Category: CITIES

8 new restaurants across London to visit

Posted: 30/05/2022

The spring-summer season in London imbues the city with freshness to such a point that almost makes you forget the bleakness of the 9 other months of the year. And when there are new restaurants and bars to try out across town? Well, you’ll be dining out on the memories – as well as the fine menus – for months! Some of these listed might not be new in the true sense of the word, but fresh from covid restrictions and with something new to offer at very least, they’re worth adding to your list or paying another visit to. Laurel’s On The Roof Shoreditch Officially opened on Thursday 5th May, Laurel’s On The Roof is London’s newest and most laid back rooftop restaurant, bar and pool located at the Mondrian Shoreditch. Inspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, Laurel’s is an all day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour and offering London’s most sought after tables. Transporting diners on an exploration of Los Angeles, Laurel’s offers an evolving all-day, highly seasonal menu, the perfect spot to while away long summer evenings whilst overlooking the bustling Shoreditch neighbourhood. Riding House Bloomsbury Wednesday 8th June will see the opening of Riding House Bloomsbury, the long-awaited second iteration of Fitzrovia’s Riding House Café from restaurateur Adam White. Opening with a soft launch from 25th May, Riding House Bloomsbury is set to be a lively modern brasserie with a members club-like atmosphere, adding to Bloomsbury’s burgeoning reputation as the latest dining hotspot…. Read More

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: 8 new restaurants across London to visit, Best restaurants London, Notting Hill restaurants

Meet Alexander McQueen at NGV International: man behind the Mind, Mythos, Muse

by James Banham

Posted: 21/05/2022

From 11 December to 16 April, you’ve got the chance to get more familiar with one of the most significant fashion designers of the late twentieth century, who was lauded for his conceptual and technical virtuosity. McQueen’s critically acclaimed collections synthesised his proficiency in tailoring and dressmaking with encyclopaedic and autobiographical visual references that spanned time, geography, media and technology. Organised by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse is the first major Australian exhibition to explore the work of this boundary-pushing fashion designer. Showcasing 60 garments and accessories drawn from LACMA’s holdings of important works by McQueen, the Melbourne presentation also features nearly 50 designs by McQueen from the NGV Collection, making this Australian-exclusive presentation especially rich and comprehensive. Offering an unprecedented insight into the mind of this seminal designer, McQueen’s work is presented alongside more than 70 historical artworks including painting, sculpture, photography, decorative arts and works on paper from the collections of LACMA and NGV, that reveal the myriad reference points that influenced his designs. The juxtaposition of garments and artworks highlights McQueen’s creative process and capacity for storytelling, as well as offering audiences an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of his artistic legacy and the nature of inspiration. So, now you’re sold, get more info and tickets at the NGV website

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: alexander mcqueen, national gallery victoria, ngv

Drink gin at Bombay Sapphire’s ‘House of Bombay’ bar at VIVID Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 21/05/2022

Darling Quarter is about to become the home of gin this VIVID Sydney and if ever there was a time to be curious, it’s now. Head to the House of Bombay. Located in Tumblong Park, Darling Quarter; a new Vivid Sydney location in Darling Harbour, guests of House of Bombay will experience an exhilarating fusion of creativity, innovation, technology and delicious cocktails. With the ability to host over 500 people, this limited-time-only bar is the perfect meeting place along this year’s Vivid Sydney Light Walk. Think views, colours, flavours and a hell of a lot of excitement for 23 nights, from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June, with more than 200+ events celebrating the essence of Sydney’s soul including its diversity, beauty, resilience, First Nations culture, and vibrant creative community. For more of what’s on and how to get involved, head to the House of Bombay website

