Category: CITIES

Live music at Sotheby’s London for Pride Month

cab07cfc 9dd1 44f8 8d14 5bd8540b109f scaled

Experience the Symphony of Diversity with Sotheby’s and The Barbican. This summer, immerse yourself in a unique celebration of diversity and classical music. Join us as we pay tribute to the influential queer composers who have shaped our musical history. On 30th June 2023, Sotheby’s galleries on New Bond Street will be transformed into a stage for the award-winning conductor, Oliver Zeffman. Witness the London-born maestro leading a programme that highlights the radical contributions of queer classical composers such as Handel, Caroline Shaw, and Henriette Bosman. This event is more than a concert; it’s an homage to the LGBTQ+ narrative within the musical canon. But the melody doesn’t stop there. The Sotheby’s concert sets the tempo for an expanded performance at The Barbican Centre on 7th July. Nick Grimshaw presents this landmark event, where Zeffman will conduct the renowned Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This occasion marks the first classical Pride concert by a major orchestra anywhere in Europe. Experience the world premiere of Julian Anderson’s Echoes, along with masterpieces by Tchaikovsky, Poulenc, and Bernstein. Here are the details for the Sotheby’s event: The performance will take place amidst major Old Masters, creating a harmonious fusion of visual and auditory arts. These masterpieces will be up for auction during the week of 3rd July. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is essential. Reserve your spot today and get ready to sway to the rhythm of equality and pride. Grab your tickets through Sotheby’s website here. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity… Read More

Love truffles? Here’s where to get them in Sydney

truffles

Truffle lovers in Sydney have reason to rejoice with the start of the much-awaited truffle season. The city has no dearth of options when it comes to indulging in the earthy and aromatic delicacy. Here are some top spots to get your truffle fix: Darling Square IIKO Mazesoba is one of the most renowned culinary destinations in Sydney, known for its brothless ramen and black truffle menu. Their limited-time menu features unparalleled flavours of black truffle sourced exclusively from Truffle Hill in Western Australia. The menu includes customer favourites like Black Chicken Karaage and new dishes such as Brie Cheese Tempura served with Truffle honey. WingBoy offers Truffalo Wings and a Truffalo Burger. The wings are doused in truffle-infused buffalo sauce and topped with shaved black truffles, while the burger features truffle-infused buffalo tenders, slaw, ranch, shallots, and a milk bun. Spago serves up delectable truffle-infused dishes like Spaghetti cacio e pepe with exotic mushrooms and fresh truffle, Criss Cut Potato Chips with crispy bacon, melted cheese, truffle oil, and fresh truffle, and Homemade classic Tiramisu with fresh truffle. Ume Burger also boasts of luxury upgrades to its burgers and sides with Truffle Mayo, a crispy Kakaige Truffle Burger and Ume Hot Chips dipped in Truffle Mayo. The Streets of Barangaroo IIKO Mazesoba is a common name here too, offering the same black truffle menu as it does in Darling Square. Cirrus brings back its annual dinner series complemented by David Coomer’s rare black winter truffles, sourced from the fertile land nestled between the mighty… Read More

What to see at Kew Gardens before summer ends

london-kew-gardens-gardens-and-lake

Don’t let the summer slip away without experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Kew Gardens after hours with a new series of unique events. From classical music concerts to guided wine tastings, these evening events offer a rare opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at sunset, when the gardens take on an entirely different kind of magic. On Thursday 21 September, The Nash Sessions kick off the musical side of things with a special performance by The Morassi Quartet. This talented group, who have wowed audiences across the UK and beyond, will perform a selection of classical favourites from Mozart and Debussy, as well as popular hits from Adele and The Beatles, all by candlelight in the beautiful surroundings of Kew’s oldest glasshouse. For those more interested in wine, the Kew Series in partnership with Laithwaites Wine presents Wine Walks on Wednesday 6 September. This multi-sensory guided tour of the gardens includes tastings of sparkling rosé in the Rose Garden, Italian wines in the Mediterranean Garden, and tropical New World wines inside the magnificent Temperate House. The evening ends on a high note at the Pavilion Bar & Grill with a classic Bordeaux vintage, offering a chance to soak up the late summer ambience of Kew Gardens while sipping on delicious, lesser-known grape varieties. And for those wanting to take home a piece of the experience, visitors can purchase bottles from the newly launched Kew Series by Laithwaites range of wines, which showcases lesser-known yet deeply delicious grape varieties from around the world. 10%… Read More

