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Celebrate the good stuff in life with well-being workshops and smile-inspiring workouts
An all-female cast take on this absurdist classic in Sydney Theatre Company's new production
This thorny American play about protecting children makes its Australian debut at Ensemble Theatre
Polish your armour, water the horses and send a steward with word of your imminent arrival to this weekend in the old world
Experience Shakespeare's great tragedy as it was intended in this season from New Zealand's Pop-up Globe
This Broadway hit makes its Australia premiere in the intimate Old Fitz Theatre
Forget the Fab Four – the Four Seasons are back in Sydney for a victory lap
Round out two weeks of Camden Festival celebrations at this gastronomic event
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Bill Bailey, Ken Jeong and Iliza Shlesinger headline the eighth Sydney edition of this international comedy festival
Celebrate 20 years of great food and talented chefs at these six amazing dining events
The best of Sydney
Welcome to the Time Out EAT List, our handpicked ‘best of’ for Sydney's food scene.
We'll party on the roof, in the basement, by the pool, even once every few months in a suburban bowling club.
Let us be your guide to the sights you need to see and the ones you can wave to from an open-top bus.
It’s worth investing a little time into who and where you should get inked before making the decision to permanently commit.
We got splendidly lost sprawling warehouses and unusual independent stores.
Whether you're softening the sharp edges on a nasty hangover or kicking off the day with a bang.
Sydney is obsessed with high tea, and with good reason – we know how to bake a good scone.
While away an afternoon or simply catch a break at lunch time.
Sydney packs a punch when it comes to spectacular views and thrilling activities.
Whether it's a reward after tackling one of Sydney's beautiful walks or a caffienated catch up or a hangover fixer.
Time Out took the challenge of visiting all the escape rooms in the city.
Coastal walks, bush walks, historical walks and inner city ambles: there are many routes to choose from.
There are a few hotels whose hospitality is just as popular with locals as with those visiting town.
Point your compass in the direction of one of these nearby towns, regions and bush walks.
Whether it’s the brekky pho or racks of vintage threads that gets you out of bed in the morning.
Sometimes there's nothing better than the sun on your back and a cool drink to keep things chill.
Neighbourhood guides
As the Inner West undergoes more and more plastic surgeries, Ashfield holds onto the charming remnants of its ageing looks.
Soon to be one of the most populated areas in Sydney, Parramatta's food and drink scene is on the rise
Our guide to casual dining in Sydney with American Express
What's $20 worth in Sydney these days? If you're looking for a good feed at least, a humble $20 note will actually get you pretty far. From Bondi to Barangaroo, Sydney's sprawl is dotted with foodie gems that won't cost you the earth. Grab your wallet and your comfy pants and tuck into our must-try dishes for $20 or less. And when it comes to the bill, you can pay with confidence knowing these venues take American Express.
Twirling spoons at the ready? We’ve scoured Sydney’s many Italian restaurants to find these Nonna-approved pasta dishes, from pillowy soft gnocchi to just-made tongues of ribbony linguine. We’ve also looked beyond the Boot to bring you to the best non-Italian interpretations of the flour-egg-water brief. At all these venues, you’ll be able to dine in confidence with the knowledge that these venues welcome American Express.
Sydney’s a sunshine town – and these bars, pubs and restaurants know it. Whether it’s a sunny courtyard, a sandy beachfront bar, a rooftop haven or a leafy beer garden, these are the spots to get your alfresco fix in the Emerald City. Then, when it comes to getting the cheque, you can pay in confidence knowing these venues welcome American Express.
Sydney is home to excellent Chinese restaurants that serve up dim sum with serious style. Whether you're after an elegant banquet, a hangover-soothing repast or some steaming hot dumplings, these restaurants have some seriously great dim sum dishes. At all these venues, you’ll be able to dine in confidence with the knowledge that they welcome American Express.
You can easily drop your week’s wages on dining out in Sydney but there’s no need. The city’s hot dining destinations have plenty of satisfying and scintillating stuff on their menus for less than a lobster. And when it comes to settling up you can use your American Express® Card with confidence. How about a complementary side dish with your meal? Check out the offers at Side with Amex.
