Alice Ellis

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food. We have amazing delis, high-end purveyors of pasta and a raft of gelato shops that will keep you riding high on sugar all year long. But it's our pizza game that shines brightest. We know a thing or two about what it takes to make excellent pizza and these are the places that are topping the class. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now.

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

You probably don’t have to be told that there’s a lot of TV out there right now – your monthly streaming budget says it plainly enough. It seems like every few weeks, another must-see show is dropping on some brand new platform, and somehow you get roped into yet another subscription just so you don’t find yourself left out of the cultural loop. And then, inevitably, you never end up watching the new thing, because you’re already watching a half-dozen other shows you’re still trying to finish. Allow us to help you prioritise. To help you figure out how best to focus your telly time, we’re conducting an ongoing ranking of the most elite television series of 2023. Certainly some you’re well aware of, like Succession, Top Boy, The Last of Us and The Bear. Others may have slipped under your radar, such as Amazon’s surreal I’m a Virgo, Fox’s hilarious Colin From Accounts or Jury Duty on [checks notes]... something called FreeVee? All are totally binge-worthy. But binge them fast, because in 2023, the shows never stop coming, and this list is sure to grow.  RECOMMENDED:🔥 The best movies of 2023 (so far)📺 The 100 greatest ever TV shows you need to binge😂 The best comedies of 2023 (so far)🎞️ The best movies to catch at the cinema this month

There's a lot on in Sydney right now – plus Daylight Savings is here! More daylight time for you to spend at rooftop bars, beer gardens, or doing easy day hikes in and around Sydney.  If you're keen to soak up the sunshine, there's a Chandon Harbour Long Lunch going down on a superyacht. And IMAX is back! Time to see a film on the third largest screen in the world. Make this weekend count.  Want more cool things to do this weekend? We've found the best spots to see spring flowers around Sydney.

She's a beauty, that's for sure. It's no wonder that the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House is up there with the world's most iconic, most photographed buildings. But she's not just a pretty face – the Opera House has also been the focal point of some of the most defining cultural, political and social moments in Australia's history. So, to celebrate the 50th anniversary since the completion of Danish architect Jørn Utzon's creation, Getty Images has published a collection of rare photos of the House – photos that also capture significant moments in Sydney's and Australia's history. The collection of 13 photos has been recovered from the Getty Images Archives, one of the oldest and most comprehensive privately-owned photographic archives in the world.  "We looked back across the vast troves of the Getty Images collections to help tell the story of this iconic landmark," says Bob Ahern, director of archive photography for Getty Images. “In doing so, we discovered images from the Archives that had been rarely seen before, from its early construction to its role as a cultural focal point in Australia.” Below are each of the photos, with commentary from Ahern on their significance...

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And white Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, and down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce, choosing simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes, and cooking food with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are a wealth of excellent options to choose from when it comes to Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s editors and critics, including our Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have picked our favourite eateries covering all bases – from casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine dining restaurants – so no matter what mood you're in, there's something here for you. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney

There is a lot to get excited about on the streets of Sydney at the moment. The calibre of restaurants making their grand debuts is nothing short of awe-inspiring. And while there are more openings than you could poke a stick at, Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure has rounded up her picks of the ones she thinks should be at the top of your hit list, including stunning French restaurant Charlotte Bar and Bistro, top chef Opel Khan's new Bengali spot Khanaa, and Amalfi Coast-inspired trattoria Nico. Happy eating, Sydney. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs

From light-as-air crepes to seafood bouillabaisse and rich steak tartare, Sydney has a lot to offer the Francophile. Here’s our ranked list of where to indulge your Gallic side in Sydney, so you can get oh so French any day of the week. While you're here, check out: The best Italian restaurants in Sydney Here's where to find the tastiest Greek food in Sydney Quench your thirst with our list of the best bars in the city

Sydney's a city with a serious appetite for chicken. But not just any chicken will do. When the cravings hit for salty, smokey charcoal chicken, Sydneysiders inevitably have their favourites and can rarely be swayed to expand their horizons. However, we've taken the time to scan the city for the best charcoal chicken joints and we're asking you to take a chance and try something new. Of course, the institutions are featured – they have to be – but there's a whole big world out there, and you've got some serious eating to do. We've rounded up our favourites in the fight for fowl supremacy. Want more? Check out the Sydney's best restaurants right now. If you're looking to tighten your belt just a notch, check out our list of the city's best cheap eats. 

