In 2022, Sydneysiders were hit with a devastating development: the closure of longtime Enmore Road favourite Stanbuli. With that sad news, however, came the exciting announcement that beloved chef Ibrahim Kasif would be at the helm of a new venue, a wine bar and manoush restaurant that NOMAD Group had first announced back in 2021. Beau is a multi-faceted 100-seat venue divided into two sections. The first, Beau & Dough, opens its doors on Reservoir Street in Surry Hills on Tuesday, February 7, while Beau Bar will officially launch on February 24. Open from 7am till late seven days a week, Beau & Dough is all about manoush all day every day. Kasif has created a menu that champions this form of Lebanese flatbread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you arrive in the morning, pair a carby treat in the form of a breakfast manoush with a cup of joe made using Beau's signature house blend of Single O coffee. "I can't wait to see people walking down the street with a manoush in their hands," says Kasif. When lunchtime rolls around, you can still opt for flatbread, topped with the likes of za'atar and cheese, spicy lamb, or sujuk and egg. Alternatively, you can dive further into the all-day offerings, which is where you'll find a crumbed blue-eye trevalla burger topped with yoghurt and tahini remoulade, achiote-spiced spatchcock, twice-cooked lamb neck and a Middle Eastern-style chopped salad. "Beau has your whole day sorted, from manoush to go, a sit-down breakfast or lunch in the laneway, or dinner and a glass of wine from our expansive and ever-changing list that focuses on unique and interesting Australian wines," NOMAD Group co-owner Rebecca Yazbek says. Once Beau Bar swings its doors open, you can expect an impressive 300-strong vino list offering different varieties and price points, plus a more lavish selection of eats featuring chilled seafood platters, lobster thermidor, flank steak, and an ox tongue bun with Moreton Bay bug and Russian sauce. Beau will be located just down the road from NOMAD. The manoush restaurant is housed in a bright sunlit street-level building, while the wine bar will have a more secluded, moody atmosphere, with private use of Fracks Lane which connects Reservoir Street to NOMAD's Foster Street. The opening of the Beau Bar will, in fact, reinstate the laneway for the first time in a century. Find Beau at 52 Reservoir Street, Surry Hills. Beau & Dough is open 7am–late seven days a week from Tuesday, February 7. Beau Bar will open on Friday, February 24 and will be open from midday for lunch and 5pm for dinner seven days a week.
Parramatta's farmers markets have returned to Centenary Square just in time for your Christmas shopping. The markets have returned boasting all the fresh produce, artisan goods and all the tasty takeaways you could want. Traditionally held on Fridays, the markets are popping up for a five-week trial of new midweek opening hours that will see it operate on Wednesdays from 7.30am–2.30pm. Fruit, veggies, bread, honey, pastries and flowers will be among the goods marketgoers can get their hands on, as well as food from some of Sydney's best food trucks and local takeaway businesses. Think doughy gluten-free desserts from G-Free Doughnuts, saucy pasta selections from On Ya Gnocchi, Gozleme King's spinach and cheese favourites and your caffeine fix from Coconut Coffee. In its current iteration, the markets will run weekly up until Wednesday, December 22, with plans for the new year yet to be announced. "With the festive season here, it's the perfect time to visit," says City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Steven Issa. "There's always a buzz in Centenary Square when the Parramatta Markets are on."
Whether or not you love the holiday season, you can't deny that it's the perfect time to get together with the people you love and celebrate the good times. If you're the one lumped with the unlucky task of finding the best place for everyone to let their hair down a little, finding a venue can be a little tricky, especially with a small army behind you hollering for drinks and canapés. In an effort to take some of this stress off your weary shoulders, we've had a good look at venues around town that can accommodate larger collections of people. We've looked at pubs, bars, restaurants and everything in between so you don't have to. In partnership with Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée, here are our picks of venues where you can sip on a glass of bubbly and chill en masse with your squad over the holidays. THE ROYAL HOTEL, PADDINGTON No one uses space quite like The Royal. Despite the fact that the hotel is the size of a standard Paddington terrace house, they've pulled off a trick that would have made Lewis Carroll jealous and filled the space with three completely unique levels. Whether it's the picturesque rooftop, the slick Elephant Bar, the historic terrace or the good ol' public bar, The Royal can cater for groups of any size, and is a great place to order a bucket of bubbly and split it amongst your friends. They also offer extensive functions packages so you can make the most of your Yuletide revelries. ESTER, CHIPPENDALE Perhaps this year you're not in the mood for a massive do with far too much booze and a high risk of a social faux pas. Should this be the case, perhaps living it large with dinner is a much better option, and Ester is well worth checking out. The menu is deliciously fresh and the wine list would make Bacchus blush. Plus, the setup of the restaurant is perfectly sized to cater for most groups. Rather than reliving hangovers of Christmas past, Ester will keep you classy this holiday season. INTERCONTINENTAL SYDNEY, CBD There's no reason your annual get together has to be tucked away in the beer garden at your local. Why not get all dressed up and try something a little fancier? The InterContinental is no stranger to catering for groups and, with their multiple functions areas and menus, they've got a portfolio diverse enough to provide whatever it is you need — whether it's a fancy to-do in The Cortile, or a sit down dinner at 117 Dining, the hotel has all bases covered. FOREST LODGE HOTEL, FOREST LODGE Taking all your best buds out for a Christmas catch-up doesn't necessarily mean dropping a hefty wad of cash. Sometimes all you need is a cosy garden, a cracking craft beer list and a good, old fashioned local pub. The Flodge has all these things in swathes, plus a pool table and a few arcade games smattered around the joint to encourage a healthy dose of competition. What says Christmas in Australia more than a few jugs of the finest local beers with your mates at the pub? 4FOURTEEN, SURRY HILLS This restaurant space is sneakily tucked away among endless shopfronts in Surry Hills, hiding the fact that there's oodles of space inside to host any end-of-year function you might care to organise. In addition to the delicious a la carte and drinks menu, the functions packages cover everything from a small group in for a sit down dinner, to complete conversion of the venue to suit the needs of groups of up to 120 people. Heck, the team at 4fourteen have even pulled off the odd wedding, so an office Christmas party should be an absolute breeze. COOGEE PAVILION, COOGEE Overlooking one of Sydney's most iconic beaches, Merivale's Coogee Pavilion is the perfect place to celebrate the Australian summer with the people you hold dearest. As well as the slick public bar with its oversized Jenga and table tennis, the Pav also offers an amazing terrace that's perfect for a group get-together. WEBSTERS BAR, NEWTOWN It's been a while now since this bar shucked its Zanzibar skin and greeted the world anew as Websters Bar. Included in the transformation were some wicked renovations in all areas of the venue, creating a whole new spot for punters to enjoy. Websters can cater for big groups on every level of the pub, so whether you want a few tables put together in the public bar, or you want your own private corner in the sleek Bourbon Bar, or you want to book the whole roof out for your revelries, Websters has got your back. THE NELSON HOTEL, BONDI JUNCTION Sometimes you just have to salute the people who've done what they've done well while the years have kept marching on. The Nelson has had its doors open since the days when there was only one world war, and the same friendly vibe of a classic local pub remains. The food is simple yet delicious, and there's a huge amount of space to bring all your pals for a feed and a few cold ones. So while Christmases come and go, The Nelo will host parties for all of them. THE BUCKET LIST, BONDI BEACH With the golden sands of Bondi Beach merely metres away, The Bucket List is the perfect spot to sink a few cold ones in the dying summer sunlight.The venue has a laidback vibe, where your party can mingle among the other revellers — or, if you can gather everyone on your Facebook friends list, you can book out the whole joint for up to 400 people. CLOVELLY BOWLING CLUB, CLOVELLY Just like the first time you tried asparagus as a kid, you're going to need to keep an open mind here. Although it's not the full service deal you get with a lot of other venues on this list, Clovelly Bowls is a spectacular place to get outdoors, fire up a barbecue you don't have to clean, and have a drink while playing some sports with friends and family. Add the Covelly cliffside location and you've got yourself a fine venue to muster up Christmas cheer in even the biggest Grinch. Celebrate this season with Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée — available at your local supermarket or liquor store. Top image: Coogee Pavilion.
Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney opened in 2022 with the goal of feeding those in need. The Crown Street eatery supplies free lunches to those dealing with food insecurity four days a week. The daily plant-based menu is packed with nutrition and applies a zero-waste policy. In order to raise money for OzHarvest and to invite the public into the space, the Surry Hills spot hosts regular neighbourhood dinners, too — and to mark its first birthday, it has pulled together an all-star lineup for its March series. Every Wednesday night in March, Refettorio OzHarvest will welcome a different beloved chef for the Guest Chef at the Ref series. Each guest will grace the kitchen, whipping up a three-course meal for the diners using rescued ingredients from other kitchens. Kicking things off with Da Orazio's Orazio D'Elia on Wednesday, March 1, the month-long series will feature appearances from Spice Temple's Andy Evans, Claire Van Vuuren of Bloodwood, plus Colin Fassnidge and Matt Moran. You can expect dishes in each chef's signature style that also abides by the eatery's no-waste policy. Van Vurren's dinner on Wednesday, March 15 will be an extra-special one, with P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants accompanying the food with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. [caption id="attachment_842715" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Each ticket to the dinners will set you back $120, and while the price tag is hefty, it's one that you can feel good about. Each ticket sold will directly translate to serving six people a nourishing meal during the venue's lunch services. The eatery serves approximately 70 freshly made meals each day that it's open, supporting the community and ensuring that everyone has access to a filling meal. Spots at the dinners are sure to fill up quickly, so if you want to treat yourself to a special meal for a good cause, head to the OzHarvest website to secure your seat. [caption id="attachment_842709" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] GUEST CHEF AT THE REF SERIES: Wednesday, March 1 — Orazio D'Elia, Da Orazio Wednesday, March 8 — Andy Evans, Spice Temple Wednesday, March 15 — Claire Van Vuuren, Bloodwood with P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants Wednesday, March 22 — Colin Fassnidge, Banksia Bistro at Banksia Hotel and ex-4Fourteen Wednesday, March 29 — Matt Moran, Chiswick, House Canteen and Barangaroo House Refettorio OzHarvest Sydney's Guest Chef at The Ref series will run on every Wednesday in March. Tickets are $120 per person. Top image: Jasper Avenue.
