Booze

Food News – Fever-Tree

After practically swearing off soft drinks this summer, I pretty much had to eat my words. Loading up on duty-free alcohol after spending some much needed down time on a Pacific island, I was delighted to discover the Fever-Tree range of mixers.

Wed March 5th, 2014

Bar Fly: The Hide

Upstairs at The Hide, I just wanted to roll around on the floor in the animal skins and get all tactile. Instead, I settled for a bit of dancing on them.

Wed March 5th, 2014

Food News – American BBQ

I might have just reviewed The Oxford Tavern but after just getting word from Drink’n’Dine power couple - Aimee Bayliss and Jaime Wirth - that they now are cranking the American BBQ every Saturday and Sunday, I think I already need to go back!

Wed February 26th, 2014

Bar Fly: Sokyo Lounge

Okay, so my first tipples here were in the restaurant not the adjoining bar – but they’re the same cocktails. The place is roughly split into two areas of equal size.

Wed February 26th, 2014

The Merton Hotel

With “no pokies, and no gambling of any kind,” The Merton Hotel is “very family-oriented,” explains Bar Manager Jake Dylan. He’s handsome, personable, and a wedding singer on weekends (which accounts for the pub’s great playlist).

Wed February 26th, 2014

Bar Fly: The Carlisle Bar

Known for its late night music, The Carlisle Bar could be your last stop for the night, but this week we made it our only stop.

Wed February 19th, 2014

Old Growler

In a basement on the cusp of Kings Cross, this bar has the ambience of a Nick Cave murder ballad - exposed bulbs, flaking walls and an abundance of bearded men; you could be in an ancient mineshaft.

Wed February 19th, 2014

Food News – Rabbit Hole

I’d like to give a big birthday shout-out to the Rabbit Hole Bar & Dining crew, who celebrated their first year of operation by throwing a great shindig last week. Surrounded by a crew of media, loyal customers, food industry folk - including bloggers like Simon Food Favourites and Porkstar ambassador Mitch Edwards – plus celebrities like Nacho Pop, I attended with my friend Joanna in tow.

Wed February 19th, 2014

The Flynn

What struck me as a sports bar heaved a collective (and gutturally Germanic) sigh of relief when the throbbing mass of suits - there for Happy Hour $12 jugs of Heineken (between 5pm and 7pm weekdays) - gave way to couples and casual, relaxed diners.

Wed February 19th, 2014

Queenie’s

Pulling into The Forresters on Friday night, the place was rammed. Luckily my intention was traipsing up the stairs to Queenie’s, their Jamaican-inspired domain. Cute-as-a-button waitresses wearing eclectic combinations of braids, hair wraps and tropical shorts were quick to make us feel at home.

Wed February 12th, 2014