Category: LIFESTYLE

Saturday Night Fever in Sydney: The season’s must-see disco fest

Posted: 25/05/2019

Take a step back in time to when extravagant sequined clothing was pretty standard on a Saturday night, the disco club scene was hot and dancing was high energy, sophisticated and positively sexual. Add some of the funkiest Bee Gees disco tracks to this scenario and what do you have? One the most entertaining stage shows to hit Sydney – Saturday Night Fever. Just to take it up a notch, let’s throw in an appearance from Australia’s original disco diva Marcia Hines. Saturday Night Fever has been running at the Lyric Theatre since April 2019 and has been wowing crowds with its sensational choreography since, but sadly the production is coming to an end, wrapping up on 2 June 2019. Based on the original 1977 movie starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever the stage show features all your favourite Bee Gee hits including Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, You Should Be Dancing, More Than A Woman, How Deep Is Your Love, Tragedy, Jive Talkin’ and more. Plus, you’ll also get to seat dance to other great disco hits such as Boogie Shoes and If I Can’t Have You. The original movie and its enormous success back in the 70’s was credited with extending the life of disco, as the trend was initially on its way out. Fast forward to 2019 and here we are, revisiting those memories and celebrating one of the most popular music movements of the last 60 years. The incredibly talented cast of the Australian production of Saturday… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY, THEATRE

Tags: Saturday Night Fever, Saturday Night Fever review, Saturday Night fever review Sydney Lyric Theatre, Saturday Night Fever Sydney, sydney theatre

Sky Garden London: Where to get the city’s best view

by James Banham

Posted: 25/05/2019

When it comes to London, there’s a lot to look at. The Tower of London, The Shard, The Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, The Gherkin; it’s a lot to take in for one place. Combine a few of those into one, launch yourself up the the 31st floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building in the centre of London and you’ve got the Sky Garden; the city’s largest and most flash viewing platform-cum-bar they’ve got to offer. Officially dubbed as London’s highest garden, Sky Garden is an open space garden, right above London that provides 360 degree views of the city, featuring some of its most renowned sites and historical must-sees. From the moment you exist the lift, you’re staring down The Shard across the river Thames. To the left; The Tower of London, the fortress that became a home to kings and now houses the Crown Jewels; behind the building, a striking view of ‘The Gherkin’ building and facing West, the rest of London. It’s especially stunning at sunset. Stay until the evening to see the city light up before nightfall, go early afternoon to be drenched in golden hour sunlight for some of the most stunning photos you can take; go at any time of day for a view that money can’t buy. Sky Garden does drinks, food, and experiences like no other in London, all expertly executed and perfectly timed. It’s another one of the city’s must-dos. Make a booking at the Sky Garden website or head over and hope to get in at… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Bar guide London, Best bars guide London, London bars, London best bars, London Sky Garden bar, Sky Garden, Sky Garden London

Bottomless brunch in London: COYA Angel Court goes boozy

by James Banham

Posted: 25/05/2019

As the sun comes out in London, so do (more of) its drinkers and what better way to do it than a bottomless brunch? COYA in Angel Court – one of five global locations – has ramped it up a bit for its base of loyal and new friends, putting on a bottomless brunch spread fit for Liz herself, every Saturday. It’s for people who’re after something a bit more special than your usual endless servings of house white and beer, turning out a three hour affair of bottomless pisco sours and other cocktails, champagne, vibrant Peruvian dishes, music and special performances. It kicks off each Saturday in the Pisco Bar & Lounge with unlimited pisco sours, espresso martinis, margaritas and bloody marys for drinks, while tacos, bao buns and anticuchos take over the food menu. But that’s not where it ends. Ceviche, beef tataki, kingfish tiradito with truffle oil and more will also be available to the tune of smooth DJ beats in an environment that’s oh, too trendy. Good to know: The first weekend of each month will be a special edition brunch, with surprise performances and a special offering. Each month will have a different theme to elevate the experience and surprise guests. Get the spirit package for £65 a go, or the champagne package for another £10. See more at the COYA Angel Court website or find them at 31-33 Throgmorton St, London EC2N 2AT.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: bottomless brunch, Bottomless brunch London, Coya London, London bars, London food blog, London food blogger, London restaurants, The F London

