Travel & Lifestyle

Merivale are set to unveil their ambitious Northern Beaches venue, The Newport, next month

When Merivale purchased the iconic Newport Arms earlier this year from long-running owners The Bayfield Family, interest was almost immediate. What would Justin Hemmes and his crew do the new venue? They had already showcased their ambition and knack for creating super-sized and extravagant hospitality hubs with the likes of ivy and Coogee Pavilion, so…

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Mosman’s Cala Luna reopens following February fire (Sydney)

Mosman favourite Cala Luna was forced into closure earlier this year due to a devastating fire at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. Following extensive work, owner and Executive Chef Michel Rossetti has re-opened the adored venue, once again bringing a premium Italian, harbour-side dining experience to the area. Those heading to Cala Luna will be met…

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Noodle spinning competitions are being held in Sydney and Melbourne

Noodle spinning and stretching just may be that undiscovered talent you had hiding inside all along, and to bring it out of you loved hot pot brand Simmer Huang are hosting ‘noodle challenges’ are all of their venues, across Sydney and Melbourne. The restaurant has become known for unique and theatrical cooking methods, with a…

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Sydney’s best ticketed New Year’s Eve parties 2015-16

Now that we’re in December, Sydneysiders are no doubt scrambling to lock in those perfect NYE plans, and with so many options available around the famed Harbour City, one is definitely going to need some help sorting through all that’s on offer. Pretty much every venue around Sydney will be trying to coax you through…

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Brigade Dining – Woollahra (Sydney)

Local Woollahra fav The Light Brigade Hotel has undergone quite the impressive transformation, joining the long list of contemporary pub makeovers that have been strung throughout Sydney this year. The venue’s spirit has been refined and re-imagined with a vibrant, modern approach from new owners The Bayfield family, who are most known for their long-running…

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The Beresford gets a new look, new menu, and announces summer program (Sydney)

Fresh off a successful, inaugural Dog Show, Sydney institution The Beresford has released their summer calendar for this season, bringing in weekly events to fully showcase their new menu and refreshed interiors. Most notably on the schedule is the return of The Monday Jam and Movie Night in The Beresford Courtyard. The Beresford has always…

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On the Shelf: Mortlach Rare Old, Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single Malt Scotch Whisky Mortlach launched a new expression in Australia earlier this year, offering an entry level to add a bit of elasticity to their reputation as “The Beast of Dufftown”. Mortlach has always had that rich, powerful body that has made the Whisky ideal for use in blends, but this new expression, the…

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Sydney gets a new three-level establishment with Lot.1

2015 is ending with a burst of exciting new openings for Sydney and front and centre is Lot.1, a lush three-level establishment in the heart of the CBD that offers a premium dining experience, leaning towards classic Italian favourites and focused on local seasonal ingredients handled with a refined modern twist. The venue has a…

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On the Shelf: Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvee NV + Vintage Rose 2011

Tasmanian sparkling is an MVP every time NYE comes around, due to the region’s famously cool climate, offering an alternative to French sparkling that is now widely known to be just as good – if not better – for big occasions. Two varietals have remained the brand’s most acclaimed, the classic Premium Cuvée NV, and…

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On the Shelf: Ben & Jerry’s “Save Our Swirled (SOS)”

Since 1978 Ben & Jerry’s has been a constant in discussions about good quality ice cream, and the brand has certainly delivered on that reputation time and time again. They remain once of the most loved ice creams brands in Australia, so whenever they introduce a new flavour to their ever-evolving Legendairy range it’s always…

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Sydney Pop-Up: Pub Life Kitchen x Barrio Chino – Camperdown (Sydney)

What do you get when two of the kings of Sydney’s brimming burger scene collaborate to the benefit of hearts and minds across the city? You get a brilliant summer residence from Pub Life Kitchen and Barrio Chino at inner-west fashion-slash-cafe staple Deus Ex Machina, propped up in the large space that has become known…

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Sydney is getting two Romance Was Born sales this week

Famed, forward-thinking fashion label Romance Was Born will be making Sydney fans very happy this week as the team host not one but two sales throughout the week, each at different locations, both in darlinghurst. The first sale will be hosted by Lyn Balzer and Tony Perkins on Thursday 10th December, 6pm-8pm at the Australian…

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You can now get Mary's burgers delivered if you live in or around Sydney CBD

While not quite a chain (like, at all) Mary’s have now been established as one of the most popular food businesses Sydney has ever seen. The wild enthusiasm with which people seek out their American-style burgers remains feverish, and so news that you can now get their signature burgers delivered comes as very welcome news….

