Hot City: Sydney (Part 1)

Welcome to the first of our new Hot City features!

We’ll be taking a look at the hot home products shops, bars, eateries and hotels in cities around the world and we’re starting with Sydney!  There are Soooo many fab places to show you in Sydney that I’ve had to split everything into 2 posts.  Today we’ll visit the bars and eateries…and next Friday (30th July) we’ll visit the best home products shops.

Photo by Kamran Baig

We’ve been picking the brains of the lovely Natalie, who moved to New South Wales a few years ago and keeps us up-to-date on whats happening down under!

Natalie has drawn up a list of her top bars and places to hang out.  Here’s what Natalie had to say about Sydney:

“Without a doubt the harbour is the masterpiece of the city.  It draws you in and you don’t want to leave; especially on a day when the sky is blue and cloudless, which is fairly often.

I get a strange quickening of my heart beat as I walk down to Circular Quay and as I get closer and can catch little glimpses of the water literally sparkling through the buildings, even after two and a half years of living here, I still feel the pull of that something special it holds.”

Photo by Kamran Baig

“This area is packed with tourists clicking away on their cameras, running around in excitement and getting in my way…but it just seems to add to the atmosphere.  You can’t feel anything but relaxed when you look out over the harbour with the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, million dollar houses staring back at you, daring you to try and look away. ”

Photo by Kamran Baig

“The atmosphere in the bars around the harbour is relaxed, friendly and has that holiday vibe thanks to al fresco seating, live music and the world’s most famous harbour as your backdrop.  If it’s warm you won’t find anyone inside and if there are no tables left outside then the stone wall at the waters edge will be fine for a seat as long as you can take in that view!”

Photo by Kamran Baig

“Sydney style equals anything goes!  In the same bar I can see super casual to super chic – thongs and singlets (or flip flops and vest tops) to 4 inch heels and sleek, sexy dresses.  It’s a ‘wear what you feel comfortable in’ policy where everyone fits.”

Let’s visit Natalie’s top 3 bars….

IVY BAR

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine somewhere funky & fun to drink, eat, sunbathe, swim and people-watch. 

Now, let’s take a look around Ivy…I guarantee it’s better than the place you just imagined…

It’s got it all including a Pool Club where under Sydney’s big blue skies, chic fun-lovers sip cocktails in private cabanas, snack on gourmet pizza and recline under wafting palms, enjoying live music and DJs performing on the generous stage over the pool!

Ivy Bar is a sophisticated new urban playground!

The purpose-built bar has intimate corners for private chats and relaxed lounging plus lots of space to dance the night away.

If you’re in the mood for a delicious meal, why not try Mad Cow (pictured below), a New York-style grill with a Peter Doyle-designed menu.  With a name like Mad Cow, it’s no surprise that this flamboyant grill offers the finest steaks but what is a surprise, is that the menu caters not only to the city’s carnivores but also to vegetarians.  With its laidback atmosphere and cool décor, Mad Cow is full of fun and flavour…and I L O V E the use of Yellow!

Lunch: Monday – Friday 12 – 3pm and Dinner: Monday – Saturday 6 -10:30pm.  Booking is essential.

Located on level two, Ivy Lounge (pictured below) is a beautifully designed relaxed setting with an elegant 1950′s inspired feel.  Designed to impress, with an exclusive atmosphere and highly attentive staff, Ivy Lounge features one of Sydney’s most creative cocktail lists!

Are you ready for this!?!? 

The Den is an exclusive and intimate space, quintessentially stylish. The art deco inspired room features a stunning mirror bar, silk ottomans and the glamour of elegant lounges, high-backed armchairs and turquoise velvet drapes.  The sense of extravagance and luxury is everywhere. From your own private corner, the discreet and friendly staff will look after your every appetite. Make a selection from the cocktail list, or delve into the delicious canapé menu from Sailors Thai (we’ll take a look at this in a moment).  Make yourself comfortable in this most lavish of surroundings.

L O V I N G it!

I know! 

It’s gorgeous!!!

