As lockout laws push weekend revellers further outside the CBD, Newtown's King Street has long offered an alternative to areas like Kings Cross. Drinks are served until the pub shuts and the music is… well, the music is still pretty strictly policed. But the times, they are a-changing, according to Bourke St boss and new owner of the Botany View Hotel, Paddy Coughlan, and we should be looking to the south. South King Street, that is. The Sydney Park end of Newtown's main drag hosts a slew of pubs that have carried the 'Keep Newtown Weird' flag for years, keeping the music loud and frequent, and punters happy with a good brew, great company, and especially live music. "I think that south end of King Street represents all that used to be good about Newtown in general, and a big part of that was live music," says Coughlan. "We need to support and foster music venues." Under his ownership, the Botany View Hotel will host live music every Friday and Saturday night, representing the up and comers in the local music scene. Reviving the old vibe, for Coughlan, means maintaining the authentic edge of a pub's pub. "I like to think people come to our pubs for the authenticity of what we're doing", he said, "not because we've overthought every piece of furniture." The Botany View will also aim to rehash the grub at the pub, looking to nail down a menu that the everyday punter can get behind with good quality produce and reasonably priced food. Though, with two of his other venues, the Lord Gladstone and the Lady Hampshire, serving their fair share of tacos and burgers, Coughlan hints to expect something a bit more "considered". The revival of King Street's south end is already underway, with Coughlan pointing out stalwarts like the Union Hotel and the Sydney Park Hotel, as well as the Botany View Hotel, as part of "our own little community" — although we'll be sad to see the final days of Newtown Social Club. With pubs like these continuing to support live music, good feeds, and cheap beers, Coughlan is confident the "that old Newtown vibe" is on its way back. "The already strong sense of community will get stronger," he says, which is something we can all raise our lighters to. Find the Botany View Hotel at 597 King Street, Newtown. Final renovation dates TBC.
Kiko Design is the lush floral and styling studio sitting prettily in Rosebery's La Porte Space. Here, you can expect grand architectural bouquets, statement arrangements and an abundance of flower-filled vases — and a bespoke approach to your next event's styling needs. It's a family affair too, with the winning blooms biz helmed by the husband-and-wife duo of Kowsh and Josh Rawson. Kowsh (pictured above) has always had a natural affinity with petalled creativity. With a CV chockers with experience in the Harbour City's leading floral studios — like Hermetica Flowers and Poho Flowers — it was a venture she was called to. Since launching in 2017, Kiko Designs has seen Kowsh creating arrangements for both homes and editorial features, taking on the styling for both weddings and the most fashionable of events, all with her partner alongside. Those after the standout blooms can choose from bunches full of pastels or the brilliance of a sunset, or the classic all white with a backdrop of green foliage. You can opt for the simple elegance of exclusively red roses, the romantic's go-t0, or leave it to your florist with a seasonal selection. A bouquet of classic roses, with each petal artfully curled back, will eternally be a winning gift. Or, choose to go all out and opt for the biggest and boldest: The Statement. For any and every floral need you might have, dear reader, Kiko Design is a stellar choice. You'll find Kiko Design at La Porte Space in Rosebery. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 8am–4pm. Drop in or order online and have your blooms delivered. For more information, head to the website.
It's been a whirlwind time for Sydney's hospitality scene. This time last year, two of the city's favourite restaurants announced they'd be closing their doors within weeks of each other. First, it was Enmore Road's beloved neighbourhood diner Hartsyard, followed by Chippendale's longstanding hatted restaurant Automata. While it's always tough to see your favourites close, the dust has now settled with a host of exciting new opportunities springing forward from the turnover. Automata's Clayton Wells is running Mod Dining at the Art Gallery of NSW and is now the Group Creativity Director (Culinary) at Public Hospitality, Hartsyard's Dot Lee and Jarrod Walsh have taken over the food and drink operations at The Old Clare and finally, Wells' old Automata digs have now been transformed into Longshore, Lee and Walsh's new seafood restaurant and wine bar. The dining room has been given a makeover by design firm Guru Projects which maintains the sleek welcoming atmosphere that Automata boasted, welcoming up to 80 guests at a time for lunch and dinner. The menu can be approached from a few different angles, but the ideal way is to head in with an open mind and tackle one of the set menus that spotlights fresh and sustainable produce from both the sea and the land. "We're thrilled to be opening Longshore and bringing the suburb's first wine bar and restaurant to Chippendale," says Walsh. "Our menu is inspired by coastal ingredients and techniques from around the world, and we're excited to showcase the best of what our local producers have to offer." The centrepiece of the kitchen's offerings is an $80 experimental ten-course snack flight. If you're someone who loves to try a bit of everything, this is for you. Sample your way through the hot and cold elements of the menu including coral prawn tartlet with shellfish mayo, pickled Jervis Bay mussels, kangaroo tartare, glazed green lip abalone crumpets, Margra lamb ribs and salt and vinegar potato scallops. There's also a more standard a la carte menu and a pair of larger tasting menus — a $150 five-course degustation for dinner or a $100 three-course set menu for lunch. Other highlights to keep an eye out for include cured yellowfish tuna, dry-aged swordfish steak with XO butter and Westholme wagyu tri-tip with bone marrow sauce. As with Hartsyard, the drinks list is also integral to the Longshore experience. The wines focus on a diverse range of sustainable producers that make crisp drops destined to be paired with some fresh seafood. The cocktails also have a sustainable streak, like the strawberry old-fashioned which uses a zero-waste, house-infused strawberry whisky. The open-plan dining room provides the best spot in the house, with prime views of the kitchen, but if you're on the hunt for somewhere in Chippendale to pop in to discover your next favourite wine paired with a few next-level snacks, there's also 12-seat al fresco area for short stays. Then, you can always head up to The Old Clare's rooftop bar for a poolside cocktail. [caption id="attachment_905602" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jason Loucas[/caption] Longshore is located at 5 Kensington Street, Chippendale. It's now open for lunch Friday–Sunday and dinner Thursday–Saturday and Monday. Images: Jason Loucas
If the old wardrobe needs a bit of a pick-me-up, get yourself over to SWOP quickly. This delightful secondhand clothing store in Darlinghurst is all about unique, beautiful and sustainable fashion. Inspired by the culture of vintage exchange in the United States, SWOP promotes anti-waste, affordability and sustainability — so it's the perfect place to go for conscious fashion. With both contemporary and vintage threads hanging in colour-coded order, this store is a goldmine for finding that one-off piece your wardrobe needs. Images: Saskia Wilson.
This global franchise created quite the buzz when it landed on Australian shores. From its humble beginnings in Japan in 1985, Ippudo now boasts over 100 locations across the world firmly securing its place as a ramen mecca. Despite its location inside the Westfield Sydney food court, this particular outpost still achieves the authentic ramen house feel. It might have something to do with the queues and bustling atmosphere. Then again, it could be the fit-out. It is a mostly black, red and timber palette with a fun wall display of traditional spoons. There is a blend of long communal tables for groups and bar-style seating overlooking the kitchen to keep individual diners entertained. For first-timers, the shiromaru — Hakata-style ramen with juicy pork loin, crunchy bean sprouts and silky black mushrooms — is the speciality that put Ippudo at the top of the ramen trade. Add the nitamago, a delicious yet slippery whole flavoured egg, at your own risk. Whatever your ramen preference, order the noodles hard, as recommended — they will keep cooking as you make your way through the bowl, slowly but surely. Ippudo Sydney combines local products with Ippudo's flavouring and noodle concept; the Aussie patrons are also considered in the unconventional shojin, a vego option with seaweed and whole grain noodles that would not be present on a Japanese menu. If you're feeling extra peckish, order kaedema — an extra serving of noodles — ensuring you have enough broth left over to slurp them down with. Or perhaps explore the rest of the menu, which features signature steamed buns, gyoza and a selection of meat and rice dishes including karaage chicken and salmon sashimi.
It's been a few years now since Westfield Miranda unveiled its renovations, including its brand new food court and fresh food precinct. And one of the best additions to the area was The Grocery Store, a grocer overflowing with fresh produce and quality goods. The store is run by veteran grocer Charlie Evripidou and his two sons At the entrance of the store is a cafe that serves coffee, freshly squeezed juice, fruit salads, yoghurts and cakes, if you're looking for a place to refuel during a shopping marathon. Venture into the spacious store and you'll find more fresh fruit and veg, plus a deli and shelves packed with pasta, sauces, canned goods, nuts and more. And the refrigerated section features ready meals, Fresh Fodder dips, kombucha and yoghurt. The store offers delivery across the Sutherland Shire and St George areas (free for orders over $50) via its website, with same-day delivery available in some cases, too. Images: Leigh Griffiths
So, you want to save some money. Perhaps you're looking to finally put a deposit down on your first home. Or maybe your ol' clunker of a car is on its last kilometres. Or do you simply want to treat yourself to that pair of Gucci sunnies you know you don't actually need but you can't stop thinking about? Often, while we're in savings mode, we switch to totally denying ourselves the things we love, making ourselves miserable in the process. But the good news is you don't have to give up everything. Save smarter, not harder. And have fun doing it. To help get you started, we've partnered with Great Southern Bank to come up with some easy ways to save without having to live a totally joyless existence. From chopping your weekly food bill to a banking hack that'll have you adding to your savings without even noticing, these tips will keep you on track. BECOME YOUR OWN BARISTA We know, we know. You need your caffeine fix. We're not saying to cut that double-shot oat milk latte altogether, but buying one or two a day adds up really quickly. Keen to crunch some numbers? Let's say your average coffee costs $4 and you buy two every day — that's $2920 spent on java every year. Add that up over five years and it's a whopping $14,600. Instead, invest in a bit of kit to get your coffee hit at home. Proper espresso machines are great, but also pricey. Keep an eye out for a secondhand one and you might be able to score a bargain. Alternatively, get a good percolator and some quality beans. You can score a percolator for as little as $12 (that's three coffees) that'll last for years to come. For beans, you can get your fix from top Aussie coffee roasters. While price varies due to blends, beans and all sorts of things, beans from local roasters will usually cost somewhere between $15–23 for 250 grams (about 35 cups worth). You might even want to throw a milk frother into the mix, then you'll be whipping up deluxe coffee at home in no time. Best of all, you can do it all in your dressing gown. Then, once a week or so, treat yourself to the real deal at that local cafe with the cute barista. You're only human, after all. DITCH THE CROWDED COMMUTE This one is kind of a no-brainer for inner-city dwellers. Why go through the hassle of being packed onto hot and crowded public transport, especially in the age of social distancing? The same goes for driving — nobody wants to waste time (and petrol) sitting in traffic. Even if it means starting half an hour sooner than you would normally, walking to your destination means you're getting exercise and saving money. For longer trips look into getting a bike, scooter or skateboard (again, secondhand bargains are everywhere). If you have to travel quite the distance, electronic bikes are a godsend. Whether you're already in the office or are going back when restrictions further ease, ditching the public transport life even once or twice a week is better for the bank, the environment and your physical and emotional wellbeing. MEAL PREP LIKE A PRO Meal prepping: it sounds tedious at first, but once you get into the swing of it, it's really not that much of a hassle. And, spoiler alert, it can actually be fun — or, at least, it'll give you a sense of achievement on an otherwise unproductive Sunday. If you're a novice, start simple: try roasting a whole chook with veggies. You'll easily get a couple of dinners out of it, and the leftover meat can be used for sandwiches, salads and burrito bowls. Oh, and don't bin the carcass — it'll make a great homemade stock that you can portion out and freeze for later. Don't eat meat? Dust of that slow cooker and make a huge dhal for an easy-yet-nourishing feed. The more prep you do, the better and more inventive you'll get with it. Soon your homemade lunches will easily surpass that underwhelming $18 toastie you ordered on Uber Eats. FOLLOW THE SEASONS Now that you're on the way to becoming a whiz in the kitchen, you'll want to know how to cut down that grocery bill. It's just simple supply and demand, really. Shopping seasonally means that if you're buying something that's readily available the price is lower as there are fewer costs going into acquiring it. We're incredibly fortunate in Australia to have amazing fruit and veg available all year round, but certain things grow in abundance in summer rather than winter and vice versa. So, embrace shopping and cooking seasonally. You'll eat well and expand your repertoire while saving so that it feels almost natural. [caption id="attachment_737580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt[/caption] GET THRIFTY Thrift shops, Salvos, Vinnies, Depop, Facebook Marketplace — there's no end to the bargains and unique pieces you can find without the hectic price tags. More often than not, op shops are located near other op shops so you can make a day of traversing a few and seeing what you can find. Pro tip: go to affluent suburbs, where you're more likely to uncover some rare gems in top condition. And while you're mindlessly doomscrolling on your phone at night, try browsing on Depop. You'll be surprised and delighted by the great designer pieces you can find from the likes of 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne Studios, Zimmermann and more. EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Spring is here, so it's time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. And it'll be lighter on the wallet than a night on the town. Pack a picnic and head to the park for a long-awaited catch-up with your mates. If you're lucky, you'll be able to snag a public barbecue to have a cook-up and embrace the simple pleasures of a DIY outdoor feast. Toss a frisbee or a football, challenge your buds to a game of Finska, and stuff sausages into your pockets so all the dogs come to play with you. Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea. BANK BETTER Knowing where your money is and why you're choosing to put it there is important in terms of goals and improving your overall financial literacy. If you're clamouring to get your first home, choose a bank that maximises your saving potential, such as Great Southern Bank. Great Southern Bank is empowering young Aussies with their banking to get them to their savings goals faster. Whether you're saving for a house deposit or just want to develop better banking habits, Great Southern Bank has a number of smart tools and features to get you there. One is The Boost, where you can set a predetermined amount (between $0.01 and $5) from your everyday transaction account to be automatically transferred to your savings account every time you make a purchase. That means every sambo, short black and schooner is subtly boosting your savings. Once you've got that all set up, you'll want to keep your savings fund from shrinking. For instance, if you get a bit tap happy when you're out having a good time (who doesn't), your bank balance can take quite the hit. This is where having a spending cap on your account can come in handy. Be realistic about how much you'll need depending on the activity. And, here's the tricky part: don't transfer more. You'll thank yourself later. Great Southern Bank is empowering Aussies to get clever with their banking. Whether you want to stick to your savings goals with The Boost or hide your house deposit fund from yourself with The Vault, Great Southern Bank helps you get there. For more information on savings tools and home loan options, head to the Great Southern Bank website. Top image: SWOP Clothing Exchange, Trent van der Jagt
You can't go wrong with chocolate. You just can't. Kakawa, the gluten-free chocolatiers, make chocolate masterpieces with only natural ingredients and have a whole heap of goodies just for Christmas. Get your hands on a Christmas tree decoration, a chocolate Bambi along with a forest of chocolate Christmas trees for him to frolic in, or go all out and splurge on a 'ginger breadless house' made entirely out of chocolate (hold the gingerbread). And for the especially cool character in your family, a chocolate cigar is all they'll need at the end of a big Christmas lunch. Image: Trent Van der Jagt.
