TRAVEL

Why Crete is the digital detox destination you need

13/10/2024

As summer’s vibrant energy gracefully transitions into the calm embrace of Autumn, Seaside A Lifestyle Resort in Crete extends an invitation to travellers seeking the serenity of quiet travel and a much-needed digital detox. Nestled amidst the tranquil and unspoiled beauty of Crete, this resort promises an all-inclusive oasis of calm, ideal for those looking to reconnect with themselves amidst eye-catching landscapes. Autumn heralds a season of new beginnings and resets. The fast pace of daily life often leaves little room for the self-care we truly require. At Seaside A Lifestyle Resort, guests are welcomed to cocoon in comfort, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity. This sanctuary is perfect for experiencing the growing trend of wellness travel, particularly among those enamoured with the ‘wellness retreat aesthetic’, which has seen a significant rise in popularity. Here are a few compelling reasons to visit this luxurious resort in Crete, where you can create lifelong memories, experience heartfelt hospitality, and immerse yourself in relaxation and wellbeing, all while enjoying the resort’s dramatic views: Quiet Experiences From sunrise to sunset, Seaside A Lifestyle Resort offers visitors a serene escape where life slows down to a peaceful rhythm. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual connection, a path to self-love, or simply a break from the stresses of daily life, the resort provides a space that fosters peace and tranquillity. Begin your day with a journey to oneness at the resort’s Yoga Shala, a place designed to deepen the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Here, silence is cherished, allowing you to… Read More

New study unveils Britain’s 30 most beautiful buildings

05/10/2024

By James Banham

In a nation steeped in history and architectural grandeur, a recent survey has unveiled a definitive list of Britain’s 30 most beautiful buildings, capturing the hearts and imaginations of residents and tourists alike.

10 best pumpkin patches to visit in the UK this October

05/10/2024

By James Banham

As autumn paints the UK countryside in hues of gold and orange, the allure of pumpkin patches becomes irresistible for both families and avid Instagrammers. This October, capture the essence of the season by visiting some of the most photogenic pumpkin patches across the UK. From scenic landscapes to vibrant festivals, these locations not only offer the perfect backdrop for your autumn snaps but also provide a range of activities that ensure a day filled with fun and memorable experiences. 1. Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Leading the list with stunning countryside views, Cotswold Farm Park is a haven for those looking to capture the beauty of autumn. With 51,000 Instagram followers and 11,300 hashtags, its popularity is well-deserved. Beyond pumpkin picking, you can meet rare breed animals and explore interactive exhibits. The tractor rides and locally sourced dishes at the café add layers of charm to your visit, making it a quintessential day out. 2. Tulleys Farm, Crawley, West Sussex Tulleys Farm, a favorite with 42,300 Instagram mentions, offers a unique night-time experience with its ‘Pumpkin Nights’. The twinkling lights and live music provide an enchanting setting, perfect for photos. This venue is also famous for its Shocktober Fest, blending pumpkin picking with a thrilling twist, ensuring your Instagram feed will be as exciting as it is beautiful. 3. Garsons Farm, Esher, Surrey With its lush green backdrops and a score of 27,400 Instagram points, Garsons Farm is a dream for nature-filled photography. As a pick-your-own paradise, it allows you to harvest everything from… Read More

Sydney Harbour Bridge sunshine afternoon

New experience at Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: Climb & unwind

29/07/2024

By James Banham

BridgeClimb Sydney stands out as a must-do adventure for both locals and tourists, offering a chance to ascend the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of Australia’s most iconic structures. Launched in October 1998, this experience promises an adrenaline rush and breathtaking panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. With various climb options ranging from approximately $160 to $390, including special sunset climbs, participants are guided by experienced leaders who ensure safety and share fascinating stories about the bridge’s history and engineering. Designed to be manageable for participants aged eight to 100, BridgeClimb Sydney is a family-friendly activity catering to a wide range of fitness levels. Climbers are equipped with all necessary gear, including a climbing suit and harness, ensuring safety throughout the ascent. As they make their way up the bridge, climbers can expect awe-inspiring moments and opportunities to capture incredible photos of Sydney Harbour. For those looking to tick this world-class experience off their bucket list, booking directly through the official BridgeClimb website is recommended. BridgeClimb Sydney is more than just a climb; it’s an unforgettable journey providing a unique perspective on one of Australia’s greatest architectural marvels, leaving lasting memories for both local residents and visiting tourists. Now this year, they’re adding something new to their experience! BridgeClimb Sydney is taking things to new heights—literally and figuratively—with its latest offering, the “Climb & Unwind” package. In an exciting partnership with Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Sydney, this exclusive experience marries the thrill of scaling the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge with the luxurious pampering of a high-end… Read More