Spring 2023 update: Can you feel the buzz in the air? We sure as hell can. Maybe it’s spring, maybe it’s just a great time to be alive. One thing’s for sure – whether you’re heading out on a date, want an after-work tipple, or in for a long session, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ace bars in Sydney. Below, you’ll find the very best ones. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, ranked by our local editors, critics and fellow booze hounds including Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Writer Avril. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here

Spring 2023 update: Good morning, are you hungry? We sure are. Whether you like sunny fried eggs, bacon and avo, fluffy ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter, or a full English fry-up for brekky, we’ve rounded up the best places in Sydney where you can get your morning fix. Two things these places all have in common? Killer food – and coffee. Head outside for brekkie at one of the places below – and enjoy this glorious spring weather. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee, we won't bat an eyelid over shelling out $30+ a head for brunch, and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. But cafés aren't just for weekends. This is a city powered by caffeine and many a Sydney worker depends on a reliable go-to barista for a double shot and a bacon sanger to set them up right on the daily. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, a quick caffeinated catch-up, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney editors. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now

Spring 2023 update: Happy spring! The sun is out and the beers and calling your name. From refreshing pints in sunny courtyards to a rocking schnitty at the local, Sydney’s charming pubs are the place to be right now. We’re on our way. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a sunny day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants 

IMAX Sydney closed for a rebuild back in 2016, and after a longggg wait, it's finally relaunched in October 2023, better than ever, in the W Sydney building. When we say this is huge news, we mean it. IMAX Sydney’s new movie screen is the third largest in the world, spanning a staggering 693 square metres. While most cinemas rely on digital projectors, IMAX Sydney is going all out with a state-of-the-art 4K laser projection system. This means that the screen will practically pop with brighter images, more vivid colours and crystal-clear resolution. Plus, the sparkly new cinema will boast an impressive 12-channel sound system, meaning you will be able to feel the action run through your bones.  Audiences can kick back and watch the magic unfold in one of the 430 spacious seats, with the option to upgrade to a full recliner, cosy couples recliner, or private pod for parties of four. Who could forget the good old candy bar too? IMAX is pulling out all the stops with a marketplace of all your favourite cinema snacks, and it’s bound to make all your childhood dreams come true.  You can book tickets for IMAX Darling Harbour over here. Want to know more about W Sydney hotel? Read about it over here. Want to know about the W Sydney's Away Spa in the building? Click here. Want to know about W Sydney's restaurant, Btwn? Click here.

The Darling Harbour structure that might just lay claim to the title of Sydney’s most interesting skyscraper has finally opened. Long marvelled at from across the water, tourists and staycationers alike can finally explore the W Hotel from the inside.  The New York-born hotel chain is known around the world for its edgy architecture and luxury offerings. Would you expect anything less from a subset of the Marriott Bonvoy group?  The hotel houses 588 rooms and suites that are futuristic – there are lots of shiny, reflective surfaces, light features, interesting shapes and pops of colour, with fancy features like the W Mixbar so you can make your own cocktail in the comfort of your home for the night.  If the architecture doesn’t do enough to grab your attention, the double level bar 29/30 might do the job. Level 29 is the spot to be for tapas-style dishes and cocktails as you gaze over the mosaiced infinity pool, while the upstairs area takes it to the next level, literally, with a nautical interior design and vintage Champagnes.   An infinity pool already has loads of wow-factor, but when you pair the free flowing edges with views of Sydney from the 29th floor, we’re talking about a different kind of experience. Relax poolside on the “Wet Deck” and order food and drinks straight to your cabana.  Then there's W’s restaurant, Btwn, which is being led by the ex-chef of Aria and the Blue Door. It’ll be a modern Australian food offering featuring seasonal produce. The fun doesn’t