Keen for a solid burg in the CBD today? There's a cheeky little burger battle happening underneath Martin Place, with the genuine wizards at Pub Life Kitchen taking on the burgers of Barrio Cellar. On Thursday, August 27 from 12-3pm, the PLK Cheeseburger will take on the Barrio Burger, giving you an excuse to wolf down more than your average recommended burger portion for a regular Thursday. Not familiar with the competition? PLK have earned their stripes in burgery serving seriously excellent creations inside Ultimo's tiny Lord Wolseley Hotel. PLK have been known to put everything from Dorito fried chicken to chilli jam doughnuts on their buns, so don't underestimate these guys. Needless to say, their cheeseburger is a force to be reckoned with. Barrio Cellar, while they're probably known more for tacos and tequila, have created a worthy weapon of their own — the meaty, meaty, oh-so-cheesy Barrio Burger. This really is the best way any Thursday lunch could go. Bring on the burgs.
Update Thursday, November 9: Fabbrica Pasta Bar will no longer be opening in The Empire Hotel when it's revamped as The Federal. Find out more here. Several of the most-exciting names in Sydney's hospitality scene are coming together to reinvigorate a historic Annandale hotel. PUBLIC and the Maybe Group are teaming up with the equally beloved Love Tilly Group to transform Parramatta Road stalwart The Empire Hotel, refreshing the pub's current offerings, and bringing both a Maybe Frank pizzeria and Fabbrica Pasta Bar to the venue. Before The Empire opened all the way back in 1902, it was originally slated to be called Federal Hotel. As part of the refresh, PUBLIC is entwining some history into the makeover and renaming it The Federal. You can expect the new pub to reopen in October, complete with a sports bar and the addition of the two much-hyped new culinary additions. Boutique accommodation will follow early in 2024, with the 21-room hotel set to offer sleek and affordable stays for Sydneysider staycations, family and friends visiting Annandale or Stanmore residents, and tourists looking to soak in a dose of the Inner West. Sitting on the corner of Parramatta Road and Johnston Street, The Empire currently offers your standard pub affair, with affordable beers, a family-friendly diner and a no-frills sports bar. PUBLIC Executive Chairman Jon Adgemis hopes that the transformation will see the hotel regain its place as the neighbourhood's bustling social hub. "When we're creating an enhanced vision for a property, we want to expand on what already exists within the suburb, and offer locals even more experiences from both a hospitality and accommodation perspective," said Adgemis. The 80-seat Fabbrica Pasta Bar Annandale will arrive at the former Empire Hotel with the classic stylings of the Love Tilly Group. Expect the city-best pasta that the group has perfected across openings like Ragazzi, Palazzo Salato and Fabbrica Balmain — plus, the passion for the interesting, minimal-intervention wines you've come to expect at bars like Love, Tilly Devine and La Salut. [caption id="attachment_918402" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dexter Kim[/caption] "Off the back of the success of Fabbrica Pasta Bar Balmain, we're really excited about bringing our spaghetti cacio e pepe and cotoletta alla Milanese to another of our favourite neighbourhoods: Annadale," said Love Tilly Group's Founder and Director Matt Swieboda. As if one industry-leading eatery wasn't enough, the pub will also boast a new outpost for the award-winning Maybe Group's pizzeria Maybe Frank. Antipasti, woodfired pizza and a cocktail menu from Maybe Sammy's Paolo Maffietti will all be available in the 66-seat indoor dining room and covered terrace. "Maybe Frank is all about relaxed dining and the space we're taking over in The Federal suits that perfectly," said PUBLIC Executive Director of Business Development Vince Lombardo. "There is a heap of natural light streaming into the terrace, plus we'll be showing silent classic Italian movies from the 50s and 60s in the dining room so both spaces will have a lot of energy and atmosphere." [caption id="attachment_918403" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Fabbrica Pasta Bar Balmain, Dexter Kim[/caption] The Empire Hotel will reopen as The Federal at 103 Parramatta Road, Annadale, in October 2023. Inside, you'll find new outposts for both Fabbrica and Maybe Frank — keep an eye on the venue's website for further details.
If ever there was anything Huckleberry Finn and Jim wished they sailed past as they made their way down the Mississippi River, surely it was a music festival. The Riverboats Music Festival is that dream come to life — and about 14,500 kilometres from Old Man River. Set in the twin-towns of Echuca-Moama, the festival takes place under towering river red gums in a natural amphitheatre next to the mighty Murray River. Sip local wine as you dance the night away to incredible music acts — this year will see Neil and Liam Finn headlining, as well as performances by Josh Pyke, Kasey Chambers and a whole stack of others. Mouthwatering regional food will also be on offer, as historic paddle steamers meander past on the Murray and the chorus of corellas welcome the sunset. Perhaps one of the prettiest and most laid-back music festivals in Australia.
UPDATE: APRIL 21, 2020 — Wholegreen's CBD bakery is currently closed, but the original Waverley outpost is still open for takeaway and delivery. You can place an order for its gluten free bread, croissants, muffins and sausage rolls via the website. When you're used to having only one option on a menu, it's easy to be flawed with indecision when you actually have to make a choice. So be patient if the queue sometimes stalls at Wholegreen Bakery — everything here is 100 percent gluten-free, and the options for coeliac and gluten intolerant Sydneysiders are delightfully extensive. Owner Cherie Lyden got into gluten-free when her daughter was diagnosed as coeliac and needed to eliminate gluten from her diet. She quickly found she was "disappointed with what was available on the market" and, in an effort to lift the — sometime dismal — standards of gluten-free products, she started doing what no one else was doing at the time: making actually good gluten-free bread. She's operated the wholesale side of the business for five years now, and the Waverley cafe for three. The bakery is particularly exciting for coeliacs because the kitchen is completely gluten-free, so nothing at Wholegreen has the chance to be cross contaminated. Coeliacs have a sensitive reaction to even a small trace of gluten, so much so, that baking 'gluten-free' loaves in the same oven as regular bread (or even putting them in the same toaster) essentially strips it of its gluten-free credentials. To that end, Lyden says that Wholegreen "provides a space where people can eat with confidence". It took Lyden and her team of bakers around six months of testing and tweaking to get the sourdough recipe right — that is, crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, and without the use of preservatives and gums. At the shop, she sells straight-up loaves alongside seeded, fruit and olive ones for $8.50 each, as well as baguettes and rolls. Everything is baked in-house each morning, meaning that baguettes on the front counter (filled with ham, cheese and salad) can be eaten fresh — a rare occurrence in gluten-free sandwich eating. And, yes, there are pastries. Pastries! But only on Fridays and Saturdays. On those days, the kitchen team rolls out mounds of flaky, glossy croissants (plain and almond), pain au chocolats, pain aux raisins, fruit danishes and caramel twists. They're denser and more cakey than regular croissants — and they're usually all sold out by mid-morning. Other, week-round treats, may include muffins, lemon tarts, chocolate eclairs and fruit-filled brioche rolls. Savoury pastries abound, too, with sausage rolls, chicken and mushroom pies, and spinach and feta pasties served hot. There are a few spots in the cafe and some tables out the front to sit down with your gluten-free goods and a coffee. It's largely used as a takeaway spot, and you'll see lots of people taking a haul home. We recommend driving around the corner to Clovelly to eat by the beach. If, despite your best efforts, you can't get to Waverley on a Saturday, you can find Wholegreen (and its croissants) at Carriageworks Farmers Market and the North Sydney Produce Market each week. Plus, you can also place an order through local food delivery platform Food by Us. Images: Kitti Gould. Updated: January 15, 2020.
Are you ready, Surry Hills? Madame Truffles is opening her pop-up shop for the third truffle season running, bringing city folk black truffles sourced from Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Western Australia. These 'gourmet mushrooms' will be available from June 15 until September 3 at the Madame's pop-up shop on Riley Street. As well as straight-up truffles, the shop has an array of truffle-infused goods for you to fill your pantry with. This year, they're stocking truffle and potato ravioli — the ultimate comfort food — along with truffle salt, truffle ice cream and truffle honey. This is made with extra grade black truffle and pure Australian honey from Victoria that's good enough to eat straight out of the jar. If you live in a sharehouse, you might want to hide this from your housemates. Truffles sold in-store are harvested fresh each week, so you know you'll get that fresh truffle smell when you pull them out at dinner (or breakfast, for that matter). The Madame Truffles pop-up shop is open 9am till 5pm, Thursday to Sunday.
