If you eagerly drink your way through the taps at most craft beer bars, then a host of tell-tale signs await the next day: headaches, cold sweats, dehydration, a queasy stomach and a strong craving for greasy food, usually. That won't be the case at BrewDog's latest venture, however, with the Scottish brewery opening up the world's first alcohol-free craft beer joint. Called BrewDog AF — with the final two letters standing for "alcohol-free", rather than the other term that instantly popped into your head — the bar launches in London on Monday, January 6. Every one of its 15 taps will pour booze-free brews, focusing on draught craft beer sans alcohol. That includes both zero-percent and 0.5-percent tipples, with the latter also officially classed as alcohol-free. On the menu: BrewDog's 0.5-percent pale ale Nanny State, as well as the alcohol-free version of their flagship Punk IPA, Punk AF. It's also creating two new booze-free brews: a coffee stout called Wake Up Call, and Hazy AF, an alcohol-free version of its New England IPA, Hazy Jane. Alcohol-free spirits and cider will be available too, as will burgers, salads and buffalo wings — and if you're looking for something to do over your booze-free pint, get ready for karaoke and bingo, among other activities. While BrewDog has been busy opening bars and breweries around the globe over the past decade — launching its first Australian site in Brisbane late in 2019, in fact — BrewDog AF marks its first fully alcohol-free venue. It's not London's first booze-free bar, or the world's, but it is the first to focus on alcohol-free (and hangover-free) craft brews. To celebrate that fact, as well as the new range of booze-free beers, the brewery has also dubbed the entire month 'drink all you can Jan' — when it comes to alcohol-free beers, that is. Not only at BrewDog AF, but at all of BrewDog's bars and breweries worldwide, drinkers can score free refills of all alcohol-free beers throughout January. BrewDog AF and its increased non-alcoholic craft brew range forms part of the company's mission to whip up a craft beer for everyone, including folks who like their brews sans booze. As brewery founder James Watt explains, "drinkers opting for low or no alcohol are in danger of compromising on quality, taste and experience. And that's just the beer – forget about places in which to enjoy it. We are going to change that. We exist to be a point of difference, and our first BrewDog AF Bar is just that." Even if a trip to London isn't in your future, BrewDog's new venture is a welcome development for anyone who has tried to forgo alcohol during Dry July, doesn't drink booze but would still like to sink a few cold ones with their mates, or can't imbibe for a number of reasons — medication interactions, other health reasons or just by choice. With non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and Brunswick Aces gaining more attention, bars such BrewDog AF are the natural next step. Yes, you can get non-boozy beverages like juice and soft drinks anywhere, but it's not the same as knocking back booze-free beers in a spot that celebrates the drink but not the alcohol. Find the BrewDog AF Bar at the Mews Unit of the Bower Development at 211 Old Street, London, from Monday, January 6 — open 12pm–11pm Sunday–Thursday and 12pm–11.30pm Friday–Saturday. For booze-free beer lovers in Brisbane, BrewDog's first Aussie brewery — DogTap at Murarrie — is serving up unlimited refills of BrewDog alcohol-free beers until January 31.
On Saturday, October 26, prepare to experience Australia's largest LGBTQIA+ Halloween party. A haunting takeover of Liberty Hall will go from dusk till dawn (6pm–2am), so get ready for a night full of eerie excitement, spine-tingling surprises, and ghostly good vibes. Brought to you by Sydney based LGBTQIA+ events company, GAYM Entertainment, this spook fest will star local artists and international headliners in the DJ booth, including Dani Brasil, John Course, Mario Beckman, Nat Valverde, Sam Gee and Tommy Trash. Two custom-built stages, both indoors and outdoors, will deliver a high-energy mix of house, tech, tribal, and circuit beats. Expect scream-worthy performances and blood-curdling roaming characters to keep the thrills and chills alive throughout the night. To keep you fuelled up for the festivities, food trucks will be dishing up tasty bites all night long and the signature scare tunnel is making its return, offering spine-chilling frights just like in previous Horrorween events. Final tickets are on sale now, so don't delay in securing your spot at this strictly 18+ party.
Remember when your parents threw dinner parties when you were a kid? Your parents had likely planned the menu well in advance, pulled out the good crockery, and cleaned the house in a frenzy. It was gorgeous, of course, but it was also a colossal effort. Thankfully, the popularity of formal dining at home took a nosedive, and now we want the kind of easy and elevated dining experience that Pinterest has championed: relaxed, but still worthy of sharing pictures across the internet. Which brings us a new kind of challenge, when you search 'dinner party ideas' you'll get 275 million results and too many options to choose from. So to help cut through the anxiety you may be feeling about hosting your next dinner party, we've partnered with super premium French vodka Grey Goose to bring you a guide on how to host an elevated evening meal at home that won't cost you your entire pay cheque (or your sanity). Read on for some sensory inspiration. TASTE Arguably the most important part of a dinner party (aside from your guests) is the food and drink, so don't let this part trip you up. Repeat after me: delegation is key. Nobody expects you to do this on your own (and foot the expenses, too), so when people offer to bring something, assign them a dish immediately. Keep it simple with cheese, charcuterie or a salad. For drinks, rest assured that everyone will bring their own beer or wine, so flex your hosting skills by having a pre-dinner cocktail ready for when everyone arrives. So fancy! So adult! The Grey Goose Peach Spritz is an elegant cocktail that's easy to make. Simply build 40ml of Grey Goose Original with 20ml of peach puree, 10ml of lemon juice, 10ml of sugar syrup and 45ml of sparkling rose in a wine glass. Stir and top with a sprig of rosemary. Look at you go! [caption id="attachment_751536" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Creative Commons: Flickr/Eva Coudyser[/caption] SIGHT Your parents were onto something with all those candles they lit at their weekend soirees; lighting really is important. Fairy lights, lamps, tea lights = good ambiance. That dodgy fluro light in the living room = bad vibes. You don't live in a dive bar. Once you've picked out the lights that suit your home, spruce up the rest of the house. Hide any clutter, put something floral on the table, and pull out some old photos. Not only will this serve as decoration, but it'll also work as an ice-breaker for any guests that might not know each other that well. Bonus points if the photos contain questionable haircuts circa 2010. [caption id="attachment_751529" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Creative Commons: Flickr/Marco Verch[/caption] SMELL They say the smell of baking bread is used by real estate agents to attract home buyers — and it's a very comforting aroma. Rather than baking your own loaf of sourdough for the occasion (#toohardbasket), stop by one of the best bakeries in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and pick up something ready made. Heat it up in the oven, and cut up thick slices to throw on a cheese board. Your gluten-free/low-carb/Keto friends probably won't eat it, but everyone will appreciate the smell. And if your sense of smell is chef-level impressive, see if you can pick out the notes of French baguettes in the Grey Goose vodka, as the same winter wheat is used to make the vodka as bakers use to make the country's famed pastries. [caption id="attachment_751744" align="alignnone" width="1920"] InBed[/caption] TOUCH Two words: table linen. It makes a real difference — and you can create a tactile environment really easily with one throw-over table cloth from linen purveyors like InBed (from $110) to more affordable homewares stores like IKEA (from $19.99). In a pinch, you can always use a picnic rug, or a sarong, to dress the table. Next, create an inviting environment where people can congregate after a big meal. Grab all the blankets from your bedroom, and get some hygge happening. Imagine a pillow fort, but more chic. SOUND When it comes to music, people fall into one of two categories: the effortlessly cool people who have a record player (and a well-curated vinyl collection) and those who rely on the old faithful Spotify and wireless speakers, which wins points for being totally customisable. If you choose to use a music streaming service during dinner, please abide by the cardinal rules: pay for premium (so you don't have pesky ads interrupting the mood) and use 'private session' so you don't add the tracks to your algorithm. Alternatively, rely on pre-made playlists like Front Left; the latest tracks become conversation starters. [embed]https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX5WTH49Vcnqp[/embed] Upgrade your dinner party by choosing premium vodka Grey Goose. Each bottle is distilled in France, and the high quality vodka has a 100 percent traceable production process, from crop to cork.
Back from a visit to 'Brucefest' in Kyogle, upper NSW — named, fittingly, after my Uncle Bruce — I have seen the glory of the backyard music festival and have returned to spread the word. Brucefest emerged one year ago, simply enough, from my uncle's need to burn off some extra lumber cluttering the paddock. Why not have a bonfire, he thought? On that note, why not have some mates round to watch the bonfire? In fact, why not have some tunes? For that matter, why not build my own stage? Thus, with a little ingenuity, Brucefest was born. While the constructed stage was certainly a testament to the carpentry skills of the Newton clan, the main thing I take away from Brucefest — as I watched my uncle and a ragtag collection of local Kyogle musos spend the night hopping on and off stage, switching easily between drum solos, stoking the bonfire and mingling with the crowd — is that anyone with a few talented mates can do this. Combine a jam session with a few microphones, a crowd of your mates and some open space, and the possibilities are endless. Whether it be a garage-punk do crammed in an inner west back lane or a blues and roots jam in Bruce's back paddock, the home-grown vibe just can't be beat. Without further ado, here's a few dos and don'ts for getting your own 'insert-name-here-Fest' off the ground. DO CONSIDER GOING RURAL If you know someone with a rural property I would infinitely recommend this over your typical suburban lane fest. Yes, it’s oh-so-Melbourne to be crammed into tiny lanes, chilling in the gutter with your longneck in a paper bag, but come on, look at this place. The chance to watch the sun go down behind your very own stage and have room to dance despite the crowds just can’t be beat. DON'T MAKE IT BIGGER THAN YOU CAN HANDLE The whole idea of a backyard music festival is that it's small enough that you and your mates can run it. Make sure you've got a setting that can actually fit the amount of people you're wanting and won't have the cops shutting you down in a half hour. You'll probably find that you and your mates and the bands and their mates are pretty much all you need. Remember, when the music stops, the clean-up begins. Note: Public Facebook pages are your enemy. DON'T FORGET TO PLAN THE STAGE We can’t all be carpenters like my moustachioed Uncle Bruce, (although sometimes we really want to be). So if you’re wanting to construct a stage that isn’t going to collapse underneath your best act and electrocute the bassist, then you had best put a little thought into the technical side of things. Have a think about how you're planning on hooking up your bands to power, whether you’re going to be needing some lighting and (if you’re playing on a grassy knoll) how you’re going to keep your bands out of the mud. DON'T STRESS TOO MUCH ABOUT MAKING A LINEUP THAT FLOWS The beauty of a backyard fest is that there are no rules. Recruit anyone you know who you want to hear and enjoy the freedom to put together bands that would otherwise never be on the same stage. I guarantee you that you know more good musicians than you think you do and that you'll have more fun watching your mates merge reggae with punk than you would listening to a tight lineup intended to please the crowd. From experience, the best part of your night is going to be when every single guitarist present jumps the stage to play the 'Johnny Be Good' solo simultaneously. DO/DON'T HAVE A BONFIRE This one’s a little less than clean cut. On the one hand: it's cold at night and bonfires are magical things. Burning off your extra lumber pile will provide a surprising amount of heat for your frost-bitten crowd and keep you going through the night. On the other hand: Do not have a bonfire. If you are not on a rural property and you have never managed a bonfire before, then bonfires are not your jam. It’s all fun and games until a stray spark lands on an inner west terrace and you’ve gone and burnt the whole neighbourhood down. DON'T ORGANISE THE FOOD YOURSELF What, are you crazy? You’ll spend the whole day in the kitchen and checking supplies and you will miss the whole thing, regardless of whether or not you think you have catering skills of my Aunt Judy. You don't. Either get people to bring their own or sort out a food truck that wants in on the day. DO REMEMBER TO TELL THE NEIGHBOURS Might seem like a hassle, but if you don’t get the neighbours on board with what you’re planning in advance, then you’re just going to get shut down by the cops before you get to the good stuff. If you’re living rural and your neighbours are a 10 minute drive down the road, then the only thing you have to remember is not to freak out the livestock. Which brings us, finally, to... DO REMEMBER TO TURN THE ELECTRIC FENCES OFF Though remember that if you turn the electric fences off, the livestock may come for a listen. Holding a rural fest might mean making a choice between zapping your mates and sharing a dance with a few friendly cows. Livestock and crowds are never the best mix, but I can promise you that when you see two little girls dancing around that bright white wire, you'll be more than happy to know that the fence is turned off. If your four-legged friends pay you a visit, just treat them with respect and let them bask in the tunes. I know from experience they are big fans of a good Tracy Chapman cover, the big softies. Top image: Dollar Photo Club. Other images and videos by Elise Newton.
Looking for somewhere to take a splash Down Under but feeling spoiled for choice thanks to Australia's thousands of beaches? Here's one way to pick where to head: Manly Beach in Sydney has just been anointed the seventh best beach in the world for 2024, and also the best beach in the South Pacific for this year as well. Tripadvisor bestowed the honours, as part of its annual lineup of top coastal spots. The New South Wales choice is the only Aussie destination to make the global top ten and top 25. Australia has form with the travel website's picks. Back in 2017, Whitehaven Beach ranked 17th. Jump to 2021 and the same Queensland spot came in first, with Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Western Australia in sixth. Then, in 2022, the WA beach ranked third in the world. The state was also home to Australia's best-placed piece of shoreline in 2023, when Cable Beach came in third. [caption id="attachment_891589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Manly Beach[/caption] Manly Beach was recognised as the world's seventh-best beach for 2024 and Australia's top beach for 2024 partly for being a good spot for walking and shopping in the vicinity. Tripadvisor also recommends that heading along between March–May and September–November is better for temperatures and sparser crowds. In 2024, Manly Beach sits behind Portugal's Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua, which was named the number-one beach for the year — plus Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa, Italy in second; La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Donostia, Spain in third; Ka'anapali Beach in Lahaina, Hawaii, US in fourth; and Grace Bay Beach in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos in fifth. In sixth: Anse Lazio on Praslin Island in the Seychelles. From the full top 25, beaches in Aruba, Cuba, Mexico, Iceland, Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece and Tanzania are among the other places to earn a spot on the list. [caption id="attachment_891588" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cable Beach[/caption] Among South Pacific beaches, Manly Beach emerged victorious over Cable Beach, as well as five other Aussie locations and one from New Zealand. Queensland was home to four of the Australian picks, thanks to Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, Surfers Paradise Beach, Mooloolaba Beach and Whitehaven Beach. The other: Emily Bay on Norfolk Island. Aotearoa's recognition came via Mt Maunganui Main Beach. The two beaches deemed the best in the South Pacific that aren't from Down Under? Matira Beach on Society Island in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, which placed third and Piscine Naturelle, Ile Des Pins, New Caledonia, which came in eighth. Across both the worldwide and South Pacific rankings, winners were chosen as part of Tripadvisor's Traveller's Choice awards, which is based on millions of reviews and ratings left on the online platform from October 2022–September 2023. [caption id="attachment_891592" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whitehaven Beach[/caption] Top 25 Beaches in the World for 2024: Praia da Falésia, Olhos de Agua, Portugal Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Donostia, Spain Ka'anapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii, US Grace Bay Beach, Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles Manly Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Eagle Beach, Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida, US Varadero Beach, Varadero, Cuba Playa Pilar, Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey Archipelago Balandra Beach, La Paz, Mexico Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland Poipu Beach Park, Poipu, Koloa, Kauai, Hawai Seven Mile Beach, Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands Playa de Las Canteras, Gran Canaria, Spain Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Playa Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa, Cyprus Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico Muro Alto Beach, Porto de Galinhas, Brazil Top Ten Beaches in the South Pacific for 2024: Manly Beach, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Cable Beach, Broome, Western Australia, Australia Matira Beach, Society Island, Bora Bora, French Polynesia Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia Surfers Paradise Beach, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia Mooloolaba Beach, Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia Piscine Naturelle, Ile Des Pins, New Caledonia Emily Bay, Norfolk Island, Australia Mt Maunganui Main Beach, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand [caption id="attachment_891590" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matira Beach[/caption] [caption id="attachment_891591" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mooloolaba Beach[/caption] To check out the full list of top beaches for 2024, head to Tripadvisor. Images: Getty Images / Tripadvisor. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
While it's important to take time during Mardi Gras to learn and appreciate the history of the festival and the movement behind it, it's also incredibly important to remember that Mardi Gras is a protest wrapped up in a party. And there ain't no party like a deep house party. Sydney's biggest house event for the gay community and their friends, I Remember House runs a few times throughout the year, and they never fail to deliver on the best house music on offer. The lascivious lineup for the Mardi Gras special event pools talent from around the world and will set them loose at the Ivy on Saturday, February 25.
