Why you should revisit Aria on Sydney Harbour next date night

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

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

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 restaurants

Why you should revisit Aria on Sydney Harbour next date night

Food Aria SpringSummer2024 JurassicQuail 2

Posted: 23/10/2024

After a quarter-century of dazzling Sydney’s fine dining scene, Aria is shaking things up with a fresh approach to dining that’s as bold as a kangaroo on caffeine. This iconic restaurant, helmed by culinary maestro Matt Moran and the Solotel group, is renowned for its contemporary Australian flair, and it’s now embracing a new chapter with a dynamic menu that promises to keep diners on their toes. Gone are the days of the prescriptive seasonal menu. Instead, Aria is rolling out a flexible array of dining options that cater to both the casual lunch crowd and the full-blown gastronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re popping in for a two-course lunch or gearing up for an eight-course culinary marathon, Aria’s new offerings are designed to accommodate any appetite. The choices are varied: a two-course menu at $120 per person for a quick yet sumptuous bite, a three-course at $180 for a more rounded experience, or dive into the five-course ($240) and eight-course ($290) tasting menus for a complete sensory journey. Restaurateur Matt Moran shared his excitement about this evolution, saying, “Aria was created with the vision of bringing an exceptional dining experience to Sydney; 25 years on and we are still creating unforgettable experiences for those who dine with us. The eight-course menu will include a few surprises that do not feature on the main menu, providing a true taste of our team’s talent.” A significant shift also sees Aria’s kitchen aligning with Australia’s top producers, ensuring the freshest hyper-seasonal produce graces their plates. This means more frequent… Read More

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

Tags: Aria, aria sydney, sydney restaurants

Sydney’s new Japanese foodie precinct Prefecture 48 should be top of your list

Updated: 21/10/2024

If you thought you’d tasted all Sydney has to offer, think again. Prefecture 48 has landed in the CBD with a bang, and it’s here to shake up the dining scene with six separate and unique Japanese-inspired venues spanning three floors under one (very, very stylish) roof. The entire ethos behind this venture from Azabu group is simple: good hospitality. Every venue, and there is quite the range from casual to fine dining, is centered around providing the finest aspects of Japanese tradition and transforming it into an experience that fosters connections and memorable experiences. Every dish is created to showcase each chefs mastery and the diverse tastes and food styles of Japan. Prepare for a culinary adventure that spans Japan’s 47 prefectures, and enter the (unofficial) 48th right here on Sussex Street Sydney. Whether it’s the elegant kaiseki at Garaku or the Tokyo-style robata grilling at Ibushi, every dish across Prefecture 48 is a nod to Japan’s rich and diverse food culture. Omakase enthusiasts, you’ll want to lock in a seat at their eight-seat sushi bar, where guest chefs bring their A-game with a rotating menu selected by them. With its fusion of Japanese and European dishes, FIVE is bound to become your new lunch break obsession. From elevated snacks to serious mains, it blends flavours with a finesse that feels very cosmopolitan. And when the inevitable post-meal sweet craving hits, the in-house patisserie Dear Florence is ready to indulge you on the ground floor. If you’re not looking to dine but drink, don’t… Read More

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

Tags: japanese, japanese food, prefecture 48, sydney restaurants

Sydney’s Cut Bar & Grill has reopened

Posted: 23/09/2024

Step into a world of vintage glamour and culinary excellence as The Cut Bar & Grill makes a triumphant return to its original home on Argyle Street, The Rocks. Set to reopen on Friday, September 20th, this elegant basement steakhouse and bar invites you to rediscover the charm of Sydney’s vibrant dining scene. Reservations can be made at www.cutbarandgrill.com.au, so be sure to secure your spot at this iconic venue. Nestled in the heart of The Rocks, The Cut pays homage to the area’s rich heritage with its stunning use of original timber and sandstone foundations. Once a bustling bond store, the refreshed interiors now complement a reinvented menu, boasting the return of the legendary slow-cooked standing prime rib, sliced and served tableside. It’s a dish that promises to melt in your mouth and linger in your memory. With a seating capacity of 130, The Cut offers two distinct areas for dining and drinks. The main restaurant, with its striking wooden booth seating and large marble tables, caters perfectly to both intimate dinners and lively group gatherings. Meanwhile, the bar area is designed for quick yet delightful lunches, evening drinks, and tantalizing snacks, ensuring every visit is a memorable one. The reopening of The Cut isn’t just a win for food lovers; it’s a significant boost for The Rocks precinct, heralding a return to its bustling glory days. Thanks to the resurgence of foot traffic, driven by both CBD workers and eager tourists, this beloved area is regaining its vibrancy. Frank Tucker, CEO of Hunter… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: Cut Bar Grill, Steak Sydney, sydney restaurants

Sydney’s new Yum Cha spot you won’t want to miss

Posted: 10/08/2024

Hold onto your chopsticks, Sydney! The CBD is about to get a whole lot tastier with the opening of Yum Cha Project, the latest venture from the culinary maestro Howin Chui. Known for his string of successful Hong Kong-inspired eateries, including Ni Hao Bar and Kowloon Cafe, Chui is set to bring his magic touch to Grosvenor Place with a yum cha experience like no other. Yum Cha Project is here to shake up the traditional dim sum scene, offering a 50-seater eatery that’s perfect for both on-the-go bites and leisurely sit-down meals—without the dreaded wait times. This latest hotspot is the brainchild of Chui, in collaboration with yum cha aficionados Waiwing Lau, Jacky Huang, and Colin Ho. Together, they’ve pinpointed exactly what Sydney’s yum cha scene has been missing: convenience, variety, and a sprinkle of fun. “Our goal with Yum Cha Project is simple,” says Chui. “We want to make yum cha more accessible, affordable, and above all, convenient. Whether you’re dining solo or grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break, we’ve got you covered, one dim sum at a time.” Joining forces with social media sensation and chef Vincent Yeow Lim—aka Dim Sim Lim and the Wolf of Wok Street—Yum Cha Project is not just a restaurant, but a celebration of Cantonese culture. With over 4 million followers, Lim’s involvement as an ambassador is a nod to the cultural roots and a push to make yum cha a staple in our modern, fast-paced lives. “Having Dim Sim Lim on board is a… Read More