Step into the 1950s in The Dairy Bar. Hidden down a laneway off Berry's main drag, this old-school milk bar is the new offshoot of The Treat Factory, which has been doling out sweet goodness for years. Its home is an 1895 factory that was the first in New South Wales to turn cream into butter. Grab a seat on the shady verandah overlooking Irish-green farmlands and dig in. Every dairy dish on the menu comes from local milk, sourced from farming cooperative South Coast Dairy. That includes the gelato, which is made daily. Try tried-and-trusted classics, like vanilla, Belgian chocolate and pistachio — or go for something more adventurous, like lemon cheesecake. There's also a bunch of OTT sundaes if you want to kick things up a notch. The S'more is a tower of vanilla and chocolate gelato, layered with Graham Cracker crumbs, chocolate pâté and a piping hot s'more (that's a Graham cracker sandwich, packed with chocolate and marshmallows). Meanwhile, the Apple Pie is a mountain of stewed and fresh apple, vanilla gelato, cinnamon almonds, waffle crumbs, caramel sauce and cream.
Manly's very secretive new bar is opening its doors today, Tuesday, September 17. Head through a 1920s-style fridge door and wind down a spiral staircase into the underground drinking den that is The Cumberland. It's set beneath Cove Deli, a very real, very functional bodega-style delicatessen that serves up meats and cheese until 1am — all while hiding a stylish bar below. The new northern beaches spot comes from owner Matt Clifton, who is the manager director of MJC Group of Companies, which is also responsible for Manly's Donny's Bar and In Situ. He's signed on GM Pete Ehemann, too, who has worked at the likes of The Ivy and Coogee Pavilion. Ehemann designed the elaborate, botanical-focused cocktail menu together with creative consultant, bartender and fellow former Merivale employee Petr Dvoracek. The list is split into themes such as Foraged and Found, Pre-Temperance Movement Favourites and 19th-Century County Tipples. Under these headings, expect to find classics like the sazerac and French 75, alongside specialties like the dandelion espresso martini, a cocktails that uses locally foraged fennel and a smoking whisky number. There's also the Camden — a vodka martini made with sheep's whey vodka that comes wrapped in real sheep's wool from Clifton's family farm. [caption id="attachment_741940" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Dan Gosse[/caption] Behind the bar, you'll also find over 250 whiskies from around the world lining the shelves. This serious spirit collection is accompanied by Australian natural wines and craft beers from both local and European makers. For eats, Cove Deli offers antipasto boards packed with cheeses and cured meats, delivered downstairs via a vintage dumbwaiter. A second kitchen within the Cumberland serves up snacks such as melted raclette, Spanish meatballs, duck terrine and empanadas. Surry Hills' AZB Creative is responsible for the fit-out of both upstairs and downstairs. In the 75-seat bar, expect ornate and vintage furnishings, upcycled timber and marble bench tops. A leather banquette also wraps around the space. Upstairs, Cove Deli features a white-washed teal facade, penny tiles and a 1920s meat slicer. And both venues are open until midnight on weekends and 1am on weekends, so now you can get your deli and cocktail fix until late. The Cumberland and Cove Deli are now open at 17-19 Central Avenue, Manly. Opening hours are Sunday through Thursday 5pm–midnight and Friday–Saturday 5pm–1am. Images: Dan Gosse
At a glance The Chippo's menu seems like classic pub grub — think wedges, steak and the requisite chicken parma. But look a little closer, and Louisiana-born chef Charlie Fisher's influence becomes clear. Entrees include popcorn chicken (or shrimp) tossed in Cajun spices, along with buffalo wings, southern fried chicken and American-style mac and cheese. As for the main course, if you're not feeling sirloin, why not make a mess with pork ribs served in Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. They're also serving up a selection of burgers, inspired by their previous Cheekyburger pop-up. And for dessert, there are few things more American than homemade pecan pie. On the entertainment front, The Chippo will feature pub trivia on Mondays, comedy on Tuesdays, improv and $1 wings on Wednesday and live music Thursday through Saturdays. On Sundays they'll be cooking up pig on the spit — because at least that way you'll start your week with a belly full of bacon.
Sydney Beer Week is back with a bang, bringing food, music and plenty of brews to venues across the city from Monday, October 20 to Sunday, October 26. Whether you're a proud beer geek or just looking to shake up your weeknight routine, there's plenty to discover across a packed seven days. This year's program features everything from laidback tastings to lively trivia nights. The Beer & Brewer Awards will take over Mountain Culture's cavernous Redfern brewpub on Tuesday, October 21, spotlighting the best in the industry while welcoming punters to celebrate alongside the makers. Meanwhile, homebrewers will get their chance to shine at the Pro-Am on Saturday, October 25, where ticketholders can vote for their favourite amateur brew, with a free sausage sizzle on the side. Beyond the beer, there'll be a massive trivia night at The Bob Hawke Leisure & Beer Centre, Hot Ones-inspired spicy wings challenges, beer-pairing dinners, lawn bowl competitions, gigs aplenty and even an interactive Shakespeare night at Pyrmont's historic Terminus Hotel. With dozens of events popping up across pubs, breweries, bars and restaurants from the Inner West to the Northern Beaches, Sydney Beer Week is shaping up as a huge one. Head to the event's website to explore the full program and to grab your tickets.
A Smart Dollar shop on Marrickville Road has been reimagined as a retro pub by a team of hospitality veterans. The Marrickville Hotel boasts an old-school Aussie pub vibe, and was created by some of the people behind Arcadia Liquors, Redfern Continental, GDR and Ron's Upstairs — namely Pascale Crouche-McDonald, John Archinal, Kim Fasher and David Jank — all of whom live in Marrickville. It's a pub by locals, for locals. The pub's fit-out is laid-back and a little eclectic — exactly what you'd expect from a classic Aussie pub. There's space for big groups, casual dates or solo drinks at the bar, and the outdoor courtyard is ready to go for the summer. It even features a shiny new disco ball for upcoming party nights. Elsewhere, you'll spot a large photo of a young Anthony Albanese, now Leader of the Opposition, knick-knacks and fairy lights behind the bar, and a painted slogan proclaiming "Marrickville — The Greatest Country on Earth!". The space also has a noticeable industrial feel, which is thanks to its history. "After we started the build, we found out it used to be an industrial paint shop [before it was a Smart Dollar shop]," says Crouche-McDonald. "And we were able to utilise some of the existing elements to revive its industrial feel." Old paint samples adorn the ceiling in the main bar, and the atrium showcases the building's original support beams. [caption id="attachment_742145" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberley Low[/caption] Behind the bar, expect Aussie mainstays VB and Reschs, as well as Marrickville's own Grifter on tap at all times. The remaining taps will rotate regularly and feature local talent — at the moment, that includes Batch's milk stout on nitro and 4 Pines kolsch. For wine lovers, the drops are mostly minimal intervention Australian labels, along with some international numbers. A classic cocktail list is best enjoyed during one of the daily specials, which include $10 margaritas all-night on Monday, $10 spritzes until 6pm on Saturday and $10 bloody marys until 6pm on Sunday. For spring, the bar is serving up a special Poor Toms spritz, too. The simple food offering is reminiscent of Arcadia Liquors and includes antipasto and cheese boards, along with a regularly changing menu of toasties. For more substantial eats, the team has partnered with neighbouring Vietnamese shop Pho Phd to offer the likes of salt and pepper eggplant and a range of vermicelli salads. The Marrickville Hotel is now open at 244 Marrickville Road, Marrickville. Opening hours are Monday–Thursday 4pm–midnight, Friday 2pm–1am, Saturday midday–1am and Sunday midday–10pm. Venue images: Kimberley Low. Food images: Kitti Gould.
Summer calls for margaritas, and this February, Patrón is hooking Sydney up. For the entire month, the premium handcrafted tequila brand will bring laidback Mexican luxury to Bondi's The Bucket List, featuring a specialty menu curated around top-shelf summer cocktails — and we're giving away VIP access to the opening night. The party will start on Thursday, February 1, with DJ sets by No Qualms and Andy Bird from 7pm. There'll be Tommy's Margaritas served from your own special Patrón bottle to order alongside some chipotle fish tacos. Next up, go for a grapefruit Paloma cocktail, and top off the evening with Patrón's Perfect Espresso Martini — their twist on the classic espresso martini using their Silver and XO Café tequilas. Along with serving Patrón's exclusive cocktails, The Bucket List's outdoor bar will be transformed into a Mexican oasis with whitewashed timber and woven seating, all embellished with blue agave plants and other Latin American native flora. Continue your journey into the luxe world of Patrón by way of a dedicated virtual reality experience that guides you through the Hacienda Patrón in Guadalajara, Mexico through the eyes of a voyeuristic bee. The event is open to all from 7pm, but if you want exclusive access to the launch, go in the running for one of our passes that'll get you and three friends a reserved booth and two free cocktails each. And because two parties are better than one, another lush Mexican-themed experience will also start at Mrs Sippy on February 1 and will run for the full month as well. If that still isn't enough tequila goodness for you, The Tilbury Hotel will host their own Patrón fiesta from February 8. Each venue will have its own exclusive food and drink pairings, but luckily you'll have the entire month to try them all. [competition]654850[/competition]
First came Mov'In Bed Cinema, the outdoor movie-watching experience that acknowledged just how much everyone loves viewing flicks in bed — even if they're out of the house. Then, adapting to 2020, came Mov'In Car Drive-In Cinema, which is obviously self-explanatory. Now, with summer almost upon us, Mov'In Boat Floating Cinema is splashing down at Cockle Bay in Darling Harbour. It also describes all its basics in its name, so get ready to float in the ocean and glue your eyes to the 15-metre-long big screen. Boats are obviously a big part of this new excuse to watch a movie under the stars. But, when it kicks off on Thursday, December 3 — running through until the end of March next year — Mov'In Boat Floating Cinema will give film buffs multiple options. You can hire one of 40 rowboats ($119.90 for up to two adults and two kids), or BYO boat (and spend $49.90 for access to the event and movie). If you'd prefer to laze about on one of 65 beds on a 1000-square-metre floating platform, you can do that too (for $99.90 for two people and $109.90 for three). And, you can also watch from the VIP area, which includes a bed, butler service, and free soft drinks and popcorn ($149.90 for two people and $169.90 for three). Movie-wise, plenty of titles on the program have been picked with the location in mind. Where better to watch The Meg or Free Willy? Or, to revisit Dirty Dancing's lake scene and The Notebook's rainy embrace? You can also head to everything from action-thriller Tenet and likeable rom-com The Broken Hearts Gallery to Knives Out's whodunnit twists and The Matrix's "whoa!"-inducing sci-fi. If you're hungry, beer-battered fish and chips, buckets of prawns, pizza and Nutella-slathered waffles will be delivered to you via jet ski, from a menu that also includes pizzas and dairy floss as well. To wash all of that down, there'll be a floating bar serving beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks, too.
The Australian bottleshop deserves a do-over. For too long we've purchased our grog at generic liquor stores that only really highlight the big, familiar names. Enter Native Drops. Bondi Beach's drinks retailer is putting a refreshing spin on the way we buy alcohol, turning the quick dash up to the bottle-o into an experience that features not only wine tasting, but also meet the maker sessions and workshops for customers. Ferster and his business partner Daniel Berman are the wine-obsessed brains behind the space, which sells solely Australian wine, beer and spirits. It's a boutique business that emphasises the importance of buying local and provides a glimpse into just how vast, delicious and amazing the nation's industry is. Regions from Tasmania to the Margaret River are represented, with the selection hand-chosen and centred around small batch and often biodynamic producers. Featured wine producers include The Other Right, Arfion, Swinging Bridge, CRFT and Charlotte Dalton. The interior design is earthy and rustic. Designer and architect Andy McDonnell has repurposed the site into a truly intimate space. It's low-lit and clean, with splashes of timber, copper and stone. Australian flora and fauna are celebrated with wildflower arrangements by local floral designer Selena Murray. The space includes a big tasting room, where the crew hosts regular wine tasting events.
