Category: CITIES

Drink in a garden bubble by Sydney Harbour at Pier One Hotel

Pier One Garden Bubble

Perched upon the balcony of one of the Pier One Hotels’ incredible Harbour View Balcony Suites, you’ll find an outdoor oasis is filled with lush greenery and trendy rattan furniture, utilising the best views in Sydney. Floral arrangements by the creatives at POHO Flowers sit amongst the space, with cushions and throws adding pastel pops of colour. Come sunset, a floral chandelier and scattered fairy lights illuminate the space, complete with spanning water and cityscape views. You want pretty? Done. Whimsical? Deal. Stunning environs? Tick. Grammable? You know it. With food and bev packages, choose from Mediterranean style, cheese and charcuterie or indulgent desserts, or add one of the feasting menu packages to graze on throughout the day. In addition to the abundant wine list, Pier One Hotel have also created a series of colourful glitter cocktails, with delicious summer flavour combinations; perfect to soak up the sun and enjoy in the Garden Bubble. Keen? Make a booking at the Pier One Hotel’s website

Get your lols: the new comedy event by Young Henrys and Jameson Whiskey

Comedy

At the end of month on 26 November, head down to the Factory Theatre in Sydney for a laugh. Thanks to YOung Henrys and Jameson Whiskey, there’s a one-night-only event on: Comedy Rock Show. Expect to loosen up with a killer lineup of Australia’s best stand-up comedic talents including Gen Fricker, Becky Lucas, Dan Rath and more.  Tickets will be on sale via factorytheatre.com.au from Tuesday, November 3 at $25 (includes 1x Young Henrys 1x Jamo tinnie), with all proceeds going towards Save Our Stages NSW, a cause dedicated to giving support and relief for struggling live music spaces, such as the epic Factory Theatre. 

The new Toyota Yaris test drive: compact in size but clean, green and huge on safety features

New Toyota Yaris Hybrid ZR

Good looks. Tick. Compact. Tick. Safety features. Tick. Hybrid option. Tick.  The latest Toyota Yaris is hard to go past if you’re in the market for a compact-sized vehicle. There are three grades available in the new Yaris range – Ascent Sport, the SX, and the top of the range, ZR. If cleaner and greener are high on your list of priorities, the hybrid version (available in the SX and ZR) delivers outstanding performance and efficiency by combining the benefits of an electric motor with a petrol engine. We test drove the ZR and the verdict is out – the 1.5L Toyota Hybrid System with auto CVT is big on safety features, technology, and fuel efficiency. Providing a smooth and comfortable ride, the Yaris is perfect for city driving and squeezing into those tight, awkward parking spots with the assistance of front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera (which is standard across the range).  But with cutting edge safety technology such as the head-up display, blind-spot monitor, lane trace assist (steering assistance when you’re out of line), and pre-collision safety system, this is also the perfect ride for those long, out-of-town road trips. There’s no danger of cramping your style as there’s ample space to throw in your luggage, plus extra space designed underneath the floor of the boot.  One of the first things you notice when you turn the engine on is how quiet the hybrid system is. You have to check twice to make sure the car is actually… Read More

A Night in Paris at Beresford Sundays in Sydney

Beresford Paris 2

Paris is camp and now the Beresford is serving itself as its rival. Welcome to a Night in Paris at Sydney’s Beresford by Merivale. It’ll be gay. It’ll be colourful. It’ll be new and exciting and it’ll be happening weekly from now. Partnering with Absolut as they’ve done for many Pride activities in the past, they’re proud to present a brand new night of entertainment – A Night in Paris live cabaret show at Upstairs Beresford. The first show went live and sold out within 48 hours!  Starring Minnie Cooper, Jacqui St Hyde and Mynx Moscato with the eye candy of Troy and Hayden. Minnie Cooper is very excited to be combing her singing talents with her love of production drag shows. Guests can enjoy an Absolut cocktail on arrival, 3 course meal and 2 half-hour shows, including cabaret, comedy and sex of the Moulin Rouge.Tickets are $65 and can be purchased from the Beresford site.

3 places to eat, drink and celebrate Melbourne Cup in Sydney this November 2020

Melbourne Cup

The world has suck this year. No other descriptions will do. BUT thankfully, there’s a way to make it all right again. And that’s the Melbourne Cup. Flemington will proceed with the race, but in a weird, eerie silence, the commission has confirmed – as no trackside punters will be permitted. So, don your best and head down to the Star in Sydney for three offers in three quality venues to keep you going all afternoon. Sokyo Tuesday 3 November 2020 Executive Chef Chase Kojima’s Melbourne Cup menu is Tokyo-cool with an ever-so-Sydney twist. At $130pp, the share menu features a selection of premium sushi and lavish delights such as Kingfish Miso Ceviche, Tuna Sashimi, Pumpkin Tempura, Miso Glazed Toothfish and Wagyu Flank Steak 200g. More information at Sokyo’s website BLACK Bar & Grill Fresh from success as the Official Chef Partner of The Everest Carnival, Dany Karam has crafted a spectacular Melbourne Cup menu. Indulge in your choice of three dishes across three courses, each one a culinary winner! At $165pp, with a glass of Glass of NV Möet & Chandon on arrival, featured mains include: Corn Risotto, Grilled Cuttlefish, Red Mullet, Parmigiana Reggiano King Salmon Herb Crusted, Semolina Gnocchi, Citrus Sabayon, Pearl Onions, Eggplant Caviar Fillet Wagyu MBS 7+ Wood Grilled, Smoked Potato, Charred Onion, Shiraz Sauce More information at Black Bar’s website Flying Fish Sydney’s most magnificent seafood served in abundance to share, coupled with a melt-in-the-mouth Scotch Fillet platter and irresistible desserts. This four-course feast, overlooking the sparkling harbour, promises to elevate your Melbourne Cup… Read More