A dish born in the Indian subcontinent, curry has been adopted and adapted by many cuisines, from Thailand to Malaysia and Japan-via-Britain, with each culture applying their own configuration of herbs, spices and fresh ingredients to create something entirely new. Next time you’re hankering for a serving of rendang, palak, or kang som pla, hit up one of these top curry houses around town. And after you’ve used your roti to mop up every last drop, you can pay in confidence knowing these venues welcome American Express.
Antipasto plates may not always involve much cooking, but they have the potential to show off a chef’s ability for sourcing some of the best deli goods from across the world. They also demonstrate a knack for the age-old art of preserving, pickling and curing the best local produce around. Whether it’s neat folds of cold cut meats, wedges of moreish cheese or pots of sour pickled veggies you’re after, these are the top spots in Sydney to get your antipasto fix. Then, when it comes to getting the cheque, you can pay in confidence knowing these venues welcome American Express.
You know how it is. You pop in for a quick drink when a glance at the snacks menu reminds you that something to do with your other hand would complete this picture of pre-dinner bliss. Maybe it’s a little cheese and cured meats to whet the appetite; some dips to sate the rumblings of a hungry stomach; or a bridging meal that could be a snack or could be dinner depending on how you’re feeling. And the best part is, whether you go on to make a meal out of it or leave it there, you can pay for all of these bar snacks using your American Express.
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Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: Bell Shakespeare is hoping to jolt us out of complacency with its new production of Julius Caesar. While the play mightn't be Shakespeare's most performed, it's certainly one of his stabbiest, and Bell Shakespeare is promising its production will be full of action as Brutus grapples with the idea of political assassination. The play stirred an international furore last year when a New York production depicted the assassination of a Trump-esque figure. But Bell Shakespeare is taking a slightly more abstract approach to its politics. Director James Evans has spent four years making the company's productions for school audiences, and says his mainstage debut will have a steely, industrial asethetic. "It is contemporary, but not weighed down by modern references – no iPhones or handguns on stage," Evans says. "My particular interest is in dystopias – especially the way in which yesterday’s dystopia becomes today’s normality. Read today’s headlines. Then imagine reading those same headlines in 2015. It would be unfathomable. And yet here we are, in a new reality." The cast is headed up by Kenneth Ransom (Gods of Egypt, Prize Fighter) as Caesar, alongside Jemwel Danao, Ivan Donato, Maryanne Fonceca, Ghenoa Gela, Neveen Hanna, Emily Havea, Nick Simpson-Deeks, Russell Smith and Sara Zwangobani.
Invented by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy in 1860, Campari is the Italian red aperitivo that is the cornerstone of many of mixology’s favourite drinks. The timeless Campari Soda – Campari, soda water, ice and an orange wedge garnish – is the starting point on the journey of discovering the versatility of Campari, a journey that has inspired cocktails such as the Americano and the iconic Negroni. Campari Red Nights will launch on Monday, September 17 with a week-long takeover of the Ivy precinct. Campari and Merivale invite consumers to discover the intriguing world of Campari and enjoy an aperitivo from a range of signature drinks like Campari Soda, Pineapple Americano, Milano Sbagliato and the classic Negroni. Campari Red Nights will take consumers on a creative journey throughout the Ivy precinct via sensory experiences (through beverages, entertainment and displays) as well as artwork installations that recount the story of the brand through modern and contemporary expressions of artistic works created by some of the most innovative creators of advertising art. Photograph: Jiwon Kim The official Campari Red Nights launch party will be a journey of discovery throughout the precinct on Friday September 21, culminating in Ivy’s Pool Club. Each subsequent Friday will host parties in Pool Club and closing with a party on October 12. Enter the world of Campari and enjoy live art, music and unexpected performances. Choose from the suite of signature cocktails. Other parti