There's a beer revolution going on across Sydney, thanks to a solid crew of passionate, independent crusaders. Taking their work just as seriously as a master vintner or distiller, these hardy souls are tackling a notoriously difficult craft and producing beers that are punching above their weight internationally. The craft beer movement is all about matching beer with food — something we're all for — and allowing punters to taste an array of different beers, often presented as a tasting flight or in beer paddles. It's an exciting new frontier for Sydney's drinking scene and Concrete Playground has your back: here are our picks for the ten best places to drink craft beer in our fair city. The Union Hotel Live music hub, Sunday afternoon mecca, superior local — The Union is certainly many things to many people. It's also home to one of the best and most extensive craft beer lists going around. The Union team have a particular knack for picking hard-to-find but quality craft beers like Noisy Minor, Bridge Road and Prickly Moses to offer on tap. There's also a way above average range of bottled craft beers like Shenanigans, as well as a range of beers from hometown heroes Young Henrys. Ask for a tip from the knowledgeable staff, or follow them to get a heads-up on what's on tap for the week. 576 King Street, Newtown; (02) 9557 2989; www.unionnewtown.com.au Royal Albert Hotel Surry Hills has suddenly found itself the nucleus of Sydney's craft beer revolution — and the Albert is one of the key sites, stocking the likes of Riverside Brewing Company's 44 American Amber and Modus Operandi. Like many craft beer venues, the Albert has a rotating selection on tap. You'll often find selections from Illawarra Brewers, one of the most interesting new craft brewers around. Look out for their Hefeweizen, an unusual split barley and wheat beer with notes of banoffee and bubble gum. 140 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills; www.royalalberthotel.com.au Keg & Brew Formerly a grotty inner city establishment, this old warhorse has been transformed into a modern gastropub by the same team behind the similarly-titled Dove & Olive. They've kept the tiled walls but ditched the previous air of dinginess. There's a strong American-leaning menu which includes the likes of the calorific deep-fried Twinkie, less a dessert than a middle-finger to the health food industry. But the Keg & Brew's worth a trip for its beer list alone, and they also have three beers on the go at any one time on their traditional hand pumps, which serve beer at a cooler 8-10 degrees and are said to show greater complexity in flavour. 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills; www.kegandbrew.com.au Welcome Hotel A pub since the late 19th century, this dog-friendly Balmain joint must rank as one of Sydney's great locals as well as a must for anyone into craft beers. Amid a classic setting of plush leather couches and old school wooden stools, you'll find a generous range of small breweries represented — including the likes of Mountain Goat and Moo Brew, while Parramatta's Riverside fly the flag for Western Sydney. 91 Evans Street, Rozelle; (02) 9810 1323; www.thewelcomehotel.com.au Dove & Olive This breezy, often boisterous Surry Hills establishment is another example of a previously anonymous drinking hole which has been revitalised around craft beer. It's a modern space with well-presented food, but it's in their expertly curated beer offerings where the Dove & Olive really shines. Grab a beer paddle and select from a range of unusual tipples on tap. The now hugely popular pub also features four-course dinners where each stage of the meal is matched to a beer, while their Craft Beer Fight Club — where brewers 'fight to the death' for the chance to get their brew on tap for a month — is quickly becoming the stuff of legend. 156 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9699 6001; www.doveandolive.com.au The Local Taphouse A bustling, multistorey Darlinghurst venue where beer is taken as seriously as wine, The Local Taphouse is a slick but soulful venture which successfully recreates the formula used at its Melburnian sister venue in St Kilda. There's a Sunday roast and a gorgeously designed, sun-dappled rooftop bar, but the focus here is squarely on their bar and the drinks menu, featuring the likes of Stone & Wood, Batch and James Squire limited editions. These taps will keep you going for a while. Bar staff are happy to have a chat about the beers on offer or to recommend a tipple from the 200 that rotate through their taps over the course of the year. With a great selection of brews and must-attend extras like beer appreciation talks, this towering pub is one for repeat visits. 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst; (02) 9360 0088; www.thelocal.com.au Forest Lodge Hotel Don't be fooled by the unassuming boxy red brick facade; the Flodge is an inner west gem. An old-school pub reinventing itself as a craft beer hotspot while retaining its old-school feel with a range of vintage paraphernalia and unpretentious, hearty pub food, this Arundel Street hotel's also a got a great variety of independent beers available. A hub for students, tradies and craft beer lovers alike, you'll find the likes of Murray's and Feral Brewing on tap. Choose four for a paddle ($15) and you're in craft beer heaven. 117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge; (02) 9660 1872; www.forestlodgehotel.com.au 4 Pines Brewing Company Like the beer equivalent of a cellar door, this wharfside microbrewery has a low-key but consistently good bar — the ideal way to sample their wares. Food-wise, you'll find favourites like fish and chips, steak and a towering mega burger which almost dares you to eat it. But you're here for the beers, which run the gamut from ale to stout and bitter and the always-popular kolsch. These upstart brewers have made a big splash since forming in 2008, winning awards and getting their brews on tap across the city. Visit their home turf to see what all the fuss is about. 29/43-45 East Esplanade, Manly; (02) 9976 2300; www.4pinesbeer.com.au Lord Nelson Hotel They've been in the game since 1841 (Sydney's longest unbroken run of liquor trading), and they're still going strong. While the Lord Nelson's beautiful sandstone walls give the place a real colonial feel, it's no relic, remaining one of the city's most atmospheric places to down a schooner or two. The Lord Nelson's beers, brewed onsite since the hotel was redeveloped in the 1980s, only use natural ingredients (no sugar or preservatives here) and are a must for fans of craft beer. Their famed pale ale Three Sheets is a classic and the Old Admiral will appeal to those who love a Guinness. Also keep an eye out for the range of nautical-themed seasonal beers. 19 Kent Street, The Rocks; (02) 9251 4044; www.lordnelsonbrewery.com Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe One of the original craft beer hotspots and still among the best, Redoak is distinguished by its European feel. There's a range of locally brewed craft beers on offer, including the Bloody Wit, brewed with blood orange and candied sugar, or the bottled Christmas Cheer, which is made to a fifth generation Irish recipe. Budding beer connoisseurs can sign up for one of their regular beer classes, and everyone else can work their work through the menu of tasting and share plates, all of which have been matched with beers. 201 Clarence Street, Sydney; (02) 9262 3303; www.redoak.com.au
Taking their celebrated bakery beachside, Love Tilly Group has set its sights on beloved Coogee Beach. Fabbrica Bread Shop is now bringing its popular pastries to eastern shores a year after opening its first location in the docklands of Rozelle. Led by Head Baker Aniruddha Bhosekar and Sous Baker Alyce Bennett, the OG Fabbrica quickly earned a reputation for the calibre of its sourdough, which is used throughout Love Tilly Group's various venues. Today, the bakery boasts a cult following among Sydneysiders, hungry for treats like shakshuka Danishes, anchovy toast and an array of unique pastries. Bhosekar and Bennett will also be overseeing Fabbrica's second site, incorporating the classic baked goods that put the first Fabbrica on the map plus a selection of new creations including a couple of Roman classics. Exclusive to the Coogee outpost will be soft, golden maritozzi – the traditional filled brioche bun originating from Rome – bursting with sweet and savoury fillings like strawberries and Chantilly cream, vegan cherry, and curried egg and achari mayo. Visitors can also indulge in one-metre-long Roman pizzas del Giorno, along with a DIY focaccia bar for those who want to try their hand at making their own Italian bread. Coogee's Fabbrica will also be offering a rotating selection of crowd-pleasing toasties, ideal for a post-beach snack. "It's everything you'd want in a great local bakery, whether you're picking up some still-warm pastries and a coffee to enjoy by the beach after a morning swim, building a DIY sandwich from our sando bar for lunch, or simply swinging by to collect a loaf of sourdough," says Love Tilly Group co-owner Matthew Swieboda. "We're excited to have some new creations for Coogee and look forward to sharing them with you."
Five years in the making, W Hotel's luxury Darling Harbour development will finally bring the global hotel chain back to Sydney in October this year. Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the unmistakable harbourfront hotel has faced several delays and setbacks, but will finally swing its doors open in three months' time — and it has just revealed the next-level dining options that are in store for Sydneysiders and guests alike. The flagship restaurant and bar for the hotel will be called BTWN, playing on the building being wedged between its neighbouring expressways. This ambitious all-day eatery's kitchen is led by Head Chef Chris Dodd (ex-Aria, The Blue Door and Bistrot Plume), whose menu places emphasis on sustainability and local New South Wales produce. Hotel breakfasts and hearty dinners will be available here, with expected highlights from the mains menu including poached Murray cod, slow-cooked yoghurt-rubbed lamb shoulder and mushroom ragout. The level-three restaurant can be seen from the adjacent highway, acting as a living, breathing billboard for the hotel. Inside, designer Bowler James Brindley uses urban hallmarks and a slick chrome fitout inspired by airstream food trucks to celebrate the hotel's place in the heart of the city. Come sundown, a one-of-a-kind dessert bar labelled 2AM will open inside BTWN. Acclaimed Singaporean dessert chef Janice Wong is in charge of this venue within a venue — her first permanent outpost in Australia. Wong has twice been named Asia's best pastry chef on The World's Best Restaurants list, and runs restaurants and dessert bars across Singapore, London, Korea and Tokyo. The accomplished lover of all things decadent has crafted a menu that will appeal to both sweet tooths and more conservative dessert-enjoyers — and one that is designed to pair with BTWN's wine list and custom cocktails. 2AM's cacao forest is created using chocolate mousse, passionfruit chocolate, and consommé made from mango, lime and lychee. Or, there's the cassis plum, which places a bombe with yuzu pearls on top of elderflower yoghurt foam and choya granita. Rounding out the offerings at the sleek inner-city venue is the cocktail bar, which will keep things rolling from midday till late with a meticulously designed drinks list and sweeping views of Darling Harbour. Located within The Ribbon, the multimillion-dollar development has been designed by HASSEL architects and sits on the former IMAX theatre site (don't worry, the new IMAX is scheduled to also reopen this year). Outside of the dining options, W Sydney's drawcards include 585 stunning rooms and suites, plus exuberant shared spaces throughout the hotel including a heated rooftop infinity pool overlooking the water, a luxury spa and a gym. If you want to be one of the first to stay in the massive Darling Harbour accommodation, bookings are now open for stays starting from Wednesday, November 1. [caption id="attachment_909978" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Janice Wong[/caption] W Sydney will open its doors in October 2023 at 31 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour — head to thee Darling Harbour website for further details.