Part of the family of venues that call the historic H. May building home (Continental Deli, Osteria Bucca and Mister Grotto), Flora is an all-day vegetarian restaurant with a sustainable edge. Guided by Head Chef Jude Hughes, who boasts a background working in eco-conscious venues like Byron Bay's Three Blue Ducks and The Summertown Aristologist, diners can expect inventive veggie dishes where local and seasonal ingredients are pushed to their flavoursome limits, along with culinary creations that hero fermentation, house-made vinegars and woodfired goodness on every plate. Start small with house pickles and woodfired tempeh, go heartier and tuck into grilled mushrooms with confit garlic and yolk, or venture into more exotic territory with the likes of Congo purple potato gnocchi with fioretto, lemon and lentil miso. Desserts are no different, and the hero treat is undoubtedly a Queen Garnet plum trifle with sweet corn custard and popcorn meringue. The drinks menu is an all-Australian affair, with a curated selection of wine, cocktails and coffee available from open until close. This new space is also wonderfully atmospheric, with modern vintage furnishings and charming accents creating a warm but refined ambience. Walk in from 8am to enjoy invigorating morning options, or book for dinner to indulge in elevated vegetarian cuisine.
With the sale of Marrickville's iconic Vic On The Park to hotel powerhouse Merivale, the ardent hipsters of Enmore Road are on the lookout for a traditional, independent boozer to call their local. The "Wazza" is the inner west pub of yesteryear — a simple, reasonably priced menu, sport on the telly and cheap beer alongside a couple of local craft taps. This unpretentious pub might look to be another old man's watering hole, yet the unassuming decor of the main bar gives way to a secluded, shady and spacious outdoor garden courtyard full of hipsters, tradies and families alike. The bamboo-panelled walls of the garden, coupled with multiple umbrellas all centred around the shade thrown from the large tree in the middle of the garden make for a great place to hide from the traffic outside and forget how close you are to the city. A great neighbourhood pub with one of the best kept secret gardens in the area.
Film tix for a tenner, filmmaker Q and As, happy hours, themed parties and an epic virtual reality program are all happening at this year's Sydney Film Festival Hub, which will take over Town Hall from 7–17 June. Whether or not you have a movie ticket, head to the bar between 4:30pm and 6pm on weekdays for happy hour drinks, including $12 gin cocktails and $8 wines. The festival's beverage partners are Archie Rose, Young Henrys and Eden Road Wines, so you'll be in good company. While you're at it, poke your head into the Hub Box Office: $10 tickets will be up for grabs until 8:30pm nightly. Meanwhile, Talks at the Hub will give you the chance to learn more about the back stories behind your favourite flicks. Some of the festival's biggest titles, including Dying to Live, Jirga, Half The Picture and The Breaker Upperers, will be up for discussion among their directors, actors and producers. If you feel like disappearing into an alternative world for a while, then step into one the Hub's virtual reality shows. Planet Immersive will transport you deep into the Arctic, to experience the impact of climate change, while Space Explorers: A New Dawn travels into outer space. The full VR program is over here. Throughout the festival, three free themed parties will be thrown in the hub. Kicking things off on Thursday, June 7, is Mad Mix Party — combining video art and feminist tunes — then on Saturday, June 9, Boys II Girlz Party will feature hits from Take That, NSYNC and The Jackson 5. The latter will (fittingly) follow the screening of I Used To Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story. The following Saturday, Spike Lee's funky soundtracks will be showcased at Spike's Juke Joint. Sydney Film Festival Hub will be open Tuesday–Friday, 4.30pm till late; Saturday 9 and 16 June, 11:30am-late; Sunday 10 June, 11:30am-late; and Sunday 17 June, 11:30am-6pm.
The predictably sole stay available in the Zig-Zag-occupied Republic of Zubrowka, Wes Anderson's mighty Grand Budapest Hotel is quietly killing it over at Trip Advisor. With its own page up for user reviews, photos and generous applause for its cable car access, mountaintop location, satisfying concierge and significant amount of available rooms, the fictional hotel is now rated higher than Paramus, New Jersey's Holiday Inn Express. Seems the marketing team have pulled one humdinger of a stunt, celebrating the UK DVD/Blu-ray release of The Grand Budapest Hotel. If only Trip Advisor had been around for The Shining, they might have pulled a few more winter guests. The official description, as provided by the 200-room 'hotel' reads as follows: Located in the mountainous Republic of Zubrowka and reached by funicular railway The Grand Budapest Hotel has all the advantages of being secluded amongst nature, while having attractions including the Kunst Museum and Mendl’s Patisserie close at hand. Famed for its staffs’ meticulous attention to detail and commitment to the wellbeing of its residents this hotel proves to be the perfect retreat — you’ll never experience anything quite like the Grand Budapest Hotel. True to Trip Advisor form, the comments section is the best bit. Whether fuelled by fans or the marketing team themselves, there's some chortleworthy digs in there for fans of Anderson's wonderfully whimsical hotel: "I am a lady in my 80s and I had the pleasure of staying in this wonderful hotel. Charming, luxurious, soothing, breathtaking... these are just some of the words I'd use to describe the concierge. Simply put, Gustav blew my mind. The hotel wasn't bad either." "Its best days may be behind it, but it's at least quiet, and you never have to wait for a table at dinner time." "As much as I enjoy the solitude, though, it's not perfect. The elevator has the odor of some strong cologne that just won't dissipate, and every so often a VERY creepy old man wanders around and sleeps in the servant's quarters. I'm sorry, but somebody like that has no business amongst the classes that would be staying in a grand hotel." "One of the few genuinely historic buildings remaining in Zig-Zag-occupied Zubrowka. The concierge is lazy, but also quite accommodating." Marketing teams for The Exotic Marigold Hotel, Bates Motel and Hotel Transylvania are face palming right now. Via Indiewire and IWATCHSTUFF.
Arguably Australia's most scenic zoo, Taronga Zoo is a popular spot for families and tourists alike. Officially opening as Taronga Zoo Sydney back in 1916, it is now home to 4000 animals from over 350 species. Head here and you'll encounter giraffes, elephants, tigers, sun bears, meerkats, lion cubs, chimps, gorillas and more — all while overlooking Sydney Harbour. Apart from seeing all the adorable animals, critters and creatures, you can also stay the night at the on-site Wildlife Retreat at Taronga: a 62-room eco-luxe hotel located smack-bang in the middle of the zoo. If the idea of a zoo sleepover appeals to you, you can skip the luxe hotel and opt for its Roar and Snore experience instead. At this overnight adventure, you'll stay in safari-style tents (complete with bathroom facilities) as well as get to know some of the zoo's cuddlier residents, go on an exclusive night tour of after-dark animal parties, catch animal feedings and tour some of the enclosures. The zoo also hosts an annual summer gig series in its grounds. Dubbed Twilight at Taronga, the live music events runs in January and February, and sees many people descent upon the zoo's natural amphitheatre backdropped to some of the most impressive views around town. In short, whether you're an animal lover, music fan or just keen to live it up in a luxe hotel, Taronga Zoo Sydney is as much for adults as it is for kids. [caption id="attachment_830236" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Taronga Zoo via DNSW[/caption] Taronga Zoo Sydney is open from 9.30am–5pm daily. Top image: Destination NSW
If you've got a mate in your circle with a weakness for vintage fashion, don't spend any more time trawling through eBay. You'll get the right old-school pressie at Route 66. Among the plethora of well-loved objects here are cowperson belts etched with names like 'Cherry' and 'Dub', leather fringe jackets, bandanas, floral skirts and loads of denim. Route 66 started life in 1988, on Crown Street, Surry Hills, before moving to King Street, Newtown, earlier this year. It's now open seven days a week — making it perfect for last-minute gift buying panic attacks.
A decadent spot deserves a decadent bar to match — or a couple. That's the case at Sydney's 120-year-old Queen Victoria Building, which has taken things up a notch with with the launch of not one, but two new luxurious bars. When you're not sipping Champagne at Reign at the QVB, you can combine beverages with a meal at bar-restaurant Esquire Drink + Dine. Open late every night, Esquire is the place to head if you're looking for more of a sit-down meal. The opulent level-one venue takes its cues from the supper clubs of New York, with an old-world fit-out of oak, leather and parquetry flooring. It's a moody, dapper backdrop for settling in with a fittingly expansive offering of whisky, cocktails and wine. From the kitchen comes a sophisticated spread of reimagined comfort food. Think gruyere-stuffed jaffles with fries and a pork jowl schnitzel sided with mustard, radish and burnt lemon. You can also choose from four cuts of steak and a whole roast chicken for two, which is used across two courses. Both Esquire and Reign are overseen by a team of hospitality guns, including Matthew Beaumont as Group General Manager of Beverage (The Star, Merivale), Damien Worthington (QT Hotels, The Winery) in the role of Executive Chef and Fabio Nistrio (Sokyo at The Star, Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room) heading up the tightly curated drinks program. Esquire is open from 11am each day, surely to cater to post-shopping snacks and business lunches. And as far as kicking on late, it's open for eats and drinks right up until 2am Thursday through Sunday. Images: Damian Flanagan.