National Portrait Gallery unveils posthumous commission of Terry Higgins

National portrait Gallery

Don miss the unveiling of a powerful new portrait by artist Curtis Holder, in support of the Terrence Higgins Trust’s 40th anniversary. Terry Higgins – Three Ages of Terry is a posthumous work that honors the life of one of the UK’s first AIDS-related illness victims. The piece depicts Terry as a teenager, a young man, and in his final weeks before his death, with a multilayered and delicately sketched style that captures his humanity, physicality, and sexuality. The portrait is set to be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery’s Making the Modern World gallery when it reopens on June 22nd, and it will be the first portrait of Terry Higgins and the first work by Curtis Holder to enter the gallery’s collection. The portrait is a testament to Terrence Higgins Trust’s ongoing fight for change in the face of HIV and AIDS, raising awareness and helping to destigmatize the virus. By showcasing the stages of Higgins’ life, the portrait offers a snapshot into the impact he made during his time and pays tribute to his passions and vulnerabilities. The palette is limited to hues of mostly red, a reference to the now-familiar symbol of the red ribbon, a universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. This incredible portrait is not only a celebration of Terry Higgins but also a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of a person’s life and legacy. So make sure to head to the National Portrait Gallery when it reopens on June… Read More

Padre coffee moves into Sydney

Padre Paddington Launch Imagery Social Export 115

Get ready, Sydney coffee lovers! Padre Coffee has officially opened its first-ever store in your city, and it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Located in Paddington’s Five Ways, this multi-purpose coffee concept store is not only an espresso bar, but also a retail section selling Padre Coffee’s signature blends and home-brewing equipment, and a dedicated coffee training and education space. And to celebrate the launch of this amazing spot, Padre Coffee has created a limited-release, single origin Colombian coffee with cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and rose flavours that will blow your mind – it’s like sipping a cherry cola! But hurry, because this exclusive coffee is only available for a limited time while supplies last. This marks Padre Coffee’s first foray into the Sydney coffee market, and after growing a cult-like following in Melbourne and Noosa, they’re ready to share their passion for specialty coffee with all of you. The Paddington store has created jobs for nearly a dozen professional baristas from across the city, who are excited to pour you the perfect cup of coffee. And if that’s not enough, the store will also offer educational and interactive events for coffee enthusiasts and casual sippers alike in the coming months. So head on over to 241A-241B Glenmore Road, Paddington and experience the magic of Padre Coffee for yourself. With pastries and fresh bread supplied by Staple Bread & Necessities (Wednesday to Saturday), Cut Lunch Deli’s mouth-watering cookies, and famous Portuguese tarts from Clovelly’s Tuga Pastries, there’s no better place to start your day than… Read More

New wine bar Melbourne: By The Glass in Armadale

By The GLass bar wine bar

Wine lovers, rejoice! There’s a new wine bar in town that’s sure to become your new go-to destination for a night out. Introducing By The Glass, located in Armadale, this venue is bringing quintessential European concepts to Australia with its cosy yet adventurous atmosphere. Upon entering By The Glass, you’ll be greeted by an expansive selection of wines from around the world, available by the bottle or by the glass. From Australian Chenin Blanc to Argentinian Malbec, there’s something to suit every palate. The wine list is curated with a whole menu refresh every six weeks, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try. The sixty-eight-seater wine bar is divided into several intimate spaces, each with its unique atmosphere, depending on the occasion. From the dark and moody indoor dining area to the hypnotic ambience of the street front dining section, By The Glass offers a variety of seating options. Plus, their secluded thirty-eight-seat arcade area is perfect for those looking for a more private dining experience. But it’s not just the wine that’s impressive at By The Glass – the food menu is equally enticing. Venue Manager and Head Chef Myles Davis-Schiele has created a menu bursting with flavour, featuring dishes like Burnt Butter Brioche topped with mackerel, Duck & Lamb Pate, and Oysters with preserved lemon oil & bloody shiraz gin caviar. Plus, the Marinated Beef Heart served with chimichurri, Burnt Butter Cauliflower, and Lamb Carpaccio are favourites gracing the menu. By The Glass owners, Ron Dhali and Gareth Yan, are… Read More

Australia’s best bartender has been named

Man bartender bar

Australia is well-known for its thriving food and beverage scene, and the world-class bartending competition did not disappoint. The competition brought together five talented bartenders from across the country who battled through three rounds of cocktail challenges, each one more difficult than the last. Eduardo Conde, with his exceptional skills and innovative approach to cocktail-making, emerged as the clear winner of the competition. The cocktail challenges presented by the competition were diverse, with each bartender having to put their own twist on classic cocktails while incorporating various spirits, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, tequila Don Julio 1942, and Bundaberg Small Batch Rum. Conde’s winning cocktails included a twist on an Old Fashioned and a twist on a Paloma, showcasing his incredible creativity and expertise. Conde’s win was a testament to Australia’s vibrant and innovative bartending scene. The competition showcased how Australian bartenders are leading the way in sustainable practices, using local and seasonal ingredients while incorporating traditional and contemporary techniques that result in unique and delicious cocktails. Conde’s next challenge will be taking part in the Diageo World Class Global Finals in Sao Paolo, Brazil, where he will represent Australia against more than 50 other global finalists. He will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and compete for the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year. In conclusion, Eduardo Conde’s win was a remarkable achievement that highlighted the exceptional talent of Australian bartenders. The competition also revealed how the industry is evolving, leading the way in sustainability, creativity, and innovation. We wish… Read More