Category: ASIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK

Tags: food, sydney, sydney restaurants, yum cha

Best High Tea venues in Sydney: Where to enjoy an elegant afternoon

Posted: 07/07/2024

Sydney boasts many wonderful high tea experiences. Here are the best to while away the afternoon in elegance.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: high tea, sydney, sydney restaurants, the f sydney, What to do Sydney, Whats on Sydney

The best set menu in Sydney for seafood lovers

Posted: 07/07/2024

If you’re a seafood aficionado in Sydney looking for your next culinary adventure, love.fish has just launched a new ‘Feed Me’ menu that’s guaranteed to reel you in.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, SYDNEY

Tags: love.fish, seafood, sydney, sydney restaurants

Three Blue Ducks and Lodge Bellingen are doing something nice

Updated: 22/06/2024

Three Blue Ducks and The Lodge Bellingen are excited to announce the launch of the Bellingen Food & Wine Escape—a unique blend of culinary experiences, nature, and relaxation set in the picturesque surroundings of Bellingen.

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

Tags: sydney food, sydney restaurants

The Bar at Sydney Common unveils new menu and aperitivo hour

Posted: 17/06/2024

The Bar at Sydney Common, located within the prestigious Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, is set to unveil a new bar menu and aperitivo hour. Launching on Friday, June 14, the new menu will be offered within Sydney Common’s dedicated bar in the venue’s glass atrium with sweeping views over Hyde Park. The new offering will provide guests of Sydney Common the perfect moment to relax with a martini or as a leisurely stopover on the way to dinner in the dining room. As part of the new beverage program, the venue will introduce an aperitivo hour offering from Tuesday to Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with $8 mini martinis alongside $6 wines, gin & tonics, and Sydney Beer Co lagers. “Whether you’re joining us for aperitivo hour on the way home from work, or looking to extend your dining experience with a martini or glass of Champagne and some premium snacks on your way to dinner in the dining room, our new bar menu is the perfect new addition to round out the Sydney Common experience,” says head chef Jamie Robertson. The new bar menu will offer an array of small plates to complement the existing dining room offering, which highlights Jamie’s philosophy of allowing produce to shine in a simple, pared-back manner. Menu highlights include Sydney Rock Oysters with finger lime and rice vinegar; roasted artichokes with parmesan custard; fried whitebait with Sichuan salt; prawn katsu sandwich; and a cured meats platter with Wagyu bresaola, saucisson, and LP’s mortadella; alongside a selection… Read More

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

Tags: New Sydney bars, sydney bars, Sydney Common, sydney restaurants

Top restaurants open in Sydney this Easter weekend

by THE F

Posted: 31/03/2024

Easter weekend in Sydney is not just a time for egg hunts and chocolate bunnies; it’s also an opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From waterfront dining with breathtaking views of the Harbour to cosy laneway eateries serving up inventive fusion cuisine, Sydney offers a plethora of dining experiences to make your Easter weekend unforgettable. Whether you’re in the mood for freshly caught seafood, authentic Italian pasta, or a modern Australian feast, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the best places to eat in Sydney this Easter weekend. Hop into Easter at The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour with a range of long lunches and exclusive Easter menus. The Rocks Promising some of Sydney’s best Easter eats, indulge in a themed afternoon tea, signature hot cross buns and artisanal goods. More details here. Darling Harbour Elevated Easter feasts, family fun and long lunches! Darling Harbour truly is Sydney’s hub for Easter festivities, no matter what you’re looking for. More details here. Barangaroo Embrace the true essence of the Easter long weekend by indulging in long lunches, feasts and sweet treats by the water in Barangaroo. More details here.

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

Tags: easter sydney, sydney, sydney restaurants

New restaurant to try: Fior in Gymea

Posted: 24/03/2024

Set against the dynamic backdrop of Gymea’s evolving landscape, Fior emerges as a beacon of culinary innovation, welcoming food enthusiasts to a world where Italian elegance meets Australian charm. At the helm of this exciting venture, Rosier and Fanning bring their formidable expertise, honed at their popular establishments in Surry Hills, to curate an unparalleled dining experience in the Sutherland Shire. The anticipation for Fior’s opening is palpable, reflecting a community’s eagerness for a fresh gastronomic destination. This restaurant is not merely about filling seats but about stitching together the fabric of local culture with threads of global cuisine. The transformation of a familiar site into a vibrant eatery encapsulates the duo’s vision for renewal and revival. Fior’s menu is a loving ode to culinary craftsmanship, blending the rustic allure of Italian cuisine with the vibrant flavours of Australian produce. It is an invitation to explore dishes that speak of tradition and innovation in equal measure. The promise of a roaming gelato trolley and an aperitivo hour, unlike any other in the Shire, adds layers of anticipation and excitement to the dining experience. As Gymea awaits the opening of Fior, it stands on the cusp of a new culinary era. The restaurant is set to become more than a place to eat; it aims to be a destination that fosters community, celebrates diversity, and redefines the essence of hospitality. With its doors poised to open at the end of April, Fior is ready to welcome diners to a space where every meal is an occasion… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE

Tags: Fior, Gymea, sydney restaurants

ARTS & CULTURE

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

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

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

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

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