Enmore has really found its feet in recent years, rising to become Sydney’s capital of nighttime entertainment. From its pulsating live music scene to its grungy pub grub, there’s a lot that goes down in Enmore after dark. Perch yourselves in the heart of it all at the newly opened Teddy’s bar, located just above the family-owned and operated Warren View Hotel.  Teddy’s stays true to the relaxed warmth of the 'Wazza', preserving the charming exposed brick walls of its once quiet upstairs space. You can cosy up by the fireplace in plush, burnt-orange velvet chairs, reconnect with friends on the stylish olive green stools, or grab front-row seats at the sleek new bar. Teddy’s takes a bow to the Warren View Hotel’s rich history of supporting homegrown indie breweries by offering an all-Australian beverage menu. For your perfect sundowner drink, order the Golden Hour with Archie Rose Botanical vodka, Banks and Solander limoncello, Lillet and orange blossom. Other signatures include the St Theo Spritz with Poor Toms imbroglio, prosecco, rosemary and soda water; and the low-alcohol Paloma Faith with Tromba Blanco tequila, capi grapefruit and lime. Find your match among a native-ingredient-focused selection of share plates, ranging from fresh-baked focaccia with rosemary to lemon myrtle taramasalata; finger lime tuna crudo; and pork sausage rolls with bush tomato chutney. A selection of Australian cheese and cured meats will also take you through to the late hours of the night.  Mak

Nature's Energy - Balmain Bath House has to be the best bang for buck when it comes to sweating it out and scrubbing up. Hidden behind the Nature’s Energy store on Darling Street, the Bath House is larger than you would expect and the facilities – though more basic than some of the five-star hotel spas – are clean, in good working order and wonderfully fragrant. The staff are welcoming, knowledgeable and kind, and there are all the perks of a pricier spa: fluffy robes, secure lockers, hair dryers, slippers and herbal tea on tap. Plus, they offer a hot spa, cold pool, (intense) steam room, sauna and showers. It’s one of three Nature’s Energy centres in Sydney (there's also Newtown and Glebe), and the Balmain locale also offers the same specialised massages (gem-stone healing, Reiki and acupuncture), spa facials, waxing and spray tanning as the other venues. And guess what? These day spas have just been recognised in the 2023 World Spa Awards, taking out gongs for both Australia’s Best Day Spa 2023 and Oceania’s Best Day Spa 2023. Award-winning yet humble? Yep – it's a down-to-earth spa for an earthing experience.

For lovers of the NRL, this week is rugby league Christmas, with the NRL and NRLW combined Grand Finals this Sunday, October 1 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. You can get involved in the festivities right now, over at the free NRL Fan Fest, which is on now at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. Fans can see the NRL and NRLW Grand Final teams, meet club players, take part in skills challenges and win a heap of great prizes, including coveted Grand Final tickets and State of Origin tickets.  It’s on now until Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10am until 6pm.  Both the men's NRL Grand Final teams (Penrith Panthers and the Brisbane Broncos) will be at the Fan Fest on Thursday, September 28 at 12:30pm. While both the women's NRLW Grand Final teams (Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans) will be there on Friday, September 29, at 4pm. Want to get up close with Nathan Cleary, Tamika Upton and the rest of their gangs? Rock up for the free fanfare. Want more fun stuff to do? Here's what's on in Sydney this long weekend.

After months of NRL action, it’s the most exciting time of the year – Prelims time. Just four clubs remain, and they’ll play Preliminary Finals games this week before the NRL Grand Final in Sydney on October 1. Can the reigning Premiers, the Penrith Panthers, do it again, and make their fourth straight Grand Final appearance?  Who is playing in the NRL Prelims?  The Penrith Panthers are taking on the Melbourne Storm at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Friday, September 22 at 7.50pm (AEST). While the Brisbane Broncos will be going head to head with the New Zealand Warriors at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, September 23 at 7.50pm (AEST). How do I get tickets to the Panthers vs Storm NRL game in Sydney? Tickets to the Accor Stadium game on Friday, September 22 are on sale now, from nrl.com/tickets. The general public can get prelim tickets for a steal, from just $25 (if you’re a club member, they start from $20).  Who is the favourite in the Panthers vs Storm game? The Panthers finished top of the ladder after yet another stellar season and are bidding for a historic third straight Premiership. The boys, with coach Ivan Cleary at the helm, seem unbeatable. But the Storm are well and truly still standing, after a hard-fought win over the Roosters last week, so you can’t write them off.  The Storm has the best Preliminary Finals record of any club in the NRL era (from 1998 onwards). They’ve made it to 14 Prelims and conquered 10 of them, with coach Craig Bellamy in charge for al