It's one of the world's biggest sporting goods retail brands, found in over 30 countries and dubbed by many as 'the ALDI of activewear'. And now, France's famed Decathlon — which launched an online store here last year — has physically hit Aussie shores, yesterday opening the doors to an enormous Sydney flagship store. Located in Tempe Retail Park next to Ikea, the new space is a monster 3800 square metres, stocked with an impressive 7000 sport-related products and promising savings galore. And to see locals happily through the festive season, it's set to stay open 24/7 for the next two weeks. If you've got a sports nut or fitness fiend in your life, put this one at the very top of your Christmas shopping hit-list. CEO of Decathlon Australia Mr Olivier Robinet said that the company wants to make sport accessible to all locals. "Australians are some of the most active people in the world, the whole country is like a playground," he explained. "Until now many Australians have had to spend hundreds of dollars to get a quality product. Decathlon has now changed this." So how cheap is it? Well, a pair of yoga pants range will set you back between $12 and $40, while a two-person tent is $30. More than just a standard store, Decathlon's Tempe venue also features dedicated active zones, where customers can roadtest certain products, and its own community sporting areas, where local sports clubs can host sign-up days, barbecues and fundraising events. Find Decathlon at Tempe Retail Park, 634–726 Princes Highway, Tempe. The store will be open 24/7 in the lead-up to Christmas and then 5am till midnight in 2018. For more info, visit decathlon.com.au. Image: Decathlon via Facebook.
If your seaside memories are painted with velvet pine trees, striped umbrellas and sand yellowed with rose-tinted glasses, look no further than Avoca for your next foray out of the city. Despite becoming a hot spot for tourists chasing great coffee, food, surf and adventure, it's managed to keep a firm hold on that laidback, they-all-must-be-locals ambience by not becoming overdeveloped. Situated just 95km north of the Sydney CBD, Avoca makes a perfect day trip or weekend away, even when a winter wind blows across the beach. Just pull your cable knit around you, stare meaningfully into the sea and then snuggle into the area's characterful cafes, eateries and shops. SEE AND DO Your first priority in Avoca is obviously to visit the beach — a 1km stretch of golden sand protected by headlands and dotted with beach chairs, umbrellas and surfboards. It's a great swimming beach, popular with families, and has patrol flags at each end and a safe shallow kiddie pool by the Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC). Scramble around the rocks at the south head to find a platform of stunning rock pools and anglers taking advantage of the abundant sea below. Avoca is known for its surf and has great waves for beginners and advanced surfers. The Central Coast Surf School offers group and private lessons as well as two-day courses for all ages. Old hands can rent a board at Three Points Surf on Avoca Drive. If paddle boarding or paddle boating is more your speed, head to Avoca Lake beach behind the Avoca shopping village (or follow the lake's inlet from the centre of the beach), where you can hire a board from Aquafun for just $4, as well as kayaks, canoes and boats. Visiting scuba divers of all levels can explore the ex-HMAS Adelaide just 1.8 kilometres off Avoca Beach. The naval warship was sunk in 2011 creating an artificial reef, now teaming with life. Terrigal Dive run six dives a day to the site on weekends, as well as a number of other dives. Those who want to get off the beaten track should take a short drive down the coast to Bouddi National Park. The 8 kilometre coastal walk is broken into bite-sized sections with bays and spectacular whale-watching lookouts. The beach of Maitland Bay is the gem of the journey and can be accessed via the first leg of the costal track from Putty Beach (3km) or a (steep!) paved track from the car park (1.5km). For a change of pace, wander around the Avoca village on Avoca Drive and indulge in a spot of shopping at Avoca Beach Antiques. The 31-year-old store has the Central Coast's largest collection of antique jewellery, sure to see you part with some cold hard ones. Also not to be missed is the adorable Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, located behind the SLSC on Avoca Drive. The fourth-generation family business, which opened on the Hunter family's front garden in 1948, was named in the BBC's Top 20 Cinemas Of The World in 2014 and has also won awards for its highly curated programming. If the weather is coaxing you to stay outdoors, at least pop in to see the antique decor inside. EAT AND DRINK In the last two years, Avoca has bucked the beach-town trend of revolving seasonal eateries and has developed a stable foodie scene of its own. For the best coffee in town, visit Becker & Co. owned by Dale Hunter, formerly of Bird & Bear Boathouse in Elizabeth Bay. Have your day brightened by the typographic inspirations on the walls while you chow down on a bacon and egg breakfast slider with chilli jam. Oomph Cafe & Food Store, the little sister to popular Oomph Cafe & Foodstore in East Gosford, has an extensive menu featuring specialty products from their store. Their gourmet burgers, the best in town, will force you back into the water to wash the juice from your elbows. If raw, organic or vegan is your jam, see the super-friendly staff at Wise Food Cafe. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu, but their array of sweet health treats is second to none in town. Like Minds, lakeside and slightly back from main drag, is another popular hang with a creative-space vibe. Sit outside with strangers on a garden table or admire the work of local artists on the walls inside, also available for purchase. The best dinner in town goes to Bombini, a modern Italian fine dining restaurant with a seasonal four-course menu of sustainable and local produce- some from it's own 2-acre kitchen garden. Those just after a place to drink can settle into a veranda booth with their choice of French, Italian and Australian wines and cocktails. They also have lunch and brunch on weekends and a pantry store selling their fresh bread baked daily. For a quiet night, dine in or takeaway from All Malay Malaysian Restaurant. Don't be surprised by its popularity night after night; the beef rendang and salt and pepper soft shell crab are exceptional. It's BYO, so pick up a drop from the BWS across the road on your way. If you can't move from the beach, not even for food, never mind. The Surf Life Saving Club kiosk serves Allpress Espresso, takeaway meals and the ever important ice-block. For beachside fish and chips head to Avoca Beach Seafoods. It's BYO and open till 8pm. When it's time for an afternoon beverage, check out Mojito Joe's above the Avoca Sands Cafe. It's known for its punchy rum-based cocktails and Pacific island-inspired share dishes. The Avoca Beach Hotel is the pub of choice, with live music every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. It's also the best spot in town to watch the footy. Any footy. Words and images by Annabel Campbell.
Summer in Australia means sandy feet, mangos, and a speaker permanently in your beach bag playing the music that will soundtrack the season. But, did you know that just 8.4 percent of the music we consume as Aussies is actually Australian? Thelma Plum, Keli Holiday, G Flip, Ben Lee, Gordi and whole host of Australian musicians are asking us to Ausify our algorithms this month. Why? Because the more we play Aussie music the more momentum it gets. More gigs, more music. More stories that represent the rich fabric of what makes up Australia being told. Whether you're watching a summer storm roll in, dipping in and out of the surf, or manning the BBQ, here's some inspiration to Ausify your playlists this AusMusic month. Prefer your music live? Aussie artists are always touring. This month, you can catch Josh Pyke, The Reubens, Thelma Plum and more across the country. A Summer Walk View this post on Instagram A post shared by K I T A (@kitaalexander) With the smell of jasmine in the air and the sun on your skin, nothing beats a headphones-in walk by the Harbour Bridge or through your local neighbourhood. Try Ausifying your walking playlist with Ocean Alley for the perfect summer soundtrack with sun-soaked guitar and hypnotic vocals. For the times your walk needs heavy-hitting lyrics and a lot of feelings, add some Kita Alexander to your walk. Or, when you need more of a strut than a walk, press play on some Jessica Mauboy. A Boogie with Friends View this post on Instagram A post shared by keli holiday (@keliholiday) There are so many Aussie artists begging to soundtrack your summer dance parties. Keli Holiday's 'Dancing2' is shaping up to be the song of the summer and is an absolute joy to dance to, especially around the people you love the most. For something new, check out Ninajirachi. She has quickly gone from triple j Unearthed High finalist to an absolute night out playlist staple with a nostalgic EDM sound. For infectious beats that feel like they are made to be played on a balmy summer night, put on some Electric Fields. Watching a Storm Roll In View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beyond Productions (@beyondproductions.tv) An Australian summer isn't complete without an afternoon or two spent watching a storm roll in as the day's humidity finally snaps away. This calls for comforting, nostalgic and somehow thrilling tunes. Take Midnight Oil for example with their classic rock vibe perfect for watching a summer storm. Or blast some King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard for an anticipatory sound that somehow pairs perfectly with the impending approach of those telltale dark clouds. If you're looking to self-soothe and find comfort, Josh Pyke has the perfect ambient vibe to pair with claps of thunder and drops of rain. Road Trips View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thelma Plum (@thelmaplum) A road trip over summer is an Australian right of passage. Whether it's travelling to see family, chasing a waterfall on a scorching day, or driving to the coast to race through hot sand and dive into the sea, road trips feel like a summer non-negotiable. Missy Higgins 'Scar' is an essential accompaniment for watching the scenery pass by. Then, for those drives when you need poignant lyrics to scream along to, or maybe a boost of hometown nostalgia, Thelma Plum's music is road trip certified. Then, for something that will get the whole car going like a shot of espresso, hit play on Amyl and the Sniffers. Beach Day View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baker Boy (@dabakerboy) Nothing feels as good as that first beach day of the summer when the country slowly defrosts. A parmy at a surf club, sunscreen on your skin, and Aussie music playing on your speaker: the perfect day, really. For that welcome to summer feeling, Baker Boy makes the best feel-good, high-energy music to blast as the mercury rises. If you're spending a chill, surfy day by the water Xavier Rudd's music is the natural choice. But, if your beach days are more high-energy check out G Flip for big vocals and punchy beats. This summer, make it your mission to explore Aussie music. The more you explore, the more it gives back. Find out more at the Ausify website.
Wine lovers visiting New Zealand's biggest city are truly spoilt for choice. A cluster of award-winning and family-owned vineyards sit less than an hour's drive from the CBD, making it the perfect destination for your next short break. Dotted among the hillsides and bays of northern Auckland, Matakana has a warm climate that produces elegant reds — there are 28 varieties planted in the region, which makes it one of the most diverse wine growing areas in New Zealand. Here you'll find the only vineyard in the country to specialise solely in Italian grapes, French-inspired drops and an elaborate 'if you build it, they will come' sculpture park. Flights to Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are super short — around three-and-a-half hours on average — and Air New Zealand flies direct from all three cities and offers great everyday fares. SCULPTUREUM A Nike-wearing alligator, inspirational quotes from Steve Jobs, an exotic bird aviary and an 80-seat restaurant — Sculptureum isn't your average vineyard. After 12 years of design and development, Auckland-based lawyers Anthony and Sandra Grant opened the doors to their elaborate 'if you build it, they will come' space. The 25-acre site is located less than five minutes' drive from the Matakana village en route to Omaha (north of Auckland). After strolling through art-filled gardens, seeing a massive chandelier created by American glass artist Dale Chihuly and spotting large rabbits in a grassy arena named Rabbiton, it'll finally be time to sit down for a wine. On a sun-soaked hill beyond the gardens is the vineyard that produces Sculptureum's award-winning wines. Current varietals available include chardonnay, Bordeaux blend, syrah and rosé. They're best enjoyed by the glass with a meal at on-site restaurant Rothko — though you can always grab a bottle for later, too. BRICK BAY WINERY Brick Bay is another spot that incorporates boutique wines, a sculpture trail and a top-notch restaurant. Nestled amidst a patchwork of native bush and farmland, the winery is a magical setting for a short break out of the city. For a little over 32 years, the brand has made a name for itself crafting sustainable wines, notably the classic pinot gris and berry-driven rosé. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, tastings are held any time at on-site restaurant The Glasshouse for $8. Designed by respected architect Noel Lane, the building is exactly as the name suggests — a light-filled glass box, which sits over a lily-filled pond. For an additional fee, you'll also be given the opportunity to stroll around the sculpture trail and see work by some of New Zealand's top contemporary sculptors, including Paul Dibble, Terry Stringer and Judy Darraugh. The full trail takes around an hour to complete. HERON'S FLIGHT Heron's Flight is the only vineyard in New Zealand to specialise solely in Italian grapes. The winery was established 31 years ago by David Hoskins, whose work as a chemist, philosopher and winemaker makes him quite the renaissance man. Heron's Flight has been consistently committed to sustainable winemaking and can be found in the wine lists of top restaurants up and down New Zealand. Heron's Flight works with two grape varieties: sangiovese, which translates to 'the blood of Jupiter', and dolcetto, a variety which is often both dry and full-bodied. Tastings are available seven days a week, excluding public holidays. MATAKANA ESTATE Matakana Estate has been around since the boutique wine region first sprung to light more than 30 years ago. Under the care of Australian winemaker Richard Robson, the estate produces stylish, full-bodied chardonnay, syrah and pinot gris. With expansive views over the vineyard — the largest in the region — the tasting room is one of the most popular to visit for an afternoon of sniffing and swirling. That said, it's recommended to call ahead if you're looking to try a specific varietal. If you haven't sorted transportation for your return journey, the estate boasts a luxury lodge, which stands proudly on a ridge overlooking the Matakana valley and hills. It has room for up to eight merry guests. RUNNER DUCK ESTATE Runner Duck Estate is a boutique vineyard nestled in the Matakana valley, specialising in small quantities of French-inspired syrah, Bordeaux blends, pinot gris, sangiovese and rosé. After leaving behind a successful business in Mumbai and purchasing the estate, it was the objective of owners Clyde and Farida to produce a small amount of iconic red wine that would impress the world's most discerning wine drinkers. Staying true to their word, the pair will not produce wine under the label unless the year been outstanding. The estate's cellar door can be found at celebrated vineyard restaurant, Plume, which offers tastings of any five wines for $7 per person. Alternatively, tastings are free with any bottled purchased. Book your flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand and start planning your next long weekend away. Plus, Vinomofo has released a case of wine featuring six delicious wines representing the diverse and unique sub-regions of Waiheke, Kumeu and Matakana. Every case has a one in 50 chance of winning return flights to Auckland (from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). T&Cs apply.