Chelsea Flower Show doughnuts: Crosstown and Bluebird team up for good

by James Banham

Posted: 24/05/2019

Crosstown, the doughnut people of London and Bluebird European restaurant of Chelsea are have created a special floral inspired doughnut afternoon tea for The Chelsea Flower Show. So if flowers, colour and deliciousness are your thing, then you’ve got two days to swoop in and try before the flower show finishes. Running until 25 May, the courtyard will be serving a three-tiered afternoon tea, piled with Crosstown doughnut bites, cakes, scones and sandwiches. The special creations for the show is a vegan orange blossom dough bite, accompanied by red velvet and rose petal cupcakes; caramel mocha choux buns; neroli blossom and strawberry macaroons and the flower pot of dark chocolate mousse with yuzu curd and chocolate soil will sit alongside warm homemade scones with jam and butter, and an assortment of sandwiches. For more, head to Bluebird Chelsea at 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU???

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea Flower Show doughnuts, doughnuts, London doughnuts

New, rustic and comfy – Morty & Bob’s at Coal Drops Yard London is your new local

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

Morty & Bob’s was one of the early settlers of London’s new Coal Drop Yard open air entertainment and dining precinct just north of Kings Cross station and you’ll love what they’ve done with the place. They moved in, used the existing brickwork to their advantage and have made a properly cosy atmosphere within, regardless of its open ended format and in-line open kitchen. It all works nicely, soaks you in filtered natural light and slams you with a menu you can’t help but want to try the whole of. It’s comfort food, done stylishly without the frills in a venue that is as much set-up for a quick bite as it is to while away a few hours. Morty & Bob’s has quickly famed itself thanks to its penchant for toasted cheese sandwiches and wine; a combination of which they hero every so often for the carb and wine lover in all of us. Read more about their upcoming one in June here. They’ve split the menu into three parts, with brunch & lunch, evening and bar food and drinks, really catering to everyone with staples like a brunch bun of avocado and streaky bacon; kale, buckwheat and avocado on sourdough and minute rib eye steaks with house hash browns and a fried egg. See the menu and plan your next visit at the Morty & Bob’s website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Burgers London, Coal Drops Yard, Food blog London, London Coal Drops Yard, London food blogger, London Morty & Bobs, Morty Bobs, The F London

Karl Lagerfeld lives on: German Gymnasium pays tribute with new cocktail

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

The memory of German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld lives well and truly on, right in the heart of London. Just next door to the brand new development that is the Coal Drops Yard – where you’ll find the super comfy Morty & Bob’s – outside the gate of Kings Cross St. Pancras, the German Gymnasium is putting on a spread even the world’s most notoriously cynnical man of fashion would approve of. They’ve decked the place out in flowers, fashion and a likeness of the man with his signature sunglasses, too, all to celebrate the introduction of a new cocktail, The Karl, to the menu. The talented bar team have worked with Moët & Chandon to create a one-off Rosé Brockman’s gin, Lillet rosé and house strawberry liquor. The brightly coloured liquid takes inspiration from Lagerfeld’s far-reaching vibrant impact on the fashion industry. Check it out and make a booking at the German Gymnasium website.

Category: CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: German Gymnasium, Karl Lagerfeld, Karl Lagerfeld designer, London cocktails, London food blog, London food blogger, London German Gymnasium

Summer Safari in London: Mr Fogg’s Society Exploration

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

Africa is coming to Covent Garden in London as its own take on a boozy safari at Mr Fogg’s. It’s all about exotic Whitley Neill handcrafted gin and vodka cocktails, cricket powder brownies and spruiking a largely unforgettable summer. The venue will put on an immersive experience where adventurers and the curious will be invited to explore what lies below the streets of London. It’s a full themed experience for guests, turning staff members into full safari guides and khakis with pith helmets, the decor into African desert plains, and the menus into a card of exotic finds and libations found abundantly on the great continent. Completely – and charmingly – to theme, the team at Mr Fogg’s will be on hand to offer each and every explorer their liquid vaccinations, offering a welcome treat for guests taste buds, before serving up edible Victorian sun ointment, a coconut flavoured tropical, boozy mousse. Finishing it off with a Whitley Neill original handcrafted dry gin & tonic, featuring a quinine-rich tonic, of course, known to be a traditional mosquito deterrent. Then of course, there’s the food food menu; a sensory journey for both the eyes and stomach, featuring insects and game meat. Guests to this underground Safari can sample dishes like biltong, and curried tempura grasshoppers & courgette with a sweet chilli sauce, as well as cricket and chili rice cakes and cricket powder brownies. Set to run until the start of September, the summer safari will offer a window into the wild world of Africa. For like-minded individuals who are keen to be… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Foggs London, London restaurant, London restaurants, Mr Foggs, Mr Foggs London, Mr Foggs safari, Mr Foggs Safari London, Summer Safari