It was hyped and hyped and hyped. And now it's finally here. Darling Square's new slinky-like Exchange Building has opened its doors and, as well as being home to a sparkly new two-storey library, its filled with — and surrounded — by eateries from top Sydney chefs. Inside, you'll find the Maker's Dozen: ten restaurants serving up everything from Japanese pasta to Vietnamese tacos and cakes from an Enmore fave. Outside, on Little Hay Street, there's Electric Treat Street, which is a haven for Sydneysiders with a sweet tooth. The two new precincts join the already-open Steam Mill Lane, too, which houses spots such as Belles Hot Chicken, Edition Coffee Roasters, Marrickville Pork Roll and Melbourne burger joint 8bit. If you work anywhere nearby the Square, you're certainly not short on lunchtime (and after-work snack) options. To help you decide where to go on your next lunch break, we've rounded up some of our favourite dishes from the new openings. [caption id="attachment_738422" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] SAGA LYTE The little sister to Enmore's Saga, the aptly named Saga Lyte is serving up Andy Bowdy's elaborate cakes, cheesy toasties and flaky pastries. One of our favourite savoury options is the Lee Tran (named after Sydney food writer and podcaster Lee Tran Lam). It's a golden toastie filled with charred broccolini, chilli mayo and caciocavollo (a southern Italian cheese). Other pre-dessert highlights include the pork and veal sausage roll and the rotating pie (steak and onion when we visited). After this, we highly suggest digging into one of the single-serve cakes — pavlovas, vanilla slice, lemon meringue pies, choux buns, the list goes on — and if you take it back to the office, we're forecasting some serious brownie points. Open: 7am–11pm What to order: Lee Tran [caption id="attachment_738439" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] PASTA WAFU What happens when Kirby Craig — of Bar Ume and Ume Burger fame — teams up with the duo behind Barangaroo's vermouth bar Banskii? They open a Japanese pasta shop, of course. While not an obvious concept, it's an extremely tasty one. The stars of the menu are five umami-packed pastas, featuring the likes of miso bolognese, nori, soy butter and shiso. Choosing a favourite is hard, but one we keep going back to is the Kinoko Spaghetti. Translated as 'mushroom' spaghetti, it's a pretty apt description of the dish, which has miso mushrooms, shoyu butter and shio koji (a salty fermented seasoning). It's suggested you add an onsen egg to this, which we also recommend you do. As Pasta Wafu is licensed, you can pair your spaghetti with a sake or umeshu, too. Open: 11am–11pm What to order: Kinoko spaghetti (with onsen egg) BUBBLE NINI Sydney — and Haymarket in particular — is not short on bubble tea joints. But, this one's a little different. Every morning, the team makes fresh pearls, of which there are six different flavours. Once you've chosen from the 50 different flavours of teas (with punny names like Jasmine Is a Cute-Tea, It Takes Two to Mango and How Ya Bean, Matcha Happening?) you can pick your pearls: sakura, matcha, taro, brown sugar, mango peanut or strawberry. It's a lot of decision making. Luckily, we've done some taste-testing and the A Taro-Bly Bad Name (they're not wrong) with taro pearls is a winner. It's also a really pretty lavender colour, if you're there for the 'gram. Open: 8am–10pm What to order: A Taro-Bly Bad Name [caption id="attachment_738458" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] BAU TRUONG We've had Japanese pasta, now get ready for another left-of-centre culinary combination: Vietnamese tacos. You'll find them at the new CBD outpost of the Cabramatta favourite Bau Truong. Here, there's not a tortilla in sight. Instead, the banh trang gion (the proper name for the 'tacos') are served on bowl-like rice crackers and topped with the likes of prawn, braised pork belly and beef jerky. If you like your cuisines fused, you'll be happy to know that Bau Truong also serves up a deep-fried banh mi — with Vegemite. Open: 11am–11pm What to order: Banh trang gion [caption id="attachment_738411" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] DOPA BY DEVON The Devon team has found a winning formula with its cafes (located in Surry Hills, Barangaroo, North Sydney and Brisbane), but now it's trying something new: a Tokyo-inspired milk bar. Located on Little Hay's Electric Treat Street, Dopa by Devon has over twenty varieties of donburi. These rice bowls come topped with the typical teriyaki chicken, katsu pork and king salmon sashimi — plus house specialties like cheeseburger wagyu, beef tongue, ling cod and even a sub-Antarctic toothfish. But, the dishes making waves on social media are its desserts. Giant matcha cookies, OTT parfaits, loaded milkshakes and shaved ice desserts are all on the lineup, and we can't get enough of the latter. The strawberry kakigori (Japanese shaved ice dessert) is sweet, surprisingly creamy and refreshing. We think it'll be a big hit with city workers come summer. Open: 11am–10pm What to order: Strawberry kakigori AND THERE'S MORE... Yes, lots more. You could, in theory, spend an entire weekend here eating a drinking. If you do have more stomach space to fill, we suggest swinging by Hopper Kadé for a Sri Lankan hopper, Bucket Boys for a refreshing brew, Boque by Tapavino for a chorizo burger — or out to Rey Jr on Little Hay for some Filipino street food. Find Maker's Dozen, Electric Treat Street and Steam Mill Lane in and around The Exchange, 35 Tumbalong Boulevard, Haymarket. To check individual restaurant's opening hours, head to the Darling Square website. Images: Kimberley Low
What's better than one Sydney Moonlight Cinema? Two, obviously. In addition to the CBD's stint of openair movie-viewing, Western Sydney also plays host to the outdoor cinema — so get ready to watch flicks under the stars at Western Sydney Parklands between Thursday, November 16–Sunday, January 30. Like its sibling venue, Moonlight Cinema Western Sydney is screening new movies, recent must-sees and festive flicks, starting with Free Guy on opening night. From there, you can head along to see Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Disney newbie Encanto and the family-friendly The Boss Baby: Family Business. And, for your merry outdoor movie-watching pleasure, the Christmas selection includes Love Actually, Elf, The Grinch, Die Hard and Home Alone. It's also worth remembering that Moonlight Cinema is BYO — and there'll be food, snacks, a bar and (if you'd like to pay for them) bean bags as well. And, in great news for movie-loving pooches, you can bring them along, too.
The annual floral show Fleurs de Villes is returning to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney with a vibrant new floral exhibition tailor made for this year's Sydney WorldPride. This follows the success of last year's popular FEMMES exhibition. Running from February 17–26, Fleurs de Villes PRIDE will showcase a series of fresh floral installations made by Sydney's top floral talent, each of which celebrates an inspirational member or ally of Australia's LGBTQIA+ community. This includes the legendary Kylie Minogue and some of Sydney WorldPride's Rainbow Champions like Courtney Act, Keiynan Lonsdale and Deni Todorovic. Visitors to the exhibition can also enjoy colourful flower markets, expert floral talks, demos and workshops and unique Floral Discos — where guests can toast to the start of Sydney WorldPride and party to live DJ tunes alongside the vibrant floral exhibit. In celebration of this kaleidoscopic exhibition, Fleurs de Villes is giving away a one-night stay at the Intercontinental Sydney (valued at $500). This lavish five-star hotel is located right on Circular Quay, boasting views across the famous harbour. The winner will stay in a City View room, getting access to the most luxe facilities — including an indoor pool that looks out over the Sydney Opera House. A decadent breakfast for two is also included. Ready for a luxurious city staycation? Enter your details below. [competition]887514[/competition]
Headed by distiller Odelia Potts, Kings Cross Distillery is Macleay Street's cocktail den and distillery featuring house-made gins, cocktails and Spanish snacks — plus personality aplenty. As with many old buildings in the area, the venue's past lives are varied and salacious. These include an illegal gambling den and an adult bookstore with a hidden vault. That vault is no longer home to questionable activities, but the distillery's precious bottles of gin. The fit-out pays homage to the building's history and emulates speakeasies from the 1920s — think dark green leather booths, exposed brick walls and gold details aplenty across the split-level bar. The distillery's 200-litre pot also sits front-and-centre. Expect seats for 120 all up and a kitchen serving mezze-style bites like garlic prawns ($29), sea bass ceviche ($29) and anchovies ($28). You can also order caviar by the ten-gram serve ($75). Apart from the gin, the distillery will also make its own vodka and whisky, and pours other spirit and wine brands from around Australia and the globe. Guests can even keep specially selected drops in personalised spirit lockers, where bottles can be stored between visits and then used in any concoction on the menu. Eager punters can pre-purchase those spirit lockers (for a cool $400–1350) and have one all ready to go for opening night. On the bar's cocktail menu, you'll find a bubble-topped Impeachment ($24), a Sin and Tonique ($24) and gin old fashioned dubbed Pepperation Makes Perfect ($24). All made with one of the distillery's house-distilled gins, of course. And you can leave with a bottle of that gin, too, with the classic dry gin and Garden Island navy strength gin available online and in-store.
Attention all coffee-seekers: you may have just found the new brew — or brews — you've been searching for. Beloved Melbourne-based Padre Coffee has finally arrived in Sydney, bringing naturally-processed Colombian blends to its first ever NSW setup at Paddington's Five Ways. After growing a cult-like following at its flagships in Melbourne and Noosa, it's time to discover what all the hype is about. Padre on Glenmore Road features a storefront for the brand's coffee blends and home-brewing equipment, as well as a spacious espresso bar and cafe boasting a range of freshly-baked treats to accompany your coffee. Sample the pastries and bread supplied by Staple Bread & Necessities, cookies from Cut Lunch Deli and the famous Portuguese tarts from Clovelly's Tuga Pastries. "We're absolutely thrilled to share the Padre Coffee vision and brand with Sydney coffee lovers," said the NSW head of Padre Coffee, Ben White. "Our blends have garnered a strong following with online buyers across the city's eastern suburbs and CBD, so we're looking forward to now having a dedicated space for our coffee drinkers to enjoy their daily cup." The store, located not far from the The Royal Hotel and Tequila Mockingbird, is serving up limited edition flavours to celebrate its launch, including adventurous and fruity caffeinated sips such as cherry, raspberry, strawberry and rose. You'll want to get sipping on these rare brews before they sell out completely. You'll find Padre Coffee's Sydney outpost at 241A-241B Glenmore Road in Paddington — grab your special brew from 7am to 3pm Monday to Sunday.
Stay tuned. More info on its way. Images: Kitti Gould.
While overseas boba chains are kicking goals all over our city, there's something to be said for a local haunt. No Fail is Sydney's homegrown bubble tea brand. Its signature item is the brûlée pearl milk tea, which you can also add cheese foam and even a full on side of crème brûlée to. No Fail has also recently released a new yoghurt range, which changes seasonally — at the moment, there are watermelon, paw paw and strawberry yoghurt flavours to choose from. Secret menu items are on the docket here, too, and the new cups have a caricature of a pig dabbing on them. The brand has recently expanded from Haymarket to open a second outpost in Sydney's other bubble tea mecca, Burwood, and we expect more will follow.