Occupying the corner of Oxford and William Streets, the Paddo Inn has been pouring beers since 1814. In mid-2017 it was relaunched as a classic neighbourhood bistro, quickly confirming its popularity among locals. Who doesn’t like good food, good wine and a warm reception? One of the masterminds behind the reinvention of the pub has been assistant manager Kenny Floyd. Kenny, how long have you worked here?I’ve been an assistant manager at the Paddo for one and a half years. I started in January 2017 after managing an array of other venues including the Erko, the Clock, Public House Petersham and the Edinburgh Castle. What do you love about the Paddo? Paddo Inn has been a cornerstone of the Paddington community for decades. [Chef] Matt Moran got his start here with Bruce Solomon, and now they are back, collaborating again. I love Paddo Inn’s ability to adapt and keep up with what the community needs. The best example of this is the renovation of the dining room, and how it’s reflective of the guests that come here. We heard the board games are going off in in the front bar.It has gone gangbusters – we’ve had to triple the amount of games. On early weeknights everyone in the front bar is playing an old board game. People walk in for a beer and go, “Oh my god, you guys have Yahtzee? I haven’t played that in years.” Who is the most memorable customer you have encountered?Definitely Lawrence – he is ingrained in the history of the Paddo and I feel it’s a privilege to call
From bush botanicals to national dishes incorporating native flora and fauna, our country’s natural environment provides an abundance of flavours that inspire great culinary works. For the whole month of September, these ingredients will be showcased at restaurants and bars throughout the Rocks, while also featuring in special editions of the Rocks Markets and cooking demonstrations and masterclasses. You’ll want to start your tasting journey with a drink. Head to the Cut Bar and Grill, where they will be twisting pink peppercorn and finger lime into a classic Gin and Tonic that’ll put some zing into your botanical adventure. Or, visit Mode Kitchen and Bar at the Four Seasons who will be blending Sydney’s Archie Rose gin with native lemon myrtle, hibiscus tea and egg whites for a fresh gin sour. Secure a spot on the leafy terrace at Mrs Jones and order a variation on their classic Martini and Espresso Martini. Photograph: Anna Kucera. The Doss House You'll feel like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday at Appetito, the classic Italian restaurant in the Rocks. They’re serving up an exciting white rum and rosella jam concoction during September, and their friendly neighbour the Rawson will use Australian finger lime and mango to create a golden Margarita. There’s more classic twists at the Push and Eric’s Bar, but if you’re after a beer, head to the Endeavour Tap Rooms for the newest edition to their line of local brews, incorporating lemon myrtle, finger lime and Davidson plum
Bridge Lane by Christopher Hanna is set to launch its new Saturday night party series on September 8. The decadent CBD bar will kick start the party with DJ sets from international disc jockeys Aidan Bega and Adam Vicelich. The pair will spin R'n'B and house tunes to match the bar's slick cocktails, decadent small bites menu and luxe interiors. Bridge Lane's cocktails are also a drawcard in themselves, with the centrepiece of the bar being rocket-speed Espresso Martinis on tap by Onyx Coffee Spirits. This high quality batched cocktail delivery method uses silky, rich South American and Indian coffee beans, combined with spirits and a nitro infusion resulting in a flawless coffee cocktail. Bridge Lane also provides bottle service for premium spirits, and is open until 2am on Saturdays. Find out more about Bridge Lane.