Welcome to Myconian Sunrise Agrari Beach

24/07/2024

By THE F

Discover the harmonious blend of comfort and adventure at Myconian Sunrise Agrari Beach. Nestled along the stunning south coast of Mykonos, guests can embark on various explorations, from traditional kaiique rides to the archaeological wonders of Delos, or even charter a boat to the unspoiled waters of Rhenia. The around-the-clock concierge service is on hand to facilitate travel and dining reservations, suggest activities, and cater to special needs, aiming to ensure a hassle-free and memorable stay. Myconian Sunrise Agrari Beach, as part of the exclusive Myconian Collection, offers guests priority bookings at top-tier spas and restaurants, enriching their experience even further. The venue is ideal for special events, with its unique and picturesque setting promising unforgettable memories. The dedicated team is focused on tailoring experiences to align with guests’ wishes, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to exceptional service. At Myconian Sunrise Agrari Beach, you are encouraged to slow down, relish every moment, and craft lasting memories in an environment that feels like a true home away from home. This sense of genuine hospitality and deep connection to the island’s heart defines Myconian Sunrise Agrari Beach, making it a tranquil haven and a unique gem in Mykonos.

Tag: Sydney clubs

Legendary Sydney nightlife icon Cargo reopens

by James Banham

Posted: 31/05/2024

Almost 24 years since its inception, Sydney’s beloved clubbing hotspot, Cargo, is set to make a grand return to King Street Wharf. Following an extensive four-month transformation. With a rich legacy spanning over two vibrant decades, this waterfront gem, renowned for its Wharf side beer garden and iconic club nights, will unveil a fresh new aesthetic across its expansive two levels, featuring significant enhancements to the Ground Floor Main Room and Level 1 Lounge. From dawn to dusk, Cargo promises an unrivalled experience as the premier waterfront destination for indulging in drinks, culinary delights, and dancing against the picturesque backdrop of Darling Harbour. Since its inception in August 2000, Cargo has been a hub for the best party crews in Sydney, hosting live music nights, headline DJ sets, and its legendary annual Halloween extravaganza. Elevating the Experience Ground Floor Main Room Embracing the spirit of Cargo’s legendary dancehall, the Ground Floor Main Room exudes renewed high-octane nightclub energy with a sleek LED-lit bar and a state-of-the-art DJ booth equipped with advanced AV technology and LED screens. The new decor strikes a balance between sophistication and playfulness, with neutral tones and hints of green accentuating the light timber furniture to create an inviting ambiance. Dynamic LED lighting cascades above the central dance floor, casting a mesmerizing glow over the revellers below, while upgraded sound systems deliver a world-class, immersive 360-degree audio experience. A captivating mural painting by artist Justine McAllister sets the tone as visitors transition to the Level 1 Lounge, capturing the vibrancy and excitement… Read More

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

Tags: Cargo, Cargo Sydney, sydney, Sydney clubs

Local favourite Kogarah Clubhouse receives a facelift but maintains traditional club charm

by Emi Berry

Posted: 22/02/2020

Kogarah Clubhouse has been a local favourite for years. Established in 1947, it was originally known as Kogarah RSL Club, but it recently received a renovation, introducing a fresh, modern take on the much loved club. However the one thing locals will tell you hasn’t changed, is the friendly and genuine hospitality you’ll encounter at the Clubhouse. No BS here. Kogarah Clubhouse now offers three contemporary venues – The Pearl Asian Eating House, Blake Street Kitchen and a revived Clubhouse Bar. Featuring high, exposed ceilings and curved architecture, the Clubhouse Bar is the perfect venue to kick off your lunch or dinner date with a cocktail or a refreshing cider on tap. On the cocktail front, the ‘Sassy Pear Cosmo’ (grey goose, triple sec with fresh pear) jumps out at you from the ‘Something Special’ cocktail menu while the ‘Fairy Godmother’ (beefeater pink gin, cointreau blood orange and campari) is also extremely tempting. From here, you can move to The Pearl Asian Eating House, featuring a menu that showcases authentic Asian flavours with a contemporary, modern twist. The Pearl is also a great venue for that old lunch time favourite, yum cha. The Pearl Asian Eating House is open for early dining from 11am from Monday to Friday and 10:30am on Saturday and Sunday. But if it’s a mouth-watering schnitty, a southern fried chicken burger or seafood platter you crave, then all-day modern eatery Blake Street Kitchen is your venue. There’s something for everyone, from delicious starters such as satay chicken skewers and bruschetta to… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: club food, dining, kogarah, local dining, south sydney, Sydney clubs

Matt Preston, Tanqueray and Marley Spoon join forces to create the ultimate dinner party for six – in a box!