After the biggest NRL Women’s season ever, we’re now in NRLW semi-finals week. Four teams are still standing and are about to play do-or-die knockout games this Sunday (September 24) for a place in the huge combined NRLW and NRL Grand Final event on October 1. Two NSW teams are facing off against two Queensland sides this weekend, with both games on here in NSW – so if you want to show those Sunshine Staters who the real ballers are, show up for your girls.  Who will be playing in the NRLW semi-finals? Last year’s premiers, the Newcastle Knights, will take on the Brisbane Broncos in Newcastle, while the Sydney Roosters will take on the Gold Coast Titans at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium in Moore Park.  How much are tickets to the NRLW semi-finals games? Not only do you not have to travel far to support the Sydney Roosters or Newcastle Knights girls – you can get tickets from just $10 (or free for kids under 18, as well as NRL and NRLW club members). Who’s the favourite for Roosters vs Titans in the NRLW semi-final game? Have you ever seen the Sydney Roosters women in an NRLW semi-final? There have been plenty of chances, considering the team has made it this far every year since the NRLW comp expanded from four teams. Don’t miss this chance. The Roosters will be playing the Gold Coast Titans, who have enjoyed a late-season surge of four straight wins – but the Roosters have been in dominant form all season. They’ve led the competition in attacking stats this year, with more points

The Cricketers Arms is, arguably, Surry Hills’ – if not Sydney’s – most classic Aussie pub. The fact that they’ve hardly done a thing to the bottom floor and beer garden in decades is what’s given it its charm.  As you enter, there’s a big bar in the centre of the room, with bar stools dotted around it – the kind of space you feel comfortable coming to on your own and pulling up a stool for a chat with the bartender. If you stop by enough times, that bartender – and the strangers next to you – will probably end up being your friends. That’s the type of place the Cricketers is.  There’s a DJ booth next to the bar; a sitting room where they occasionally host bands alongside that; followed by a grungy pool room complete with a purple-topped pool table. All areas of the downstairs pub are connected with sticky old red carpet with a gold pattern that disguises years of fun that pub-goers have had with old friends and new.  Then there’s the beer garden – it’s just old wooden tables and seating packed into an enclosed courtyard lined with simple brick paving, but the space is prettied up with hanging greenery and thousands of tiny fairy lights.  Basically there’s a place in here for everyone – for local barflies and the oldies who’ve been coming here forever, for uni students and skater punks wanting some cheap entertainment, for well-dressed Surry Hills creatives here for a knock-off drink, for live music lovers and those keen to boogie – even for those looking to knock the top off

Scenic World is a fun way to experience the Blue Mountains at any time of the year, but over summer 2023-2024, visitors can get more bang (or roar) for their buck, with the return of Dinosaur Valley. This year's experience will be even bigger and better than previous years, with more than 50 dinosaurs and 26 species. You'll first make a spectacular descent into the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Cableway, then and explore the Scenic Walkway for a one-kilometre journey along the rainforest floor, glimpsing fossils, eggs and startling replicas of local Australian and other dinosaurs. Including a friendly, long-necked apatosaurus, an awe-inspiring life-sized T-rex that swishes its tail and flexes its jaws. Try not to panic as a family of triceraptopses lumbers into view, or a pair of pteranodons swoops in from up above. Meet Queensland's answer to the velociraptor, the Australovenator, as well as stegasaurus, and a pair of pachycephalosauruses with their weird, spiky crown of thorns head gear. And so much more. At the end of your journey you'll return to the top of the escarpment via the Scenic Railway – aka the steepest railway in the Southern Hemisphere, a vertiginous experience that always manages to get the heart racing as it reverses back up the valley through sheer rock. Families with dinosaur-obsessed little ones will love this experience – they can grab their free Field Guide and Junior Ranger Kit (including binoculars, bandana and more), listen out for roars and suss ou

A cocktail that makes you cough doesn’t sound like a good time, but hear us out.  When the Eau de Vie bartender brings over our Smokey Rob Roy, he pours a mix of Talisker and Highland whiskies, Diplomatico Mantuano rum, sweet vermouth and orange bitters from a beaker into a glass over a cloud of wood smoke. The smoke dances in and above the glass for for at least a minute. It’s mesmerising.  When the haze has subsided, we lift the glass to our lips, but we’ve jumped the gun and our mouth fills with a tasty yet cough-provoking vapour. It also provokes a giggle. We'll wait. When we do taste this drink – owner Sven Almenning’s signature cocktail – we find it’s exactly as the menu describes: “bold and fierce”. Not for the Piña Colada lovers among us. You get the rich, smoky notes of the whisky playing with the burnt flavours of the actual smoke; the caramel undertones of the rum lending velvety sweetness; herbal elegance from the vermouth, and citrusy brightness from the orange bitters. It’s like a cosy night spent in front of a fireplace, cleverly condensed into a glass.  There’s no fireplace here, but cosy it is. Nineteen-twenties-style, stained-glass Tiffany lampshades hang above each of the tables and black leather booth seating that run down the middle of the room. The lamp light reflects against the mirror behind the bar, so that the rows of whiskey and other bottles seem lit from behind.  There are glass cabinets featuring relics from a bygone era (antique cocktail shakers