Melbourne institution Padre Coffee's first inter-state outpost has landed in Paddington, complete with a storefront where you can peruse the brand's beans alongside all of the equipment you could ever want for home brewing. And, if you're looking to take your coffee knowledge to the next level, the charming no-frills cafe also boasts a dedicated education and training space. Following its massive success at its flagship stores across Melbourne and Noosa, as well as online, the brand decided it was finally time to branch out into new territories — and venturing into the ever-growing Sydney caffeine market was up next. Setting up shop at Paddington's Five Ways, Padre Coffee has brought its beloved blends to Glenmore Road. For less adventurous coffee drinkers, opt for the brand's staples like the Seasonal Blend and the Golden Rule — a sweet, fruity blend featuring notes of plum, peach and apricot. If you want to expand your pallet, try the Wild Child and its flavour profile of dried fruit, honey and dark chocolate. Although they specialise in organic beans and brews, the brand is not limited to coffee — you'll also find a range of exciting teas, chocolate and sugar for sale at the Sydney outpost as well. Feeling snacky? You can also nab a sweet treat from local vendors to pair with your freshly made cup of joe. Expect pastries and bread from Staple Bread & Necessities, cookies from Cut Lunch Deli or famed Portuguese tarts from Clovelly's Tuga Pastries.
After carving out a name for itself over five years on Oxford Street, beloved Darlinghurst cafe Sandoitchi is set to expand its reach over Sydney with a second outpost — this time, bringing its fluffy Japanese-style sandwiches to Chatswood. Sandoitchi 2.0 is set to open in Chatswood Chase in February this year, bringing all the treasured menu items of the original cafe to the Lower North Shore. If you've never visited Sandoitchi, you're missing out. It's currently ranked number one on our list of the best cafes in Sydney thanks to its next-level sandwiches, top-notch coffee and friendly staff. The must-try menu item is the prawn and sweet corn sando — featuring a creamy crumbed pattie of whole prawns and corn, topped with yuzu mayonnaise and mustard, and placed between two of the most cloud-like pieces of white bread you could imagine. There's also a wildly popular crispy fried chicken number, an incredible luxe wagyu sando, and a sweet treat filled with fruit and cream. And, it doesn't stop at sandwiches, with teriyaki salmon and pork katsu among the selection of rice or noodle bowls on offer, as well as bacon and egg rolls, eggs on toast, justices, smoothies and chai. "It has always been our dream to introduce Japanese sandwiches to everyone in Sydney," says the Sandoitchi crew. There's not too much more information available on the new opening, but you can follow along with updates on the Chatswood Sandoitchi via the cafe's Instagram account. Sandoitchi is located at 3/113–115 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. The cafe and sandwich shop's second outpost will open at Chatswood Chase in February 2024. Browse the menu and order online at the cafe's website. Images: Leigh Griffiths.
There is no shortage of hairdressing salons and barbershops in Sydney, but Rumbie & Co sets itself apart. Here, the team, led by Rumbie Mutsiwa, specialise in cutting, treating and styling wavy, curly and afro hair. After finishing her apprenticeship, Mutsiwa opened the salon in 2014 with a mission to help clients "embrace every curl". Unlike traditional salons, Rumbie & Co stylists cuts hair dry to "enhance the natural curl pattern". After the curls are looking well-defined and the client is happy with the shape, they are then treated to the usual shampoo, blow-dry and style. Rumbie & Co also offers specialty afro styling, including cornrows, dreadlocks, and weaves. Of course, the usual hairdressing services like colouring and treatments are available, too. To help with the upkeep, the salon also has its own range of products, including curl gels and silk pillowcases. Plus, it runs workshops on styling and caring for curly and afro hair on occasion.
Head to mainstay Waterloo pub The George and you'll find that things are a little different. Well, you might not notice at first. There are still locals sitting around the bar in high-vis vests knocking back pints of Resch's and VB. The courtyard is still filled with cacti. And there's still a well worn pool table. But, sitting next to VB longnecks ($15) in the fridge, you'll see bottles of skin-contact wines and pét-nats, and beers from local breweries Young Henrys and Grifter are also available on tap. The cacti in the courtyard have been joined by a glowing al pastor fountain, and a pond filled with eels, and the adjoining kitchen is turning out tacos and tostadas instead of American-style barbecue. And where the pool table once sat — it's been moved to the front bar — is a fully stocked wine shop courtesy of natural wine retailer Drnks. The new-look George successfully combines the old and the new — joining the rapid gentrification of the surrounding suburbs — and it's all thanks to its new owners, who aren't new to epic revamps. Co-owners James Wirth and Michael Delany previously bought and made over The Norfolk, The Flinders, The Carrington and The Oxford Tavern, before selling them all in 2016. Most recently, they overhauled the The Duke on Enmore Road. To keep some of the pub's history in-tact, the team focused on reupholstering and repurposing the pub's original features — including vintage wood panelling found in the basement, which now adorns the walls. For this venue, Wirth and Delany got chef Toby Wilson (Bad Hombres, Ghostboy Cantina) and Drnks founder Joel Amos on board as co-owners, too. Amos heads up the aforementioned bottle shop — which is stocked with everything from a salty white peach beer from NZ's Garage Project to coveted magnums of wine by Gabrio Bini — and the pub's fun and funky drinks list. For food, Wilson has created a new concept, Taco King. At the centre of the food offering is the al pastor — an actual al pastor, not a fountain — a Mexican specialty that's based on the Lebanese immigrant version of shawarma spit-grilled meat. The pork coming off the al pastor is served atop tortillas — painstakingly hand-pressed one by one — with onion and salsa. Other specialties include spicy kingfish ceviche tostada ($7.5), quesadillas with chorizo ($9) and thick churros ($8) served with dulce de leche. We're hoping to see eel tacos pop up on the menu sometime soon, too. To go with the food, is a cocktail list with a distinctly South American edge. There's the Mexican French Martini ($18) made with tequila, the Brazilian-style caipirinha ($16) and the michelada ($14), made with Mexican beer, clamato (clam and tomato) juice and lime. While not strictly South American, you'll find Reverse Cowboys ($7 each) on the menu, too — shots of Baileys and Agavero tequila served in mini glass cowboy boots. We think it might just become your new favourite watering hole. Images: Kimberley Low.
Marrickville's gin distillery Poor Toms has been turning out some of the best locally-made drops since 2015 — it's so good, in fact, that they crowdfunded over $25,000 of the stuff in one day. Now, owners Griffin Blumer and Jesse Kennedy are finally ready to share their gin hall with the inner west masses. The mates have just opened the doors to their Chalder Avenue digs and there's some serious excitement in the air. Located just around the corner from Sauce Brewing and the soon-to-be-open Stockade, as well as a quick walk from Batch, Grifter and Wildflower, the gin hall is nicely situated within the suburb's craft booze haven. All this beer in one vicinity warrants another alcoholic option, and Poor Toms is ready to oblige. To celebrate the opening, the team is throwing an extra special launch party that will (hopefully) one-up their garbage bin gin raves of old. Head on in on Saturday, April 28 from noon, and they'll be slinging six buck gin and tonics and $12 martinis, along with a sausage sizzle and tunes by local DJs.
Heaps Gay will be painting the town rainbow at a massive birthday bash that is sure to send shockwaves across the city. The festivities will feature three stages at White Bay Power Station in celebration not only of the LGTBQIA+ party starters' 11th birthday, but also love, joy, inclusivity and self-expression. Heaps Gay found its humble beginnings at the Gladstone Hotel in 2013. "At the time, our queer space was super different, a lot more segregated," says founder Kat Dopper. "There were lesbian parties like girlthing and then clubs on Oxford Street that were primarily for gay men. I wanted to start a party that was super inclusive." In search of a space to make queer friends, Dopper started Heaps Gay with a focus on LGBTQIA+ music and art. Eleven years on, Heaps Gay has thrown some of Sydney's most popular queer parties. Their 10th birthday bonanza was hosted on the shores of Sydney Harbour with Spice Girl Mel C as DJ, and past venues have included the Sydney Tower Eye and Powerhouse Museum. However, Dopper asserts this year's will be their most dynamic venue to date. Once a functioning power station with a history going back more than a century, White Bay now plays home to major gatherings with takeovers from nightlife icons like Ministry of Sound. Now, it's Heaps Gay's turn. The industrial machinery and cavernous halls of White Bay Power Station are being given the ultimate makeover, complete with art installations to bring much needed colour to the brick structure. Heaps Gay will also be bringing in the stars of the party world to turn up the tunes and keep the energy alive. Bimini – of Drag Race UK fame – will be joined by fellow Ru Girl Gottmik, with both DJing sets on the night; don't worry, you'll get to see them perform live as well. Other icons like Princess Superstar, Jaguar and Kim Ann Foxman will deliver sensational sets, and stick around for loads more Australian artists throughout the night. White Bay Power Station wasn't enough for you? Heaps Gay will be throwing an afterparty at The Lord Gladstone, the original location of the long standing institution. Eleven years to the day, they will be recreating their first party with a sweaty dance floor, club vibes and cheap beer, all to a soundtrack of special DJ set from Bimini. "I've been so lucky to create a space for the community for an entire decade," says Dopper. "I had the most amazing time and some wonderful experiences."
In the former premises of The Sunshine Inn on Redfern Road, an awesome foursome of Bentley and Love Tilly alumni has managed to find some uncharted territory in Sydney's already-saturated Italian cuisine offering. A buzzy, Euro-leaning, "Italian-ish" pseudo-osteria, ATTENZIONE! Food and Wine is the passion project of Felix Colman, the part-owner and operator of Ragazzi and Fabbrica; former Yellow manager Toby Davis; Toby Stansfield of Lola's in Bondi; and Dexter Kim, an ex-Buffet Digital videographer. Before you jump to conclusions, the choice of name has nothing to do with online memes or pickpockets. It's actually a reference to an in-joke between the four partners regarding an Italian friend's mother, who, while visiting her daughter in Sydney, would cry out "Attenzione!" whenever a handsome—and potentially eligible—fella strolled past. Since then, shouting "Attenzione!" has become a go-to callback between the friends, so it quickly emerged as the obvious name for their first venture together. Italian pastas star on the menu, but the food offering is more of a broad-brush homage to the dining cultures of Continental Europe — with a few Asian riffs thrown in for good measure. "We've had some pretty memorable food and drink experiences in Europe," Colman says of the restaurant's melting pot of influences. "Tiny enotecas in Alba that spill out onto cobblestoned streets, noisy backstreet bistros in Paris and too many sunny aperitivos along the Med coast to count. ATTENZIONE! was created to be the buzz and vibe of all those experiences combined." While the menu will be dynamic and shuffle regularly, there will be a few tried-and-true staples fated to be house favourites, such as the pico XL: "an almost obscenely oversized version of pico pasta", according to Stansfield. These fat, juicy strands will be the vehicle for a range of classic sauces, including cacio e pepe and nduja crema with Kinkawooka mussels. Summoning the flavours of a French brasserie, dry-aged dairy cow steaks, courtesy of Emilio's Butcher in Rozelle, will be served with a house-made chopped green onion condiment, while charcoal-roasted free-range chicken with chicory and horseradish channels a more Teutonic energy. And because dessert should never be taken too seriously (sorry grand patissiers), there will be playful, dig-your-spoon-in, crowd-pleasing sweets to finish such as an apple baked in pastry and served with a rich tonka custard, and a pineapple, espresso cookie and whipped ganache sundae. Snacks will also be a specialty at ATTENZIONE!, with a similarly pan-European mingle of influences, such as locally smoked trout pate served with a chicken-skin crisp and a full loaf of fougasse flatbread spread with wildflower butter. Not to be outdone, the wine offering is as loud and wide-ranging as the food. Colman and Davis have compiled a 150-bottle cellar with plenty of homegrown drops but also an emphasis on the team's favourite Italian varietals, Nebbiolo, as well as pours from Barolo, Barbaresco and Piemonte. Expect a substantial by the glass selection, digestifs including grappas, armagnacs and amaros, a streamlined list of classic cocktails and even some funkier natural drops for those who enjoy low-intervention bottles. "Many of the producers we've chosen for our list have really inspired us over our years of enjoying and working in wine," Colman explains. "We're really proud to hero these great people and their incredible wines, they care for the land and the providence of their craft, looking to leave the earth better than when they found it which is very important to us." The fitout, by new Sydney-based interiors studio Coffeyhallet, boasts a vibrant mustard and aniseed palette as well as tactile leather banquettes, dark-stained Bentwood chairs and large mirrors to create a sense of space. The restaurant's decor is intended to be an extension of the lively, relaxed, welcoming vibes that the four owners hope ATTENZIONE! will be known for.