What to do for Melbourne Cup in Sydney after Covid-19

GH Mumm Melbourne Cup Sydney

There’s no lying, it’s been an average year. So let’s join up in trying to send the last few months of it off with some sort of a – probably lame – bang, but a bang nonetheless! Pier One Sydney Harbour is set to host The Maison Mumm Hotel “off track” for Melbourne Cup this year – bringing guests G.H. Mumm’s flagship Melbourne Cup day celebration to Sydney. Here’s what to look forward to. Admiral Suite Private Party or Harbour Balcony Suite Private Party Spend Melbourne Cup in Pier One’s most luxe suites with uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour and Luna Park from your own private balcony. Guests will indulge in canapés, overflowing grazing boards, a luxe barbecue menu. Some suites include their own private chef for a truly luxe experience. Enjoy a four-hour beverage package including G.H.Mumm Champagne served by a private waiter and a “feature bath” filled with bottles of champagne or decadent desserts while the race action plays on a flatscreen TV.Capacity: 10 GuestsPrice: $5,500Duration: 4 hours + overnight stay for 2 guests Exclusive Harbourside Pier Booths Gather with friends or colleagues on the pier at Pier One. The exclusive Pier Booths are located on the pier outside Bar One with stunning views of Walsh Bay. Have your choice of a food and beverage package or pre-order from our Bar One menu. Enjoy Pier One’s harbourside location while you watch the “race that stops the nation”.Capacity: 10 GuestsPrice: $1,000 minimum spendDuration: 3 hours The Gantry Restaurant will also be… Read More

London: The Columbia Hotel’s got a new thing going on

Columbia3

Amy Winehouse was a fan. So was Oasis. And now, you will be, too. The Columbia Hotel in London fast-became synonymous with trendy hangouts and quality bevs and they’ve recently redone their look along with what’s on. In collaboration with local artists, the hotel’s unveiled an exciting transformation and has launched five private dining lounges and intimate day-to-night bars showcasing pieces-to-purchase from emerging artists including Kate Bellm, Yulia Iosilzon and artists from Roman Road Gallery, in which the artists will rotate every quarter. What’s it all for? Well, The Columbia is all about providing support for two industries that have been hit hard by the pandemic around the world. They want to provide a safe and intimate space to socialise and soak-up visual art while providing a platform for artists to showcase their work outside of the traditional gallery space.  And there’s a room deal too, if after the new menu on offer and cultural inundation, you need to just roll up and crash. Check it all out at the Columbia website.

How to get your mitts on Nando’s new mouth-watering secret menu item.

loaded chips 1

Two words. Loaded chips. Are you frothing yet? You should be, because for a limited time only, Nando’s is offering their signature PERi-PERi Chips with a mix of juicy grilled capsicum, tomato, and onion, lathered in your choice of legendary PERi-PERi basting. On top of that, there’s a big dollop of creamy aioli and smoky capsicum relish finished off with tangy feta cheese.  But there’s a catch! Before you can get your hands on this drool-worthy feast, there’s one small caveat. You have to be a PERi-Perks loyalty member to score yourself a serve of Nando’s ‘secret’ loaded chips. It will only be available on Nando’s new app for iOS or Android, via the website or ‘on request’ in the restaurant. Nando’s Loaded Chips are available for dine-in or takeaway for $9 without protein, $13 with grilled PERi-PERi Chicken Tenders or Superfood Veggie Patty, or $14 with a Great Pretender.  When you join Nando’s PERi-Perks club, you’ll be rewarded for your appetite with exclusive access to member-only offers (like the loaded chips deal), freebies on your birthday, plus you’ll earn one PERi-Perks point for every $1 spent.  The loaded chips are available until 1 November 2020, so all you need to do is jump on the app, online or head into a Nando’s restaurant and join Nando’s PERi-Perks loyalty program. To check out the rest of the Nando’s menu here. 

Am I art? I don’t know: see inside the latest works by Queensland artist Michael Zavros

Sydney art gallery, Sullivan+Strumpf in Zetland have partnered with Michael Zavros to present something truly unique. A  Guy Like Me is the latest body of work by Zavros, opening Thursday 15 October until 14 November.  Best known for his beautifully realised award-winning paintings, this upcoming exhibition marks a detour into new and exciting territory, in which Michael introduces us to his avatar: a plastic mannequin modelled on himself but better –  6 foot 3, broader, more cut, a bit younger and a whole lot smoother.  This fascinating creature, which Zavros refers to as “Dad” may also be a better human being, as the artist ponders the improvements that are possible in constructing art to imitate (and enhance) his very life itself.   Captured in a series of sumptuously styled large-scale magazine-style photographs, Dad is perfectly at home stepping into Michael’s designer shoes. Head to the Sullivan+Strumpf website for more.

What’s happening at The Clock Hotel, Sydney: A light and booze party like no other

Clock Hotel Sydney

Bombay Sapphire gin and Sydney artist Sam Whiteside (director of Soft Centre), will for five weeks, take over The Clock Hotel on Crown Street, Sydney. Why? Because with Covid on the decline there, they can, but also, they wanted to put on a never-before-seen audio-visual art installation, to be paired with cocktail masterclasses and cinematic, live sound performances across multiple nights. From 15 October, the countdown’s on! See the flyer below.