Sydney’s CBD is full of bars. Irish- and English-style pubs, American-style sports bars, Japanese whiskey bars, German beer cafés, Spanish tapas bars and, now, hundreds of little wine bars like those you might find in Italy. Sky Bar – which sits at the peak of the multi-tiered venue Shell House – brings a little bit of New York to Sydney. And it's a showstopper.  Sky Bar has floor-to-ceiling windows so that you’re looking, on three sides of the building, out at Sydney’s CBD – including at the 400-tonne heritage Shell House Clocktower that the building is centred around. It’s not The Most spectacular view of the Emerald City, in that there’s no sparkling harbour or Opera House in sight (hey, there's a lot of competition, right?). But you’re situated smack-back in among skyscrapers, in the sky above the most bustling part of the city. Plant yourself up here in the beautifully designed modern Art Deco-style space with a cocktail to watch the sun go down on the day, and you can easily imagine yourself in the Big Apple. We arrive during happy hour (4-6pm every Tues to Sat) and make the most of it, ordering a $15 Don Julio Margarita, as well as a $15 snack, which, today is a prawn sandwich with a gold-crumbed prawn, housemade cucumber pickle, and a generous lashing of chunky tartare on crust-free white bread. Both the drink and the snack are small (you’d baulk at paying more than $15 for each – NYC vibe, NYC prices), but they’re delicious. The salty-rimmed Margarita is the right ba

The Langham, Melbourne is a classic luxury hotel experience – and they lean into that. It’s at the grand, traditional end of the spectrum, at the end opposite from “industrial chic”. The first Langham hotel opened over in London’s West End all the way back in 1865, as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, hosting royalty and celebrities. It’s even famed as the birthplace of the afternoon tea tradition. The Langham, Melbourne (and other locations) proudly carry on that tradition – The Langham is the place to stay if you want a grand hotel experience in Melbourne (and the afternoon tea). Step into the ground-floor entrance and you’ll be greeted by a marble waterfall leading up to a lobby featuring chandeliers and renowned lobby florals. The room décor is opulent: luxe upholstery and soft furnishings, marble bathrooms with generous-sized tubs, creamy tones, gold touches, and also pops of Langham pink.  The location is commanding, on the banks of the Yarra River from Melbourne’s CBD. From the Executive Rooms, you’ll be able to look down over the river, Flinders Street Station and the whole city.  There’s the Chuan Spa, a 24-hour gym, indoor pool and spa with views over Southbank, and an outdoor terrace with lounges. And as mentioned, they’re known for their signature afternoon tea – perhaps one of the only high teas in Melbourne with tea sommeliers to curate your beverage experience. Aside from that, expect a three-tiered tower of sweet, savoury and warm delights as well as freshly baked

Sydney has this year showed that we love getting out to celebrate. From an incredible month-long Sydney WorldPride celebration to a roaring Women’s World Cup and the first ever SXSW festival held outside of the US, Sydney has been doing its best to crawl out of the dumpster fire created by old lockdowns, a pandemic and a culture of noise complaints. So, we have the party-goers, we have the venues – perhaps we've been in need of some more chillaxed laws to truly dance the night away. Enter the NSW Government's new ‘Vibrancy Package'. With the Vibrancy Package, Sydney will see reforms take place over six different key areas: Live music venues being able to stay open for two hours longer; Single noise complaints no longer having the power to shut down venues; Easier processes for businesses to apply for alfresco dining set-ups; The Enmore 'special entertainment precinct' approach as well as Purple Flag initiative being expanded to other areas of Sydney; The 24-hour commissioner role being made a statutory appointment with an expanded remit beyond Sydney (to Wollongong, Newcastle and the Central Coast); and A plan that will enhance the night-time sector and conditions for those who work outside the 9 to 5. “As a government we know we need to change the laws in this state to value music, to value creativity, to support community and to bring back vibrancy," said minister for music and the night-time economy, John Graham. "We need to change the rules in the planning and liqu