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Bombay, gin, vivid sydney

Get excited for the new Lotus Dumpling Bar at Summer Hill

by Emi Berry

Posted: 20/05/2022

Sydney’s inner west has a new venue opening on 25 May 2022 and this one is worth getting excited about. The Lotus Dining Group – which already runs six restaurants across Sydney including Lotus Barangaroo and Lotus Galeries – is opening their latest venue in Lackey Street, Summer Hill. Despite being the new kid on the block, it feels like the new venue is among old friends. Located in the heart of Summer Hill, just across the road from the village square – otherwise known as The Piazza, which comes alive in the evenings with live music where locals can be seen dancing – the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. With the impressive menu designed by Lotus Dumpling Bar at Summer Hill head chef Chris Tsao and Lotus Dining Group’s head chef, Steve Wu, guests are guaranteed to enjoy an extensive range of flavour-packed dumplings and share plates, such as Hot and Numbing Chicken Ribs, XO Scallop with Chinese Dipping Donut and Crispy Prawn Dumplings. Other notable dishes include Mix Mushroom & Endive Salad with Citrus Dressing, Five Spice Tofu and Black Fungus Dumplings, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Wok Fried Prawns with Thai Sweet Basil and Chilli and Steamed Broccolini with Sugar Snap Bean and Kale. “We’re excited to bring our dumpling bar offering to Summer Hill,” says Wu. “Over the lastfew years, we’ve seen a big shift in diners choosing to stay local so we wanted to share ourWalsh Bay concept with a brand new neighbourhood within Sydney. The new menu haseverything people will… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Chinese food Sydney, Chinese restaurants Sydney, lotus dining, lotus dumpling bar

Picasso at the National Gallery London: Face to Face

by James Banham

Updated: 12/05/2022

For the first time ever, a painting by Pablo Picasso ‘Woman with a Book’, 1932 from the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California and the painting by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, ‘Madame Moitessier’, 1856, which famously inspired it, will be shown side by side at the National Gallery, London as part of a special collaboration between the two museums. After debuts of the sensational and influential work by Artemisia Gentileschi, Picasso’s welcome to the halls of the Gallery comes at only too good a time, after the lockdowns of the world have ended and the doors of all public buildings have been thrown open. This exhibition is an opportunity to explore Picasso’s enduring affinity with Ingres, and his ability to reference or ‘steal’ previous artist’s work which he famously acknowledged when he said: ‘Lesser artists borrow; great artists steal.’* It will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to compare the two works and to engage with these masterpieces in a different way. Exhibition organised by the National Gallery, London and the Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena. Following its display in London, the exhibition will be on view at the Norton Simon Museum of Art 21 October 2022– 30 January 2023. For more info and to arrange a visit, go to the National Gallery website

Category: ART, ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: National Gallery London, Picasso at the National Gallery London Face to Face, Picasso London

Vivid light festival returns to the Sydney Harbour Bridge

by James Banham

Posted: 10/05/2022

The annual Vivid light festival is coming back to Sydney 27 May to 18 June and the world renowned Sydney Opera House is getting in on the action. Running from Thursday to Monday throughout the festival period, the first Vivid Climb will go each afternoon and anyone walking will reach the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in time to witness Sydney’s soul come alive with a dazzling display of colour. And this year, in a BridgeClimb first, Vivid Climb groups will also be greeted with light installations throughout their pre-climb journey and will get to top off their night with a complimentary post-climb gin and tonic in the pop-up Hendrick’s Gin Unusual Celebration Bar. If you’re fancying a climb, then you’re looking at two options to see the lights this year… Vivid Photographer Tour + Masterclass: a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the South-East Pylon’s Gundeck (not usually open to the public) with a short masterclass on night time shooting followed by a Vivid photography session with Glenn McKimmin. Pylon & Picasso: an art class, hosted by Pinot & Picasso, atop the beloved Sydney Harbour Bridge’s South-East Pylon, starting with a guided tour of the BridgeClimb Pylon Lookout & Museum before the art class commences from the lookout level. For more and to make a booking, head to the Bridge Climb Sydney website

Category: CITIES, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: BridgeClimb, sydney, Vivid light festival, Vivid light festival returns to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, vivid sydney

Enjoy modern European cuisine with Dining in the Dark Sydney

by James Banham

Updated: 10/05/2022

The room’s dark, you’re wearing a blindfold and you can eat everything. Might sounds like it’s a scene from a strange erotica novel, but it’s really just the experience that awaits you at Sydney’s Dine in the Dark event this May. Located at at Beast & Co, 425 Bourke St, Surry Hills, the event will take you through a hosted gastronomic experience through the heart of continental Europe. Why? Well, studies have shown that 80% of people eat with their eyes, so by eliminating sight, guests will enjoy an elevated dining experience, focusing on taste, smell and touch. So the theory goes. Tickets are available here for $110 per person for 6pm and 8:30pm sittings, each of which are approximately 90 minutes