OK…let’s take a look at the aforementioned Sailors Thai.  Thai cuisine pioneer Peter Bowyer introduced genuine Thai food to Sydney at his Darley Street Thai and Sailors Thai restaurants.  This extraordinary food can now be savoured at Ivy.  Sailors Thai Ivy offers authentic Thai dishes, created from premium Australian produce and superior Thai herbs and spices.  I’m really digging the long tassels on the huge pendant lights.

Lunch: Tuesday – Friday 12 – 3pm and Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday 6 – 10:30pm.  Booking is essential.

Can you believe all of this is happening at Ivy Bar - 330 George Street, Sydney 2000

http://www.merivale.com/#/ivy/ivybar

Onwards and Upwards……literally…let’s head to our 2nd bar…The Loft…

THE LOFT

Over the past 8 years The Loft on King Street Wharf has remained one of Sydney’s leading cocktail bars and function spaces.  This multi award winning venue has 180 degree views of Sydney Harbour and a cocktail list of over 26 tantalizing options that can be enjoyed in the stylish and sophisticated interior.

The Loft is a super chic venue inspired by a Moorish Casbah, evoking the glamorous ambiance of a bygone era (it’s the imbodiment of our Grand Bazaar  trend!  Hookah Lounge Chic!!!).  Chandeliers of coloured Spanish beads majestically overhang the grand wood-panelled bar, while back lit walls highlight the ceilings intricate filigree shapes.  Toffee coloured leather lounges surround the venue, creating private niches for indulging in The Loft’s tapas menu and exotic cocktails that are handcrafted by award winning mixologists.

Each week live musicians and leading local and international DJ’s create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. 

The diverse range of entertainment on offer ensures that all needs are catered for whether it’s a discrete drink, casual catch up with friends or a late night full of revelry.

The Loft is also home to several exclusive events and private functions such as the Cocktail Master Classes, High Tea afternoons (see delicious pic below) and the Ladies of the Loft!

The Loft is open 7 days a week (Excluding Christmas Day) and can be found at:

3 Lime Street – King Street Wharf – Sydney 2000 

www.theloftsydney.com

Yum!

And finally

OPERA BAR

Opera Bar is a great place to end todays feature on and a great place to end a night out in Sydney.  It boasts “the best beer garden in the world!”. 

That’s a very big claim…but…they’ve got a very B I G view!!!

Located on the lower concourse level of the Sydney Opera House, Opera Bar offers spectacular views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and all the wonders of the city skyline.

 WOW!

Whether drinking or dining, Opera Bar provides the perfect setting for any occasion and coupled with a diverse food, wine and cocktail menu it leaves you spoilt for choice – drink or dine, inside or out, day or night.

Opera Bar is open 7 days a week from 11.30am with live music nightly from 8.30pm and 2pm on weekends. 

Location: Lower Concourse Level – Sydney Opera House – Sydney, 2000

www.operabar.com.au

If you’ve been wondering about the fantastic photos of Sydney that appeared at the top of today’s post then allow me to introduce you to Kamran Baig:

I first came across Kamran’s photographic talents on his  flickr gallery when he covered the Vivid Sydney festival last year and since then I’ve been hoping for an opportunity to share his work with you.

Kamran has the ability to find an unexpected angle for a shot…like this fantastic photo taken from beneath the bridge of the North view of Sydney:

Kamran loves Sydney and expresses this through his photography. 

He says “I discovered Sydney almost a decade ago when I migrated from Dubai to complete my Masters of Information Systems.  Photography is my passion and capturing moments allows me to embrace my creativity.  This unison of photography, technology and one of the world’s most beautiful cities unleashed my potential.”

Kamran continues: “Undoubtedly The Sydney Opera House and The Sydney Harbour Bridge are breathtakingly beautiful. These creations are my inspirations to share some of lifes most amazing beauties.”

Thanks to Kamran for letting us include his photographs in our first Hot City post.

See more of Kamran Baig’s photographs here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/interiorphotos/

And here: www.redbubble.com/people/sydneyphotos

Or contact him directly: camran@gmail.com

Remember to check back next Friday (30th July) to see the 2nd part of our Sydney feature when we”ll be taking a look at 4 fantastic home product stores!