One of Sydney's most stunning spots for a picnic is Vaucluse's Parsley Bay. The reserve is specifically set up for picnicking, with tables and plenty of grassy areas to settle into. Plus, there's a 15-minute bushwalk circuit to enjoy pre- or post-picnic, which includes waterfall views. Or trek up to the headland bridge, which offers panoramic views of the bay. During summer, you can take a dip in the harbour to cool off in after the walk, too. Summertime also welcomes Australian water dragons — they can be seen sunning themselves along the water. No doggos are allowed here, so be sure to leave your furry friend at home. [caption id="attachment_754226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Image: Destination NSW
Fresh off the heels of opening homely Redfern bar and Italian eatery Arms Length last June, Rebecca O'Shea (ex-Rockpool Dining Group) and chef Jeffrey Sue have claimed another corner of two bustling Sydney streets with their new Darlinghurst venue. Situated on the corner of Crown and Stanley Street, Bar Nina follows in Arms Length's footsteps with a menu full of Italian-inspired dishes set alongside a classic cocktail list and craft brews. O'Shea and Sue have enlisted the help of Head Chef Luke Davenport in crafting the Bar Nina menu. Formerly of the two Michelin star English restaurant The Ledbury, Davenport is bringing his expertise to Sydney with a menu full of pasta and plentiful share plates. Diners can select from a range of pasta Davenport hand creates every day — from fettuccine with slow-cooked duck ragu bianco, to a mussel and lardo spaghetti. Groups looking to sample the menu will find plenty to share, including Sydney rock oysters or pork and veal terrine and mostarda served on sourdough. If you venture away from the share plates and pasta, you'll find heartier meals like a vegan caponata paired with king oyster mushroom and pearl barley, or a whole baby snapper. The drinks list centres around an extensive cocktail menu containing tried-and-true classics alongside a few of Bar Nina's own creations. Keeping with the southern European theme, you'll find a Mediterranean G&T made with Cinzano 1757 and Four Pillars olive leaf gin, or the summery electric blue La Nina, featuring two types of rum, orgeat, lime and blue curacao. Cocktails are $17–19, but those that head down between 4–6pm each day can score an affordable selection of happy hour drinks including $7 Pirate Life tap beer, $10 margaritas and $10 Aperol spritzes. The fun doesn't stop at happy hour though, with bottomless brunch on offer every Saturday and Sunday. The boozy brunch can be booked between 11am–3pm on weekends and for $79 comes with two hours of drinks alongside a set selection of highlights from the Bar Nina menu. Truly a jack-of-all-trades, Bar Nina is open from 8am each morning, serving The Little Marionette coffee to CBD workers and early risers looking for their caffeine fix. Pastries are also on offer each morning for commuters to snack on before the full menu becomes available from midday on weekdays and 11am on weekends. Bar Nina is open at 85a Stanley Street, Darlinghurst, 8am-midnight, Monday–Sunday.
Hosting pre-drinks can be a lot of pressure. The playlist has got to be on point and create the right vibe. The snacks need to be that perfect mix between 'line your stomach' and 'small enough to eat with one hand while straightening hair'. And the drinks have to be knockouts because they're kind of like the marker for the night ahead; pick a great drink, you're in for an even greater night. And you can't go past prosecco; The dramatic 'pop' will immediately liven up the crowd, and the versatile Italian bubbly can be enjoyed on its own or heroed in a bunch of tasty cocktails. (And no, not just in a spritz.) To make sure you serve up some real humdingers, we've partnered with the prosecco masters at Dal Zotto Wines and crafted five prosecco cocktail recipes to try before your next night out. Bottoms up, bubble lovers. PASSION PIT Let this be our little secret... This cocktail is like a fancy, adults-only version of Passiona. It tastes just like an Aussie summer (read: pavlova and bubbly). — 70g castor sugar — 70ml lemon juice — 70ml triple sec — pulp from 4 passionfruits — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled (serves four to six) Mix together the lemon juice and sugar, dissolving it as best you can. Next add the triple sec and passionfruit pulp. Pour the mixture over a couple of ice-filled glasses, then top up with chilled prosecco. Garnish with passionfruit, mint and pineapple. You'll be feeling higher and higher in no time. EL LOCO Forget frozen margaritas — it's all about sparkling margaritas, amigos. This fizzy twist on the classic will send your mates loco in all the right ways. Cocktail: — 90ml blanco tequila — 90ml triple sec — 120ml chilled simple syrup (recipe below) — 240ml lime juice — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled — coarse salt — lime wedges Simple syrup: — 250 ml water — 250 ml castor sugar (serves six to eight) First, you need to make the simple syrup which is, well, super simple to make. Grab a medium saucepan and over medium-high heat stir together the sugar and water until all the granules have dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature and then chill in the fridge. Next, add the tequila, chilled simple syrup, triple sec and lime juice into a cocktail shaker along with a good handful of ice, then give it a good shake. Grab your tumblers — or margarita glasses, if you've got 'em — and run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass before dipping them into a small plate of course salt. Add a handful of ice to each glass and divide the tequila mixture among the glasses. Finally, top with a wedge of lime and a splash of prosecco for that all-important fizz. PRINCESS PEACH Just like everybody's favourite crown-wearing Mario Kart character, this tipple is sweet yet punchy and will always score first place. — 2 ripe peaches, seeded and diced — 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice — 1 teaspoon sugar — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled (serves six) Chuck the peaches, lemon juice and sugar into your trusty food processor, and blend until smooth. Pass the mixture through a sieve and get rid of all the chunky peach bits. Place 2 tablespoons of the puree into each champagne glass and top with well-chilled prosecco. Yeah, Peach has got it! LEMON DROP This cocktail is a riff on those zingy, sherbert-filled lollies you probably ate as a kid. And it's got two Italian heavy-hitters, limoncello and prosecco, so you know it's going to be good. — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled — 250ml limoncello, chilled — blueberries — thyme — lemon slices (serves four) Pour the prosecco and limoncello into a jug and stir together. Next, press your lemon slices into the bottom of a large highball glass (a hurricane or sling will work equally well), top with ice and fill with the prosecco mixture. For added pizzazz, garnish with thyme and blueberries. PURPLE RAIN Just like Prince, this tipple is kinda strange but, also, utter genius. If it were to change its name to a symbol it would be an exclamation mark, because it's that delicious. Cocktail: — 1/4 cup blackberries — 90ml blackberry syrup (recipe below) — juice from one lime — mint — 120ml light rum — 1 bottle of Dal Zotto prosecco, chilled Blackberry syrup: — 2 tablespoons water — 1 cup blackberries — 1/3 cup granulated sugar (serves two) First, you'll need to whip up the blackberry syrup. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, mash together the sugar, blackberries and water. Once the mixture is thick and the sugar dissolved, pass it through a fine mesh strainer and let it chill. Add the blackberry syrup, blackberries, lime and a handful of mint to a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Next, chuck in the rum and a few ice cubes and shake it like you mean it. Strain the mixture into martini glasses and top with chilled prosecco and fresh blueberries or blackberries. Then, get ready to party like it's 1999. Keen for more fizz? Visit Dal Zotto for a glass of bubbly perfection. And once you're there, share your first Dal Zotto drink experience to Instagram and hashtag #FirstDZ to go in the running to win a year's worth of Dal Zotto prosecco and many more weekly prizes.
Whether you grew up collecting bricks or you're just in it for the nostalgia, there's no denying the icon status of LEGO®. Add Star Wars into the mix, and you've got one of the most wholesome and exciting pop culture events on the calendar for all ages. Landing at Melbourne Museum from (fittingly) May 4, LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition features a huge collection of life-sized models and is a must-see for anyone who still gets excited by lightsabers, stormtroopers and playing with LEGO®. But the exhibition is just the beginning. If you're heading to Melbourne for it, the fun continues once you leave. Just a few light years (minutes) away, there are after-hours museum visits, wild ice cream flavours and cult-status sandwiches. Below, we map out your cheat sheet for the ultimate night out. Grab a Legendary Meatball Sub from Roccos Start your post-exhibition feast by crossing the road and wandering down Gertrude Street to Rocco's Bologna Discoteca. This spot has reached cult status for its meatball sub, a saucy, cheesy, handheld, messy, and glorious masterpiece. It's open until 11pm on weekends, so settle in, pair your sub with a negroni, and you've got one of the most satisfying meals around. [caption id="attachment_1001344" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rebecca Newman[/caption] Hang with the Locals at Marion Wine Bar Further along Gertrude Street, Marion Wine Bar is the perfect place to pause and watch the world go by. The treasured neighbourhood wine bar takes inspiration from across the world, while maintaining a distinct Melbourne vibe. Known for its seasonal menu and extensive wine list, stop in for a glass and a few small plates to debrief after a day of LEGO® Star Wars overload. Feast at Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks Over in Collingwood, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks is slinging gooey, over-the-top sandwiches that feel like they belong in a Star Wars cantina. There are no small bites here. This is where you come when you're hungry for a feed. It's open late, walk-ins only, and exactly the no-fuss vibe you need to keep the night rolling. Visit the Museum After Dark While the LEGO® Star Wars exhibition might unleash your inner kid, Nocturnal is strictly adults-only. Once a month, this is your chance to explore the Melbourne Museum exhibits after-dark and child free. Whether you're wandering dinosaur skeletons or enjoying the music, food and drinks on offer until 9pm, it's the ultimate nightcap to a day spent exploring the city. Try a Wild Scoop at Fluffy Torpedo If dessert is non-negotiable, Fluffy Torpedo in Carlton is serving up wacky ice cream flavours like Buttered Baguette, Popcorn, Maltesers and Pretzels, Pork Butter and Chilli Oil, and other creations that are sure to be remembered. Go late, try something wild, and remember – you'll never regret trying something once. [caption id="attachment_1001352" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Josie Withers[/caption] Browse Books at Readings Carlton Before calling it a night, wander over to Readings Carlton, a Melbourne institution that stays open until 9pm most nights. Inside, you'll find stacks upon stacks of graphic novels, art books, classics, and all the latest fiction you'd expect from one of the city's largest bookstores. Whether you're here for the LEGO® Star Wars exhibition or just to soak up the Melbourne vibe, go all in and make a weekend out of it. Head to visitmelbourne.com.au to discover more of what makes Melbourne every bit different. Images courtesy of Melbourne. Every bit different. By Jacque Kennedy
Not content with launching a Ritz-Carlton on the Gold Coast in 2026, the Marriott International hotel chain is bringing another of its luxe accommodation labels to the Glitter Strip: St Regis, which'll open its first-ever Australian outpost in Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise. Holidaymakers will need to wait until 2027 to soak in the brand's lavish surroundings; however, there'll be plenty to enjoy, all as part of the under-development $1.7-billion La Pélago resort and precinct. La Pélago won't be small, sprawling over 12,000 square metres, and including 5500-plus square metres of dining and drinking options, as well as shops. St Regis Gold Coast Resort won't be modest itself, featuring 185 guest rooms and suites, each with either ocean or hinterland views. Also set to feature at the new St Regis: a sky bar, pool bar and lounge, a specialty restaurant, the chain's signature St Regis Bar and a spa, turning every stay into an excuse to kick back with a drink — while looking at stunning vistas, over a splash, with a meal or before chasing your bliss. Sporting the brand's usual focus on glamour — complete with its bespoke butler service — the Gold Coast's St Regis resort will take over one of La Pélago's towers, and comes in collaboration with property development company Gurner and investment house Wingate. It's set to be the first tower to open, in fact, and joins a list of 55-plus fellow St Regis hotels and resorts worldwide since the chain's first site opened in New York in 1904. You might've heard of its Big Apple venue, and the St Regis New York King Cole Bar, thanks to a well-known tipple. It was the supposed birthplace of the bloody mary back in 1934, with the hotel brand unsurprising touting the spicy cocktail as its signature sip since then. Do genuinely expect to feel on top of the world at the St Regis Gold Coast; as part of the La Pélago design plans, all of the hotel's rooms and amenities, including the bar and restaurant, will sit above the rest of the towers in the precinct. The St Regis building itself will be 50-percent taller than any other surrounding tower, in fact. That means arriving at the porte cochère entrance, then making your way up to the second — and main — hotel lobby on level 42. "This signing for the St Regis brand in Australia is momentous for Marriott International, and a wonderful advancement for the Gold Coast. The St Regis name promises a vanguard spirit steeped in history and tradition, and is synonymous with global luxury," said Richard Crawford, Vice President Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International, announcing the news. "The St Regis Hotel brand redefined luxury when it first opened its doors in New York over 100 years ago and as such we are incredibly selective when choosing the right locations and developments to launch new St Regis Hotel sites, that are befitting of the strict requirements and expectations of the brand," Crawford continued. St Regis was initially due to make its Aussie debut in Melbourne, as announced back in 2018; however, that plan hasn't come to fruition. When the chain's Gold Coast hotel opens, it's expected to be Marriott International's fourth site in the Queensland city thanks to the existing JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa, and theSheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast, plus the aforementioned Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast. Start dreaming about those swanky 2027 vacations now. The St Regis Gold Coast Resort will open at the new La Pélago precinct, 112 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise sometime in 2027 — we'll update you with further details when they're announced. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
After nearly a decade, Stranger Things is sadly coming to an end. Stranger Things Season 5 will be released on Netflix across three premiere dates, with Volume 1 dropping on Thursday, November 27 (four episodes), Volume 2 dropping on Boxing Day (three episodes), and The Finale streaming on New Year's Day. Each volume is released at midday AEDT. It's no secret that the final series has been a few years in the making. Season 4 premiered in May of 2022, meaning we've waited over three years to find out if the Stranger Things kids can defeat Vecna once and for all. The thrilling sci-fi drama is set in the fictional American town of Hawkins, Indiana. While the group of teenagers battle monsters and travels to alternate dimensions, the 1980s nostalgia of Hawkins (and the show) is hard to miss. To help you ease back into the vintage and sometimes spooky spirit of Stranger Things, we've created a 1980s travel guide. From American diners to regional towns, here are some real-world Aussie places that look straight out of Hawkins. Walhalla, Victoria While Australia's environment and landscapes differ from those of the United States' Midwest region, there are a handful of regional towns that capture the eerie atmosphere of Hawkins. Founded as a gold-mining community in the 1800s, the Victorian town of Walhalla is now home to just 20 permanent residents. Despite its small size, Walhalla is a tourist hotspot, attracting people who want to learn more about Australia's gold mining past. Located 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, Walhalla (which was once one of Australia's richest towns) has reconstructed a number of its heritage buildings — resulting in a tourist town that makes you feel like you've stepped through a time machine. Book a stay at Walhalla's Star Hotel, cycle through the town a lá Stranger Things kids on a bike tour, or, if you fancy something spookier, join the Walhalla Ghost Tour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Architecture Uprising Australia (@arch_aus) [caption id="attachment_898563" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Valentina's Diner[/caption] Valentina's Diner, Sydney Nothing screams Midwestern town like a plate of diner pancakes. Located in Marrickville, Sydney, Valentina's Diner offers pastel booths (perfect for planning some monster-fighting), as well as an All-American classic menu. From black diner coffee to breakfast sandwiches and American-style cheeseburgers and fries, you'll feel ready to binge-watch the new episodes after your visit. [caption id="attachment_780688" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Evie's Disco Diner[/caption] Evie's Disco Diner, Melbourne Inspired by 1980s New York City, Evie's Disco Diner is your taste of nostalgia pre-Stranger Things watch party. Situated in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Evie's Disco Diner serves American diner dishes (including a number of vegan-friendly options) in a discotheque bar and feels plucked straight from the streets of Hawkins. With a colourful dance floor, bottomless brunch, and drag bingo galore, Evie's Disco Diner is Melbourne's destination for 1980s fun. Book a table with friends to dance to some throwback tracks ("Running Up That Hill", anybody?) before your watch party. [caption id="attachment_902834" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Leonard's House of Love[/caption] Leonard's House of Love, Melbourne Step through the doors of Leonard's House of Love, and you'll find yourself in a dive bar where you could easily spot Hopper sinking a beer post-Demagorgon chase. The South Yarra haunt has a retro feel that's reminiscent of the eighties aesthetics. From wood-panelled walls to neon-lit signs and shag-carpet cosiness, Leonard's House of Love is a time-warp American-inspired dive bar that's perfect for getting into the Stranger Things spirit. [caption id="attachment_1047764" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Mount Victoria via Wirestock[/caption] Mount Victoria, NSW Hawkins may not have mountains, but it does have eerie trails and forests full of secrets. This atmosphere can also be found in the New South Wales village of Mount Victoria. Located in the Blue Mountains, Mount Victoria has a rich history (not dissimilar to Hawkins). While there's no experimental science lab or Upside Down world, there are scenic trail walks and even a vintage independent cinema for some nostalgia. If you're a history buff, be sure to book a trip to Mount Victoria Museum to learn more about local history and maybe even find some town secrets out for yourself. [caption id="attachment_858552" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Stranger Things courtesy of Netflix © 2022[/caption] Fortress, Melbourne and Sydney One central theme of Stranger Things is the board game, Dungeons and Dragons. The closest Australia has to a Hawkins Hellfire Club headquarters is the gaming bar, Fortress. The community hubs feature weekly Dungeons and Dragons meet-ups with a three-hour guided D&D adventure and even a dedicated Dungeon Master. You can join as a group or solo member and play the game that gave Vecna his namesake. [caption id="attachment_1049117" align="alignleft" width="1920"] Yackandandah[/caption] Yackandandah, Victoria With its picture-perfect shopfronts and sleepy-town charm, Yackandandah in Victoria feels like the show's early seasons (you know, before the Upside Down leaked into the real world). The North East Victorian town is surrounded by trees and a high street that feels like the last century (in a quaint way, of course). It's easy to imagine Eleven and co pedalling past the old petrol pumps or heading to the vintage stores for some arcade-perfect outfits. You don't need a portal to the Upside Down to feel like you've stepped into the Stranger Things universe, so make a reservation and book a long weekend trip away before (or while) you binge Stranger Things Season 5. Stream Stranger Things Season 5 only on Netflix from Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 12:00pm AEDT. Lead image credit: Stranger Things Season 5 Netflix
Dimmies & Tinnies are on the move this month, having embarked on an East Coast adventure to spread the gospel about its new lineup of reimagined dim sims. The first stop is Redfern's Norfolk Hotel, which will play host to a one-day activation teeming with good food, cold beers and easygoing fun. Held from 12pm on Saturday, July 19, the whole crew is invited to dine on this iconic Chinese-inspired treat. Priced at $3, the dimmies are available in two flavours: spicy pork with red chilli and cabbage, and chicken and sweetcorn, featuring a hit of kombu. The tinnies form the other part of the equation, with $7 Reschs Pilsener cans pairing with the moreish staple to forge the ultimate afternoon snack combo. Perhaps it's time to load up the freezer, as these nostalgic bites are perfect for a quick cook-up, whether you prefer them fried or steamed. Not familiar with Dimmies & Tinnies? Expect to see the brand more and more. Radio and TV favourite Andy Lee, NYC-based hospitality duo Eddy Buckingham and Chef Paul Donnelly, and celebrated ceramicist Sam Gordon are the brains behind the biz, having spent the last four years perfecting their dream torpedo-style dimmie.