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MCA hosts pop-up Gin Garden for summer (Sydney)

Renowned UK artist Grayson Perry is going to have a big presence at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney this summer season, with his exhibition My Pretty Little Art Career featuring from 10th December 2015 to 1st May 2016. To accompany and celebrate this big moment for MCA, the street-level entrance has just grown…

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On the Shelf: Il Colle 46 Parallelo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Few things are as summer-appropriate as a nice, crispy Italian Prosecco, and as the weather heats up in Australia we take a look at some very fine, straight forward Prosecco from northern Italy, specifically: Veneto. The Il Colle 46 Parallelo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG has been spread throughout the nation by Euro Concepts in…

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On the Shelf: Stockade Brew Co.’s new range of brews

Relatively new craft brewery Stockade Brew Co. in South West Sydney stayed true to their promise of continual forward movement this year by introducing an entirely new line-up of beers earlier this year. Their commitment to using only high quality ingredients, no sugars for high speed fermentation, and no compromises on purity has, in previous…

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Leichhardt’s Capriccio Osteria & Bar introduces new menu plus all-day dining (Sydney)

Relatively new Leichhardt restaurant Capriccio Osteria & Bar has officially entered into the flavours of summer with their latest seasonal menu, bringing with it the introduction of all-day dining from Tuesday to Sunday. Now that the restaurant has built up a local following around Sydney, it’s time for third generation restaurateurs Matteo Galletto (son of…

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Time Out Sydney Bar Awards winners for 2016

Once again Time Out Sydney have gone through their annual Bar Awards, going through the city’s very diverse scene and crowned those who have made the biggest impact throughout the last 12 months. The list of winners is always a great indication of how Sydney’s bar scene has grown and where it is headed as…

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McDonalds have announced when all-day breakfast will be available across Australia

This week, fast food giant McDonalds announced the timings for their highly anticipated (and long overdue) rollout of all-day breakfast. News dropped months ago that Maccas were trailing the concept, continuing the global trend of using Australia as a kind of testing ground for their new ideas; now the timing has been confirmed, and all-day…

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Tour Diary: Mark Wilkinson hits the road in the US – from New York for CMJ to recording in Los Angeles

Mark Wilkinson made his U.S. debut in 2013 on the heels of his second studio album, Let The River Run, hitting #1 on iTunes singer-songwriter charts in Australia. Wilkinson returned to the U.S. this year for CMJ in New York and additional tour dates in Portland, San Francisco, Boston, Nashville, Atlanta, and studio recording in…

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Sunrise Asian opens restaurant and retail store in Elizabeth Bay (Sydney)

If you have ever wondered where some of Sydney’s top Chefs – like Neil Perry and Martin Benn – source some of their fine produce you would be directed towards Sunrise Asian, a decade-long “chef’s secret” and stalwart supplier of fine Asian ingredients and varieties in Australia. The reliable business has now opened up a…

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F&L Guide: Our top 10 Christmas Gifts for 2015

They say too many options can easily overwhelm, and this truism is no more evident than when Christmas rolls around each year, and almost every business on and offline tries to convince you that they have the perfect gift. Unless you know exactly what those around you want or need, it’s hard to surprise them…

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Our Top 10 Christmas Gifts for 2015

They say too many options can easily overwhelm, and this truism is no more evident than when Christmas rolls around each year, and almost every business on and offline tries to convince you that they have the perfect gift. Unless you know exactly what those around you want or need, it’s hard to surprise them…

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Icebergs Dining Room & Bar plans ‘First Day of Summer’ party with free entry (Sydney)

Tuesday December 1st will officially move Sydney from spring to summer, and one of Bondi’s most famous venues are using that as a reason to throw a lavish free party. Icebergs Dining Room & Bar will be bringing back their annual “Icebergs First Day of Summer Party” for the 13th year, inviting the public to…

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Sydney is getting a two-day music and meat festival for Valentine’s Day (Sydney)

Next year’s Valentine’s Day will be a time to express your undying love whether it to be for another person, another food, of just some damn good Australian music. In Sydney, you’ll be able to do all three at the same time as the inaugural Meatstock Festival pops-up for two days – 13th and 14th…

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Public House Petersham – Petersham (Sydney)

It’s a given that any decent pub needs to check the following boxes to attract a crowd over the summer months: comfortable beer garden, nice selection of local and imported bevvys and tasty pub grub. Thankfully we inner-west suburbanites are spoilt for choice when it comes to places that qualify, to which the ranks can…

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Fairgrounds Festival reveal massive food and beverage program for this year (NSW)

Less than a week out from Fairgrounds Festival in the South Coast NSW town of Berry and the promoters have unveiled an impressive list of food and drink on offer for the day. Come Saturday 5th December, that impressive line-up of live music which includes C.W Stoneking, Meg Mac, and Father John Misty, will be…

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On the Shelf: Little Creatures Original Pilsner (New Recipe)

Renowned beer champs Little Creatures have recently re-released their underrated Original Pilsner, re-thinking it with a new recipe designed towards a Northern German (Friesland) style. Up until now, the pilsner has never quite reached the same inescapable popularity as The Pale, Single Batches, and LC’s awesome seasonal series, so re-visiting their the pilsner continues the…

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Creperie Suzette – The Rocks (Sydney)

Just a few months ago, the artsy Harbour Rocks Hotel replaced their attached antique souvenir shop with a nice and simple French creperie, working with the title Creperie Suzette. Modeled with a vintage, raw aesthetic in mind, remaining consistent with the area’s historic past, the venue has been a daytime hit for the hotel, attracting…

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Urban Purveyor Group announce plans for an Italian restaurant in Sydney

They already have renowned Japanese, French, and German restaurants up and down the east coast of Australia, and now Urban Purveyor Group are seeking to add Italian to the list of cuisines spread across their award-winning restaurants. By mid-2016, the hospitality group that boasts Sake, Ananas Bar & Brasserie, the Bavarian Bier Cafes, and the…

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