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Dine in the dark Sydney, Enjoy modern European cuisine with Dine in the Dark Sydney, sydney food, where to eat sydney

Pyrmont Festival Sydney is back for its 10th anniversary

by James Banham

Posted: 09/05/2022

The annual Pyrmont Festival is back in Sydney this May.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Pyrmont Festival, sydney food, sydney food guide

All about StickyBeak: the new festival celebrating Sydney

by James Banham

Posted: 23/04/2022

Archie Rose make some top-notch spirits in Sydney and have since hiot the fast track on their global popularity. This year in 2022, renowned drinks writer and presenter Mike Bennie along with the distillery are bringing the best of Sydney hospitality together for StickyBeak, an inaugural two-day festival of incredible drinks, top-notch food, DJs and curated masterclasses. Made possible by the City of Sydney’s scheme awarding grants to those with a vision to help bring the city back to life, Archie Rose has curated the festival to celebrate Sydney’s rich hospitality industry from Friday 29 and Saturday 30 April, from 5pm – 10pm at Hyde Park Barracks. Local favourites on the line-up include Newtown’s much loved Bloodwood, pasta masters Fabricca, sausage kings and queens LP’s Quality Meats, our friends at Gelato Messina, Morgan Mcglone’s newest venture SUNDAY and newcomers FIREPOP who will be butchering Blackmore wagyu onsite for charcoal-grilled skewers. And that’s just a taste. For more and to sort yourself out with tickets, head to the StickyBeak website

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Food in Sydney, StickyBeak, sydney food

Sydney Mardi Gras in April: keep the festivities going with 3 more events

by James Banham

Updated: 23/03/2022

The parade grounds might have settled down and the biodegradable glitter may have been washed away, but you’d best believe the queer energy that’s born every year from Mardi Gras lives on! With a few more wrap-up events still to go, that celebrate LGBTIQA+ freedom and equality in all its colours, the time’s come to turn to the ticket counters and get outfit planning for how you’ll see-out yet another successful Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Here’s what’s on… KAFTANA POOL PARTY Saturday 2 April 2022, 12-8pm. ivy PoolSteam your muumuus and dust off your chunky costume jewelry, Kaftana Partyis back. The iconic ivy Pool will be transformed into the ultimate retro daydream for this poolside afternoon of extravagant fabulousness. Sit back, sip on a Pink Lady, and celebrate with a camp smorgasbord of DJs including Queen Shirene, Kate Monroe, KILIMI and Division 4. As well as special performances from the likes of Drag legend Joyce Maynge, Burlesque wonder Mama Medusa and genderf*ck drag artist Peach Fuzz. Tickets: Second release $60More info: www.mardigras.org.au/events/kaftana-pool-party SISSY BALL Sunday 3 April 2022, 6-11pm. Sydney Town HallJoin the fierce icons and rising stars of the Australian ballroom scene and soak in the essence of queer culture, art and expression at Sissy Ball. This glam throw down is upping the ante, making its grand debut at the opulent Sydney Town Hall – a venue truly fit for all kweens! Curated by House of Slé godmother Kilia Pahulu;style, precision and a whole lot of sass will collide on the runway as contestants battle it out in a number of categories including… Read More

Category: CITIES, LGBTIQ, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Gay pool party Sydney, gay sydney, Ivy Pool Party, mardi gras, Mardi Gras parties, Sydney gay guide, Sydney Mardi Gras in April keep the festivities going with 3 more events, Sydney pool party

ARTS & CULTURE

Yayoi Kasuma makes more history at NGV Melbourne

22/11/2024

By James Banham

This summer, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne invites you to lose yourself in the extraordinary universe of Yayoi Kusama.

Why rush to see The Great Mughals at V&A: a celebration of opulence, art and culture

22/11/2024

By James Banham

Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence. For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires. The Glory of the Mughals The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation. Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences. Unveiling the Court’s Creative Mastery At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of… Read More

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More