It's 1929. You find yourself at a party at Pokeingham Hall in a village in the Cotswolds, one of the UK's most beautiful spots. You're there to celebrate the life of the late heiress Rose Stimper. But it's not just any celebration. In her will, Stimper left a whole lot of money to the village — and asked the villagers to decide how to spend it. You and everyone else has plenty of ideas. You're busy discussing them, when, all of a sudden, something goes terribly wrong... Welcome to Murder at the Manor: an interactive dinner hosted by Cluedunnit, one of the world's longest-running murder mystery companies, at Stamford Plaza Hotel, Sydney Airport. For three hours on Saturday, June 28, you'll dine on a three-course feast, while trying to figure who did the dirty deed. Actors who look like they're straight out of the 1920s will roam the room, telling the story and dropping clues. On the menu is a caramelised onion puff tart with goats' cheese, kalamata olive crumb, herb salad and fig vinocotto, followed by braised beef cheeks with soft polenta. Come dessert, you'll be tucking into chocolate cake with caramelised popcorn, mascarpone and wattle seed. Just make sure you get out of there alive.
UPDATE: January 12, 2021 — The Rocks Picnic has been postponed until further notice. We'll be sure to keep you updated with further information and dates. With the weather looking up, the sun setting later and vibrancy returning to the city, there's never been a better time to plan a full day out in The Rocks, especially on a Sunday. The historic precinct is well known for its sandstone terraces and bustling markets, but there's so much more to do in this slice of old (and new) Sydney when you know where to look. We've partnered with The Rocks to help you plan a bumper day out in the area, packed with art, music, good food and excellent views. [caption id="attachment_790083" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 9.30AM – STRETCH IT OUT IN THE PARK Kick off the day with a salute to the sun or two at one of the free Yoga in the Park sessions. Every Sunday, you can move through an energising-yet-relaxing stretch and flow class, all with views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. You'll need to BYO mat and book ahead to secure your spot. As a bonus, each free class includes a voucher for a free coffee from one of the nearby cafes. 10.30AM – GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX After your stretch session, we recommend hitting up one of The Rocks' best laneway cafes. The Fine Food Store has been tapping out beautiful brews and hearty brekkies since 2004 and, if you're dining in, you can take advantage of its bottomless batch filter for $8.50. Or, head to ASLAN Coffee Roasters, which offers up its own St Peters-roasted beans, including single origin and on-tap nitro coffee. 11AM – STOCK UP ON PICNIC ITEMS It's now time to hunt down everything you need for an easy-going Sunday arvo picnic. Brooklyn Boy Bagels has a market stall in The Rocks every Sunday, so make a beeline for its boiled bagels and try not to eat them all before lunch. Keep an eye out for the tasty cured meats by Backa Sydney, also at the markets, as well as fresh organic pickles from Rita's Farm. More of a sweet tooth? Make sure you check out the new store from Tokyo Lamington, where the classic Aussie sponge cake gets an upgrade in flavours like thai milk tea, yuzu meringue and black sesame. [caption id="attachment_790085" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] MIDDAY – HEAD TO THE PARK Now you've stocked up on snacks, it's time to take a seat in First Fleet Park, where you'll find live music every Sunday afternoon. Local musicians serenade park-goers with acoustic sounds, and there are park games, too, like an oversized snakes and ladder game, so you can channel your inner kid and challenge your friends to a battle while enjoying the ambient tunes. [caption id="attachment_785523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Installation view of 'Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop' by Anna Kucera[/caption] 2PM – DIVE INTO THE MCA Now you're fed and feeling good, take in some culture. The Museum of Contemporary Art's three current exhibitions offer respite from the city and insights to the exhibiting artists' unique practices. Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop is a major survey of the Australian Chinese artist's career and it's free to check out. Anywhere but here: MCA Primavera Acquisitions draws on the gallery's collection of works by young Australian artists who've previously participated the annual exhibition Primavera, while Connections is a snapshot of First Nations art centred around the ways we interpret and interact with the world and each other. [caption id="attachment_786806" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 3PM – GET SOME RETAIL THERAPY It goes without saying that The Rocks Markets should be your first port of call. The long-running markets brings together unique makers, craftsman, artists and collectors showcasing their goods from 10am–5pm every Saturday and Sunday. Afterwards, browse the standalone boutiques, such as Aesop for beautifully made skincare products and the Eloise Panetta pop-up for botanically dyed garments and accessories. [caption id="attachment_761767" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] 4PM – HEAD TO THIS ROOFTOP The Glenmore is a favourite with locals and visitors alike for its top-notch views of Sydney Harbour, including the Opera House. As there are almost no tourists in town, you'll have an even better chance of snaring a prime rooftop position for some afternoon brews. There's plenty of local and craft beers on tap, and a full menu of pub classics like chicken parmigiana and beer battered fish and chips. [caption id="attachment_660843" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Alana Dimou[/caption] 6PM – FINISH WITH A COCKTAIL Cap off the day with a cocktail at Doss House. The cocktail bar is one of 19 bars and restaurants participating in The Rocks' new al fresco dining pilot, which allows venues to sprawl out into the streets, activating laneways and allowing punters plenty of room to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat (or both). The Doss House's extended outdoor area makes the most of Unwins Courtyard. Here, you can enjoy charcuterie platters complete with smoked wallaby, Bay of Fires cheddar, local honey and the wild boar salami, alongside an old-fashioned or a glass on wine, all amongst the historic sandstone buildings. The Rocks Picnic runs from 10am–3pm every Sunday over summer. Find more details, here. Top image: Anna Kucera
Bring your family, your mates and your dogs — along with your sandy feet — to the newly reopened harbourside sports club Mosman Rowers. Now managed by Bird & Bear Group (The Sandy Bear, The Flying Bear & Foys), the century-old clubhouse boasts a brand new fit-out and an elevated pub offering across three levels. First up is Archie Bear cafe, a 100 seater slinging coffees, breakfast and long lunches, plus dinner on the weekends. Designed by Studio Etic (Barangaroo House), it has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook an expansive outdoor deck and the bay views beyond. Inside, there are polished timber floors, brass and gold finishes and a fireplace for the cooler months ahead. Brekkie includes classic bacon and egg rolls alongside green breakfast bowls and maple granola with stewed rhubarb and mint. Meanwhile, the lunch and dinner menus focus on share plates like Sydney rock oysters, baby squid with lemon and aioli and antipasti plates — think prosciutto, burrata, olives and flatbread. There's also a selection of salads and sandwiches, such as the soba noodle salad with poached chicken and soy-lime dressing, and the wagyu pastrami reuben with raclette, sweet and spicy pickles, coleslaw and smoky sauce. One level up is The Rowers Bar, which offers its own bar snacks and mains, as well as another 100 seats. For bar bites, there are wagyu sliders and rice paper rolls with daikon and water chestnuts. Larger dishes include the zucchini pasta with lemon, chilli and basil and grilled barramundi with butter bean puree and bean salad. Compared with the bright digs downstairs, the heritage interior upstairs boasts low-lighting, warm timber tones and nautical vibes. Expect more brass trimming here, too, alongside terrazzo table tops, navy leather banquettes and a marble bar with 11 beers on tap. The wider drinks list will be up for grabs in both venues, including R!ot Wine Co. rosé on tap, seasonal cocktails — try the spicy margarita or melon fizz — and an extensive local and global wine list. Plus Pimm's, spritzes and white sangria jugs for sharing. There'll be heaps of weekly specials on too, including $6 beers and house wines during weekday happy hour, $12 spritzes from 3–6pm on Saturdays and $20 beer buckets and cocktail jugs on Sundays. While the venue will remain a registered club — with a private members space on the top level — non-members can access the lower two levels by signing up (free of charge) as a temporary member. The waterside digs will remain a community hub for activities such as rowing, paddling and kayaking, with a reinvigorated member events calendar in the works. Archie Bear is open Monday through Wednesday from 7.30am–3.30pm and Thursday through Sunday from 7.30am until late. Opening hours for The Rowers Bar is open Monday through Friday from 4pm until late and Saturday through Sunday from noon until late.
Put a little spice in your life with our list of the 12 best Central and South American restaurants in the city. This is the cream of the crop as far as Latin food goes; you won't find a single sloppy taco in the midst. All that's missing is that bright, equatorial sun and a cool tequila cocktail in your hand. 1. Porteño Where: 358 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills This Argentinean barbeque has put Cleveland Street on the map, Lebanese restaurants aside. Quirky and retro, stepping inside Porteno is like entering a themed party. The staff members have donned their rockabilly garb. The fit out is impeccable. The crowd is young, hip and hungry. The focus, however, is still on the food and drinks, which surely won't disappoint. Find out more 2. Morena Where: 5/425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills Sitting at the fancier end of the spectrum, Morena offers Latin American fine dining with a strong lean towards Peruvian. Perhaps the nicest part about this restaurant is that fancy doesn't come at the price of fun. The dishes are playful, particularly in their presentation, and plates are generally served up with a cheeky grin. While South American food doesn't quite feel unfamiliar, this menu is still a bit of a challenge for first-time diners. It's the perfect opportunity to go all-out and try the 'Taste of Peru' degustation menu. Find out more 3. Boteco Where: 421 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills A little out of place amongst Bollywood posters, the dimly lit bar de ‘petiscos’ (the Brazilian tapas equivalent) sits on the Indian stretch of Cleveland Street. The specials of the day are scrawled in colours on the blackboard walls whilst cheer-inducing Brazilian beats supply the soundtrack. You may be a little skeptical of cuisine from a country best known for its controversial hair-removal methods, but not to worry. Try the 'Lula Frita' or 'Brazilian Fry' and banish all of your doubts. Find out more 4. Jah Bar Where: Shop 7, 9-15 Central Avenue, Manly Take a typical tapas bar in Barcelona then polish slightly, adding cut crystal glasses and a pinch of Almodóvar references. Add one chef with a talent for experimentation, a selection of well-sourced, top notch ingredients and a crowd willing to stay all night, then mix well. Serve up atop a plate in the shape of a leaf, and you have Jah Bar: one of the best of Manly's new breed. Find out more 5. Barrio Chino Where: 28-30 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross As it turns out, there’s only one thing better than a pitcher of margarita – and that’s a margarita with cucumber, agave and jalapeno chilli salt. The people responsible for these dangerously good concoctions (and for your 3-day hangover) are the owners of Barrio Chino, the newest thing in Mexican to hit the Cross. And don't expect any run-of-the-mill Mexi fare here, either. Find out more 6. La Paula Where: 1/9 Barbara Street, Fairfield Most of us are familiar with the wonderful empanada and the delightful churro (never mind heath food stores' obsession with quinoa), but this little Chilean bakery in Fairfield has much much more to offer. La Paula is full of plastic chairs and tables, white tiles, and Chilean pride everywhere. We're talking coloured streamers that stay up all year, flags, plastic streamers of flags, and Chilean television buzzing away at the end of the room. Soak it all up and munch on one of their to-die-for empanadas. Find out more 7. Bodega Where: 216 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills If you’re after some soggy patatas bravas and a sticky glass of sangria then Bodega may disappoint. In an area of Surry Hills once flocked with wholesale garment stores you’ll find quality Spanish food with style to burn. A series of small plates give you the best chance to pick your way through. You’ll kick yourself later if you don’t introduce yourself to the chorizo with soffrito or the sassy salad of silver beet, chickpea and fried cauliflower. Find out more 8. The Carrington Where: 538 Bourke Street, Surry Hills Tapas is only one small part of what the newly renovated Carrington has to offer. Instead, Pintxos and Xampanyerias are opening up a whole new world to patrons. And what exactly is a Pintxos, you ask? Pintxos are associated with the seasides of San Sebastian in northern Spain, the Basque equivalent of tapas which is typically served in bars. Stop in to sample from the vego and pescaterian friendly menu; it is definitely worth a visit. Find out more 9. Miss Marley's Where: 31 Belgrave Street, Manly Retro furniture sits scattered outside the doors of a discreet shopfront on Manly's Belgrave Street. Step inside, and you'll find yourself surrounded by silver patterned wallpaper, amber lampshades and a cosy atmosphere. At the far end of the room sits the bar, with a glowing wall of tequila bottles set behind it. Welcome to Miss Marley's. The cocktail options are dizzying, the Central and South American food is worth fighting for, and the tequila list would satisfy even the fussiest aficionado. Find out more 10. El Capo Where: 52 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills This ain't nice food. Taking the 'dude food' craze that one extra step, El Capo is delicious - but real nasty. In the best way possible, of course. Enjoy fare from the kitchen of ex-guerilla chef Omar Andrade, now ganging up with Joey Astorga, amidst the irreverent decor of El Capo. Tables are built up on what looks like stacks of American bank notes. The walls are adorned with graffiti from Numskull and Roach: guns, knives and a bikini clad woman with the head of a chicken. Find out more 11. Cantinero Where: 18 Sydney Road, Manly Something about Cantinero feels a little bit... illegal. It could be the fact that this is a coffee house by day, occupied by this underground crowd only in the late hours. Or it might be the makeshift film projector, which shows Mexican gangsters flickering across the back wall. Either way, we like it. The bunker atmosphere and a relaxed courtyard combine into something that feels like an Alice in Wonderland-style rabbit hole in the Manly landscape. Don't miss this authentically delicious Mexican food. Find out more 12. El Loco Where: 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills El Loco is a temporary solution to the reinvention of this venue, a prequel to a fully blown Mexican restaurant. But we think the wild mishmash of this whirlwind transition is the best part about it. While there's a few options on the menu, this place is all about the soft tacos (all $5). Don't expect an entirely traditional offering, however. While this place is conceptually Mexican, the food's strength is its subtle Asian twist. Find out more
When you're in the CBD — surrounded by buses, people, traffic lights and tourist traps — it's not always easy to know where to go. But, hidden among the skyscrapers, are stacks of ace places that show off Sydney's best side. With some local knowledge up your sleeve, you'll find locally roasted coffee in heritage-listed buildings, top-notch French fare, oysters you can actually afford and some of the best sunset views for miles. To help you on your adventures, we've scoped out ten spots you really shouldn't miss — whether you've lived in Sydney since the day you were born or you're visiting for just a few hours. But don't let these be your limit. There are so many more drinks, feasts, shops and experiences to explore. Plus, for a few more hot tips, check out our video above for Nick White's — owner of CBD bar Since I Left You — favourite spots around the city.