April 28, 2023 Update: Restaurant food delivery service Providoor, which launched during one of Sydney's lockdowns, bringing joy to many bored food lovers. Now, in a statement on the company’s website, founder Shane Delia said Providoor would be placed in liquidation, and could no longer accept new orders. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closure of Providoor, a business borne out of the very worst days the hospitality industry has ever seen,” he wrote. “While today is a very sad day, I am proud of Providoor and what it has achieved. We served more than one million meals and built something that made a difference during some very dark days.” Read on for more info about Providoor, which we wrote when they first launched. ***** Do you want the good news or the bad news first? The bad news is that Sydney’s extended lockdown doesn’t seem to have an end in sight, with case numbers on the rise and the community adjusting again to the new normal of life indoors. The good (great) news however is that premium meal delivery service Providoor is expanding and now Sydneysiders have access to more top-tier restaurants than ever before. Since its founding in March 2020 by Melbourne-based chef, Shane Delia (Maha, Maha Bar and Maha East) Providoor has been delivering meals from some of the best restaurants in Melbourne including Longrain, Cumulus Inc, Maha, Entrecôte, Supernormal and Gingerboy to customers stuck inside and missing that special dining experience.  Joining the fle

Time Out has released its annual list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and Sydney nightlife hub Enmore has made it into the top 20 very coolest neighbourhoods. Enmore comes in at a rad #17 – and that’s actually ace news when you consider that it beat neighbourhoods in big, banging cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Seoul, San Francisco, Miami and way more. The rankings were based on the Time Out Index survey, which this year polled more than 12,000 people about the coolest neighbourhoods in their city. The selections were then narrowed down with the insight of Time Out’s global network of city editors and local experts who know their hometowns inside-out. To rank the final list, Time Out editors considered factors including community and social ventures, thriving street life, and access to open and green space. So what’s so cool about Enmore right now? Whether you’re after international flavours, live tunes, comedy, or a party that stretches into the wee hours, Enmore is where it’s at after dark. This March, council designated the buzzing Enmore Road as a ‘special entertainment precinct’, to make sure the revelry remains undisturbed by noise complaints. The relaxed rules help the area’s venues skip bureaucratic hoop-jumping – they can host entertainment without council approval, extend trading hours, and offer late-night footpath dining. Photograph: Supplied Enmore Road is a global buffet – you’ll find world-beating Italian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Sri Lankan,

It’s Vine Time again! Matildas player Cortnee Vine pleasantly surprised the country when she made the call to stick around in Australia to play for Sydney FC in the Liberty A-League instead of kicking it in a Euro or US league. Lucky for Sydney, the 2023 season kicked off last Saturday with a Sydney derby: Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers. And guess what! Sydney FC set a new record for a Liberty A-League attendance, with a huge 11,471 fans turning up to watch the clash at Allianz Stadium. It is indeed Vine Time! In the lead up to the comp, our in-house women's sport advocate, Alice Ellis, chatted with Vine at the A-League season launch last week – about becoming world famous overnight (after that penalty goal in the World Cup), and the fact that kids under 16 get free entry to all women's games across the country this season. You've suddenly become the face of elite women's soccer in Australia now – you’re at the front and centre of everything. What does that feel like? It hasn't sunk in so I don't really know how I'm feeling! It’s pretty crazy, going from being a young one in this league and seeing the faces back then, like Sam [Kerr] and Kyah [Simon] – and now it's my turn. I think even being an inspiration to young girls is something that's going to take a while to sink in, and I'm not sure when that's going to hit. I really like doing the community stuff, and being with younger girls or boys and speaking to them and getting them really excited about the A-League. Th

The NSW government has announced new drug laws that are aimed at keeping tens of thousands of people caught in the possession of small quantities of drugs out of court. From early 2024, NSW Police will be given the power to issue up to two on-the-spot $400 fines to adults for personal drug use and possession of a small quantity of illicit drugs, instead of them having to enter the criminal justice system. People issued a fine would be encouraged to complete a drug and alcohol intervention program – if the program was completed, they would have their fine waived.   A similar law is already in place for marijuana, and will now stretch to apply to other drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and ice.   NSW attorney general Michael Daley said the new laws are about helping people receive the health support they need, rather than them getting caught up in the criminal justice system. “Formal contact with the criminal justice system only increases the likelihood of reoffending, and this has knock-on effects on people’s employment, their housing and their relationships.” Last year, about 32,000 drug use or possession incidents occurred in NSW, with more than 19,000 of these cases ending up in court. The dual-strike scheme will take some serious weight off our police and crowded courts, diverting thousands of people from the court system each year. This also allows more resourcing for law enforcement to tackle serious matters, like tracking down where the drugs came from in the first place