Less than ten minutes walking from Kings Cross station gets you to hideaway Italian restaurant Bar Grazie, which opened its doors in September 2022. Bar Grazie has some weight to its name, thanks to the power trio that brought the space to life, starting with Barry McDonald (the man behind the OG Fratelli Fresh). Let's start with the interiors, designed by George Gorrow (co-founder of Ksubi and The Slow). Looking around, you'll notice wood panelling and white walls. It's gentle and welcoming and has just the right amount of lighting. Pick a refreshment from a selection of Italian beers, an impressive roster of Italian and French wines, spritzes and classic cocktails. Opening up the food menu, you're met with a fine selection of Italian choices from head chef Jarrard Martin, whose resume includes Rockpool, Ucello and Mary's Underground. Start light with Sydney rock oysters with yuzu mignonette, or take a denser route with the famed vitello tonnato. Mains follow — there's gnocchi with pine nuts, aged balsamic and brown butter; market fish al caltoccio (cooked in foil) with salsa verde; macaroni with ragu bolognese, and so much more. If you can't decide, don't stress, the team offers three-course set menus from Monday to Wednesday. Or visit on weekends to grab pasta and wine for $30.
XS Espresso, whose first cafe is in Wetherill Park, first got famous via social media, where photos of its crazy shakes dominated many an account. In late 2016, owner Roky Gorgees decided to expand to North Parramatta, where he opened a second incarnation among a bunch of mega stores, just off Windsor Road. Splashed with greenery and warmed by pendant lights, this hideaway is a cosy relief from traffic and shopping. The shakes are as OTT as ever. Take The Volcano, for example — a towering sculpture of Nutella, coconut, Oreo, ice cream and warm chocolate soufflé. Dishes follow suit. Think buttermilk fried chicken stacked with cinnamon waffle, slaw, melted cheese and special sauce, or seared Atlantic salmon on a base of sweet potato mash and stir-fried chickpea, layered with kale, tomato, chilli and crispy sweet potato. Yep, whatever you order, you'll be getting big, rich flavours and enough food to power you through to the next day.
Local distilleries have become a regular facet of the Sydney hospo scene, and the latest of these is just about to launch in Potts Point. Headed by distiller Odelia Potts, Kings Cross Distillery is set to swing open its doors tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, on Macleay Street near the corner of Darlinghurst Road. The new cocktail den and distillery features 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, meatballs in tomato sauce, grilled chorizo and anchovies. You can also order caviar by the ten-gram servei can'. 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, a Sin and Tonique and gin old fashioned dubbed Pepperation Makes Perfect. 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. Find Kings Cross Distillery at Shop 8, 127 Macleay Street, Potts Point from Thursday, October 1. It's open from 11am–11pm daily.
A hub for some of the best sandwiches and baked goods in Sydney, Saga Enmore has been delighting tastebuds in the Inner West for over six years now. But, all good things must come to an end, with owner Andy Bowdy announcing that the cafe would be calling it quits — and that he'd be looking towards bigger things — via a post on Instagram. "Growing up playing backyard cricket we always played by the rule six and out… Sometimes these rules apply to life and Saga has just smashed the ball three houses down. After six and a bit years Mads and myself feel like it's time to call it a day for Saga, " the post reads. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Bowden (@andybowdy) "It's been a ride filled with ups and downs, wonderful staff, a pandemic, many a sweet treat, an opening and closing of a second location, and of course the chance to meet and cook for all of the people who walked through our doors and supported our little cafe in Enmore. It's a dream I don't think either of us ever thought we would realise and it was an absolute privilege to have you all along for the ride." Bowdy opened Saga after serving as the pastry chef down the road at Hartsyard. His venture quickly built a cult following for its no-fuss cafe with next-level pastries and loaded sambos. Bowdy fans mustn't fear, however, with the post also alluding to plenty of exciting culinary developments to come in the future. [caption id="attachment_861109" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jarrad Shaw[/caption] "Obviously I can't do much besides cook so don't panic, I'll still be making celebration cakes and other deliciousness. We are busy working on a new project which we will be able to share with you very soon!!" Saga will close on Sunday, June 25. So, if you want to squeeze in one more taste of the team's delectable goods (for now at least), then you've still got two weeks. [caption id="attachment_615657" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kimberly Low[/caption] Saga Enmore is located at 178 Enmore Road, Enmore. Its last day of operation will be Sunday, June 25. Until then it'll be open 9am–3pm Wednesday–Sunday. Top image: Kimberley Low.
The combination brewery and bar is a staple in Sydney's Inner West with the area sporting dozens of quality venues brewing their own craft beers on-site. While you can find a wide array of these beer-loving haunts scattered around Newtown and Marrickville streets — from quaint independent operations to expansive King Street spots — they're much less common in Sydney's east. Curly Lewis is looking to change this and pioneer a new wave of brewpubs in the eastern suburbs, opening a 120-seat Campbell Parade venue that will be bringing freshly brewed craft beers and top-notch eats to Bondi. "We felt there was a gap in the market for beer-lovers in the eastern suburbs. You have to go to the inner west or northern beaches for a brewery experience," Curly Lewis co-founder Oli dos Remedios said. Easing into things, the bar will begin by producing two highly drinkable signature beers — the Curly Lewis Clean Cut Larger and the Bondi Hazy Ale. Two taps at the bar will be dedicated to these in-house beverages, while the rest will showcase a rotating selection of wildcard beers sourced from breweries near and far. Head Brewer Scotty Morgan says: "The brief for the beer was simple. We are brewing a stone's throw from the beach – our core beers needed a clean and easy drinking approachability, made for those baking hot beach days. We are confident that our range of beer will appeal to the average Aussie classic beer drinker through to an avid craft beer lover." As with all good bars, there's also a bank of spirits behind the bar ready to whip you classic cocktails and a wine list featuring local Australian drops with some funky skin-contact varieties on offer. In the kitchen, the co-owners of nearby Frank's Deli, Sammy Jukubiak and Ben Kelly have pulled together a menu that draws from modern Australian favourites and European classics. There are meatballs, croquettes and deli plates to start, Reuben sandwiches for your main, and basque cheesecake to finish it all off. Once you get a taste for the Curly Lewis brews, you can also find them at local venues and bottleshops including Bondi Beach Cellars, Beach Road Hotel, Neighbourhood, Salty's and Bondi Liquor Co. Curly Lewis is located at 102-106 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach. It's open 11am–11pm Tuesday–Saturday and 11am–10pm Sunday.
He gave The Social Network five stars, Hostel none, famously refused to grade Romper Stomper, and declined to cover Wolf Creek 2 at all. But how would David Stratton rate a documentary about his own life and love of film? It's a question we'll never know the answer to, although the fact that we're all wondering speaks volumes about the veteran film critic's impact. It also explains why there's now a doco about him and the Australian cinema landscape he has helped shape for more than half a century. Let's face it — for most Aussie film and television viewers, movies and David Stratton go hand in hand. For 28 years on SBS's The Movie Show and then ABC's At the Movies, he dissected the week's big screen releases on the small screen, with much of the country tuning in to catch his insights and hear his banter with co-host Margaret Pomeranz. He'd profess his hatred for shaky cam, she'd sigh "oh David," and their back-and-forth would make a conversation about an average film much, much more interesting. They even have their own board game. And while that might've all come to an end, the movie buff's movie buff isn't done sharing his love of cinema. Indeed, from the end of May, he'll talk audiences through the best flicks Australia has to offer in a three-part TV series. Consider David Stratton: A Cinematic Life the feature-length appetiser. Directed by experienced television helmer Sally Aitken, the documentary endeavours to do two things: step through Stratton's life and career, and explore a selection of influential Australian titles. The former comes complete with tales of the critic's cinema-obsessed youth, photos of his pre-beard days, a glimpse inside his catalogue of movie notes (which he refuses to digitise), and a number of famous faces popping up to sing his praises, including Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe, and Mad Max director George Miller. To achieve the latter, the film takes Stratton around the country to visit locations immortalised on film while diving into explorations of the titles in question – from outback horror Wake in Fright and beloved comedy Muriel's Wedding, to the roadway thrills of the original Mad Max and the relatable warmth of The Castle. Understandably, there's plenty to fit in — the British-born Stratton arrived down under for what was supposed to be a two-year visit, became the director of the Sydney Film Festival for 18 years, and was the subject of ASIO interest thanks to his trips to overseas film festivals. Similarly, with around 100 flicks earning a mention, there's no shortage of movies in the spotlight. Using one as a gateway to the other, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life does an impressive job of weaving its two points of focus together. Hearing about Stratton's fascinating experiences will make you want to discover more (thankfully, his 2008 autobiography I Peed on Fellini can help fans do just that), while discovering his thoughts on an array of local films will make you want to dedicate the foreseeable future to an Aussie movie marathon. Deftly edited and filled with affection, David Stratton: A Cinematic Life is the kind of film the man himself would likely give several stars and probably more. We reckon Pomeranz would feel the same way, although here we have to be content with her commenting on her former sparring partner's shoes. Yes, that's another reason the documentary is worth watching. Come for the moving tribute and informative trip through Aussie film history, stay for the long-awaited David and Margaret reunion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoTbplWKvOg
Sydneysiders with a sweet tooth should make tracks to Clovelly, where renowned pastry chef Yves Scherrer is now pumping out his goods at new patisserie and bakery Madame & Yves. Scherrer — who's opened the venue with partner Jennifer — has worked across several of Sydney's fine dining institutions, creating stunning desserts at the likes of Sokyo and now-closed restaurants Est and Ananas Brasserie. He also recently coached the Australian World Pastry Cup team — which went on to win sixth place worldwide — and is the man responsible for Sake's much Instagrammed dragon egg dessert. While the dragon egg will not make an appearance at Madame & Yves, a few of Scherrer's other famed creations will grace the menu — including the salted caramel eclairs from Ananas and the white sesame gelato from Sake. The leaves room on the menu for a whole heap of new creations, like the matcha yuzu roll (matcha sponge, mascarpone yuzu cream, yuzu whipped ganache, shiso leaf gel and choux pastry) and the piña colada tart (coconut mousse, lime curd, rum-flambéed pineapple and sweet pastry). Expect cakes, tarts, fresh bread and pastries aplenty. There is a whole host of croissants, from the classic ham and cheese, to a Ferrero version filled with hazelnut and dipped in chocolate. There's also a sizeable list of handmade gelato and sorbet on offer, including vanilla bourbon, pineapple yoghurt and lemongrass varieties. You'll also notice a focus on native and seasonal Aussie ingredients here, with no artificial colours or additives to speak of. Patrons can see an environmental focus elsewhere in the shop, too — notably in the biodegradable plant-based packaging and the Green Caffeen swap-and-go cup cups. For those coffees, the patisserie has teamed up with social enterprise Madding Crowd Coffee, a small-batch Sydney roaster which donates a portion of profits back to charity (and whose beans come in reusable tins). The Clovelly Road shop is small, which means you can watch the team of pastry chefs in action from the open kitchen as you order at the counter. There are a few outdoor tables, too, made for morning coffees and croissants.