Mine: Mona’s new exhibition explores extraction

by James Banham

Posted: 23/05/2019

Until 13 April next year, Mona will explore the concept of mining and its varying forms. Super topical with conversations around the Adani Mine in Queensland circulating and the constant mining of individuals’ data for commercial use, it’s a range of work that is sure to stir-up excitement for the Hobart gallery. From 8 June 2019, Simon Denny’s deep dig into the topic of extraction will star sculpture, a giant board game and augmented reality in a series of works that that draw inextricable links between resource and data mining. It’ll mark the largest exhibition by the New Zealand artist to date. Exploring themes of work and automation, the exhibition takes the Australian mining industry as a case study to interrogate the effects of technology on human labour. In Mine, Denny—whose previous work has examined cryptocurrency, capitalism and surveillance—connects mineral and resource mining with the more opaque world of data collection. Setting these extractive practices against a backdrop of colonisation, ethics and economics, Mine reflects on them in terms of both hope and anxiety about the environment, technology, and development. See more and make your next trip to mona a reality at the Mona website. Mine will open on 8 June 2019 and runs until 12 April 2020. The exhibition is curated by Jarrod Rawlins with Emma Pike from Mona.

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

Tags: Art blog, Hobart art blog, Mona, Mona Hobart, the f art, THE F Hobart Mona, THE F Mona

Take your dog to brunch: Good Times Milk Bar is the dog friendly cafe you need

by James Banham

Posted: 22/05/2019

Down a quiet street in Bentleigh in Melbourne’s southeast sits a corner cafe like few others. Good Times Milkbar is tutti-frutti in colour scheme, positively massive inside, pumps out some of the coolest staple and trendy menu items we’ve seen from any cafe in a while and – and this is the best part – it comes complete with its own dog-friendly courtyard! ? For Easter, they’re indulgent, for dogs they’re welcoming and for the regular weekday humdrum, they’re easy, convenient and welcoming. The menu at Good Times is always changing, but think staple bits like avocado toast, of course, dippy eggs – good for kids of adults – chilli eggs served kind of like a burrito with a tortilla and a pastrami benedict, for those who’re more bougie than bacon. While they do cater for kids with a cute separate menu made up of pancakes, milkshakes and cheesymite soldiers, they don’t have a dog menu. Just give them your leftovers and they’re happy, anyway! Find Good Times Milkbar at 83 Tucker Road, Bentleigh VIC.

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, MELBOURNE

Tags: food blog, Good Times, good times milk bar bentleigh, Good Times Milk Bar review, melbourne food blog, THE F Good Times Milk Bar

The Sydney initiative giving back to the bees

by Lottie Dalziel

Posted: 21/05/2019

“There is now alarming evidence of a serious decline in birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The research is conclusive but we all recognise we are not seeing the diverse nature we experienced as children.” “This has implications for our food supply, for life. And we should not just be thinking of ourselves – the human animals – but the other species we share the earth with. But, importantly, we can help.” We spoke with Judy, about the new BandB Highway initiative which will help birds, bees and butterflies threatened by urbanisation across Sydney. The research also shows that cities can become biodiversity hot spots and if we encourage the right plants, we can encourage pollinators and assist in helping to make our urban environments sanctuaries for people and pollinators. The Sydney B&B Highway is one of the first pollinator highways in Australia. Judy and her team have planned, planted and started pollinating in four different LGAs in Sydney. Which “translates to more bees, birds and butterflies!” With FoodFaith planning on expanding and growing the number of BnB’s around Sydney and the rest of the country. to roll out more so it would be wonderful to generate more traction. So how can individuals get involved and help save these precious creatures? Judy shared her tips with Banish. Judy Friedlander is an academic, journalist and the founder of FoodFaith: Planting Seeds. To find more about the BnB Highway, head to the Green Future speaker series. Join Judy Friedlander from UTS to learn practical ways to combat climatechange in your own… Read More

Category: ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Bees, Honey bees Sydney, Rooftop honey, Sydney bees, THE F bees, THE F sustainability, THE F Sydney bees, THE F Sydney rooftop honey, The Sydney initiative giving back to the bees

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

film movie reel pexels daydream 20432081

Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.