Chic new Melbourne restaurant, Morris House

Prahran Hotel Longboy Media 17 1024x683 1

Get ready, Melbourne. On Monday, July 10th, the city will welcome its newest four-level pub, Morris House, after a stunning $4 million transformation. Designed by the talented Red Design architects, Morris House will feature a fresh, light exterior, an NYC-inspired basement comedy club, an elegant ground-level dining room, a cozy level one bar and terrace, and a spacious rooftop with fantastic city views. Taking over the former European Bier Café, the renovated venue will accommodate up to 550 guests across its four revamped levels, including a generous rooftop space for 180 guests: Basement Comedy Club – Morris House proudly presents the Basement Comedy Club, a neon-lit haven inspired by New York’s finest comedy venues. Showcasing exposed brick and moody lighting, the space will host local and headline comedy acts every Friday and Saturday night in partnership with Melbourne Comedy, featuring a residency from Arj Barker starting on July 18th. Ground Floor Dining Room & Bar – The newly revamped ground floor Dining Room boasts plush leather booths and a sleek marble bar, perfectly situated off the bustling city sidewalk for mid-week lunches or post-work drinks. Level One Bar & Terrace – Experience comfortable booth seating and a sun-soaked terrace overlooking Exhibition Street at the Level One Bar and Terrace. This space hosts weekly live music and is available for corporate and social events. Enjoy local bands every Friday night or unwind with $16 Negronis while listening to smooth jazz every Thursday. Rooftop – The fourth-level rooftop offers an inner-city, leafy-green oasis perfect for social gatherings…. Read More

Sofia Cocktail Lounge is the chicest place in Surry Hills

Screen Shot 2023 06 25 at 33027 pm

We’re sure you’ve heard of Sofia on Cleveland after it made waves on the culinary scene at launch, but did you know the restaurant team have now opened a cocktail lounge too? Sofia Cocktail Lounge is located within Sofia on Cleveland, above Bar Cleveland, and this space is without a doubt the chicest in Surry Hills. From the decor, roaring fireplace, decadent cocktails and access to the enviable Sofia food menu, we’re almost loathe to give away the details of our new favourite hotspot. Open until late (in fact there’s no official closing time, as long as you’re drinking, they’ll stay open), Sofia’s feels better than home. With lush velvet couches, thick curtains, comfortable armchairs, plush carpets and the toasty fireplace, these exposed brick walls transport you to another era. Not an era specifically vintage, for the decor is far too sophisticated for that, but one where drinking in a bar didn’t involve precariously balancing on a stool while you shout to be heard. This is a place to have deep conversations and sample and snack your way through the menu over a number of hours. Plenty is unmissable here, but the cocktails are definitely one of the special things. Besides the classics, Sofia’s has a collection selected with care and inspiration. The Noah’s Arc for example is modelled after dessert favourite Turkish Delight, and is a fragrant, rosy tipple. While on the hard hitting end, the Saz Jazz is a play on a Sazerac, but with the addition of ricotta washed Shiraz gin and… Read More

Auburn Hotel Melbourne gets a new future

p7JOOz1Q scaled

The iconic Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn is set to receive a multi-million-dollar expansion, providing the local community with fresh indoor and outdoor spaces to savor food, drinks, and good times. Since 1888, this historic pub has been a landmark at the corner of Auburn Road and Victoria Street. Now, it’s transforming the adjacent Regan Motors site into a vibrant hub for the Hawthorn community – a gathering destination for locals and workers alike. The popular beer garden will undergo an upgrade, featuring a new woodfire pizza bar, picnic tables, and an expanded sun-soaked lawn for elevated weekend sessions. A brand-new kids’ playground will also be added, making it perfect for the little ones, especially during the Auburn Hotel’s locally-loved Family Funday held every Sunday. In addition to the beer garden extension, the Auburn Hotel will convert the former Regan Motors site into a laid-back, atrium-style dining hub. This relaxed space will also include a function area extending onto a sprawling deck. The new area will seamlessly blend the location’s history with modern finishes, offering the best of Auburn Hotel with a fresh twist. Guests can anticipate a mouthwatering new menu alongside the unveiling of the revamped spaces, featuring the pub classics Auburn Hotel is famous for, as well as a selection of scrumptious woodfired pizzas, bites, and small plates perfect for group grazing in the beer garden. The Auburn Hotel makeover will maintain the cherished local hub experience while offering more spaces for the community to enjoy year-round. Although demolition on the new site has… Read More