Before it all began, Poor Toms' Griffin Blumer and Jesse Kennedy knew a few things for sure — they had a shared hatred of fedoras, they didn't want to spend the best years of their lives working for the man and they loved drinking gin. Coming up to three years in the gin-making biz, the duo has created a well-loved, local business that's set to open its own bar by March — which we got the tiniest sneak peek of. We've teamed up with Squarespace to talk to Griffin and Jesse about why they started Poor Toms and how they've gotten to where they are today. TURNING DISILLUSIONMENT INTO INSPIRATION In 2015, the Canberran school friends lived in a sharehouse in Sydney's inner west. Jesse was working as a suit at Macquarie Bank, while Griffin was a budding actor trying to make ends meet. Both found their consumption of gin was proportional to their sense of disillusionment with spending the next 30 years living a predictable life. So, one evening over a few strong drinks, the two made the decision to kick their careers to the curb. "I was disillusioned by the idea of capitalism, and Jesse was disillusioned by the practice of it," says Griffin. Over breakfast in one of those aggressively twee converted warehouse cafes, the duo chatted about what they would do if they could get their mitts on an equally twee warehouse space. Griffin went highbrow saying he would open a performance space and put on plays with his pals, while Jesse just thought it would be pretty cool to have a place to hang out and make gin. Fast forward a few years and (fortunately for us) it was Jesse's idea that stuck. Together the two pooled their dimes and invested in a low-key warehouse space in the backstreets of Marrickville. WHAT'S IN A NAME? Despite not having any real professional chops when it came to the distilling process, Jesse and Griffin definitely had gumption and had sampled enough gins between them to have a clear idea of how they wanted their product to taste and how they wanted people to feel when they drank it. They admit, coming up with a name was a rough process."It's kind of like naming a baby, at first any name sounds bad but eventually people will accept it," says Griffin. They knew they wanted to include 'Tom' in their gin baby's name, as (adorably) it's both of their middle names. Serendipitously, Griffin was doing a reading of King Lear with Bell Shakespeare at the time, and, on the hunt for literally any 'Tom'-themed words, he came across the character Edgar, a kind of clueless aristocrat who — in a very small nutshell — was forced to cast off his riches and disguise himself as the charming philosophical vagrant Poor Tom in order to avoid being falsely accused of plotting to kill his father. The act of throwing off your fakery and pretension to reveal one's trueself became a guiding principle that informed Poor Toms creative direction and brand ethos, "most marketing advice is 'make something with broad appeal or something that is generically interesting to a lot people'" says Griffin, "but we decided to take the opposite approach by making something that appeals to us… and hoped other people would like it." HOW TO BECOME LEGIT Regardless of what you think of Mark Zuckerberg and his social network conglomerate, any business operating in this day and age needs to have some semblance of an internet presence. Before starting Poor Toms, both Jesse and Griffin used social media like any average millennial — "to look at people and not miss parties" — but, despite their shared hatred of photos of drinks on Instagram, they knew if they wanted Poor Toms to be successful they needed to up their online ante. "One of the hard parts was translating the very clear brand identity into an online voice...all of a sudden we had to have a social media presence and a website," says Griffin. "These days, having a website is like having a business card…you need one to be trusted." The two had been binge-listening StartUp, a podcast about starting a business, and as a result, were exposed to a world of audio ads from Squarespace. They elicited the help of a designer friend to whip up a schmick website using a Squarespace template, and started an Instagram account, which, according to Jesse, was "largely to demonstrate that they were normal enough that other people would take photos with them" and with that, Poor Toms became legit. THE MARKER OF SUCCESS IS NEVER FIXED As Poor Toms continues to grow as a business, the definition of success constantly evolves. There wasn't really an exact moment when the pair knew they made it, but they're now producing grade-A gin on a full-time basis, and don't even have to think about returning to those 9–5 jobs that they left behind. Though there's not a lot of time for them to pause and reflect, "you become addicted to the hustle," says Jesse. "There's so much hustle involved in stepping away from a consistent salary." They're busy working on a number of new projects and collaborations including opening a bar in their Marrickville distillery in Sydney, "we weren't ready to open a bar when we first started. We just weren't old enough," says Jesse. "It took six months to figure out how to make gin, and now we're finally ready to have people here." For Jesse and Griffin, starting Poor Toms was never about making bank; the pair is just happy to be working for themselves and producing something they're truly passionate about. "We created something new that people love," says Griffin. "We always wanted our gin to be loved — it's not about revenue or profit. We want to be Australia's most loved gin; we want people to be invested in our story." Discover more of the Poor Toms story here, and stay tuned for more news on the launch of their first bar. Looking to embark on an entirely new venture? You'll need to let people know about it. That's where Squarespace comes in. Kickstart your new biz with a website, and use the code CP for 10% off your first Squarespace purchase. Images: Kitti Smallbone
As if IKEA wasn't already self sufficient enough — what with infinite clothing storage, affordable kitchenware and ready-to-eat meatballs — they've decided they don't just want you to enjoy your home like sleek, contemporary Swedish royalty, they want you to grow your own garden in it too. So they've added a new item to their expansive inventory: hydroponic indoor gardens. Hydroponics is a plant growing method that lets you grown your own greens without soil. It isn't exactly a new thing — the method has been used for years to grow plants in basically any conditions — but IKEA's introduction of their Krydda/Växer indoor gardening kits looks set to bring hydroponics out of the niche and into the mainstream. And, going by the number of people who own those Billy bookcases, it will probably do just that. The kits, which will launch in the UK later this year, are designed to sit on your benchtop so you can grow herbs and lettuce right in the middle of the kitchen, pick them, and pop them straight into your salad bowl like some fancy chef. It comes all ready to use, but you'll have to plant the seeds in absorbent plugs to get them going. Then, when the seedlings have sprouted, you'll need to replant them into tiny adorable planters with pumice stones, give them water, turn on the light (which acts as the sun) and watch them grow. Once they're big enough, you can go right ahead and pick them to eat. Like so: The indoor gardening range will go on sale in the UK in May, with the US set to follow next year. No word on an Australian launch yet, but we'll cross all our not-so green thumbs it won't be far behind. Via Fast Company.
To seasoned street artists and chroniclers of graffiti culture, the name Vaughn Bode (pronounced Bo-dee) recalls the psychedelic, magical cartoon art of Bode's underground comics of the 60s and 70s. Those in the know utter Bode's name with reverence, recalling how his comic book characters — the Cheech Wizard, Dicky Doo, the sex-hungry lizards and the voluptuous Bode broads — were reappropiated with spray paint in the 80s on New York city's subway cars by godfathers of graffiti Seen and Dondi, among others. When Vaughn Bode passed away in the mid 70s, at age 33 — not living to behold his beloved characters blaze through New York city's subways — Bode's 12-year-old son, Mark, took it upon himself to follow in the footsteps, and to develop the artistic vision of his father. Over the last decade, the junior Bode has expanded on his father's venerable legacy, painting graffiti, publishing art books, and creating several comics of his own in the classic Bode style, including the soon-to-be-action-film and cult classic comic, Cobalt 60. All the while, Mark Bode has played an important role in the global graffiti art community, bringing together respected artists from across the globe for unique collaborations. For the Bode in Oz tour, Mark will exhibit some of his most recent illustrations and paintings at Sydney's China Heights gallery, which opens on Friday 24 February at 6pm and runs until Saturday 3 March. Alongside the exhibition, Mark will also collaborate with a number of Australian artists to paint a giant public mural, and to perform a 'Cartoon Concert' at The Standard on Wednesday 22 February from 6:30pm. As the scion of a graffiti culture legend, and as a graffiti legend in his own right, Mark Bode's tour of Oz is not to be missed. So don't forget to bring a fresh felt-tip with your blackbook. See the complete art catalogue here (.pdf).
It seems unsurprising that African Americans vote en masse for Obama and it has been well-established that women vote en masse for Obama. Much more surprising however is that 30 Rock and Game of Thrones fans also vote en masse for Obama. If this infographic is anything to go by it seems that our TV habits can be a useful barometer for understanding our voting patterns. Compiled by Engage, this fascinating graphic was created through an analysis of what TV shows and political pages voters 'like' on Facebook. Apparently, this data not only demonstrates the correlation between political preference and TV habits but also which TV fans are the most politically active and aware. While the overt (and dare I say tiresome) idealism of Aaron Sorkin's The Newsroom and The West Wing (often dubbed "The Left Wing") seemed likely to produce hordes of Democrat devotees, interestingly it is Star Trek fans who are next in line as the most likely to turn up to vote come the Presidential election later this month. For the Republican camp, unfortunately Romney's frequent declarations of love for Modern Family aren't likely to swing many voters as the show's pro-gay marriage stance and ethnically diverse families appear to resonate much more strongly with more left-leaning voters. If this infographic whetted your appetite for bizarre political statistics then check out the graph below to see what your internet usage says about your politics.
Once upon a time, a list of the best vegan restaurants in Sydney would be incredibly short. But over the past decade or so, stacks of plant-based eateries have popped up all over the city — in the form of neighbourhood gastropubs, hole-in-the-wall takeaway joints and luxe fine diners. These spots have upped their game when it comes to the diverse range of food that can be made without any kind of animal product. No longer are Sydney vegans forced to choose between a sad-looking salad, a lentil burger and some lacklustre salt and pepper tofu. These days, the best vegan restaurants in Sydney (and the vegetarian restaurants that have heaps of vegan options) are graced with highly skilled chefs who put a heap of love and creative flair into their vegan eats. Some also have a strong spiritual connection to veganism, which is apparent in the menus and all-round atmosphere. No matter why you're deciding to go meat- and dairy-free, any of these Sydney vegan restaurants will deliver the goods. Recommended reads: The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Sydney Sydney Date-Night Spots for When One of You Eats Plant-Based But the Other Doesn't (Yet) The Best Vegan Cafes in Sydney
There's never a bad day of the week to see a movie in a cinema. But if you like staring at the big screen and sticking to a budget, Tuesdays are particularly great. Discounted tickets on the second day of the working week is a long-running tradition, and one that probably helped get you through your uni days — and, at Event Cinemas, it's back after a pandemic-fuelled pause. The theatre chain is cutting the price of all adult tickets on Tuesdays by 50 percent, and across all of the different types it has on offer. So, if you prefer Vmax's seating, Gold Class' recliners, to kick back in a daybed or to head to the company's boutique screens, you can do all of the above for half the price. The deal starts again on Tuesday, March 16 — but you do need to be a member of Event's free-to-join Cinebuzz club to get the discount. As for what you can watch, Judas and the Black Messiah, Raya and the Last Dragon, Girls Can't Surf, The Dry, Nomadland and Minari are currently in cinemas — and you can look forward to Godzilla vs Kong, Nobody, Tom and Jerry: The Movie and Trainspotting 25th anniversary screenings, too. Half-Price Tuesdays is available at all Event locations in New South Wales, except Glendale, Skyline Blacktown and Moonlight Cinema.