This William Street boutique has been serving well-dressed women in Sydney for the best part of two decades. Owners Nicola Lie and Juliet Kember started out with their eyes on the fashion and style of Belgium for inspiration, but time has evolved the store's range into a collection of local and overseas brands including Issey Miyake, Dries van Noten and Comme des Garçon. The overall style here is loose fitting, laidback and structural, created from premium fabrics and designed to outlast high street trends. It can be a fairly intimidating boutique to approach, so take a look at the collection online for an idea of what's likely to be in stock — or keep an eye out for Poepke's biannual archives sale for the best bargains. [caption id="attachment_779551" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] If you're browsing William Street's upmarket stores, drop by to check out the Maison Balzac glassware, Mondo Mondo jewellery and sleepwear by Deiji Studios, which you'll also find in store. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
David Byrne started 2025 by singing and dancing with Robyn at Saturday Night Live's 50th-anniversary concert, then releasing the Saoirse Ronan (Blitz)-starring first-ever music video for 'Psycho Killer' 48 years after the song's debut. In 2026, he'll kick the year into gear by bringing his latest world tour Down Under in January. The iconic Talking Heads founder and frontman is hitting the road to support his latest record, September 2025 release Who Is the Sky?. In Australia and New Zealand, he's playing his first gigs since 2018, when he brought his American Utopia tour — which none other than Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods) turned into a concert flick also called American Utopia, aka one of 2020's absolute best films — this way. In Sydney and thinking "this must be the place"? You're right: Byrne is venturing to the Harbour City, playing ICC Sydney Theatre on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. If you caught his American Utopia gigs or watched the film, you'll recognise some other familiar faces on the Who Is the Sky? tour. Byrne is taking to the stage with 13 musicians, singers and dancers, some of whom were part of the American Utopia band. Just like in those famous shows, his fellow performers will all be mobile throughout Byrne's latest set. Like tour, like album: Who Is the Sky? isn't just Byrne's first set of live gigs since American Utopia, but also his first record since that Grammy-winning release came out in 2018. Launching on Friday, September 5, 2025 — with first single 'Everybody Laughs' out now — the new album features St Vincent, Paramore's Hayley Williams, The Smile drummer Tom Skinner and American Utopia percussionist Mauro Refosco among its guests. Byrne has long been a must-see live performer — and there's long been filmic proof of that fact. Forty-two years ago this December, he made concert film history with Talking Heads when he walked out onto a Hollywood stage with a tape deck, pressed play and, while standing there solo, began to sing 'Psycho Killer'. Then-future The Silence of the Lambs Oscar-winner Jonathan Demme directed cameras his way, recording the results for Stop Making Sense. [caption id="attachment_1008708" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shervin Lainez[/caption] Live images: Raph_PH via Flickr.
When Somedays launched in 2005, it began with boutiques in Melbourne and Surry Hills selling menswear and womenswear by international brands, along with fashion-forward sunnies and delicate jewellery. Its third outpost, found on the corner Shipwright Walk and Scotch Row in Barangaroo, is now its only physical store, as the fashion retailer is now primarily based online. What hasn't changed for Somedays in the last 15 years is its commitment to Nordic style. Whether you're browsing online, or in store, you'll find jeans by Swedish brands Dr Denim and Nudie Jeans, men's jackets and merino jumpers from Norse Projects and button-ups by Copenhagen label NN07. [caption id="attachment_779800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Though not every brand is Northern European; there's also Australian leather brand Bellroy, French sneaker label Veja (whose sustainably made shoes are produced in Brazil), New Zealand labels Lonely and Kowtow, plus Wool & Bear hats, made with 100-percent Australian wool by milliners in inner Mongolia, Sri Lanka and China. You'll spot the corner boutique as you come down the escalators from Wynyard Walk — the elevated walkway between Wynyard and Barangaroo. It's a small space that showcases hero pieces from its much larger online range — and it knows its Monday-to-Friday crowd. Coffee on your shirt? Forgot your heels for that power lunch today? Somedays will sort you out. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
Visual artist Ho Tzu Nyen loves cats. While previous works have explored Singapore's colonial past, in Ten Thousand Tigers, Nyen chooses to reveal one of his home country's neglected histories — the history of the feline. In this work, he reveals how cats, whether "big and small, wild and domesticated, imagined and real" have had real, undervalued significance in the birth of the nation. Premiering in Australia at Carriageworks for the first time, Nyen's visual work, Ten Thousand Tigers pays homage to the symbolic power and sheer magnificence of the Malayan tiger. Blending together live performance, video, installation, and sound, Nyen's work is a spectacular sight of surreal theatrics that hopes to unearth the supernatural cosmologies and mythical folklores surrounding the creature. As an artist, Nyen has previously displayed exhibitions at the Guggenheim, the Venice Biennale, Tate Modern and Sydney's Artspace, among others. Image: Ho Tzu Nyen, Ten Thousand Tigers, 2014 Esplanade Singapore (Olivia Kwok).
A multi-level dining and party space has arrived on Little Hunter Street, adding to Sydney's current late-night revival. Joining the likes of The Abercrombie, Club 77 and the soon-to-open Pleasure Club on the list of new and revamped venues pushing Sydney's nightlife into the early hours of the morning, Zaffi is a versatile space boasting a 42-seat ground-floor restaurant and a 122-capacity basement bar that's committed to keeping the party rolling until 4am on weekends. "The name 'Zaffi' means 'celebration' in Arabic, so we wanted to create a space where people not only come to celebrate but also where people know you're going to have a good time. For me, those spontaneous nights are the best kind of nights!" says Zaffi owner Chady Khouzame. Khouzame has enlisted the help of ex-Chin Chin and Rockpool chef Graeme Hunt to create a refined Australian-Lebanese menu for the street-level dining room. It's a sharing affair at Zaffi, with plenty of mezze options including dips and veggies paired with mains like Aleppo pepper roast prawns and char-grilled spatchcock. "We want our menu to be big on flavours and sharing, so the food isn't very complicated," Hunt says. "Some light raw dishes to begin with, moving onto your mezze options, then some larger mains that have been designed to share." The two banquets menus are highly affordable, with the $60 option bringing a table-covering feast of saj, hummus, baba ganoush, eggplant fatteh, labneh, haloumi, kofta, cauliflower, spatchcock, pickles and chips — or, for an extra $29 per person, you can basically sample the entire array of eats on offer, with the addition of pan-fried snapper, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, panna cotta and cheesecake. Downstairs in Zaffi's party bunker, you'll find pink velvet-cushioned booths, neon lighting, communal tables and upbeat tunes encouraging late-night revellers to stay well past midnight. "We literally raised the roof to allow people to dance on tabletops," continues Khouzame. The snacks also keep coming, with highlights from upstairs including kofta, dips, chips and grilled honey and za'atar haloumi all available on the after-hours menu. Zaffi is open at 10–14 Little Hunter Street, Sydney, from 5pm–late Tuesday, 12pm–late Wednesday–Thursday, 12pm–4am Friday and 5pm–4am Saturday.
When Winnie-the-Pooh moseyed into a slasher movie in Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, the film endeavoured to prove that there's room in the pop-culture honeypot for multiple takes on AA Milne's beloved bear. More horror flicks are coming, because of course they are. But, embracing the usually cuddly figure's sweet and innocent side, so is a supremely nostalgic, family-friendly stage musical from Disney. Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation debuted back in 2021 Off-Broadway, then took the Hundred Acre Wood and its famous felt residents to Chicago, back to New York, on a tour of the US and to London. The next stop on the Mouse House-created show's itinerary: Australia, starting this winter, and playing capital cities and regional towns alike. Hailing from American Australian producer, writer and director Jonathan Rockefeller, Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation brings Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger to life with puppets — life-sized versions, which look as cuddly and fuzzy as anthropomorphic stuffed toys should. Also joining them is Christopher Robin, in a production that brings together a heap of songs from past Winnie-the-Pooh movies. "The music, the spectacular life-size puppets and the charming performances are the perfect way to introduce (or re-introduce) audiences to live theatre, and this is a must-see show for Winnie-the-Pooh fans," said Rockefeller, announcing the show's Australian run. "We are excited to bring the Hundred Acre Wood to Australia so that audiences of all ages can join us for this heartwarming production." Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation will play Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart, and also has dates booked in everywhere from Dandenong and Bunbury to Launceston and Geelong. Again, this is a firmly all-ages affair, so expect plenty of young Winnie-the-Pooh devotees in attendance. For those keen to see a childhood favourite in a new format, Australia's stages have been delivering blasts from the pasts with frequency over the past few years, spanning Frozen the Musical, Shrek the Musical, Cinderella, Mary Poppins and the upcoming Beauty and the Beast musical in Sydney, just to name a few. WINNIE THE POOH: THE NEW STAGE ADAPTATION AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2023 DATES: July 7 — Drum Theatre, Dandenong July 12–16 — Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane July 20-23 — Sydney Opera House, Sydney July 26–27 — Princess Theatre, Launceston August 3–6 — Theatre Royal, Hobart August 9–10 — Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga August 16–20 — Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide August 23–24 — Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah August 25–26 — Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury August 29–September 3 — Regal Theatre, Perth September 7–9 — Canberra Theatre, Canberra September 14–17 — Riverside Theatre Parramatta, Parramatta September 21–25 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne September 27–28 — Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong September 30–October 1 — Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury Winnie the Pooh: The New Stage Adaptation tours Australia from July — for more information, and for tickets from Thursday, June 15, head to the production's website.
As the name suggests, Treehouse Cafe feels like a secret hideaway. You'll find it in a former country cottage with timber floors and high ceilings, and just behind Ulladulla's legendary Funland, an old-school arcade packed with dodgems, pinball games and air hockey machines. Whether you're with your family, your dog or just yourself, there's plenty of room. The menu's all about generous, good-hearted fare, made with veggies from local farmers and ethically sourced meats. If you're there for brekkie, try the signature eggs Benedict, fancied up with turmeric, dill, capers, olives, paprika sweet potato, garlic mushrooms and wilted spinach. Come lunchtime, you're in for an internationally inspired feast. Head to the Bahamas with the Jamaican Bowl, crowded with spiced jerk-style chicken, brown rice herbed salad, grilled pineapple, cucumber and pickled ginger. Or stay closer to home with 12-hour lamb shoulder, accompanied by roasted fennel, herbed barley, smoked hummus, coconut and bacon flakes. The coffee comes from Young's Art of Espresso, where organic beans are bought directly from independent farmers. If you want to skip coffee, choose from a matcha latte, warmed golden almond milk (spiced with turmeric, ginger and cinnamon) and a bunch of Bodhi organic teas.
Escape to The Millhouse Cottage at Athol Gardens, a private homestead nestled in the heart of Blayney's picturesque farming land. This enchanting and heritage-listed accommodation promises to charm you and your guests with its rustic romantic setting. Originally built in 1865 as a mill, The Millhouse is the most intact of the four mills built in the region. This award-winning cottage is rich in character, built with mellow clay-fired bricks that were made on the property. The two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom cottage sleeps four guests and is surrounded by a stunning six-acre garden. Take in the natural beauty of the garden with its fountains, statues, and tree-lined walks. The garden is over 140 years old and offers a multitude of worthy settings for photographs. The homestead adds a lovely backdrop to this idyllic scene. Inside, The Millhouse boasts a country-style kitchen. Prepare a delicious meal on the Belling double oven or gather around the barbecue. Relax on the terrace or challenge your guests to a game of croquet or pétanque on the lawn. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to The Millhouse Cottage at Athol Gardens for a private and peaceful getaway in the heart of Blayney's farming land.