Blooming gardens, citrus fruits and delicious local food and wine are on the lineup of the annual Griffith Spring Fest. Headlining the event — which will run between Sunday, 8 October and Sunday, 22 October — is the Garden Festival where green thumbs can wander through six delightful landscaped sites, created and nurtured by local gardeners. If you can make it to the official launch party on Friday 13 October, we highly recommend you do. If for no reason other than to tuck into the super-sized communal paella that will be whipped up on the day (it's served in a very covid-safe and hygienic way, just in case you had concerns). Other standout activations include over 50 unique citrus sculptures which will line Banna Avenue for two weeks. Made from more than 100,000 locally grown oranges and grapefruit, these displays are proof that when life gives you lemons in Griffith, you transform them into robots, reclining chooks or a giant giraffe. Go old-school and join a guided bus tour, or DIY and discover the best that Griffith has to offer all by yourself. The only non-negotiable is that you squeeze the day. (Sorry). Griffith Spring Fest will run from Sunday, 8 October till Sunday, 22 October 2023. For the full event program visit their website.
A visit to New Zealand's South Island is filled with breathtaking views, invigorating treks and some seriously fine drops of wine. What to do is the easy part. But, with so many accommodation options out there, deciding where to stay can become a bit tricky. While camping within the country's incredible national parks is an excellent choice, camping may not be your thing — even if it is glamping. But, there are still tons of out-of-the-ordinary stays available. On your next trip to the South Island, do things a little differently when it comes to your accommodation — whether that's by staying in tiny homes, converted railway wagons, two-storey silos or on a floating catamaran. Here, you'll find five alternative places to book on a South Island journey. SILOSTAY, LITTLE RIVER Little River's multi-award-winning SiloStay "goes against the grain" and puts up visitors (instead of farm grain and feed) in two-storey cylindrical silos. Inside the one-bedroom metal structures, the ground floor is fitted with a custom-built kitchenette, living room, small toilet and balcony. Take the winding steel staircase to the upper floor bedroom, and you'll find the bedroom and a balcony. While the silos may have a rustic feel (originally being grain-holders and all), each comes with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, a mounted stereo unit in the headboard and free wifi, as well as bike and kayak racks. Plus, the silos are eco-friendly, using a sustainable pellet boiler system, a planet-friendly waste-water system and natural wool insulation. SiloStay also offers one-level accessible silos with the same features. Prices range between $200–$230 depending on the season, with discounts available for bookings of two nights or more. AQUAPACKERS, ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK Comforting, soothing — there's just something about being rocked to sleep. Those babies really have it good. Enter Aquapackers. This converted catamaran offers floating accommodation set in Anchorage Bay in the centre of the Abel Tasman National Park where you can be rocked to sleep by the gentle ripples of the bay. And when you're not enjoying that rock-a-bye sleep, you can relax with some sun on the upper deck or a trek around the peaceful national park. After something a bit more energetic? Sign up for a coastal trek or water sports like sailing and kayaking — Aquapackers specifically offers guided kayaking and coastline walking tours. Rooms range from shared backpacker dorms ($110 per person) to private cabins ($245 per cabin) and each night's stay includes breakfast and a barbecue dinner, plus complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. GOLDEN BAY HIDEAWAY HOUSE TRUCK, WAINUI BAY Though Wainui Bay's Golden Bay Hideaway offers five secluded, solar-powered and energy-efficient eco-home options, our favourite is the House Truck. Set in a remote bush location and overlooking the sea, this restored 1950s Commer truck has been transformed into a two-storey tiny house. The home features a woodfire stove, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor picnic table, two queen beds and, the best part, an outdoor bath looking out over the bay towards the mountains. The isolated setting means guests can comfortably enjoy a long bath under the stars with a glass of the region's finest wine in hand. All of Golden Bay Hideaway's homes are also solar-powered and energy efficient so you won't be Prices range depending on the season, with discounts for longer bookings — which can get you down to $110 per night if you book four or more nights. WAIPARA SLEEPERS, WAIPARA Set in the heart of New Zealand's wine country, 45 minutes from Christchurch, the team at Waipara Sleepers has converted a group of 1940s railway cars into stationary accommodation. The owners have maintained the original features of each upcycled wagon, securing each to a piece of train track in their country garden. Cars range from traditional four-berth bunk rooms ($25 per person) to more homey fit-outs with brass double beds, refrigerators and televisions ($50–$70 per room). All wagons have internal heating, a balcony and a separate seating area. Accommodation ranges from $25 per person in the shared bunk rooms to $50–$70 a night in private accommodation. For a cheaper, private space, there's also the Railway Hut ($40–$60 per night) — a tiny cabin that once housed railway workers. ST BATHANS POLICE CAMP, OTAGO If you've ever been even the teensiest bit intrigued by what it's like to spend the night in gaol, St Bathans Police Camp is happy to give you a little (but certainly more luxe) taste. The owners have repurposed the tiny town's historic 1864 gaol into a self-contained apartment. Plan a trip to the historic St Bathans, founded during the goldfields mining era (and now only home to six permanent residents), to wander the reserve formed by the gold mining processes and to check out some of the town's historic architecture. The gaol cell accommodation is located near the old constable's cottage — a much bigger three-bedroom option you can also rent — and looks out over the pristine Blue Lake. The old cell is now fitted with a queen bed, and the former lobby and office are now the kitchen, with an ensuite bathroom and veranda also installed. It's an old-fashioned fit-out, complete with rocking chair, timber walls and jail-house door. St Bathans Jail (Gaol) is available for $145 per night, including a continental breakfast. Start planning your trip to New Zealand's south with our guide to the South Island journeys to take here.
About a 25-minute drive out of Nelson Bay is Oakvale Wildlife Park, a farm and park filled with native Australian animals that you can interact with. The park was first established in November 1979 and remains a family owned and operated business to this day. You'll need to reserve a good few hours to explore this 25-acre animal wonderland, which is filled with native species including kangaroos, dingos, koalas, quokkas and Tasmanian devils. There are exotic animals like llamas, highland cows, water buffalo and camels to see, too. If you'd like to get up close and personal with some of them, there are a few wildlife encounter packages available on top of the $29.50 entry fee (family passes available, too). You could have a ring-tailed lemur sit on your shoulder, feed a koala or meerkat or hold a reptile. Various shows and talks occur throughout the day, too, so you can go home having fed some baby farm animals and armed with facts on koala conservation and the cassowary. Images: Destination NSW
Penelope's is a sleek CBD restaurant starring an exciting menu that reflects the city's multicultural landscape. Located in Quay Quarter Tower at Circular Quay, not only does the lavish restaurant boast a genre-defying menu but it also provides breathtaking scenes of the Harbour Bridge for those dining to impress. Got the in-laws staying from out of town? The view, food and service at Penelope's ought to achieve an appropriate level of 'wow'. The 132-seater features a sleek bar, a breezy balcony dining area and plush lounges throughout the interior dining room, with the Harbour Bridge-facing venue spotlighting the iconic landmark with views from every seat. Owner and Executive Chef Cuong Nguyen (ex-Hello Auntie) and Head Chef Bremmy Setiyoko (ex-Spice Temple, Sepia) have drawn influence from Sydney's plethora of diversity, as well as Nguyen's own Vietnamese heritage and exposure to the culinary landscape of the Inner West, to curate Penelope's menu. Each dish creatively highlights Mediterranean, Asian and modern Australian flavours with a big focus on flavour. Standout dishes include the bakar chicken — a coriander and turmeric-coated roast chicken paired with toum (garlic sauce) and a turmeric and lemongrass sambal for some heat — inspired by Nguyen's mother's cooking, the surprising wonton-style pork and prawn ravioli in a familiar brown butter and sage sauce and the Lakemba spiced lamb shoulder, drawing on Asian and Mediterranean flavours, paired with fermented chilli and yoghurt. As for drinks, a big focus on wine has led to an offering of over 100 sips ranging from Australia's up-and-coming tipples to imported wines from across the globe. For cocktails, Australian natives take centre stage. The whisky-based Jiminy Cricket stars peppermint gum, and the Bogan Old Fashioned highlights wattleseed paired with a quintessentially Australian Vegemite caramel. Trust us, it works.
After closing its doors in 2016, Sydney's Theatre Royal will finally reopen on Thursday, December 2. The show doing the honours: Jagged Little Pill the Musical. And, while that's fabulous news as it is, giving the city another venue to host big productions is even more exciting. The 1200-seat Theatre Royal is one of Australia's oldest theatres, dating back to the 1870s. But most Sydneysiders will know it in its current form, which reopened in the 1970s and was designed by famed Australian architect Harry Seidler. It was built as a replacement for the old theatre, as that was demolished when the MLC Centre was erected — and, before sitting idle for the past five years, it's played host to everything from the Australian-premiere season of Cats to a three-year season of The Phantom of the Opera. While the reborn venue will launch with Broadway's hit Alanis Morissette musical, that's not the only big-name show set to tread its boards in the coming months. In January, for Sydney Festival, Theatre Royal will play host to Girl from the North Country — which features the songs of Bob Dylan. Then, from April, it'll be filled with the song-and-dance that is four-time Tony Award-winner An American in Paris. As announced back in 2020, the NSW Government has signed over a 55-year lease to global company Trafalgar Entertainment (TE), handing over the keys to the space together with Dexus (owner of the MLC building) with hopes of encouraging more big-name musical productions to the harbour city. While Sydney nabbed the 2021 production of Hamilton, it lost Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to Melbourne, which one theatre producer put down to Sydney's "lack of a mid-to-large size venue". Jointly run by famed British theatre impresarios Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire, TE is promising to change this with its "Sydney gets it first" approach to programming of "first-class productions" — which is proving true with Jagged Little Pill and Girl from the North Country. Known for producing award-winning musicals and shows, such as The King and I, The Rocky Horror Show and War House, which have performed at London's West End and Melbourne's National Theatre, the company is also transforming Theatre Royal into a live-streaming content hub. In terms of physical changes during the multimillion-dollar refurbishment, TE has kept true to Seidler's original designs, while also increasing capacity from 1100 to 1200 via a redesign that's added an extra row of seats. The venue now sports a two-tiered setup, with no seat within the auditorium any more than 23 metres from the stage. Red and gold still feature heavily, colour-wise. There's also a new circular glass entrance space decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, for views of King Street from the internal theatre foyer — and vice versa, including being able to see Theatre Royal's ribbed ceiling and geometrically precise hanging Mercator sculpture, as designed by Italian structural engineer Pier Luigi Nervi and American sculptor Charles O Perry respectively. And, there's a new Theatre Royal sign, as crafted and produced by Newcastle-based Owen Signs. The Theatre Royal reopens at 108 King Street, Sydney from Thursday, December 2. For more information, head to the theatre's website. Images: Pierre Toussant.