"One night, as I was bathing in a cool light amber ale I had a revelation to combine together the holy grail of bacon, beer and beef, encase it in butter pastry, then top that with cheesy potato mash." Bourke Street Bakery co-owner Paul Allam isn't afraid to mix beer and baked goods. Rather than enjoying the two separately, Paul uses beer in his pies when the occasion calls for it — and we're calling for it. "Beer and baked goods are the perfect symbiosis," he says. Allam's well-versed in beer's ability to enhance certain flavours and complement others. Certain beers with a more crisp edge, like a Little Creatures Original Pilsner, can cut through heavier, more buttery dishes, refreshing and reviving the palate, while more hoppy beers, like a Kosciuszko Pale Ale, can help you soldier on through spicy food. We were keen to test this glorious secret ingrebrdient theory for ourselves, so we asked Paul for a cheeky recipe. So what's he cooked up for Concrete Playground? One heck of a hearty beef, beer, bacon and potato pie. So much alliteration, so little time. Paul actually uses beer in a lot of his recipes, not just pies. "We made beer marshmallows to challenge the perception of ourselves as men," he says. "We also made dark ale ice cream and ale jubes, then with the leftover marshmallows and jubes, I salted some peanuts, mixed them altogether and made a beer rocky road ice cream. I ate the whole tub while watching a replay of the 1984 Canterbury and Parramatta NRL grand final." So what's Paul's favourite beer to pair with his baked treats? "Depends on the baked good," he says. "With a meat pie, I would say it's a darker ale with a touch of bitterness to counteract that sweet wagyu beef shin and tomato sauce. With a lager, I would honour its cold fermentation with a sourdough sandwich." So, back to that pie. Pick up a six-pack of pale ale for cooking with and of course, pairing with afterwards. Aprons on. Let's do this. BOURKE STREET BAKERY'S BEEF, BEER, BACON & POTATO PIE Ingredients: 833.75gm onions 747.5gm beer — use a pale ale like James Squire 150 Lashes 500gm celery 50gm garlic 2.5gm thyme 750gm tomatoes 50gm malt vinegar 150gm potato starch 2.75gm white pepper 833.75gm bacon 13.75gm salt 2.5kg beef mince Potato and cheese topping for pie: 1kg potato peeled 150gm milk 0.875gm white pepper 0.375gm nutmeg 5.875gm salt 75gm emmental cheese 100gm mozzarella 75gm butter Pie directions: Dice and sweat onions, garlic, celery thyme. Add diced bacon and cook off until golden. Sauté mince over medium high heat in a separate pan breaking it apart until just cooked. Add beef to the onion mix & add tomatoes and pepper, salt and vinegar. Cook for about 45 mins over medium heat then bring to the boil, add potato starch which has been dissolved in about half a cup of water. Check consistency of the filling with a large spoon if its running off the spoon add a little diluted potato starch. Cool in fridge. When ingredients are cold fill pre-lined pie bases with the pie mix. Potato topping directions: Bring potatoes to the boil in a generous saucepan of lightly salted water. Boil until beginning to fall apart then drain very well and mash. When completely mashed with no lumps add butter, cheeses, milk salt and pepper. You need to pipe the potato mix when it's still warm do not let it cool completely. Using a piping bag pipe potato on to the top of the pie completely covering to form a lid. If you love discovering more things you can do with beer (and some surprising facts, like beer being 99.9 percent sugar free on average), visit www.beerthebeautifultruth.com. You'll find information on fusing beer and food, matching different styles of beer with your meals, and how particular foods can enhance the distinct flavour of a well-brewed beer. You can even find out a few nutritional myths around beer, and bust 'em while you're at it. Images: Kimberley Low.
When Russian painter Victor Hartman died young, in its day his death shocked people as much as the death of Heath Ledger or River Phoenix. And it shocked his friend, composer Modest Mussorgsky. If you've seen Fantasia, you know Mussorgsky. His Night on Bald Mountain was combined with images of the Russian god Czernobog to create a welcoming dark fantasy in the finale. Often packaged with Bald Mountain, his equally famous composition Pictures at an Exhibition takes you on a tour of Hartman's paintings. Inspired by, and written to, the art from Hartman's memorial exhibition, it's a collection of musical sketches drawing you from one scene to the next, a bit like The Nutcracker. It's this collection of pieces which is next up for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, featuring conductor Pinchas Steinberg and piano soloist Ingrid Fliter. Alongside Ravel's arrangement of Pictures, the orchestra will also be summoning the imagery of the light and tragic Tasso, Lament and Triumph by Liszt (who was otherwise famous) and the lively cascades of Schumann's Piano Concerto. If you want an evening of spry piano, taut strings and musical imagery, then the Opera House's Concert Hall is your picture place to be. Original painting of the Great Gate at Kiev by Victor Hartmann.
After announcing the controversial closure of renowned Opera House restaurant Guillaume at Bennelong in July last year, owner Guillaume Brahimi will be opening the doors of his new culinary venture, simply titled Guillaume, on August 2. The newly renovated site sits on Paddington's Hargrave Street and was the former home of Italian restaurant Darcy's for more than 38 years. The French-born chef has stated that he intends for this 90-seat restaurant to be a more "personalised food experience" than his other culinary projects. Brahimi has chosen a fitting location for Guillaume. The three-storey heritage building will sit alongside other Paddington greats such as 10 William Street, Buon Ricordo and the Four in Hand. Guillaume has stuck to his vision of a fine dining experience, and this is exactly what you can expect of the menu. Food options will be produce driven — a mix of favourites from the previous Guillaume at Bennelong and new dishes especially created for this restaurant. Drinks-wise, the primary focus will be on Australian influenced wine, all of which will be housed in the underground cellar of the restaurant. Bookings for the new restaurant will open on July 9, and will be taken two months in advance. To enquire about reservations and events call (02) 9302 5222 or email reservations@guillaumes.com.au. Guillaume will open its doors at 92 Hargrave Street, Paddington a month later, on August 2.
"I've never been to school, but I can read and write." Penny Penny takes a moment to chat from Limpopo, the northern South African province where he grew up. Born Giyani Kulain in 1962, the cult musician was just four years old when his father passed away; a local doctor who left behind his 25 wives and 68 children. "After that, we started to suffer a lot," Penny says. "I taught myself [literacy], because I suffered so much. In 1968, I started working on a farm, then I worked in a mine, then I went to the village and sold vegetables and then I worked in a restaurant... Everything I've done, I've done it myself." For the 52-year-old dubbed "the next Rodriguez" by Rolling Stone, this independent drive lead him to singing — except that it didn't involve so much arduous autodidacticism. "I never learned to sing," he says. "Singing just happened." In 1994, while working as a cleaner in a Johannesburg music studio, Penny approached producer Joseph Shirimani, who related the meeting in a 2013 Rolling Stone interview. "I said, 'Can you sing?'. [Penny] didn't say yes — he just sang a song for me. And that's when I heard this unusual voice and those melodies." The resulting collaboration led to the recording of the song 'Shaka Bundu'. Its infectious combination of traditional melody, Tsonga disco and contemporary dance pop sold 250,000 copies, turning the odd jobs man into a national star. "'Shaka Bundu' means 'bad guy', trouble," Penny explains. "I had a girlfriend for more than eight years. After I lost my job, she dumped me. And one of my friends, who used to come to my house, he proposed to her. That's where the song comes from, you see." He breaks off the story in favour of singing the chorus down the phone. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Blk2nsFCt8I Several subsequent albums continued to keep the fans dancing in South Africa, but (like the music of Rodriguez) didn't receive much international attention. That was until a few years ago, when a Penny Penny cassette landed on the desk of DJ and Awesome Tapes from Africa blogger Brian Shimkovitz. "It took a bit of time to track down the busy politician, humanitarian and stadium-filling musician," Shimkovitz wrote. But track him down he did, releasing 'Shaka Bundu' worldwide on November 12 last year. "People like it a lot in Africa," Penny says. "Then I find out that they like it in Australia — and that makes me happy. I've seen Australia on television; I've read about it on the news. I never believed that I would come to meet you, on that side. I think I'll kiss the soil when I land there." He's sorry though, that he won't get the chance to meet Yothu Yindi. "I heard that he passed away recently. He is one of my favourite Australian musicians. That song [he starts singing 'Treaty'] was very big in Africa. I though maybe I'd see him one day, but no." Like Yothu Yindi, Penny is an activist. In fact, in 2011 he became an African National Congress (ANC) Council Member — the first African musician to do so. "I just want to give something back to the community," he says. "Politics is fine, but my heartbeat is music." When he plays VIVID as part of Goodgod's Tin Pan Alley, he'll be bringing a ten-piece band along for the ride. "You can expect to see me dancing up there. When I see people on the dance floor — 75,000 people, 90,000 people — if more people want to come, I say let them come! I've been asking myself, 'How to introduce my style of dancing to Australia?' I want to leave the country dancing my style, with my spirit. I want to leave my mark." Penny Penny will headline Good God Small Club's Tin Pan Alley in the Joan Sutherland Theatre on Friday May 30 for Vivid LIVE. He'll be joined by Bart Willoughby of seminal indigenous band No Fixed Address, ever theatrical Royal Headache frontman Shogun flying solo, Melbourne soft rockers Montero and Sydney's indescribable Donny Benét. Head here for more details.
Touted as the first indigenous comedy film, Stone Bros. is an Aboriginal Australian road movie, replete with colourful characters and crazy situations. Writer/director Richard J. Frankland sticks cousins Eddie (Luke Carroll) and Charlie (Leon Burchill) in a busted up old Ford and sends them on a coming-of-age journey from Perth some 500-odd kilometres to their home in Kalgoorlie. In keeping with generic conventions, Eddie and Charlie’s trip is punctuated by increasingly zany occurrences. From hitting a kangaroo, to picking up a mysterious muso (Valentino del Toro), their transvestite cousin (David Page) and gatecrashing a rather explosive wedding, the pair continue to tirelessly track down a sacred stone entrusted to Eddie by their uncle (David Kennedy), which has been given to some hot geologist by another foolish cousin (Heath Bergersen). Meanwhile, Charlie suffers the consequences of doing a runner on his magically gifted girlfriend, all of which culminates in a shamelessly B-movie chase sequence featuring a demonically possessed dog. There are a lot of laughs to be had with Stone Bros. Some are certainly derived from the impressive bag of 187 joints the boys work their way through, but mostly the fun spills over from the great banter between Eddie and Charlie. Culture, colour and creed are all served up as fair game, while ‘The Apology’ is lampooned in a particularly hilarious dream sequence. And in a parody reminiscent of Warwick Thornton’s short Mimi, white-fella Peter Phelps brings down the big house as a prison-guard desperate to find his dreaming. While some of the comedy is a bit brash and silly, Stone Bros. definitely succeeds in using humour to communicate some home truths. The importance of culture and family are well conveyed without any saccharine schlock. And as for the politics, who isn’t going to have a giggle at John Howard’s expense when a gigantic photo of our former PM squishes a museum guard’s cat?We have five double passes to giveaway, just email your details to hello@concreteplayground.com.au with "Stone Bros. giveaway" in the subject line for your chance to win.Stone Bros. Trailer from Australian Film Syndicate on Vimeo.
Australians do many cuisines very well. Arguably, Mexican isn't one of our strong suits. Whether it's our geographical distance or aversion to spice, Australian-Mexican food can often pale in comparison to the bold flavours the authentic dishes are known for. San Pancho, a taquería in Marrickville, aims to subvert this stereotype. The taquería opened its doors in June 2024 with one premise: cooking food the way it's eaten day-to-day in Mexico. The founders chose Marrickville from a line-up of Sydney suburbs for its authenticity. "It's a neighbourhood where food is part of everyday life, not something overly polished or staged. San Pancho belongs in that kind of setting. Somewhere casual and grounded, where substance matters more than spectacle," says co-owner and chef, Roberto Garcia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Pancho Taqueria (@sanpancho_taqueria) The restaurant takes its name from a beach town in western Mexico, adding to the laidback and warm energy of the communal dining setting. "These are the flavours of our childhood, the dishes from our Abuela's table, and the spirit of the taquerías that bring people together every day." Roberto studied Culinary Arts in Puebla, Mexico, and grew up with a principle of Mexican food: to be simple yet bold. "That background shapes everything I cook, with a focus on flavours that feel true to Mexico, without overexplaining or dressing them up for trend. What I do is straightforward: cook real Mexican food, the way it's meant to taste." What are the flavours that define Mexican cuisine? While we may assume that it's all heat and power, Roberto shares that Mexican food is actually about balance. "Acidity, heat, richness, freshness. Each element has its place. Mexican food isn't about overpowering flavours, but about how they work together." San Pancho's enchiladas suizas, Roberto's most recommended menu item, are just this. Comforting, straightforward, and all about balance rather than complexity. If you want to impress your dinner guests with your own Mexican food that tastes straight out of Oaxaca, these are the staples to keep in your pantry, according to Roberto. View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Pancho Taqueria (@sanpancho_taqueria) Fresh herbs Roberto recommends using fresh herbs to garnish your Mexican dishes. While coriander, oregano and salt may come to mind instantly, one spice you may not have in your pantry is epazote. The traditional herb (also named Mexican tea) is used in chilli sauces and Mexican bean dishes. It'll add a strong blend of mint, citrus and anise to your dishes, creating that unmistakable Mexican taste. Dried chillies A range of chillies (not just Sriracha) is a must for authentic Mexican flavour. Morita, guajillo, pasilla, ancho and arbol chillies all add the Mexican heat and smoky flavours you know and love. Each brings its own balance of sweetness, depth and heat, forming the backbone of countless traditional salsas, garnishes and marinades. Handmade tortillas Store-bought tortillas make a good substitute for busy people, but handmade tortillas will elevate your Mexican cuisine. Authentic tortillas are made of flour or corn, salt, and oil (or fat). The simple flavour of the crispy dough will make your flavours and spices stand out even more than pre-packaged tortillas. "With those basics," says Roberto, "you can already cook food that feels genuinely Mexican. It's less about having everything and more about using a few things properly." If you're ready to start cooking more authentic Mexican foods and flavours, Roberto recommends experimenting with a simple salsa roja (a smoky, tomato-based salsa) or salsa verde (a lime-centric green salsa). "It's where Mexican cooking really begins, and it teaches heat control, balance, and restraint." By investing a little more time in cooking and sourcing these pantry staples, your Mexican will taste more elevated than your usual burrito night. If you find yourself stuck, San Pancho's in Marrickville is always there to scratch the itch.
Pizza-on-wheels food truck Happy as Larry has found a permanent park in Sydney's CBD. The team will now be slinging their wood-fired favourites from their new flagship shop in the MetCentre. The casual Italian eatery is a laidback lunch affair with a main bar feature made from sheets of recycled shipping container — a thoughtful nod to the brand's food truck roots. The team behind this venture includes Happy as Larry co-owners/childhood friends Anthony Severino (head pizzaiolo), Chris Lu (Bondi Hardware) and Adam Choker (The Grounds of Alexandria), the latter of whom also co-own Flower Child Chatswood and recently opened a Warringah outpost. The made-to-order cafe menu is focused on pizzas and pastas. Severino spent the last few months perfecting his own dough recipe and, as with the truck, his pizzas pay homage to the Neapolitan classic while being noticeably lighter, crispier and topped with non-traditional ingredients — there's the lobster ($26), topped with black truffle pate, oyster mushroom and sea salt, or the lasagne ($18), topped with ricotta, beef and pork ragu. Traditional pies also make the cut, like the margherita ($15) and diavola ($18), while their ever-popular (though blasphemous to Italians) speck and pineapple ($17) stands loud and proud. For mains, the Tasmanian crispy skin salmon on squid ink lasagna comes with chilli jam and cauliflower puree ($24). For the city crowd, they're also serving up a pretty standard yet tasty-sounding brekkie menu, featuring house-baked granola, acai bowls and eggs Benny. The real morning draw will be for the coffee — sourced from The Grounds — and the pastries, which are made daily in-house and include their beloved Nutella doughnuts. They're also offering up shakes, smoothies and homemade sodas, with an alcohol license not far away. While the truck will no longer be rolling around town, it is still available for private functions and epic house parties. Aappears in: Where to Find the Best Pizza in Sydney for 2023
Undeniably Sydney's most beautiful theatre, the Enmore maintains an antique, old-world feel inside a contemporary venue. Built in 1908, this art deco theatre has gradually been transformed into the kind of luxury that is pure rock 'n' roll: band posters are plastered beneath luxurious chandeliers, drinks are purchased from a bar in the foyer, and the seats in the stalls are, depending on the occasion, removed to make way for standing room audiences. If the ambiance alone isn't enough to entice you, never fear: the Enmore plays host to some of the biggest acts to visit our shores. We're talking The Rolling Stones, Sonic Youth, Wu Tang Clan, The Pretenders, Grace Jones... The list goes on. And while the size and prestige of this place is strong enough to attract the big acts, the performance space remains cosy and intimate. The combination of the theatre's traditional acoustics and an immense front of house system also results in exceptional sound, making the Enmore one of Sydney's premier live venues. Image: Destination NSW
On a weeknight at the beginning of July back in 2019, Bush very quietly opened its doors. The George Street hole-in-the-wall quickly became a hit. The brains behind the concept, Head Chef Grant Lawn saw the restaurant as an opportunity to bring the Australian bush back to the forefront of Sydney's dining landscape — by opening Bush right in the middle of Redfern. "I wanted to make a positive difference in the community," says Lawn. "Start a place that could bring people together and start conversations, while eating food inspired by the Australian outback." The menu is small (very), but there isn't an item that doesn't look appealing. Cheeseburgers, chips, fairy bread and butter pudding — it's as if the menu from your sixth birthday party got a revamp. The American-style cheeseburger at Bush is very good. It's certainly not Australian, but Lawn said they had to put it on the menu because "that's what Aussies want". For the meat-free folk, there's also a mean mushroom burger. Born and raised in Sydney, Lawn briefly studied landscape architecture before turning his focus to cooking. While he was playing around with the idea of opening his own restaurant, he realised he could combine the two by landscaping a restaurant to resemble the Australian bush he grew up in. Which is exactly what he did. The space is filled with roughly cut stools and long wooden tables, native Australian plants adorn the tables and you'll spot stuffed toy versions of native Australian fauna hidden around, too. Bush started as a pop-up in popular Sydney establishments like Young Henrys, before Lawn found the perfect spot in Redfern to set up shop permanently. And we're very glad he did. [caption id="attachment_735541" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kitti Gould[/caption] Images: Kitti Gould.
