sourced from Indonesia. Once you've hit your caffeine quota, grab a bite to eat from the Indonesian-inspired menu. Try the pork satay grilled over charcoal with roti paratha, slaw, spiced gherkin and sriracha mayo.
Australian barbecue is a big deal, and Sydney's restaurant scene wouldn't be the same without it. Though Aussies may be known for their BBQ, we by no means limit ourselves to the standard backyard barbecue nosh. Sydneysiders are lucky enough to have barbecue joints from around the world at their disposal, from slow-cooked Texan barbecue to self-cooked to Japanese yakitori to Brazilian churrasco — you name it, we've got it. We've put together a list of the best barbecue spots, spanning across all the different cuisines, continents and condiment reccommendations. So get your appetites ready — you're gonna need 'em. Top image: Papi Chulo.
Jessi Singh, the mind behind some of the country's best Indian restaurants, now has a home on York Street. Pinky-Ji is Singh's second Sydney outpost, launched with the help of former Chin Chin chef Johann Jay, who built a cult following throughout Australia with his unorthodox eateries in Melbourne, Byron Bay, Adelaide and Surry Hills. "Pinky-Ji is the younger, sassier, and more independent version of our much-loved Daughter In Law," says Singh. "The menu in our venue will bring all of the fun and unauthentic food that Daughter in Law is synonymous with — with a slightly more elevated twist." At Pinky-Ji, you can expect flamboyant decor, including images of Bollywood stars, neon lighting and red velvet furniture to create an extraordinary atmosphere of luxury. When exploring the menu, keep an eye out for the seven key sections — snacks, raw, street, grill, wok, tandoor and curry — plus bread, sides and drinks. Kick things off with a snack like a curry crab croqueta ($8). From there, dip your toes into the Mumbai Corn, accompanied by chilli lime yoghurt, paneer and curry popcorn ($16). If you're looking for a menu item that packs an extra punch, opt for the half-lobster covered in Sri Lankan coconut curry leaf sambal ($48). You'll find that many of the menu items can be shared around the table. From the wok section, you can order crab fried rice with chilli oil ($30), while the curry selection spans from unauthentic butter chicken ($32) and fragrant yellow vegan dahl ($22) to coconut prawns ($32) and lamb rogan josh ($32), all of which can be paired with aged basmati rice ($6), garlic or sesame naan ($5-$12), and roti ($5). There is no shortage of crowd-pleasers. Still feeling indecisive? Opt for the Chef's Selection. For $65 per person, this includes Balls of Happiness for entree, kingfish ceviche, cauliflower, shakarkandi chaat, tandoor chicken, alongside a variety of curries with rice and naan, plus a pistachio dessert. Finally, when the time comes to pair a drink with your curry, you can opt for a classic cocktail or peruse the help-yourself craft beer fridges for a hoppy treat. To top off all of the eccentric fun of Pinky-Ji, the private dining room features a karaoke machine loaded up with songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s. You'll find Pinky Ji in our list of the best degustations in Sydney. Check out the full list here.
We're all devoted to our own local cafe, but there's no denying that the inner west has had particularly rich pickings of them lately. After a spate of new openings in 2012, the area offers everything from big-breakfast old faithfuls to fine-dining-trained chefs and experimental commune-type sanctuaries. But if there's one quality that ties these disparate breakfast-to-lunch hangouts together, it must be their sense of community. They all pride themselves on their local and hyperlocal produce, in-house preparation techniques, and nose for what their most important customers — locals — want. So if you're an inner westie, here's our guide to the ten best cafes you'll want to visit and revisit. And if you're not from the area, well, it's time for an expedition. 1. Cornersmith Cornersmith is a legend worthy of its reputation. Originally a thread shop, the space is beautifully pared back, with a stark, tiled wall, a mustard ceiling and nary a vintage poster or knickknack in site. It feels a little French and a little like you’re sitting in a large kitchen of an old Australian home. A blackboard displays the simple menu, including a list of what fresh produce they have in that week. The menu revolves around these ingredients, which the co-owners, James and Alex, gather locally as much as possible — Marrickville residents who grow vegetables trade their excess for a jar of home-made jam or relish. Everything is made from scratch (they even have their own beehive), the service is super-friendly, the coffee is great. 314 Illawarra Road, Marrickville; www.facebook.com/pages/Cornersmith/294576130569750 2. The Grounds of Alexandria The team behind the Grounds have taken an industrial warehouse and transformed it into a homely, wholesome sanctuary. In fact, it's almost a town. There's the garden, which grows produce for the kitchen and doubles as an outside eating area for take-away meals. Listen carefully, you'll find the chickens around here too. There's also a kids' playground, gardening classes, on-site bakery, and a coffee roasting facility incorporating testig and a boutique school. On a Saturday morning, the place is brimming with families, children joyously patting ducks, bunnies, and guinea pigs that don't look too perturbed by the attention. It's tempting to see this as some kind of cult — though one that truly justifies the following.The only downside of this experimental paradise that we can see is the time you're likely to wait to get fed. Turn up early, plan a weekday visit, or pack your patience and wait for a table with a coffee in the garden. Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street, Alexandria; www.groundsroasters.com 3. Double Roasters Double Roasters has breathed life into a 1950s warehouse. Inside the cafe is a wave of activity: the espresso machine is purring away, with the barista furiously pumping out hot coffee; the coffee blender is sucking and spitting out aromatic beans; and staff are scurrying back and forth with plates of food. One of the selling points of Double Roasters is its passion for coffee. Single origin beans are roasted on site in 12kg batches, ensuring superior quality and consistency. The food menu is straightforward, but you'll definitely get bang for your buck. 199 Victoria Rd, Marrickville; www.doubleroasters.com 4. Excelsior Jones It's hard not to fall in love with Excelsior Jones. The friendly cafe sits in what used to be an old corner store in Ashfield and is a welcome addition to a quiet neighbourhood that was, before Excelsior, devoid of a local haunt. Co-owners Anthony Svilicich and James Naylor are both ex Le Monde, and also on board to bring a touch of brilliance to the modest menu is Adrian Borg, who previously held stints at Assiette and District Dining. House-cured salmon hash with pearl shallots, fried buckwheat, poached egg, and fresh herbs ($16) is nourishing and tasty to say the least, while the bacon and egg sandwich with capsicum relish and aioli ($10) will please any fan of this staple. The team is incredibly enthusiastic about providing a place where locals and people from all walks of life are welcome and feel comfortable, and the atmosphere definitely reflects this. 139 Queen Street, Ashfield; www.excelsiorjones.com 5. The Counter There's been a gradual takeover in the inner west cafe scene of smaller, well-designed cafes that focus primarily on coffee. Which, of course, a good cafe should. But the Counter in Petersham has also managed to include all the right eggs in its basket. Breakfast options are simple but with added tasty flares such as sourdough bread or homemade mayonnaise. The Smith's Sister ($14) is a classic of slow poached eggs and bacon on sourdough, while the Mr Smith Sambo ($9.50) mixes a soft egg, bacon, tomato relish, and mayonnaise between toasted sourdough. While there is limited space and you might find yourself having a bit of a wait for a table, the delightful staff, and fast service means you won't be frustrated by this smaller cafe. 96 Audley St, Petersham; 02 9560 2949 6. The Rag Land It's no secret that Redfern is definitely on the up. A little more gentrified, a little more hip. And while the Redfern/Waterloo border isn't exactly Sydney's most happening hotspot just yet, the Rag Land — a play on its Raglan Street location and light, bright bric-a-brac interior — is certainly a place worth visiting. Great food, sweet digs, and some winning coffee from one of the nicest teams we've met for a long time ranks high in our books. It's also more than reasonably priced, welcoming, unpretentious, community-minded, and has FBi radio peeps winging it down the road. 129 Raglan Street, Redfern 7. Black Star Pastry Just off King Street in Newtown, this hole-in-the-wall patisserie is unlike anything you've ever seen. With rebels in the kitchen and hipsters on the floor, Black Star is one of a kind. What sets them apart from the rest? The creativity tablespooned into every single mixing bowl. And the end result? An eclectic combo of offerings, sure to wow all of one's senses. For beginners, we recommend the strawberry watermelon cake with rose cream (four potions for $24). Then, try the lemon meringue tart with basil jelly, a genius concoction that will have you ordering a dozen at a time. For the kids, there's Ginger Ninjas ($4), which have replaced the somewhat jaded gingerbread man at this happening hotspot. 277 Australia St, Newtown; www.blackstarpastry.com.au 8. Trainspotting Choose life. Choose a job. Choose breakfast. Given it shares its name with the famous nineties drug film, it’s apt that Trainspotting is drawing addicts — albeit of a different kind. The brainchild of Cameron Macpherson, previously of Restaurant Pepper in Balmain and Pier in Rose Bay, this unassuming café is giving Lewisham locals a long-awaited caffeine kick, and coffee connoisseurs something new to buzz about. The breakfast menu features the usual suspects as well as a number of in-house specialties. The Trainspotting Envy ($13) — poached eggs on a bed of spinach leaves topped with a feta and basil sauce — goes down a treat. Shop 1, 3 Victoria Street, Lewisham 9. Paper Cup Paper Cup is a Middle Eastern treat in the inner west. As well as coffees (Coffee Alchemy beans, roasted in nearby Marrickville) the tiny galley service area puts out a focused breakfast menu and sandwiches, with Middle Eastern flavours providing a hit of spices and texture to the signature dishes. Arabian-style bircher muesli with poached fruit, yoghurt, pistachios and honey ($10), and the Dr Shakshuka eggs poached in cumin and chilli-infused tomato sauce with local ricotta and fetta ($13) are both excellent. There is a sweet local vibe here. The staff chat to the customers, and one of the parents from the school across the road supplies the gluten free chocolate brownies; another the chai tea. Everything else (besides the bread) is prepared right in front of you, with the assistance of an induction cooktop and slow cooker. 157/161 Cambridge St, Stanmore; papercupcoffee.com.au 10. Fleetwood Macchiato There's plenty to like about Fleetwood Macchiato aside from its punchline sagacity. The cosy cafe in the quiet neighbourhood of Erskineville is inviting from the moment you step in. Owners Tara, David, and Jai have previously already worked together so are no strangers to the industry and it's obvious. The simple fit out of wood panelling and white walls is home to a combination of good food, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. Bread is provided from Organic Bread Bar in Paddington and it's worth noting that whatever they're putting between the slices is homemade and incredibly mouth-watering. A bacon and egg roll comes smashed with avocado, mustard mayo, spicy sriracha sauce, pickles, and mushrooms ($12.50) and a wholemeal baguette is overflowing with fig, taleggio, fennel, and a well-dressed watercress and mesclun salad mix ($11). 43 Erskineville Road, Erskineville; www.fleetwoodmacchiato.com By the Concrete Playground team.