by Emi Berry

Updated: 18/08/2021

Tanqueray and Marley Spoon have launched the ultimate dinner party box so now’s the time to call up the crew and host an entertaining night in, with a Korean-inspired menu curated by Matt Preston. Designed to feed a party of six, these limited edition dining boxes include everything you need to create an incredibly delicious, three-course meal accompanied with Tanqueray gin cocktails. Let’s be honest, planning and shopping for a dinner party can be hard work, even for the most organised amongst us, but with the Tanqueray x Marley Spoon ultimate dinner party box, all the hard work is done for you. The ingredients are pre-portioned, so all you need to do is stick to the easy-to-follow recipe and voila, everyone will think you’re the bomb. The party box costs $269, which includes a 700ml bottle of Tanqueray’s London Dry and cans of Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic. If Tanqueray’s Nº TEN is more your jam (a small batch gin crafted using fresh citrus fruits), you can pay an additional $30 for the Nº TEN dinner set ($299). Available through to 29 March 2020 – with deliveries from 9 March to 5 April – the first of the limited edition dining boxes includes the following mouth-watering menu: Entree: Brussel Sprout Bao Buns with Lap Cheong and Fish Sauce Caramel Main: Gochujang Beef Fillet Lettuce Cups with Shiso, Kimchi and Ssamjang Mayo Sides: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Miso-Almond Butter, Charred Broccolini and Spring Onion with Sesame Dessert: Chocolate-Walnut Torte with Pears, Butterscotch and Gold Dust Cocktails to… Read More

Category: AUSTRALIAN FOOD, CITIES, COLLABORATION, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Australian food, burgers, club food, kogarah, Sydney clubs

Out of Office: Friday drinks just got better at the Golden Sheaf Double Bay

Crowd of people dancing to music at the Golden Sheaf

by James Banham

Posted: 15/05/2019

Because Friday is the beginning of the weekend and all you want to do is erase the memory of the week that was, we give you Out of Office: new activation by the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay that will help you achieve it all. It’s the Friday night go-to destination for those who work hard and play harder, kicking off in May. Pairing DJs chosen by Sydney heroes UNDR Ctrl with exclusive food and bar offerings, the free affair is the perfect setting to ditch the desk chains and dive into an OOO mentality. Handshake Happy Hour from 4-6pm kickstarts Friday freedom right with the Corona Cart and more surprise and delight moments each week. From the Garden Bar, feast on a bar-style menu of fish sliders, brisket spring rolls and chicken tacos, designed for sharing with the whole team in a sneaky after-work meeting. Stay and Play from 6pm marks your final clock off moment when a new stint of cocktail specials kick in, as the dance floor gets moving to close the loop on the 9-5 week, all the way to a 2am close. From this Friday, May 17 Shantan Wantan Ichiban will appear behind the mic at triple j and FBi Radio. Joining him is World Champion DJs with a set of psych-funk treats, and Life Of Leisure. Supported by Junya.Junya, fearless femme tastemaker Luen will step behind the decks on May 24, setting alight her groove-snatching rarities that has seen her support Peggy Gou and DJ Seinfeld. Rounding out the month on May 31 is a DJ set from bedroom-producer and triple j… Read More

Category: CITIES, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Golden Sheaf, Golden Sheaf Sydney, sydney bars, Sydney clubs, Sydney Friday drinks, sydney pubs, THE F Golden Sheaf

ARTS & CULTURE

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

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Why rush to National Art School postgrad show

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Step into the vibrant world of the arts at the National Art School (NAS) as it proudly unveils the 2024 Postgrad Show, a spectacular showcase of over 400 works by Australia’s next generation of emerging artists. Open to the public until 17 November 2024, this annual exhibition has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in Sydney’s cultural calendar, attracting gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts eager to discover fresh talent. The Postgrad Show serves as a launchpad for these budding artists, featuring the final bodies of work by the Master of Fine Art (MFA) graduates. This year’s exhibition offers an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, collage, 3D printing, performance, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Each piece is a testament to the diverse themes being explored—ranging from natural and digital ecosystems to identity, the Anthropocene, philosophy, and personal narratives. Ceramics take centre stage with artists like Benjamin Akuila, who delves into themes of construction, authenticity, and plasticity, informed by his Tongan heritage. His work offers a compelling exploration of queer and diasporic identity through hybrid cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Chrystie Longworth uses ceramic forms to navigate femininity, identity, and domesticity, drawing inspiration from historical subversive messages crafted by women in textiles. Her work, with its tactile terracotta and pigment surfaces, invites viewers to experience a subtle play of light and texture. From the drawing studios, Quan Zhu Ma marries traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary practices, using innovative materials like heated charcoal and ash. His work reimagines traditional ink art, creating a fusion that resonates… Read More

Christmas music treat in Sydney: Handel’s Messiah returns

11/11/2024

By James Banham

This December, the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are set to enchant audiences once again with their much-loved Messiah concerts, a cherished Sydney Christmas tradition that has spanned over a century.