In Australia, we love our native birds (at least when they're not trying to swoop us). And once every two years, that bird love is recognised, when the Bird of the Year poll opens – Australians take a vote to crown the Australian Bird of the Year. This year, a whopping 11,171 people voted for the swift parrot, making it the 2023 winning bird in the Guardian and BirdLife Australia competition. While it seems like just a bit of flighty fun to vote for our favourite avian creatures, the Bird of the Year poll can have a more serious impact. The swift parrot has recently made its way into the critically endangered category. Not-fun fact: more people actually voted for the swift parrot than numbers of the birds left in the wild. This endangered status is what prompted ornithology fans to make a coordinated push to make sure the swift parrot took out top spot. Yes, the colourful bird is a genuinely loved animal in bird-watching circles, but the win was a rally cry to help bring conservation efforts for the bird to the fore. “This was definitely a concerted vote from people who were captivated not just by the birds themselves but their plight,” said BirdLife Australia’s national public affairs manager, Sean Dooley in an interview with The Guardian. “I hope the government hears this message. People really care about these beautiful birds. They care about what happens to them.” This comes as the critically endangered swift parrot was detected near the Boggabri coal mine site in north-w

When it comes to things New South Wales does really well, you have to include beaches and national parks, right? So if you like getting out for some bush-bashing, you might be interested in a the findings of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2022 Park Visitor Survey, which has revealed the top most visited national parks across our beaut state. Turns out the Blue Mountains National Park is the most popular park – around 6.4 million tourists headed there in the last 12-month reporting period. The second most visited park is closer to home for Sydneysiders – it's the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, where about 5 million people visited to take some of the most spectacular coastal walks in the world. Photograph: Destination NSW/Daniel Tran In third spot: the famed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, just north of the CBD. This sacred Aboriginal land has long been a favourite visit for Sydney folk and tourists alike, and in the reporting period, 4.4 million people visited the area. Here's the full top 10 most visited National Parks: Blue Mountains National Park (6.40 million visits in a year) Royal National Park (5.05 million visits) Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (4.4 million visits) Lane Cove National Park (2.61 million visits) Kosciuszko National Park (2.48 million visits) Sydney Harbour National Park (1.93 million visits) Eurobodalla National Park (1.41 million visits) Garigal National Park (1.18 million visits) Cape Byron National Park (1.03 million visi

If you've been feeling like you're in a bit of a rut with trying to keep active, we get you. There's only so many times one can go to the gym and try to pretend they know what they're doing on those weird weights machines. Luckily for us, there's a fun new sporting trend that's picking up across Australia and judging by its popularity, it's worth checking out. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and popularity is surging in across the country. Figures from the Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) show that about 25,000 people across the country play – and plenty of those players are in Victoria.  So, what is pickleball? Pickleball is a bit like tennis – two to four players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net until the player/s on one side are unable to return it or do something wrong; though the ball is hit with little paddles, and it's played on a smaller court (outdoors or indoors) than tennis is. The sport was first played in the US back in 1965, and it brings together elements of tennis with badminton and table tennis. Photograph: Aleksander Saks | Unsplash | Pickleball In VIC the sport is becoming more and more popular all the time. According to Pickleball Victoria, there are now 28 centres around Melbourne, and you can play in 16 other locations across regional Victoria.  Can anyone play pickleball? Part of the rise in popularity of pickleball is thanks to the accessibility of the sport. It's easy to pick up, it's social, it's