We know there's nothing sweeter than the sound the brown paper bag makes as you whip it off your bottle(s) of grog at a table, and nothing better than the taste of your favourite beer accompanying a delicious meal. But it's not at every restaurant you can do this — and drinking sneakily out of your handbag at non-BYO joints is both illegal and a surefire way to ruin your bag. Let us guide you to the places that allow you to BYO beer in your city to avoid any of that, with the added bonus of being A+ places to eat more than heartily. Winter is for nothing if not overindulging on dumplings or Greek feasts and then waddling home, right? Grab your six-pack and put on your eating pants. SYDNEY: CHINATOWN NOODLE RESTAURANT Before you head to Chinatown Noodle Restaurant in Haymarket, beware: if you're coming for dinner, be prepared to queue for a while and wait for a table — or you can check out the neighbouring Chinese Noodle Restaurant and see if you can grab a seat. Otherwise, set up camp in the line, send a scout out to get beers from a bottle shop (there's one in Market City next door) and wait it out. Once you're in, service is quick, dumplings are countless and spring onion pancakes are hot. Crack open a beer or two to wash down the too-many dumplings that you'll no doubt eat. Haven't you had yourself a night? SYDNEY: THE SULTAN'S TABLE The Sultan's Table in Enmore is the sort of place you want to head to if your feet and nose are numb and you're craving some hot meat. If your hunger has never been greater than consider the banquet option for $38 per head. A very reasonable price delivers plate after plate of dips, pita, kebab, pides, veg stuffed with rice and grilled meats, followed by sweets, tea or coffee. If you're not quite up for such an intense fill, the chargrilled kebabs are obviously where it's at (unless you're a vegetarian and then the ample vego menu is more your vibe). Whether you're in it to win it with the banquet or just grabbing a pide, Sultan's Table serving sizes are good value for money and great fare for cold nights. Sit a while, finish your beers, and don't forget to nab a baklava at the end. MELBOURNE: MAMAK One word: roti. Another three words: get the roti. Mamak is famous for a good reason, and that reason is flaky, buttery, delicious and dipped in curry. The Melbourne branch of the Malaysian restaurant sits in the middle of the CBD on Lonsdale Street, with branches also in Sydney and now, Seminyak in Bali. Obviously, you'll hit up the roti menu (try the roti canai at a breezy $7.50) but don't bypass the satay options — they're just as good. There's also dessert roti FYI, so make sure to try and exercise a minute amount of self-control and leave space. And on top of all that greatness, Mamak is BYO at $2 per person. [caption id="attachment_637824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Leah Hulst.[/caption] MELBOURNE: JIM'S GREEK TAVERN It's not a proper Greek feast unless you're calling an Uber home because you've eaten too much to be able to exist in a public place such as a tram. Wear your loosest pants (a large poncho might be best) and partake in the delicious roulette that is dining at Jim's; there's no menu as such. The staff will ask you what you feel like eating and then bring out dishes for you. Trust them, they've been doing it for years — just shut up and eat the saganaki (as if you really need your arm twisted for that though). Generally, you'll get whatever is fresh and good on the day you go — fish, lamb and calamari will all probably make an appearance, as well as the homemade galaktoboureko (custard cake). The food is traditional, the vibe is bustling, and your stomach will be happy. Best washed down with a lager or two — corkage is cheap, too. BRISBANE: CHOP CHOP CHANG'S Chop Chop Chang's in Brisbane's West End serves up pan-Asian street food fare, reminiscent of what you'd be eating if you were strolling through the markets and street stalls of Asia. With a focus on fresh and locally sourced produce, Chop Chop Chang's do brunch, lunch and dinner, but also four banquet menus with options increasing in decadence and starting at only $38 a head. If you're just picking from the menu, best give the curry section a good look, and don't go past the green curry chicken dumplings ($10). On the subject of dumplings, the dessert menu is hawking spiced apple dumplings ($14), so there are lots to think about while you leisurely sip your beer and mull things over. BRISBANE: VERVE Verve in the CBD is many things: it's a bar, a restaurant, a cider house, is situated in some cool basement digs and has you sorted for your winter pasta needs. Need even more than that? You can bring your own beer in. Check out the venue, originally Brisbane's first basement bar, below ground level at the Metro Arts building. With more pasta options than you can count on all your fingers and toes, you'll be happily carbing it up here — try the homemade gnocchi for a solid feed that'll probably keep you going until dinner the next night. Verve offers ample gluten-free and vegan options too, so you coeliac carb-fiends need not miss out. There's also something called brandy tortellini ($22.90) which, well, yes, please. Gather some mates and head to one of these top-notch eateries with an appetite and a six-pack of Hahn, too.
Cider and tinnies are inherently Aussie. A bottle shop dedicated to the two? Now that's a gap begging to be filled. To right this wrong, Medhurst & Sons – Cider & Tinnies recently opened its doors, creating a new niche in the craft bottle-o scene. Owner Kieran Medhurst is a lover of everything craft. A long-time seller for Beer Cartel and brainchild of Pixel Brewing Co., this guy knows what he's doing. "I realised there are no other bottle shops dedicated to cider in Sydney, nor have I found any in the whole of Australia," Medhurst says. "It made me realise it was a good niche that hadn't yet been filled". An inner-westie himself, Medhurst felt Glebe was the perfect location for the shop as the suburb continues to boom with all things craft beverage. Medhurst's hand-selected stock is Australian focused, but you'll also find international all-stars on the shelves. His favourite of the moment is Two Metre Tall, an independent and sustainable farmhouse brewery based in southern Tasmania. He also has the range of Napoleone ciders available, which will be featured in this weekends' tasting. Adding tinnies to the mix just came along naturally as "it's another point of difference, and is also the way the craft beer industry is going in terms of cans being better for the beer, more compact, and smash-proof". With nearly 80 ciders on the shelves now, Medhurst plans to exceed 100 shortly, as well as to double the number of tinnies currently available. He's also stocking an impressive range of alcoholic ginger beers and is planning a two-tap growler station for the near future. With 10% off on Tinnie Tuesdays, weekend tastings, and a cider club, Cider & Tinnies is sure to be a Glebe go-to. Don't live in the area or too lazy to walk? Check out their website for delivery. Medhurst & Sons — Cider & Tinnies is located at 166 St Johns Road, Glebe and is open Tuesday to Friday from 12-7pm, and Saturdays 10am – 7pm, with all-day tastings on Friday and Saturday. Images: Marissa Ciampi.
Michael Mu Sung has taken over lower-Bayswater Road. Not content with two beloved venues on the Potts Point thoroughfare, the Sydney restaurateur sprung forth with his third addition to the neighbourhood called Ken's Continental. This cafe and deli is located on a green leafy corner directly next to Mu Sung's Farmhouse and across the road from his second culinary child, Bones Ramen. Ken's Continental operates as a classic inner-city cafe in the morning with good coffee and a daily delivery of elite pastries from LouLou Boulangerie. If you're looking to nab a seat and get stuck into the day with something more substantial, you'll find a menu of brunch and lunch favourites centred around speciality deli meats. The short and sweet menu of all-day breakfast consists of sandwiches and highlights from the deli like the breakfast muffin which combines folded eggs, gruyere and chorizo from Whole Beast Butchery. Beyond breakfast, the signature sambo piles mortadella, rocket, pickled Turkish chillies and plum relish on a LouLou baguette. There's also yellow pea pancakes topped with soft-boiled eggs, herb salad, avocado and jamon; black pudding with fried eggs; and a charcuterie plate with the best meat, cheese, pickles and olives from the deli counter. Speaking of, this open glass counter is the first thing you'll notice as you walk into the Parisian-inspired space, accompanied by shelves of other take-home provisions on the walls. Here you can load up your home kitchen with all of the pancetta, sopressa, terrine, Pepe Saya butter and fresh baguettes you could wish for.
UPDATE, August 27, 2021: From Friday, August 27, Cruella will be available to stream via Disney+ — and as part of your regular subscription. A killer dress, a statement jacket, a devastating head-to-toe ensemble: if they truly match their descriptions, they stand the test of time. Set in 70s London as punk takes over the aesthetic, live-action 101 Dalmatians prequel Cruella is full of such outfits — plus a white-and-black fur coat that's suspected of being made from slaughtered dogs. If the film itself was a fashion item, though, it'd be a knockoff. It'd be a piece that appears fabulous from afar, but can't hide its seams. That's hardly surprising given this origin tale stitches together pieces from The Devil Wears Prada, The Favourite, Superman, Star Wars and Dickens, and doesn't give two yaps if anyone notices. The Emmas — Stone, playing the dalmatian-hating future villain; Thompson, doing her best Miranda Priestly impression as a ruthless designer — have a ball. Oscar-winning Mad Max: Fury Road costume designer Jenny Beavan is chief among the movie's MVPs. But for a film placed amid the punk-rock revolution, it's happy to merely look the part, not live and breathe it. And, in aiming to explain away its anti-heroine's wicked ways, it's really not sure what it wants to say about her. Here, the needle drops have it. If compiling Cruella's soundtrack involved more than typing "60s, 70s and 80s hits" into Spotify, it doesn't show. A snarling rendition of The Stooges' 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' proves as blatant as it sounds. When a plan comes together to The Beatles' 'Come Together', you'll wonder if the laziest algorithm in the world made that choice. And would it really be a film about someone called de Vil — a naming choice that's spelled out with such force, you could spot it from the moon — if The Rolling Stones' 'Sympathy for the Devil' wasn't given a spin? As the Mouse House keeps exploring its antagonists' nefarious urges (see also: the two Maleficent movies), it routinely just covers the bare necessities, story-wise. Here, it takes that approach in as many places as it can. Indeed, in telling viewers that Cruella is saddled with childhood traumas, too, it seems to think that two-plus over-stretched hours of 70s cosplay will suffice. Before she becomes the puppy-skinning fashionista that remains among Glenn Close's best-known roles, and before she's both a wannabe designer and the revenge-seeking talk of the town played by Stone (Zombieland: Double Tap), Cruella is actually 12-year-old girl Estella (Tipper Seifert-Cleveland, Game of Thrones). Sporting two-toned hair and a cruel that streak her mother (Emily Beecham, Little Joe) tries to tame with kindness, she's a target for bullies, but has the gumption to handle them. Then tragedy strikes, an orphan is born, loss haunts her every move and, after falling in with a couple of likeable London thieves, those black-and-white locks get a scarlet dye job. By the time that Estella is in her twenties, she's well-versed in pulling quick heists with Jasper (Joel Fry, Yesterday) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser, Songbird). She loves sewing the costumes required more than anything else, however. After years spent dreaming of knockout gowns, upmarket department stores and threads made by the Baroness (Thompson, Last Christmas), she eventually gets her chance — for fashion domination, as well as vengeance. It worked for director Craig Gillespie in I, Tonya, but the wry narration that guides Cruella's story quickly overstays its welcome. The knowing tone, obvious observations and taunts of a death that can't stick in a prequel all purely hit the expected beats, as almost everything here does. Co-screenwriter Dana Fox also penned Isn't It Romantic, but trades satirising one genre's tropes for leaning into another's (yes, villain origin stories are their own genre now). Fellow scribe Tony McNamara was nominated for an Oscar for The Favourite and an Emmy for The Great, so the fact that Stone often feels like she has stepped out of the former and into this — right down to her subterfuge and scheming beneath the Baroness' feet — is no surprise. The Devil Wears Prada's Aline Brosh McKenna gets a story credit, too, because Disney isn't attempting to conceal its inspirations. Cruella may stem from Dodie Smith's book, then the cartoon, then the live-action remake, but it has been cut from a clear pattern. There's zero vampishness in the end result, but plenty of botched ideas and muddled themes. When Estella is driven to succeed, rebel against being treated poorly at work and punish the person responsible for her pain, they're far more fascinating aspects of her character than the movie meaningfully examines — perhaps because they don't quite fit her journey to the monochrome side. Empathising with her plight is easy several times over. After an early incident, understanding why she doesn't love dalmatians is as well. Gillespie and company don't come close to selling the leap from ambitious and avenging to future animal cruelty, though. The latter isn't actually a part of Cruella, but in giving its central figure the Joker treatment, the film's character arc is always a stretch. It also undercuts the much more potent notion that some people are just evil, and don't need a sob story as an excuse. If, in all of their eagerness to stick to a template, Cruella's powers-that-be just wanted to pair Stone up with another English acting titan — swapping The Favourite's Olivia Colman for the on-screen treasure that is Thompson — and then let them have at it, that's understandable. It's also as a good enough reason as any for this or any movie to exist. Alongside Beavan's Vivienne Westwood- and Alexander McQueen-influenced costumes, plus Nicolas Karakatsanis' (another I, Tonya alum) constantly moving camerawork, the acerbic Oscar-winning Emmas are the reason that the film has any bite to go along with its empty barks. But the duo's gleeful cartoonishness, flamboyance and winning ability to wear the hell out of their outfits only takes Cruella so far. Even with their obvious commitment, this intellectual property-extending exercise is more filler than killer. After you give it a whirl, you'll put it back on the rack and rarely spare it another thought. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgZgFHDGHrY&feature=youtu.be Top image: Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2021 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
While much of the country usually goes into holiday mode over the Christmas and New Year period, that hasn't been the case in Australia's bushfire-affected communities. Many regional areas that rely on tourism at this time of year have been battling blazes instead. But, as the flames subside in some spots, rural businesses are eager to welcome back visitors. One such place is Eden Farm Escape, which is located in the fire-ravaged Blue Mountains town of Bilpin just off the Bells Line of Road. As part of an area-wide #BacktoBilpin campaign, the farmstay 90 minutes from Sydney is offering holidaymakers a significant discount. Book a visit for January or February and, by entering the code '50OFF' online, you can receive 50 percent off the price of your accommodation. If you were already thinking about an early-2020 getaway, you can nab yourself a considerable bargain — all while supporting a business that sustained bushfire damage during December. And, you'll be able to become acquainted with Eden Farm Escape's animal residents. Onsite, there are 12 horses and ponies, three miniature donkeys, a pig, a few alpacas, three goats, and some cows and sheep. Thankfully, all of the above escaped the fires unscathed. Surrounded by Blue Mountains National Park, Eden Farm Escape sprawls over 90 acres, with five self-contained cabins located among its green paddocks. You can opt for a one-level abode with one or two bedrooms ($300–500 per night normally; $150–250 with the discount) or two-storey digs ($650 per night normally; $325 at 50 percent off) that sleep up to eight. And, because your doggo deserves a country holiday too, you can bring them along as well. Run by Michael Cthurmer and Deborah Goodman, who are also behind The Grumpy Baker, Eden Farm Escape's cabins feature polished concrete and wooden floors, timber-panelled walls, touches of leather and outdoor timber decks. In the kitchen, you'll find stainless steel benchtops, gas cooking, a microwave and Nespresso coffee machines. Bring some groceries with you, and you will be able to get cosy for the duration of your stay. You'll want to venture outside while you're there, of course. With Eden Farm Escape also a working equine-assisted therapy farm, there are also barns, stables and a riding area onsite. Nature and bushwalking trails weave around the property, and you can also take a dip in the dam. And make sure you visit as many local businesses as you can along the way. Nearby, The Potager at Mount Tomah — the cafe with those incredible mountain views — has reopened for business, as has the Bilpin Cider Co's cellar door. Find Eden Farm Escape at 13 Hanlons Road South, Bilpin. To receive 50 percent off your booking for accommodation in January and February, visit the farm stay's website and enter the code '50OFF'.