The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer – beer and cider season is nearly upon us. Over in our Eastern Suburbs the Coogee Bay Hotel is taking advantage of the increasingly cheerful weather by hosting their third annual Craft Beer and Cider Festival. Over two days the hotel will welcome more than 80 craft beer and cider varieties to their venue to encourage you to get outside your comfort zone and try a new brew. Only the best booze make the cut so even if you select at random you’re going to get a winning tipple. The festival line-up currently includes Gage Road Brewing Co, Yak Ales, Pirate Life, 4 Pines Beer, Bentspoke Brewing Co, The Apple Thief, Hillbilly, Green Beacon Brewing Co, Young Henrys, Endeavour Brewing Co, Akasha Brewing Co, The Lord Nelson Brewery, Feral Brewing Company, Kona Brewing Company and Batch Brewing Company. As well as hosting dozens of delicious beers and cider varieties, Coogee Bay Hotel will also be bringing in jazz to keep you entertained and food pop-ups to keep you full. The beachfront venue combines relaxed, stylish drinking and dining with boutique seaside accommodation – so out-of-towners can even enjoy the festival without the hassle of travelling home. The festival is free to enter, with each variety of beer or cider available to sample and purchase using festival tokens – which you can buy at the festival or online at a discount. The Craft Beer and Cider Festival is taking place at Coogee Bay Hotel on Saturday, 6 Octobe
For the month of September, Chippendale Green will have an outdoor silent cinema showing cult 1990s movies. First up it's Alicia Silverstone in high school classic Clueless; then Heath Ledger's Hollywood breakthrough comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You; Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock in high-octane action thriller Speed; and finally Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in the Los Angeles fairy tale Pretty Woman. Each Thursday-night screening will cost ten bucks, and you’ll be given blankets and headphones, so you can quote along “Big mistake. Big. Huge” without disturbing your neighbours. Not only is the ticket price cheaper than most cinema screenings, but you’ll get a $10 voucher to spend on dining at Central Park Mall, which includes Din Tai Fung, La La Malaysian, Mai Viet and Gami Chicken. They’re somehow making it a fundraiser too, with all proceeds from the event going to Rural Aid’s Buy a Bale to help local Australian farmers. We can't think of a better way to indulge our '90s nostalgia, get dinner and help out a good cause all at the same time. Photograph: Supplied
Now in its eighth year, Just For Laughs has become a comedy fixture for Sydney, presenting a largely Antipodean, UK and American line-up across Sydney Opera House, Enmore Theatre, Factory Theatre and City Recital Hall. Highlights from this year's program include English comedy stalwart Bill Bailey, who'll be bringing stand-up, sing-alongs and satire to the Sydney Opera House in his new show, Earl of Whimsy. You know him from his laugh-out-loud roles in Crazy Rich Asians, The Hangover and Community, but did you know Ken Jeong actually started his career as a doctor before moving to stand-up? He'll be reverting back to his foundations in comedy, with a one-off Opera House performance. Iliza Shlesinger, who was the first woman to win Last Comic Standing in 2008, and has four Netflix specials to her name and the hugely popular podcast, Truth and Iliza. Improviser extraordinaire Reggie Watts, who'll be using just has voice and looping pedals to create a hilarious musical performance. Whose Line is it Anyway? stars Colin Mochrie, Brad Sherwood and Greg Proops, who'll be bringing a touch of the Whose Line magic to Sydney in an improvised performance. Ryan Hamilton and Becky Lucas will also both take to the Opera House while Ismo, Kenny Sebastian and Mo Gilligan will hit the Factory Theatre for solo shows. Returning this year is the popular All-Star Gala (which tends to sell out), which will again be hosted by Dave Hughes and features Reggie Watts, the stars of Whose Line is
Sydney is home to excellent Chinese restaurants that serve up dim sum with serious style. Whether you're after an elegant banquet, a hangover-soothing repast or some steaming hot dumplings, these restaurants have some seriously great dim sum dishes. At all these venues, you’ll be able to dine in confidence with the knowledge that they welcome American Express.
Sydney has its very own dessert truck devoted to chimney cones, a traditional Hungarian dessert that takes grilled sugar dusted doughnut-like cones, fills them with ice cream, then tops it with sweet treats. Pimp My Chimney rolls around Sydney serving up the decadent, portable dessert, and now you can find it at a bunch of locations around the city and surrounds. You'll find them regularly at EQ Moore Park and in Blacktown, and also at one-off events including the upcoming Cabaramatta Moon Festival; Penrith Octoberfest and the Marrickville Festival. To keep your eye out for where you can get around the treat, follow the Pimp My Chimney Facebook. Once you track the dessert truck down, you'll be able to try one of the eight tasty chimney cones like the Naughty Nuts Nutella, Nutella brownies, vanilla ice cream and hazelnuts; the Cheeky Choc, cookies, choc fingers, flakes, sauce and ice cream; or the oozey doozy Caramel Baby, with honeycomb, caramel fudge, caramel popcorn, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Find out more about Pimp My Chimney.