If you didn't see The Fall Guy, Twisters, Deadpool & Wolverine, Challengers, Inside Out 2, The Substance, Kneecap or It Ends with Us on the big screen already in 2024, here's the perfect way to catch up with them: under the stars, while sprawled out on a picnic blanket or sat on a bean bed, at the latest season of Moonlight Cinema. And if watching Christmas films is one of your festive traditions, here's a scenic way to do that, too, with this annual opportunity to enjoy a movie outside packing its just-dropped first lineup for this year with seasonal flicks. As it does every summer, Moonlight Cinema is returning for another run of films in the open air, including at Sydney's Centennial Parklands from Friday, November 22, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025. Among the brand-new titles, Gladiator II and Wicked are also on the bill, as are an advanced screening of the Hugh Grant (Unfrosted)-starring horror film Heretic. When Paddington in Peru gets the same treatment, you'll want marmalade sandwiches in your picnic basket. The OG version of Mean Girls will grace Moonlight Cinema's screens, too, as will 2023's smash-hit Barbie. For a merry time at the movies — a jolly one as well — the roster of Christmas fare spans the new Red One, as well as classics Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Come January, A Complete Unknown has your Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Part Two) fix covered and the OG Freaky Friday will give you a blast from the past before the sequel arrives later in 2025. Plus, We Live in Time, Heretic and Mufasa: The Lion King will also play under the stars. Other highlights include Gladiator II, Moana 2, Paddington in Peru and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, giving franchises plenty of love; Better Man joining the music-fuelled picks; the Jesse Eisenberg (Sasquatch Sunset)-starring, -written and -directed A Real Pain; and Conclave's tension in the Vatican. Among the retro fare, Bridget Jones's Diary, Shrek and The Princess Diaries will get you looking backwards. As always, the films and the setting are just two parts of the cinema's experience. Also on offer: the returning Aperol spritz bar. Nosh-wise, the event will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks, but the unorganised can enjoy a plethora of bites to eat onsite while reclining on bean beds. There'll also be two VIP sections for an extra-luxe openair movie experience, a platinum package with waiter service and a beauty cart handing out samples. Plus, dogs are welcome — there's even special doggo bean beds. Updated: December 12, 2024.
Bondi is so much more than the most famous beach in the country. The surfside suburb may only be 20 minutes from Sydney's CBD, but it always feels a world away from the shopping malls in the city. There's a relaxed and health-and-environmentally conscious vibe no matter where you shop, from the organic butchers to the eco-friendly health and beauty stores. You can find everything you need to live comfortably by the coast — all within walking distance of the sand — and it feels good to be supporting proud family-owned businesses and local shop owners while you do it. To help you avoid the tourist traps, we've picked our favourite places to shop small in the beachside 'burb, with a little help from American Express. These local stores will be happy to help you find what you need — and you can shop small here with your Amex Card.
You've likely giggled at the quote on the chalkboard out the front as you've meandered down King Street, but have you been inside Elizabeth's Bookshop? If so, you would find a treasure trove of new and second-hand books that any bookworm could lose hours exploring. It is one of those stores that just keeps going, with an expansive range that covers just about every genre. Hard-to-find titles regularly pop up making it a good destination for gifting, be it for yourself or others. If the collection is a little overwhelming, you can always take a punt on the 'Blind Date with a Book' book stand. The concept is fairly straightforward: the books are wrapped in brown paper with a few clues written on the front alluding to the story inside. It's mysterious, fun and takes the pressure off when you just can't decide. Every title is handpicked by Elizabeth's Bookshops staff so the chances of landing a dud are slim.
This independent, non-profit Kings Cross gallery doesn't just take its name from its location. The Cross Art Projects is interested in art that intersects in several ways, too — especially with life and with the public sphere. That's what it has been showcasing since it was founded back in 2003, first on Roslyn Street and then at Llankelly Place since 2009. Step inside, and you'll find boundary-pushing work gracing its walls, all from contemporary artists. All art is designed to spark a conversation, of course, but The Cross Art Projects is committed to hosting them as well — including with activist, heritage and architectural groups.
By now, a huge portion of Sydneysiders have sat at the bar at Restaurant Hubert — usually after waiting in line. So the fact that the team behind the CBD restaurant, the Swillhouse Group, has opened a new venue is welcome news. It has taken over the Surry Hills space once home to Berta and turned it into an entirely new venue: Alberto Lounge. And while its warm Italian trattoria vibes are something of a contrast to the dapper French style of Hubert, its clear the Swillhouse team has stuck with the same formula that has spelled success for all of its venues. Anton Forte — who's at the helm of this buzzy enoteca alongside brother and business partner Stefan Forte, wife Allie Webb and group general manager and fellow Swillhouse member Toby Hilton — sums it up best. "It's friendly service, high-quality product, a fun room, good music, a good vibe," he explains. "I think those core values run through any project we do. Our complete and unadulterated focus is on building the best venue we can." Dive inside Alberto Lounge and you'll find personal space is at a cheerful minimum, the room cosy, classical and heavy on the timber. A laidback joint that works just as well for that two-drink fly-by, as for a long, lazy feast over many bottles of wine. It's all the best parts of a classic trattoria, served up with that Swillhouse touch. Alberto references the team's favourite haunts of recent travels across Italy, with Forte describing it as their idealised 70s Italian restaurant. "It's kind of an extension of our living spaces," he muses. "It's really an expression of who we all are now — it's warm, cosy and super casual." For Forte, Alberto's take on Italian is a little like what Hubert's is on French: traditional in presentation, but with modern technique and ingredients. In the kitchen, it's Hubert Head Chef Dan Pepperell, who's taking the reins on this old-school, new-school mash-up. The menu features plates like creamy burrata, slick peppers in 'crazy water' (an Italian tomato, basil and oil sauce), and a cotoletta, crumbed and crispy. A handful of pasta options are on the menu, too, and might include a hollow-centred bucatini cooked through Amatriciana sauce, depending on when you visit. Meanwhile, the $95 bistecca steak is primed for those settling in for the long haul. The matching drinks offering shows the team's staying true to form, with an impressive back bar creating some top-notch cocktails. The list runs to classic-leaning sips, crafted with care, while the wine selection is a global lineup with a firm focus on Italy. It's got big love for Italian varietals and the likes of old-world Barolo, but also a penchant for newer, natural drops, with iterations from across Jura, the Loire, Australia and Spain. On the whole, Alberto isn't too formal or too stiff. You might have trouble getting in, though — the venue only accepts a small number of bookings each night, so get there early if you're a walk-in. Find Alberto Lounge at 17–19 Alberta Street, Surry Hills. It's open from 5pm till midnight Monday to Thursday, 12pm till midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 12–10pm on Sunday. Images: Kitti Smallbone.
If Taylor Square is involved in your daily commute, you’re probably familiar with the work of Reko Rennie. Now part of the urban texture of Darlinghurst, Always has been, always will be is the unmissable Flinders Street mural. Glowing with lurid pink and bright blue, this work showcases Rennie’s trademark use of geometric diamonds and his neon palette. Echoing the traditional markings of the Kamilaroi people, he combines his Indigenous heritage with a street art aesthetic. In association with blackartsprojects, No Sleep Till Dreamtime is Rennie’s latest solo exhibition. Spread across Chalk Horse and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, it continues to interrogate how Aboriginality is framed in an urban context. Unlike the flat colours and neon lettering of his public projects, this exhibition shares a bigger vocabulary of symbols and explores more complex processes of art-making. In addition to his usual repertoire of spray cans and stencils, Rennie’s technique of hand pressing metallic foil onto boards creates an uneven shine. This evidence of application draws attention to the finer details of these works. In some works, the iconic diamond pattern is printed underneath, intensifying the creases and scratches on the surface. In other works, the pattern is overlaid, as if attempting to wrestle down its unruly consistency. Ideas of sovereignty are prevalent throughout Rennie’s practice, often represented by the repetition of a crown, a star and the Aboriginal flag. These symbols reflect on Australia’s original inhabitants, commemorating a forgotten monarchy. Drawn individually, they look like one fluid gesture, almost like a carefully meditated (but modernised) Zen painting. When combined, they are obsessively repeated like a wallpaper pattern, becoming a kind of iconographic cursive. Interestingly, the crown is also a tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat, the poetic pauper turned art world superstar. Rennie’s introduction to graffiti culture was guided by the New York underground of the '70s and '80s, particularly with the coalescing of hip hop, street art and post-punk. In fact, the title of the exhibition takes its cue from the Beastie Boys’ 1986 single 'No Sleep Till Brooklyn'. Rennie’s cross-fading of vivid colours seems to convey a touch of nostalgia for this era. There's also his use of the hard-edged lightning bolt, which hints at a more local AC/DC flavour. Both eye candy and political punch, Rennie's works pull together symbols from his ancestral tribe, hip hop subcultures and street art gods. It's a very autobiographical practice. He seeks to carve out a strong Aboriginal presence in urban environments, moving beyond one-dimensional portraits of Indigenous Australia.
New restaurants and takeaway joints open every week in Sydney — so much so that it's hard to keep up, let alone determine which ones to visit. But you know what gets our attention? Free stuff. That's why we're pleased to tell you that, to celebrate last week's opening of their new Surry Hills store, Zeus Street Greek will be giving out free souvas to anyone who visits the new location this Friday, June 2. All you have to do is walk into the Foveaux Street store between noon and 3pm on Friday and you'll score yourself a free pita. These are ZSG's version of a souvlaki, which you can get filled with chicken, pork, lamb, falafel, haloumi or soft shell crab. Plus, for each pita given away on the day, ZSG will donate $2 to Weave Community & Youth Services, a charity that supports disadvantaged children, young people and families. Just in case you weren't sure if ZSG was a chain yet — the Surry Hills outpost is their 14th store to open in Australia. They currently have ten stores Sydney and a couple across Canberra, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth, with another four to open imminently. Zeus Street Greek Surry Hills is now open at 2/69-81 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. To celebrate the opening, they will will be giving away free pitas on Friday, June 2 from 12–3pm. For more info visit zeusstreetgreek.com.au.
From New York's Rachel Comey to London's You Must Create, Denmark's Henrik Vibskov to Greece's Esiot and Paris's Cuisse de Grenouille, The Standard Store is the place to find international brands in Sydney. Its carefully curated and constantly evolving selection of high-end clothes, shoes, accessories and homewares is always a pleasure to browse — if only to get a good idea of what's happening in fashion and design around the world. Run by Sydney-based Nicola and Orlando Reindorf, the store also hosts small pop-up events from time to time, so it's worth keeping an eye on its Facebook page for workshops and talks. [caption id="attachment_779690" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] Images: Cassandra Hannagan.