When you want a drink that suits any occasion, a negroni is a good all-rounder to have in your home bartending repertoire. It's easy to make, requires only three ingredients, and tastes as good in the summer months as it does curled up by a winter campfire. When you want to expand on your cocktail-making talents without venturing too far from the classic aperitif recipe, you can experiment with different spirits to make entirely different flavour combinations. Together with Campari, we've listed six drinks in the negroni family that you can play around with at home. Once you've found your preferred tipple, head to the Campari website to download two recipe books for 55 more twists on a negroni offered up by leading Australian bartenders. FOR A MIDWEEK MOVIE NIGHT, MAKE AN AMERICANO When hump day comes around, sometimes you just want to chill at home and watch a movie. There's a drink to match that moment. The Americano is a lighter introduction to a negroni that pairs well with salty snacks and a marathon viewing schedule of your favourite show. It was created in 1915 to satisfy American tourists travelling through Rome; tourists wanted a splash of soda in the popular Milano-Torino cocktail of the time and the honorary name has stuck ever since. 30ml Campari 30ml Cinzano Rosso Soda water Making this one is easy. Pour Campari and Cinzano into a rocks glass over plenty of ice. Add a splash of soda water and stir to mix. Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon. FOR A DINNER PARTY APERITIF, SERVE A BOULEVARDIER Bookmark this one for your next soiree. The Boulevardier has all the elegance of its birth era with a distinct flavour addition: oaky bourbon. Credited to an American-born writer who founded a magazine in Paris called the Boulevardier, the cocktail was first written about in 1927 and the recipe essentially substitutes bourbon for gin. The Russell's Reserve in this recipe gives it a spiced warmth, as well as adding to the overall deep red colour of the drink. 30ml Campari 45ml Russell's Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon 30ml Cinzano Rosso Pour all three ingredients into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir to reach the desired dilution (should take a couple of seconds). Strain into a coupette or stemmed glass. Express the essential oils of an orange peel, but don't use the orange as a garnish. This one is served chilled, without the fuss of ice or fruit. FOR A WEEKEND PICNIC, TRY A NEGRONI SBAGLIATO When you're planning a catch-up in the sunshine, it's customary to reach for the bubbles. The fizz of prosecco can work well with the bitterness of Campari in this short and refreshing concoction that was created by mistake. The Italian word 'sbagliato' translates to 'mistaken' and the story goes that, in 1972, a bartender called Mirko Stocchetto accidentally poured prosecco into a negroni instead of gin. Bar Basso in Milan, where Stocchetto worked, still offers the drink today. It is traditionally served in a large wine glass, however, it tastes just as good in a regular tumbler, which is far easier to balance on a picnic blanket. 30ml Campari 30ml Cinzano Rosso 75ml prosecco Pour all three ingredients into a glass over plenty of ice. Stir to mix and garnish with an orange wedge. FOR AN IMPROMPTU DATE NIGHT, OPT FOR A ROSITA If your drinks cabinet leans more towards the agave plant than it does a juniper shrub, we have a negroni recipe that might excite your senses. Created in the 1970s, the Rosita has a complexity beyond your classic negroni by replacing gin with tequila. It's usually served in an old-fashioned glass and if you don't have an orange for a garnish, most other citrus fruits are a good substitute. It's an impressive drink, and looks like you've made more effort than you really have. 30ml Campari 30ml Espolon Blanco Tequila (or another 100-percent agave tequila) 15ml Cinzano Rosso 15ml Cinzano Extra-Dry Pour all four ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice and stir for a few seconds. Strain into a glass. Express the essential oils of an orange and use as garnish. FOR YOUR NEXT BARBECUE, OFFER A KINGSTON NEGRONI Barbecue smoke filling the air. Sun setting in the distance. You want a drink that suits the laidback mood and stands up to the stronger flavours of grilled meats or veggies at your next barbecue. Considered a perfect after-dinner drink, the Kingston Negroni is a relatively recent creation that comes out of New York, rather than Jamaica. It has swagger, moreish flavour, and the richness of a negroni — but instead of gin, reach for a full-bodied, aged rum. 30ml Campari 30ml Appleton Estate Reserve Blend 8 Year Old Rum 30ml Cinzano Rosso Pour ingredients into a rocks glass over plenty of ice. Stir to mix and garnish with an orange wedge, just as you would for a classic negroni. FOR SUNDAY SUNDOWNERS, STICK WITH THE CLASSIC NEGRONI We said it at the beginning; you can't go wrong with a classic. At 101 years old, the negroni has come a long way from its origins in Florence, when Count Camillo Negroni ordered an Americano with gin, rather than soda. It has the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, and the drink is only further improved by a fragrant wedge of orange. When you want to see out the week with a drink in hand, we suggest sticking with this classic. Pay close attention to the quality of your ice to ensure your drink is chilled, but not too diluted. 30ml Campari 30ml London dry gin 30ml Cinzano Rosso Vermouth Pour ingredients into a short glass over a block of ice. Stir to combine the ingredients and garnish with a wedge of orange. Download the free Negroni Cocktail Book for 60 different negroni recipes to try at home. Remember to Drinkwise.
There isn't anything particularly funny about Mondays. From waking up knowing that the weekend is over, to coming home after work and knowing that there are still four more days to go, there aren't many reasons to smile. So that's where the Comedy Lounge comes in. With no more than a crisp ten dollar note, you can find yourself admitted to one of Sydney's premier comedy venues for an evening of chortling. While it's not exactly the star-studded Just For Laughs Gala in Montreal, the Comedy Lounge hosts some of the best up-and-coming comedians in Sydney, as well as those who swing by while on tour. It's a great way to laugh those Monday blues away.
Always dreamed of visiting the Mediterranean island of Sicily? Then you might want to bump it to the top of your post-COVID-19 travel plans. If you do, you could score some handy financial help — with the Sicilian government offering to cover some travel expenses once Italy is out of lockdown. As first reported by The Times, the regional government is offering to pay a portion of flight costs and accommodation expenses — covering half the price of airfares to and from the island, and paying for one in every three hotel nights. It'll also stump up the entire cost for tickets to museums and archaeological sites, so that visitors can do plenty of sightseeing. At present, few other details have been revealed, such as when it'll come into effect, when eager tourists will be able to start booking, who the scheme will apply to and where in the world you'll be able to fly in from. That said, when the plan is implemented, it'll be done via vouchers available from the Visit Sicily website — so you might want to bookmark it for future reference. The Sicilian government will spend €50 million (AU$86.4 million) on the scheme to revive its tourism industry — which, with not only the country but most of the world enforcing restrictions to help contain the spread of COVID-19, has understandably taken a battering in recent months. Italy has been in lockdown nationwide since Sunday, March 10, but announced on Sunday, April 26 that it would enter 'phase two' from Monday, May 4. That'll involve the slow easing of current restrictions, including allowing Italians to travel within their regions to visit relatives. Factories, parks and public gardens will also reopen, with museums, galleries, libraries and shops able to open their doors from Monday, May 18, then bars, restaurants and hairdressers from Monday, June 1. For further details about the Sicilian government's tourism scheme, keep an eye on the Visit Sicily website. Via The Times.
It seems Sydneysiders can't get enough of making what's old new again. With the wave of gentrification hitting pubs, hotels and long forgotten spaces across the city, once lifeless urban spots have now been given a second chance. Hidden among the high-rises of the CBD's bleak concrete jungle, an oasis from the daily grind awaits. Wearier office dwellers delight, we've found just the place for you to escape. Tucked away behind King Street, Skittle Lane Coffee is a welcome breath of fresh air for inner city locals. Featuring New York-inspired interiors, the cafe's high ceilings and large steel windows demand attention from the casual passer by. Yet once you push through those sleek glass doors, this striking light-filled store makes you feel right at home. Behind the machines, the friendly Skittle Lane crew is ready to serve Sydney up some seriously killer brews. Owners Jodie Foster and Dean Wooding wanted to create the same laidback ambiance of Melbourne's iconic laneway cafes in this inner city location. "When we first viewed the space we instantly fell in love," says Jodie. "The building is grand and elegant and the Skittle Lane is being restored to its former glory. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to create something unique in the Sydney CBD." The laneway itself has been given a major revamp by The Crown Group over the past few years, seeing the thoroughfare dotted with boutique shops, eateries and most recently apartments. Keeping things sleek with a monochromic colour scheme, Skittle Lane Coffee is cool and contemporary. From the black marble block counter to the modern light fittings hanging overhead, they know how to nail the finishing touches. Aside from its aesthetic charm, these guys deliver first and foremost as a top-notch coffee shop. Serving up their own roasted coffee, Skittle Lane's seasonal blend offers a punchy full-bodied cup while their rotating selection of single origins keeps coffee geeks on their toes. With guest appearances from Marvell Street, plus specialty made ceramic mugs, plates and bowls courtesy of Melbourne designer Takeawei, diners can take these gorgeous goodies home thanks to Skittle Lane's stellar retail section. Pop in on your way to the office for a quick Brewtown Brewnut or pastry from Penny Fours, or stop by for a tasty grab-and-go Sonoma toastie to curb that lunchtime rumble. With everything from cold brew to espresso on the menu, Skittle Lane brings a slice of Melbourne's coffee scene to Sydney's burgeoning new alleyway. Images: Daniel Kukec.
As far as fortieth birthdays go, this one promises to be a serious banger. The inner west's much-loved Newtown Festival returns this November, celebrating the big 4-0 in style, with a huge day of community, art, music and food. Brainchild of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC), the event's main aim is to raise funds and drum up support for those doing it tough in the area. It's also a great excuse for people to get together and show some love for a unique pocket of the world. Taking over Camperdown Memorial Park on November 11, this year's outing sees the return of a bunch of festival favourites, including the Better Read Than Dead writers tent, the Eco Village and the ever-popular Sassy Treats Dog Show, celebrating all of those four-legged festival-goers. There'll be a sprawling collection of over 300 stalls, slinging everything from food to fashion, and the soon-to-be-announced music lineup showcases artists who've each got their own strong connection to the Newtown community. If you'd like to host a stall, albeit food or fashion, applications are now open. In the lead up to the festival, NNC will also host a series of gigs, live street art performances and open air movie screenings to celebrate its four decades of life. Newtown Festival's $5 entry fee, collected at the gates, goes directly to the NNC, which provides support services for disadvantaged groups in the local community. Image: Katje Ford, James Simpson and Jess Gleeson
After extensive renovations, South Coogee Bowls Club has reopened, introducing a new casual restaurant straightforwardly dubbed Bistro on the Greens. Appropriately titled not only for its location overlooking a bowling green, the design, courtesy of David Veksler's team at Guru Projects (nel., Harry's Bondi, Charlotte's Little Sister), features banana leaf wallpaper, lime coloured cushions and vines cascading from the ceiling. It's kind of like The Greens meets Coogee Pavilion. The space is open and light, flowing seamlessly from indoors to out, making the most of its beachside location. The inspiration, according to Veksler, was "a desire to make the space versatile, flexible and something the community could be proud of." Restaurateurs Filomena and Gary Di Paola (Bankstown's La Piazza) have also refreshed the menu, with pretty old school bistro fare mostly designed for sharing. The usual suspects include caprese salad, a selection of classic pastas, arancini di zucca, well as bistro staples like beef nachos, grilled salmon and parmigiana. But considering its nearness to the ocean, there are also plenty of seafood options, such as chilli mussels, barbecue octopus and garlic prawns. If you're feeling particularly peckish, there's also the Greens Mega Burger with black Angus beef pattie, caramelised onion, pineapple, bacon and Swiss cheese — and it's a bistro, so pair it with sweet potato fries in a mini deep fry basket (you know). And for pizza heads, you'll find an extensive list of options, including the Bistro on the Greens special featuring mozzarella, mushroom, artichokes, sundried tomato, 22 bocconcini, ricotta, wild rocket and prosciutto.
Swashbuckling pirates and their landlocked mistresses can find solace from the high seas at Manly's Moonshine Rum and Cider Bar. Deep red leather chesterfield booths are dimly lit by overhead lanterns, providing a mellow and intimate setting. Casanovas be warned, this is not the setting for a romantic evening for two. On Thursdays and Sundays live folk rock music leads the crowd from a toe tap into a full-blown jig, giving you the sense that the rigging scattered throughout the tavern style room is the only thing keeping the hedonistic excess from spilling out onto the streets. The Moonshine crew takes their craft seriously and their house policy is clear, nailed above the bar for all to see: 'If you seek cocktails, try Hemingways'. With over 100 rums to choose from, staff simplify the process by stowing their personal favourites in a hammock strung up above the lengthy distressed timber bar. The burly, bearded, bikie/pirate lookalike behind the bar recommends the El Dorado, which is smooth and served, as it should be, on ice with lime. If you don't share the same fire in your belly for rum, try one of the many boutique ciders on tap, brewed across Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. The barman's choice for something sweet is the Apple Thief Pink Lady Cider, which is lightly carbonated with a clean flavour, and tart finish. Our choice is a pint of Batlow Premium Cider, which packs a fuller flavour than most. Moonshine stands out from the usual Corso crowd — a happy blend between Manly's picturesque waterfront setting and a venue that knows how to baton down the hatches and have a good time.
