Category: SYDNEY

Hotel Nacional Partners has a new gluten-free cerveza

Who says you can’t have your gluten-free cake and eat it too? Or, in this case, your gluten-free beer with a side of tacos. Hotel Nacional, Hardware Lane’s beloved five-level rooftop bar, has teamed up with TWØBAYS Brewing Co – Australia’s gluten-free beer royalty – to bring you their brand-new house Cerveza. Yes, friends, gluten-free drinkers can now rejoice because the days of drinking tasteless, gluten-free beer are over. A partnership to enjoy At first glance, you might not think that a high-end rooftop bar like Hotel Nacional would pair up with a small-batch craft brewery like TWØBAYS. But as they say, opposites attract – and boy did these two make magic happen. The idea for this collaboration came about when the owners of both establishments met at a local food festival. After bonding over their love for good food and great drinks, they decided to team up to create something special for their customers. A match made As soon as Hotel Nacional’s executive chef and TWØBAYS’ head brewer put their heads together, they knew they had to create something unique and delicious. They wanted to challenge the stereotype of gluten-free beer being bland and boring by creating a flavorful cerveza that would pair perfectly with Hotel Nacional’s Latin-inspired menu. After months of experimenting with different recipes, they finally landed on a light and refreshing cerveza that is 100% gluten-free. Made with locally sourced ingredients and brewed in small batches, this new house brew is sure to please any beer lover – whether they have… Read More

Australian Museum announces Machu Pichhu exhibition extension

The Australian Museum (AM) has cracked open the good news today by announcing the extension of its blockbuster summer exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, until Sunday 11 May 2025. Because, why not give you more time to soak up the wonders of the Andes without the hassle of leaving Sydney? To really crank up the South American vibes, the AM is hosting Fiesta de Perú, a two-day festival bursting with music, dance, food, and all things cultural. Running from Saturday 22 February to Sunday 23 February 2025, it’s a Peruvian extravaganza you really don’t want to miss (unless you’re allergic to fun, of course). With a mix of free and ticketed events, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, a history nerd, or just someone looking for the perfect Instagram post. Oh, and just in case you needed another reason to check it out, the extended exhibition isn’t just showing off its 134 jaw-dropping artefacts; it’s also got an award-winning virtual reality tour of Machu Picchu. Basically, it’s a history lesson that’s way cooler than what you had to sit through in high school. Highlights of Fiesta de Perú And here’s the cherry on top—visitors have exclusive chances to win prizes, including a 10-day, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru (thanks, Adventure World and LATAM Airlines). Plus, each exhibition-related booking to Peru during this time sends 10% of the proceeds to the Australian Museum Foundation. Win-win, right? Plan Your Visit Don’t dawdle! Head to australian.museum to snag your tickets… Read More

What’s on for Mardi Gras this Sydney

With over 150 artists lined up across its signature events, from the legendary Mardi Gras Party to the fabulous return of Fair Day, it’s shaping up to be unforgettable. Oh, and did we mention there’s a brand-new addition this year? Say hello to Club Gras Presented by Absolut X, taking over ivy in Sydney’s CBD for the ultimate dance party vibes.

Sydney Dance Company’s new show: Somos

This vibrant masterpiece is not just coming back—it’s heading to Melbourne for its highly anticipated debut at the Arts Centre from 13–23 March, before gracing the Sydney Dance Company’s Neilson Studio from 27 March–6 April. If you missed the 2023 sold-out world premiere (shame on you!), here’s your chance to witness what all the buzz is about.

New distillery alert: The Goofy Barrel Whisky by Hang 10

Hang 10 Distillery, nestled on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, has done it again. World’s first sourdough whisky, anyone? That’s right, they’ve just dropped their first-ever whisky, The Goofy Barrel—a name as playful as its origins. This isn’t your average dram; it’s crafted from leftover sourdough bread and malted barley. Yep, the bread that might have been destined for the bin is now the star ingredient in a luxurious, small-batch whisky. Who knew saving the planet could taste this good? This whisky embodies everything Hang 10 is known for—sustainability, creativity, and a penchant for crafting award-winning spirits. Following the success of their Surfer’s Signature Gin, Classic Summer Gin, and Ocean Crest Vodka (also bread-based), they’ve now officially surfed into uncharted waters with The Goofy Barrel. Bonus points for being aged for three years in an ex-bourbon cask, giving it a knockout flavor profile of honey, baking spices, and crème caramel, rounded off by a long vanilla finish. Chef’s kiss. Oh, and did we mention it’s exclusive? With fewer than 180 bottles initially released (and as of 30/01/2025, fewer than 100 left because, duh, it’s amazing), this is one for collectors and sustainability nerds alike. Or maybe just folks who love whisky. “This whisky is about more than just great flavour, it’s about innovation and sustainability,” says Deon Rowe, Distiller and Co-Founder at Hang 10. “It’s the world’s first whisky made from leftover bread, and the response so far has been incredible. The toasty caramel start, followed by honey and vanilla notes, makes it irresistibly unique. Plus, it… Read More

2024 Sydney Theatre Awards celebrate excellence on Stage

The stars of Sydney’s vibrant theatre community gathered tonight at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre, to celebrate the 2024 Sydney Theatre Awards. The glittering ceremony, hosted by the effervescent Marney McQueen, saw 28 awards presented to an array of productions that graced Sydney’s stages throughout the year. With nearly 500 members of the theatre community in attendance, it was an evening dedicated to honouring artistic brilliance, collaboration, and creativity. Big wins for August: Osage County and The Inheritance Taking home the coveted Best Mainstage Production was Belvoir’s August: Osage County, a searing family drama that captivated audiences. Directed by Eamon Flack, who also won Best Direction of a Mainstage Production, the production scooped up multiple awards. Tamsin Carroll and Pamela Rabe shared the spotlight with a tied win for Best Performance in a Leading Role in a Mainstage Production, making it a standout moment in the evening’s proceedings. Meanwhile, Best Independent Production went to The Inheritance, a powerful theatrical collaboration between Shane Anthony, Daniel Cottier Productions, Sugary Rum Productions, and the Seymour Centre. Director Shane Anthony was recognised with Best Direction of an Independent Production, while the show’s stellar ensemble cast picked up Best Ensemble Cast. Taking home the title of Best Performance in a Leading Role in an Independent Production was André de Vanny for his unforgettable turn in The Lonesome West. Musical theatre shines Musical theatre also had its moment under the spotlight, with Zombie! The Musical, presented by Hayes Theatre Co., nabbing Best Musical. Its director, Darren Yap, was applauded with the Best Direction of a Musical award. The Judith Johnson Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role in a Musical went to Michael Paynter for his riveting performance in Jesus Christ Superstar. Emerging talent was celebrated as Daniel R. Nixon (The Curious… Read More