We guess wild horses truly couldn’t drag them away. The Rolling Stones are adding yet another feather to the cap of their illustrious career, which has spanned more than six decades – yep, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are releasing their 24th studio album, Hackney Diamonds, proving that they won’t stop – baby, they won’t stop. It will be their first album release in almost 20 years. Now well into their septuagenarian eras (in fact, Mick just celebrated the big eight-oh), the band that formed in 1961 are returning with new music they’re saying will appeal to their old fans and new.  Launching on October 20, Hackney Diamonds aims to bridge the gap between original fans and their kids (or grandkids) by including notable collabs with artists like Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder. The lead single, ‘Angry’, has recently dropped, and the film clip features none other than current Hollywood darling Sydney Sweeney.  They’ve been tinkering away to create this album over a few years – in fact, drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021, after production began. “Ever since Charlie’s gone, it’s different, of course, he’s number four, he’s missing, he’s not there,” said Keith during a press conference announcing the album. “Of course he’s missed, incredibly, but thanks to Charlie, we have Steve Jordan (an alternate drummer), who was Charlie’s recommendation for if anything should happen to him.” In a market that’s often criticised for discarding talent once they hit a certain age,

If mindless doom-scrolling on your phone isn’t hitting the way it used to, perhaps a new (more active) pastime is on the cards and, boy, have we got a good one for you. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and popularity is surging in Australia. Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) figures show that about 25,000 people across the country play – a big proportion of them in NSW. What's pickleball, you might ask? Pickleball is a bit like tennis – two to four players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net until the player/s on one side are unable to return it or do something wrong; though the ball is hit with little paddles, and it's played on a smaller court (outdoors or indoors) than tennis is. The sport was first played in the US back in 1965, and it brings together elements of tennis with badminton and table tennis. Photograph: Lesli Whitecotton | Unsplash | Pickleball In NSW the sport is become more and more popular all the time – there are now 31 centres around Sydney, and you can play in 27 other regions across NSW. Can anyone play pickleball? Part of the rise in popularity of pickleball is thanks to the accessibility of the sport. It's easy to pick up, it's social, it's fun, and anyone can play: kids, older people, and people with a disability. Photograph: Aleksander Saks | Unsplash | Pickleball A whole lot of new people started picking up paddles during lockdowns when people were looking for ways to stay active while physically di

Big news: The artworks of Banksy, the granddaddy of street art, are in Australia – and not to some alleyway in the Inner West. We're talking about an exhibition featuring more than 150 pieces of Banksy's work, which is touring most of our country's capital cities. And you can now join the ticket waitlist for the Sydney leg of the exhibition tour.   Photography: Supplied | Fever   The Art of Banksy: Without Limits will include murals, sculptures, photos, mapping shows (in plain speak: images or animations projected onto irregularly shaped surfaces), installations (including an “infinity room”), and a simulation of ‘Dismaland Bemusement Park’ (for those who’ve never heard of it, it’s a dark and twisted theme park that was created by Banksy in 2015). Photography: Supplied | Fever The exhibition features some of Banksy’s most famous works, including ‘Flower Thrower’, ‘Rude Copper’ and, of course, ‘Girl with Balloon’. But there will also be lesser-known works on display. Banky's recent Ukraine murals will be referenced, and there’s even a space that pays homage to the MV Louise Michel, the high-speed Banksy-funded boat that Banksy financially keeps afloat in the Mediterranean Sea to rescue refugees. Photography: Supplied | Fever The show debuted in Brisbane in May, and it's on now in Adelaide, before it touches down in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. We’re yet to get dates and venues for the other cities, but we’ll let you know when we do. Buy tickets for the Adelaide exhibitio

When you think award-winning day spa, you probably picture the Real Housewives sashaying into glowing, marble-surfaced interiors and sipping on glasses of Dom. Well, Australia's best day spa brand doesn't quite fit that bill (and we'd say, in this case, that's a good thing). Inner West spa and bathhouse brand Nature's Energy (which has venues in Glebe, Newtown and Balmain) has been recognised in the 2023 World Spa Awards, taking out gongs for both Australia’s Best Day Spa 2023 and Oceania’s Best Day Spa 2023. Yet it's a fairly humble establishment – instead of being known for Champagne and chandeliers, it's known for its knowledgeable staff, use of natural ingredients, holistic approach, jam-packed menu, bang-for-buck services and high standards of professionalism.  As well as the Finnish sauna-style offerings (hot and cold spas, sauna, steam rooms), they offer up a range of relaxing and restorative massages, reiki, crystal therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, facials, beauty services such as waxing, and even hypnosis sessions. Photograph: Supplied In terms of products, as the name suggests, they use ingredients made from the Australian flora. Between bush flower essences and local native essential oils, their philosophy is all about helping clients feel their best by using the best Australia's landscape has to offer. That said, they also have all the day spa perks you'd expect: fluffy robes, lockers, hair dryers, slippers and herbal tea on tap. Photograph: Supplied In r