Everyone loves having a big night, whether it's celebrating a friend's birthday, a cheeky date night indulging in one too many vinos or a low-key group dinner that escalated well into the AM. What's not so great? The day after — when you wake up with a splitting headache, parched throat and regrets on caving in to the pleas of "just one more". Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of life-saving meals to revive you to full health when you're feeling a little dusty. Best of all, you can get every one of these meals delivered to you via DoorDash so you won't have to drag yourself out of the house or out of your pyjamas. Go on, sink your teeth into a B&E roll and sip your morning coffee from the comfort of your own bed. We won't judge.
While most Australian states and territories shiver their way through winter, the Top End becomes an ideal vacay destination thanks to its balmy dry season (which runs from May–October). And, if you needed even more reason to escape the winter chill, the region is turning up the heat this season with a stack of arts and cultural events. Sure, Australian cities are in no short supply of creative endeavours. But Darwin is different. Billing itself as the beating heart of First Nations culture and creativity, the Northern Territory's capital has long-recognised the traditional custodians of the land, specifically the Larrakia people. Fittingly, this August, it's got an epic month-long lineup of First Nations-focused exhibitions, runway shows, art fairs and a one-night music celebration. In partnership with Darwin Festival and its Beating Heart of First Nations Culture events series, we've rounded up seven must-see gigs that are not only worth the plane trip, but also represent Australia's past, present and future. So go on — book that flight. [caption id="attachment_817479" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elise Derwin[/caption] DARWIN FESTIVAL August 5–22 Darwin's annual winter party is not shy of events this year, with music, dance, theatre, cabaret and comedy performances popping up across a whole host of Top End locations. Naturally, the three-week fest is championing First Nations performers. You can catch openair concert Buŋgul on opening night (more about this later) and the world-premiere of intercultural dance troupe Marrugeku's provocative new production Jurrungu Ngan-ga (Straight Talk) (August 13–14). The stirring show combines dance and theatre, and is inspired by both Yawuru leader Patrick Dodson and Kurdish-Iranian writer Behrouz Boochani's perspectives on incarceration. Ilbijerri Theatre Company's Heart is a Wasteland (August 11–15) — a play and (whisky-fuelled) live music show of First Nations storytelling — is one you won't want to miss. Also on the bill is singer-songwriter Sycco, of Torres Strait Islander heritage, who's playing alongside Confidence Man and Flight Facilities (August 13). To check out the full program, head to the festival's website. BUŊGUL August 5 We promised you we'd talk more about this one. Kicking off Darwin Festival is this free, openair concert celebrating the music of Gurrumul and the people of North East Arnhem Land. Born blind, proud Galiwin'ku man and award-winning musician Gurrumul (AKA Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupiŋu) was a member of Yothu Yindi and Saltwater Band, and had a successful solo career. Dubbed 'Australia's most important voice' by Rolling Stone Australia, he remains one of the most celebrated — and commercially successful — First Nations musicians. His impact is still deeply felt and Buŋgul is set to shine a light on his genius. Featuring Yolŋu dancers, songmen and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, the opening night event will be held at Darwin Amphitheatre at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens — we recommend getting in early for this one, as spaces are limited. While the concert is free, registration is required. NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS August 7 The music at the Botanic Gardens continues on August 7 with the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA). The event has been celebrating Aussie music for 16 years, and every year it recognises the stellar tunes coming from First Nations musicians from every corner of the country. From emerging artists to those of international acclaim, past awards have been picked up by the likes of Archie Roach, Baker Boy, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan, Gurrumul and JK-47. Get in on all the action and head to Darwin Amphitheatre to see who will add their names to the honour roll and catch a heap of live acts including Baker Boy, Miiesha, Electric Fields, King Stingray, Alice Skye, and Dallas Woods and Kee'ahn. [caption id="attachment_814319" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dylan Buckee[/caption] DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR August 6–8 On the visual arts front, the first weekend of August will see the return of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF). Showcasing more than 70 Indigenous-owned galleries under one roof, the fair is a unique opportunity for you to purchase artworks directly from the source. Misrepresentation of First Nations artists is not uncommon, so if you want to pick up authentic Indigenous artworks in an ethical fashion, DAAF is a surefire bet — 100 percent of sales to date go back into First Nations creative communities. The fair always has an exciting entertainment program, with this year promising dance performances, workshops, material demonstrations and artist talks, as well as food, film and fashion. You can check out the full program on the DAAF website. [caption id="attachment_814321" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Charlie Bliss[/caption] TELSTRA NATIONAL ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AWARDS August 2021–February 2022 The Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), presented by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin, is the longest-running and most prestigious art awards program for First Nations artists. For 37 years, it has celebrated contemporary artworks from around the nation across a broad range of disciplines — from paintings to photography and textile works. What makes the awards so special is the diversity in storytelling; here, you can explore perspectives from coastal regions, desert towns, cities and everywhere between. Can't make it to the Top End this season? The exhibition is running right through to next year. Otherwise, you catch it from your couch thanks to the virtual gallery. [caption id="attachment_814318" align="alignnone" width="1920"] George F Photography[/caption] COUNTRY TO COUTURE August 4 Missed seeing Australian Fashion Week make history with its all-Indigenous fashion showcase this year? No worries — you can still get your fashion fix in the NT this August. Falling under the umbrella of DAAF, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) are set to return on August 3. Launched only last year, the awards are a celebration of the innovative, diverse and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers. DAAF even has its own runway show, dubbed Country to Couture, set to take over Darwin Convention Centre on August 4. The stylish show has run alongside the annual DAAF since 2016 and champions First Nations contemporary fine art, textiles and high-end fashion. For tickets, head to the event website. [caption id="attachment_817282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] 'Ngayuku Ngura – My Country' by Barbara Moore, acrylic on linen. Photo: Elise Derwin[/caption] SALON DES REFUSÉS August 5–September 25 Rounding out the stacked events calendar is Salon des Refusés, presented by Salon Art Projects. This year, the organisation is presenting seven Indigenous art exhibitions across five local galleries from July to September. But it's the much-anticipated aforementioned show, running from August 5 to September 25, that you'll most want to check out. Held in Charles Darwin University Art Gallery, the exhibition showcases works submitted but not accepted into NATSIAA. The high quality of works on display showcase First Nations artists from around Australia, while shining a light on the current state of Indigenous art and what its future might look like. Now in its ninth year, the event is also hosting an opening night shindig on Wednesday, August 4. Time to start planning that trip north? Darwin Festival — and its Beating Heart events — runs from Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 22. For the full program of events, head to the website. Top image: Elise Derwin
Masters of block colour boardies, brewers of insanely good coffee and actual surfing enthusiasts Saturdays NYC have finally opened their very first Australian flagship store — in Bondi, where else? Until now, Saturdays NYC has only been available at stores like Incu around the country. Saturdays started their empire in 2009, selling boards, wetsuits, art and other lifestyle accessories in SoHo. Their wooden-floored Crosby Street digs became New York's go-to downtown surf shop, evolving into the coffee bar-fronted menswear Mecca it is today. After opening another NYC venture in the West Village in 2012, the crew expanded to Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya and Osaka (featuring Saturday's first foray into cafe food). The Bondi store continues the tried and true Saturdays store-and-cafe formula, one that's sure to flourish in the beachside suburb. Sitting on Gould Street, the fitout is inspired by Saturdays NYC's Japan stores, inspired by surf shops of the '50s and '60s with a minimalist finish — we're talking breezy, light-filled spaces with blonde wooden floors and detailing. Like their international chapters, there's a coffee bar up front brewing up Surry Hills' own Artificer beans (a Sydney alternative to their signature Saturday blend, which New Yorkers will cross Manhattan for). And what will you be spending all your Saturday pocket money on? Saturdays specialise in weekend-y essentials, from bright boardies to printed cotton tees, sunglasses to wetsuits, surfing coffee table books to Mr. Zog's Sex Wax — not mention their own magazine. It's basically beachwear and accessories for people that can't always get to the beach — bringing a little Saturday into the boring, boring, suit-wearing workweek. Importantly (for Bondi especially), Saturdays NYC aren't just a brand that talks the surfwear talk, they also actually want you to get in the damn waves (just down the road). There's a unique range of surfboards to buy from both local and international shapers. Coffee Bar: Monday-Saturday 7am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 3pm Retail Store: Monday-Wednesday 10am - 6pm, Thursday 10am - 7pm, Friday-Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm
Sydney has no shortage of speakeasies. Some of the city's best bars are hidden in basements, down unmarked laneways or behind decoy shopfronts. What sets the secret 1920s-inspired hotel bar Brooksy apart is the opulence that it lavishes upon those lucky enough to find it — this is a speakeasy so glamorous, it could make a Gatsby blush. Parquet floors, marble countertops and deep-pile velvet upholstery. Chevrons, curves and polished wood finishes. A palette of corals, umbers, moss greens and midnight blues. Add them all together and Brooksy's luxurious decor is a full-throated love song to the art deco and bauhaus movements, down to the last draped curtain and brushed-brass light fixture. Hidden on the ground floor of the Amora Hotel on Jamison Street in the CBD, it's a space that summons the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, with just a little 21st-century license. And the decadence doesn't stop with the fitout. The cocktail list, designed by award-winning bartender Brendon Hill, is an ode to the golden age of travel — a time when globetrotting socialites crossed continents in search of adventures. Each concoction marks a stop on a grand global itinerary, taking in Australia, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and even the Caribbean. For example, the Uluru (a blend of green grapes, lemon, Campari, gin and white vermouth) seeks to evoke the wonder of exploring the outback, while the Amalfi Coast-inspired Saluti hopes to whisk you away on an Mediterranean retreat via a mingle of house-made citruscello, peach granita and prosecco. Sticking with the theme of 1920s excess, you'll also find absinthe fountains, a roving premium whisky cart and oysters shucked tableside on the menu. The theatrical flourishes continue with the bar's entertainment offering, with live music performances and palm readings by fortune tellers on the billing. If all that excitement has helped you work up an appetite, executive chef Hemant Dadlani's menu of bar snacks is at the ready. It also takes its cues from Hill's international concept, with yuzu scallops with zippy hits of ikura and wasabi, Glacier 51 toothfish served shiro miso and cucumber salsa, and fiery Jamaican jerk chicken sliders among the dishes on offer. A thirst for discovery underpins any speakeasy experience, but Brooksy is upping the ante with the cryptic promise of "hidden offerings and giveaways throughout the bar for those looking closely for clues." And yet, for all its OTT extravagance and luxury trappings, this 70-seat venue is compact enough to still feel intimate and cosy. Find Brooksy at 19 Jamison Street, Sydney, open 5pm–late Tuesday–Saturday — head to the venue's website for more details. Images: Chad Konik.