There is something to be said in this modern age for a bookstore that is filled with customers at all times of the year, not just at peak present-buying periods. Independent bookstore Better Read Than Dead is one such store. The shop, which has been in Newtown since 1996, is one of the most revered literary lands in Sydney and arguably a strong factor in why the city's literary community is thriving. The seemingly never-ending walls of books seem like a positive challenge to explore rather than a daunting one. The shelves are lined with little place-cards that highlight staff recommendations; the fact that there are so many glowing reviews indicates the quality of titles that are stocked. It regularly hosts literary events from book launches to high tea with authors. Soon to come are literary tours where book-lovers will take expertly-guided tours in key literary gems around the world, from Paris to America's Deep South, retracing famous authors footsteps and immersing themselves into the local culture. Image: James Horan
One of the Southern Highlands' most storied properties is getting ready to begin a new chapter. Milton Park — the 1910 country manor that's long been a local landmark — is being transformed by Salter Brothers Hospitality (Spicers Retreats, Bannisters) into Ardour Milton Park Bowral. Set to open in early 2026, the estate will serve as the flagship retreat for the group's new Ardour Hotels & Estates brand, which will bring a collection of similarly immersive escapes to some of Australia's most picturesque regional destinations. The estate will be anchored by two distinct dining concepts: Horderns Restaurant and The Polo Bar. Both venues are housed within the grand homestead and led by Executive Chef Mark Holland (ex-Nomad, The Paddington Inn, Michelin-starred The Box Tree, UK), who joined the group in 2024. And while those names might be familiar to those who know the estate, the venues will be entirely reimagined under Holland's direction. Horderns Restaurant (pictured above) will move into an expansive, sun-washed new space overlooking the estate's manicured gardens, nearly tripling its capacity from 38 to 102 seats. Holland's refined pan-European menu will spotlight seasonal Southern Highlands produce through communal dishes and tableside theatre, with select dishes served family-style and finished in front of guests. A new open kitchen pass will add to the sense of performance and bring diners closer to the action. The Polo Bar (pictured below), meanwhile, will offer a relaxed yet sophisticated all-day setting for small plates and hand-cut charcuterie. A dedicated charcuterie room will showcase cured meats and artisan cheeses from producers across the Southern Highlands, the South Coast and beyond, complemented by a drinks program starring classic cocktails, regional wines, deluxe single malts, fine ports and aged cognacs. The reimagined interiors, designed by Sydney firm MAC Design Studio, take cues from romantic European country manors while weaving in contemporary touches — vibrant greenery, jewel-toned seating and cascading pendant lighting are balanced by botanical motifs, terracotta and ochre tones, sculptural timber detailing and plush chocolate leather finishes. It's all part of a multimillion-dollar refresh that sets the stage for a new era at this historic estate. Ardour Milton Park Bowral is slated to open in early 2026. For more information, head to the hotel's website.
From slabs of dirt that represent Sydney's landscape to evidence of complex rituals in neolithic times, there's a lot of history to unpack at the University of Sydney's new museum. Opened in 2020, bringing together objects and artworks from across three of its existing collections, the Chau Chak Wing Museum can entertain you for hours. And as it's free to explore, you can return to learn a little more about each item's storied past. To give you a slice of what you can find inside its cube-like structure, we asked Deputy Director of the Museum Paul Donnelly to tell us about five objects of enduring curiosity. PLASTERED SKULL FROM JERICHO It might seem a little morbid to start with a plastered skull, but this human cranium tells us a lot about our shared histories. "It's 9,500 years old," says Donnelly. "One of 11 found in Jericho in the 1950s by Dame Kathleen Kenyon, who is the doyenne of archaeology in the Middle East." Archaeology students will know her from the Wheeler-Kenyon method of excavation. And visitors of the British Museum will know its 'sibling' skull, found in the same place and time. Donnelly tells us it's the skull of an adult male, which they can tell from the sutures of the skull and shape of the brows. Its lower jaw was removed and it has been defleshed and covered in mud plaster, and if you look closely, you'll see marine shells in place of its eyes. Thanks to its condition, we can also tell its use. "Our interpretation is this was likely to be ancestor worship," says Donnelly. "We know from historical periods in that part of the world that there was a monthly ceremony in which they would dine with their dead ancestors. The elite would go into their relatives' tombs and have a feast with the long-dead relos. We're very fortunate to have an item like this at the Museum." FLOOR FRESCO FROM MARU-ATEN, EGYPT One of the benefits of opening a new museum has been the impetus to undergo complex conservation projects. One of those projects was rebuilding an ancient Egyptian floor fresco, from hundreds of little pieces found during excavations at Tell el-Amarna in the 1920s. "The new museum has provided lots of opportunities to display more material — we now have three times the material on display than before," says Donnelly. "Tell el-Amarna has held a fascination for people because it was the Canberra of ancient Egypt in the 1300s," he says. The ancient city was established in 1346 BC by Pharaoh Akhenaten as a new capital centred around a new, singular deity. "Akhenaten decided to abandon all the gods except for Aten, the sun god." It was a short lived tenure, and afterwards the culture returned to its pantheon of gods. "It's a fascinating period to have a pharaoh go down this bizarre monotheistic path. When I look at this pavement, I see all the connections to the individuals we have been fascinated with for millennia. In this particular fresco, it's from a royal temple made for the daughter of Nefertiti. It's possible to imagine that both Akhenaten and Nefertiti walked upon that very fresco." ACHEULEAN HAND AXE FROM EUROPE The oldest handmade item in the Chau Chak Wing Museum isn't immediately obvious, and it mightn't be what you'd expect. The 500,000-year-old object, on display in Object/Art/Specimen, resembles a significant moment for humanity. "The Acheulean hand axe is at least 500,000 years old," says Donnelly. "It's from the time of homo heidelbergensis, who were advanced enough to be using handmade stone tools." The axe was found by independent researcher Jacques Boucher de Perthes in the 1830s — and its discovery led to a lightbulb moment in a devout period of time. "He found them in the gravel pits of northern France in the same context as extinct megafauna, and even in the 1830s they knew these animals had long been extinct. So it was this lightbulb moment for him that suggested that we were older than what was proclaimed in the Bible." Boucher de Perthes published his theory in a book, which is on display next to the stone axe. AERODYNAMIC ANTI GRAVITY SUIT During the Second World War, the University of Sydney was home to a top-secret research project led by Professor Frank Cotton. His mission: to keep pilots from blacking out when they hit extreme speeds in fighter jets. "As fighter planes became more manoeuvrable and faster, they were hitting the kind of G-forces that would pull blood away from the head into the legs," says Donnelly. "And pilots were blacking out." All around the world, scientists were responding to the issue — and Australia's response was a rubber anti-gravity suit. "The rubber pants went up to the waist. When the pilot hit dangerous G-forces these air sacs would inflate and compress the legs, so there was nowhere for the blood to pool into." Though the rubber suit never saw combat, it was successful in its trials, explains Donnelly. On display in the museum are sections of the suit: rubber pants, boots and pipes that would have connected to the plane. They're just a selection of 170 bits and pieces discovered in the Anderson Stewart Medical Building at the University in the 1990s, 50 years since they were stored away in the human centrifuge built during the covert project. ALAN SONFIST, 'THE EARTH OF SYDNEY' (1981) The Chau Chak Wing Museum brings together items formerly housed in the Nicholson Museum, the Macleay Museum and the University's art collection. One of its early criticisms was that bringing art, objects of science and antiquities together "didn't fit", which is playfully honoured in the opening exhibition Art/Object/Specimen. It's where you'll find an artwork created for the Sydney Biennale 1982, featuring mounted squares of earth, sand and pebbles sourced from across the city. "To see soil and sand and rocks mounted as art, I thought that was fantastic," says Donnelly. The archaeologist was particularly drawn to Sonfist's work, which had been wrapped up for 30 years at the University. Now visitors can view it next to a portrait of Charles Perkins and measuring chains that were used to divide up and commodify land. "It's all about what people bring to the objects — and how they become different in relation to other things around them," he says. "One person's art is another person's object, is another person's specimen." The Chau Chak Wing Museum is free to attend. It's open from 10am–5pm on Monday–Wednesday; 10am–9pm on Thursday; and 12–4pm on weekends. The Museum will be closed from December 23–January 6. It will reopen on January 7, 2021. Top image: 'Love' by Robert Indiana (1912) and 'The Earth of Sydney' by Alan Sonfist (1981) courtesy of Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney.
Keli Holiday — the solo project of Peking Duk's Adam Hyde — is set to play two special headline gigs in Melbourne and Sydney this November, giving fans the chance to experience the energy of his latest single 'Dancing2' live on stage. The shows are locked in for Melbourne's Howler on Thursday, November 14, and Sydney's Mary's Underground on Saturday, November 16. Both will see Holiday deliver his signature mix of raw emotion and euphoric sounds, with Hyde describing the sets as a chance to "share some joy together and let's sweat." Born during the creative standstill of the pandemic, Keli Holiday became Hyde's outlet for heartbreak, sonic experimentation and reinvention. Now, with 'Dancing2', he's channelling it all into a slow-burning, string-laced modern love story inspired by meeting his partner Abbie Chatfield. "This song is about meeting a love that seemed a world away," Hyde explained. "There's so much noise and distraction going on constantly … We were both just dancing through the show as we all are. There was a definitive moment when we decided to connect with each other on an unspoken battlefield and we have been dancing together ever since." 'Dancing2' has been climbing the ARIA charts, peaking at number one on the Top 20 Australian Singles list. It's also made its way onto Spotify's Daily Top Songs, cracked the Shazam Top 50, and hit number one on TikTok's Viral Chart. The track marks a bold step toward the next chapter for the 2025 Rolling Stone Australia Readers' Choice Award winner, following 2022's KELI and 2024's JESTERMAN EP. Tickets for Keli Holiday's Sydney and Melbourne shows are on sale now via the official website.
If your cupboards are looking pretty bare, particularly on the specialty Asian cuisine front, Thai Kee IGA, hidden away above Paddy's Markets, can provide you with all you need. Dumplings and steamers, koala biscuits, aloe vera juice, Japanese curry, kitsch bowls and crockery sets, hot barbecue pork buns, chrysanthemum tea, Chinese slippers — you name it, it's here. In fact, you should probably allow some extra time just to wander down these aisles. Trust us, you'll be surprised at what you find.
Melbourne's fashion fiends are in for a serious treat, with the NGV International kicking off its dazzling new exhibition — The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift. A treasure trove of sartorial delights, the free showcase features over 150 haute couture pieces from some of the world's most iconic fashion houses. Prepare for wardrobe envy to hit hard as you take in this intriguing collection, which has been gifted to the NGV by leading philanthropist Krystyna Campbell-Pretty. There are a swag of legendary designs on show, from Le Smoking Suit — the avant-garde Yves Saint Laurent women's tuxedo, circa 1967 — to that tartan Alexander McQueen creation made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2006 Met Gala. Taking a style trip through the ages, the exhibition also showcases Madame Grès gowns, a rare collection of little black dresses from the one and only Chanel, and Dior designs from as far back as the label's 1947 debut. On display daily until Sunday, July 14, the threads are backed by a curation of original sketches and workbooks, rarely seen early-edition fashion magazines, embroidered samples and a suite of fashion photography. And for those keen to dive in further, The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift is accompanied by a program of talks, including an International Women's Day chat about women's fashion in the 20th century. Images: Tom Ross.
While today it's best known as the location of a major navy base, Sydney Harbour's Garden Island — that bit of protruding land near Potts Point — has also become the subject of a swag of innovative development proposals, following a report exploring the island's future by former Deputy NSW Premier Peter Collins. Perhaps the most ambitious of these plans comes courtesy of architecture firm LAVA, who were commissioned by the Urban Task Force to respond to the report. The firm's plans involve heritage buildings being given new life as cultural facilities, and the modern-day realisation of a pyramid structure first proposed by colonial architect Francis Greenway. LAVA's vision for this Garden Island of the future would see the relocation of the Navy base and the introduction of an international cruise terminal, providing scope for some of the world's largest cruise ships to finally add Sydney to their itineraries. The 30-year plan shows the island's former dry-dock revamped to host floating markets, theatre shows and harbour baths, while residential towers inspired by the Sydney Harbour landscape would feature rooftop terraces, swimming pools and an array of community facilities. Meanwhile, Greenway's lofty pyramid structure — first envisioned during his time as the country's first government architect — would be imagined as a sprawling waterfront space for events and functions. While this plan is certainly visionary — and a great way to populate prime harbour real estate with publicly-accessible intitutions — it is just that: a plan. It will be interesting to see if the State Government acts on Collins' suggestion to move the navy base and open up Garden Island for Sydneysiders to enjoy.