Ever since opening its Marrickville HQ, Messina has been on a tear of culinary collabs with fellow icons in Sydney's food and drink scenes — as well as expanding its menu from dessert all the way through the day back to breakfast. The latest in that lineup is a one-weekend-only pairing with fellow Marrickville local Olympic Meats, with a two-night takeover of the Messina HQ car park this Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6. If a mix of Messina-made dessert and chargrilled Aussie-Greek delights is exactly the kind of feast that gets your tummy rumbling, you'll want to make a stop for the best car park food that money can buy. What sorts of food you ask? Picture a flaky golden spanikopita (just like it's served at Olympic) packed with wild greens and feta, a lamb shoulder and belly gyro meat 'yeeros' with tsatsoupeli, Messina garlic yogurt, tomato, onion and whey-dressed lettuce and marinated chicken pitogyros with potato, onion, saltsa and pink sauce. Stomach growling yet? What about smoked lamb, pork and kasseri cheese loukanika with Greek Big Mac sauce on a soft roll, or a light watermelon and Colin Woods haloumi salad? We also mentioned dessert: warm loukomades soaked in honey atop a scoop of honey gelato, sprinkled with candied walnuts. You'll be rolling home. Messina Eats: Olympic Meats will run from 12pm until sold out on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, walk-ins only.
Don't get us wrong, we love a relaxed drink at the pub. It's just that sometimes you feel like doing something other than sitting around your local, eating and drinking your regular. While you could wait for the weekend to roll around, you might just miss out on some pretty cool events happening in Sydney right now. To help you come up with the ultimate plan, we've teamed up with the folks from Holey Moley to bring you five ways to kick off the weekend that are better than the usual pub hang. From boozy mini golf to comedy nights, outdoor films and live music sessions, here's where the after work drinks are headed. [caption id="attachment_667548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mitch Lowe.[/caption] PLAY BOOZY MINI GOLF AT HOLEY MOLEY Mini golf with a full-service cocktail bar? Talk about a stroke of genius. Sydney is now home to three Holey Moleys, with the mother-of-all venues located in Darlinghurst beneath the iconic Coca-Cola sign. Swing by for a casual game of putt-putt with friends, which will take you in and around two courses full of novelty pop culture holes. Putt through a game of Pac-Man, past the Simpson's couch, up a yellow brick road and down Elvis' golden throne. If you're looking to sink a few drinks, onsite bar The Caddyshack has more to offer than your average beverage cart. The menu includes a selection of beers and wines, as well as over-the-top cocktails, including the puntastic long island iced tee and espresso partini. If you need a little sustenance before you get your game on, they also serve hot dogs, pizzas, burgers and waffle fries. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Letícia Almeida.[/caption] SIP HYPER LOCAL BREWS Rather than settle for what's on tap at your local, cut out the middle man and head straight to the Inner West where you'll find a steady stream of micro-breweries just minutes apart. If you've invited your posse along, Sauce Brewing Co is home to an exceptionally large beer garden that's as big and green as a public park. Grifter Brewing Co is your go-to for watermelon pilsner, coconut milk stout and a slew of sour beers with excellent names. Batch Brewing Co pours US-style brews and limited edition batches (keep an eye out for the Marrickville Pork Roll wheat ale), while its neighbour Stockade Brew Co offers a core range of sessionable ales alongside curious seasonal releases — maple imperial stout or passionfruit session IPA, anyone? For something you're unlikely to find at a pub, drop by Wildflower and try its fabulously funky ales made from wild foraged yeast. Choose a single brewery or string a few together to create your own craft crawl. SEE A LIVE GIG AT THE VANGUARD The velvet curtains have parted once again at iconic live music venue The Vanguard in Newtown. Cruise by after work for a night of booze and tunes, with live gigs running most nights of the week. Just like in the good old days, the program will focus on jazz and blues, however, you can also catch country, rock and indie music, as well as the occasional burlesque show, too. There's no need to head out for dinner (although King Street has some pretty incredible options), with the kitchen serving up pizzas, charcuterie and snack plates designed to share. Downstairs, the bar will be pouring Young Henrys on tap and sultry cocktails like The Vanguard, made from black cherry and tempranillo with a hit of sweet vermouth. LAUGH OUT ANY WORK-WEEK WOES AT DELLA HYDE On the evenings when you're not feeling particularly witty, let a stand-up comic entertain you and your friends. To start the year, Wes Anderson-themed bar Della Hyde in Darlinghurst has launched a regular comedy night, featuring a line-up of five comedians who promise to get you giggling. If you need to give your aching sides a break, Della Hyde also has a pretty tempting food menu, with headliners like the Southern-style fried chicken and Peking duck spring rolls. Wash it down with one of the skin contact wines or try the Sierra Nevada grapefruit and cactus beer for a laugh (it is actually good though). There are also regular cocktail specials. The next event will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday, February 20, with general admission tickets priced at $10. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
Neighbourhood florist Penny Clarke prides herself on transforming space with floral designs. Operating out of a store in Leichhardt Flowers on Norton St can craft flower arrangements to suit any occasion, be it a garden party, wedding or a grand romantic gesture. The experienced team builds bespoke bouquets for customers, in store or online, from as little as $40 a bunch. There are posies of sweet peas, hardy Australian eucalypts, or bunches that pop with colour. Scale up to a medium-sized ($60) or large ($90), or, if you're planning something special, order locally grown roses, white and pink lilies or blushing orchids starting from $100. [caption id="attachment_776128" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cassandra Hannagan[/caption] You'll also find a selection of plants like peace lilies and monstera, hand creams and soaps, blocks of handmade chocolates and candles. Images: Cassandra Hannagan.
The team behind Surry Hills' much loved yakitori bar Tokyo Bird has launched a new cocktail offering in Chinatown: Bancho Bar. The 100-seat laneway joint hopes to bring the small bar scene to the heart of Haymarket with a combination of matcha negronis, dragonfruit-infused gin, lots of whiskies and pan-Asian bar snacks. Cocktails are at the forefront of Bancho's menu and will feature Asian ingredients sourced from Chinatown's nearby grocers and markets. The list is extensive — split into five categories with over 20 cocktails in all — and specifically takes influence from China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. Seasonal cocktails include the bright pink Dragon's Breath (dragonfruit-infused gin and shochu with raspberry, lemon and basil seeds) and the herbaceous Holy Roller (sugar-cane liquor and prosecco with Thai holy basil, pineapple and lime). Other unusual specialties include the Matcha Chocolate Negroni, which combines gin, French bitters and Lillet Blanc (aromatised wine) with matcha green tea and creme de cacao. And the South-East Sazerac takes a stark departure from the classic — it's got toasted coconut tequila, pandan syrup and aromatic bitters with an absinthe rinse. Sours, spritzes and tropical concoctions make use of sake, umeshu and lychee liqueur. Like at Tokyo Bird, a long list of whiskies will also be on offer, though Bancho Bar will expand from Japanese whisky into Scotch, Taiwanese and Australian varieties, along with independent distilleries. One very special drop on the list is Suntory's extremely rare Hibiki 35-year-old. For repeat offenders, the bar also offers over 30 bottle lockers for storage in between visits. A menu of bar snacks will accompany the drinks, like soft shell crab or agedashi tofu bao and the venue's signature kushikatsu: panko-crumbed and deep-fried skewers, served with cabbage and a house tonkatsu dipping sauce. Choose from seafood options like prawn and scallop, or vego options like lotus root, cherry tomatoes and sweet potato skewers. For cocktail-induced nibbling, there's also the requisite edamame, pork crackling and rice crackers. Bancho Bar is now open at 10 Thomas Lane, Haymarket. It's open Monday through Saturday from 4pm until late, with a 2am license on Friday and Saturday. Images: Jeremy Plaisance.
Paul Rudd probably has an attic. And in that attic, a dusty portrait of the superstar actor is probably ageing, because the man himself doesn't seem to be. That's a perfectly logical explanation for why the Clueless, Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers, Romeo + Juliet, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Parks and Recreation, Wet Hot American Summer and Living With Yourself actor — and Ant-Man star, too — has looked the same for decades. And, it inspires a question: if you keep Rudd's likeness somewhere in your house, will you stop getting older as well? Will you start looking like Paul Rudd instead? That's a situation no one would complain about. Whatever might happen, a very real book written by Rudd's very fictional Marvel Cinematic Universe alter ego is on its way, so soon you can pop it on your shelf and find out. That tome is Look Out for the Little Guy, as penned by Scott Lang — aka Ant-Man. It's just been announced because a not-at-all-tun movie called Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits cinemas on Thursday, February 16. And yes, this new text will feature in that flick. See the film, buy the fake memoir: that's what's on offer for MCU fans, Ant-Man stans and Paul Rudd obsessives (so, everyone). In Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Lang has penned the book, detailing his time saving the world. Unsurprisingly, the autobiography has proven popular. The Disney-owned Marvel will be hoping the real text does the same, of course, when it hits bookstores on Tuesday, September 5. According to the official synopsis, the memoir steps through "a bracingly honest account" of Lang's "struggles and triumphs, from serving time to being a divorced dad to becoming Ant-Man and joining The Avengers". Readers are also in for "stories of epic battles won and lost, as this everyman turned super hero finally tells all — from the official account of what really happened between The Avengers and Thanos to how shrinking down to ant-size really feels to the challenges of balancing the roles of hero and dad". Look Out for the Little Guy also has a trailer, because Marvel and the Mouse House realise that the best way to sell anything involving Paul Rudd is just giving the world what we want: more Paul Rudd. "In this new book I'm almost certain was not written by me, we pull back the curtain and uncover the man behind Ant-Man: Scott Lang," the actor advises. "Who is he? What's he like? Why does he look so much like me?" Check out the Look Out for the Little Guy trailer below: Scott Lang's Look Out for the Little Guy will hit bookstores on Tuesday, September 5, and is available to pre-order now — head to the Disney Books website for further details. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 16.
One underground restaurant dedicated to steak wasn't quite enough for Bistecca's James Bradey and Warren Burns. The Liquid and Larder directors, and minds behind The Wild Rover and Grandma's Bar, have just opened The Gidley — an opulent basement restaurant inspired by old-school New York and London steakhouses. The subterranean setup means there are no windows and no distracting "beautiful harbour views", says Bradey. Lack of distractions is a passion of the restaurateur duo, who banned phones at the table at their original steak spot Bistecca. The same goes here, too. Instead of Instagram, you'll be soaking up the lusciously designed space, by Darlinghurst studio Tom Mark Henry, which was made to feel like a "rabbit warren" that you could lose yourself in. Split into several rooms, including a lounge, dining area, wine bar and private room, the restaurants seats about 120 all up. Expect lots of velvet (both drapery and furnishings), along with dark timber veneer, herringbone floors and plush leather lounges — aka all those vintage steakhouse feels. Linking the space back to its home shores is the ornate wallpaper, which depicts native Australian flora and fauna. "It's a fun bit of 80s nostalgia," explains Bradey, who says the space is a throwback to a time when "the stock market was booming and everyone was wearing big puffy jackets". [caption id="attachment_751374" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] Overseeing the menu, which has its own notable throwbacks, is Bistecca Head Chef Pip Pratt. Taking inspiration from supper clubs and steakhouses, the menu heroes one dish: the Riverine black angus rib eye. Here, it's done three ways: chargrilled on-the-bone, a classic prime rib roast in either English cut (300 grams) or Gidley cut (700 grams) and a hard-to-come-by spinalis steak. "That fatty side of the rib eye is called the spinalis, and we've taken it off and are cooking it as its own standalone steak," say Bradey. "It's very rich, decadent and delicious." To finish your steak off, douse it in your choice of green goddess, confit garlic mustard or truffle, mushroom and burnt butter sauce. While the rib eye is the star of the show, unlike Bistecca, steak isn't the sole dish vying for your attention here. Other mains include whole grilled flounder with butter and lemon, brick chicken in a good old-fashioned British bread sauce and a savoury pumpkin pie that's layered with whipped goat's cheese and better resembles a lasagna. It wouldn't be a traditional steakhouse without a burger, either — this one has a double beef patty with cheddar, pickles and optional bacon and egg. There's also a raw bar serving up the likes of oysters, caviar and prawn cocktails for starters, plus heaps of sides and salads — expect mac 'n' cheese, potato gratin and caesar salad sit alongside broccolini with braised leek and shaved brussels sprouts. Desserts come with a bit of nostalgia, too, with the likes of pecan pie, raspberry cheesecake and bowls of chocolate and eucalyptus ice cream. Prefer drinking your desserts? Order the banana split old fashioned cocktail with ice cream-washed Jack Daniels and salted maple syrup. [caption id="attachment_751371" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dominic Loneragan[/caption] Since no steak is complete without a good glass of red, there's, thankfully, plenty of that. The extensive wine program is looked after by Bistecca's award-winning sommelier Alice Massaria, with the 13-page list featuring many well-made drops from many well-known brands, many of which are bio-dynamic and sustainable. Massaria's list also shines a light on female winemakers, with a special focus on Vanya Cullen of Cullen Estate. Bartender extraordinaire Jonothan Carr (Archie Rose, Kittyhawk, Door Knock, Burrow Bar) is pouring a "straight and stiff" array of batched and bottled cocktails. Expect all of your usual suspects and more creative options, including negronis for two and martinis served on silver trays. Other house specialties include toasted chamomile spritzes and a banana split old fashioned. Find The Gidley at 161 King Street, Sydney. It's open Tuesday–Saturday from 5.30pm–late and Friday 12–3pm. Images: Dominic Loneragan
Mama Lor is a family-owned and operated restaurant dishing up traditional Filipino food with the care and love that you'd expect from a home-cooked meal. This Rooty Hill restaurant is a local favourite and dishes up the best of The Philippines' cuisine straight from the charcoal pit and onto your plate. Of course, like all good Filo restaurants, there's also lechon (suckling pig). Choose from regular, large or family sized, then add some rice and dipping sauce, and you've got yourself a killer meal. Images: Cassandra Hannagan
When Parrtjima — A Festival in Light announced its 2025 program, the numbers were impressive, with the event's tenth edition featuring works by 20-plus First Nations artists, plus more than 100 performers and special guests. But nothing sells this Australian celebration of Indigenous arts more than the spectacular end results each year, when the fest lights up the Northern Territory. For 2025, that time is now, and it's once again a dazzling sight to behold. Parrtjima — A Festival in Light has so firmly established itself as a highlight of Alice Springs, the Red Centre and Australia's cultural scene that it's hard to imagine a time before it. Getting a 2.5-kilometre stretch of 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges glowing every evening is the reliable star of the show; however, that's just the beginning. Heading along this year also means being welcomed by The Gateway at Parrtjima's entrance, for instance, where towering poles by artists from Antulye, Irlpme, and Mparntwe groups are greeting guests. Also, Balanggarra and Yolŋu artist Molly Hunt's Three Generations of Station Women is an animated comic strip that honours Aboriginal stockwomen, with actor Mark Coles Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar) on soundtrack duties. Then there's Bobby West Tjupurrula's Hypnotic Reverberations, creating a moving dreamscape out of beams of light, mist and reflections on a shallow pool. From Lyall Giles, Transforming Light & Country isn't just about sand dune patterns — it gets festivalgoers playing with them, using drums to create rings of light. 2025's Parrtjima kicked off on Friday, April 4, and runs until Sunday, April 13. The MacDonnell Ranges Light Show is among past favourites on the bill, again pairing its eye-catching display with classical music and Arrernte language. Another: Grounded, asking attendees to look down instead of up. A festival of lights in the NT was always going to incorporate the red earth, too, which is where large-scale projections turn the soil into a canvas. This year's version features six artworks. Budgerigar Dreaming Ngatijirri Jukurrpa is also back, using shapes from Wirliyajarrayi artist Myra Nungarrayi Herbert Patrick's paintings in neon-hued abstract bird sculptures — and so is Johnny Young and David Wallace's four-metre-tall The Language of Stockmen. While the fest's first weekend has been and gone, the program still has the Darwin Symphony Orchestra to come, in what'll be Parrtjima's first-ever orchestral performance. Gigs by Dem Mob, Dobby, Desert Divas and Warren H Williams & Western Wind are also part of the upcoming lineup, as is the festival's debut comedy night, with Andy Saunders and Sean Choolburra sparking laughs. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light runs until Sunday, April 13, 2025, at venues around Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For more information, visit the festival website. Images: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light / Che-Chorley. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
ICYMI: July is officially Rum Month. To celebrate, world-class rum purveyor Bacardí has teamed up with a collection of Sydney venues to offer special pours that'll transport you from the cold to the Caribbean in one sip. Sydney Harbour Marriott's Three Bottle Man is celebrating with three classic rum cocktails made with Bacardí's range. Choose between the mojito, daiquiri and a Mang-Colada a spin on the tropical tipple made with Queensland mangoes. [caption id="attachment_966026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Three Bottle Man, credit Yusuke Oba[/caption] Hilton Sydney and West Curio are also getting involved in the celebrations, serving a twist on the tropical classic piña colada. Fun fact: the tropical coconut and pineapple cocktail is claimed to have been invented by Caribe Hilton Hotel's bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero in San Juan, Peurto Rico, in 1954, making this year the 70th anniversary of the popular drink. To celebrate, there will be exclusive offers and events at more than thirteen Hilton Hotels across the country. Everyone's favourite rum bar in the Inner West, Jacoby's Tiki Bar, doesn't shy away from getting creative. This Rum Month it's focusing on the classics with a mojito, daiquiri and piña colada joining the menu. Head down for a night of drinks, adventures and kooky interiors. [caption id="attachment_637543" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacoby's, Katje Ford[/caption] Paddington's mainstay, the Paddo Inn, has transformed its back bar into a 'nautical paradise'. Expect numerous rum cocktails, including mojitos, daiquiris, piña coladas and more. It's an ideal spot to escape the winter chill. Low and Lofty's in Cronulla is saluting the month with a selection of classic rum cocktails, including the Ocho Old Fashioned, made with Bacardí Reserva Ocho rum, simple syrup and a couple of dashes of bitters. It goes down well with the refined pub grub on the menu. Founded over 160 years ago in 1862, Bacardí is the world's number-one selling rum. The brand has been family-owned and operated for seven generations in the Caribbean, and its rum master blenders still employ the same time-honoured distilling processes using only the best sugarcane and pure, pristine water. It's aged in American oak barrels, imparting a vanilla taste to the spirit and a tinge of colour to the rested varieties. Top Image: Three Bottle Man, credit Yusuke Oba
Aboriginal & Pacific Art gallery taps in to the strong heritage of the area, exhibiting contemporary Aboriginal works from established and emerging artists. Director Gabriella Roy founded the gallery in 1996 and continues to work with advisors from around the country to house a diverse range of art and artefacts. The gallery represents works by artists and community centres from across the country, including South Australian weaver Yvonne Koolmatrie and Yarrenyty Arltere Artists in the Northern Territory. Image: Kitti Smallbone
Perched on Brisbane's inner-city outskirts for the past 141 years, the XXXX Brewery has become a bona fide landmark. It's the source of much of the beer drunk across town, a place to sip plenty of pints after seeing where the brewing magic happens, and — noticeably — the reason that the suburb of Milton often smells like yeast. This November, it'll also become Brissie's newest music venue, with the iconic spot hosting a festival with bands and brews for the first time ever. Knocking back cold ones while you're catching live tunes may be an everyday gig experience; however, usually when you're enjoying this combo, you're not hanging out in a huge brewery. XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery will change that when it takes over the site from 2–9pm on Saturday, November 16. Not only is it the XXXX Brewery's first event of this kind — it's the first time it has opened its gates to the public, other than for tours or to patrons at the onsite Alehouse, for 26 years. While the music lineup won't be revealed until mid-September, Brisbanites can look forward to five local and interstate artists, who'll all perform at the base of the brewery's towering, logo-adorned silos. The folks at Jet Black Cat Music have been charged with picking the bill, building on their past work at the End Of The Line Festival and drawing upon the curatorial skills evident in their West End record store. As well as bands, XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery will have food stalls, a post-fest shindig at the Alehouse and plenty of limited-edition merchandise — should you need a souvenir from your day spent drinking and partying at the home of the Milton Mango. And, while the festival is a once-off affair, attendees will get two chances to wander around the XXXX site, with each ticket also including a free return visit before June 30, 2020 for a brewery tour. XXXX Presents: Live at the Brewery takes place from 2–9pm on Saturday, November 16 at the XXXX Brewery, 185 Milton Road, Milton. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 9am on Monday, September 16 — sign up here for further details. We'll let you know when the lineup drops in mid-September.
