What To See, Eat & Drink This Summer
This holiday season we’re welcoming the opportunity to visit our favourite bars, restaurants and galleries with arms wide open. We bet you are too. If you’re on the hunt for a new local spot, or are lucky enough to be road tripping across state lines, let the Archie Rose team inspire your itinerary with their pick of Australia’s best watering holes, culinary delights and cultural institutions.
Installation view, Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Sydney, 2020. Featured: Open as the Sky, 2020, mirror polished bronze; Under the Shadowless Tree, 2020, synthetic polymer paint, beeswax, oil on Alucabon
NEW SOUTH WALES
Recommended by: Harriet Leigh, Head of Hospitality
Belvoir St Theatre, Surry Hills
“I’m starting to dip my toes back into the local culture scene after a cautious, and frankly boring, 2020. I recently went to Antidote at the Sydney Opera House, and I’ll be heading out to see a show at Belvoir St Theatre soon. The Belvoir is one of Sydney’s greatest cultural institutions, and I’ve been lucky enough to see many of their plays since Archie Rose became a sponsor of the theatre about four years ago. Like the entire arts community, Belvoir has struggled during 2020 and needs our support to ensure we don’t lose one of Sydney theatre’s brightest lights.”
Ester, Chippendale
“I’m also booked into Ester this week—in my mind one of Sydney’s greatest restaurants. It’s always a treat and I can never go past the mini sausage sanga, washed down with a fancy natty wine.”
Recommended by: Rocky Hair, Creative Drinks Manager
Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, Megalong Valley
“This is one of my all-time favourite places to go—the drive down into the valley from the Blue Mountains is incredible. This is the perfect spot to eat scones, have a drink and take your time enjoying the surroundings.”
Blueys Cellars & Deli, Blueys Beach
“Expect a fantastic selection of booze and snacks tucked into the little town centre at Blueys Beach. A must-visit for anyone heading up the North Coast and needing supplies."
Recommended by: Lewis Jaffrey, Group Bars Manager
Double Deuce Lounge, Sydney
“Named after the diviest of dive bars from Patrick Swayze's classic ‘80s film Roadhouse, this bar couldn't be further from the original. Modelled on a ‘70s porn lounge with tunes to match, you can't help but feel sexy when you descend the stairs into the texture-heavy space. The drinks are a cut above the rest, though food options are light, so best to go before or after a meal.”
Recommended by: Nina Schultz, Events Manager
Museum of Contemporary Art to the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney
“Make a day of it and pack a picnic (Continental Deli can help you there), then head on over to the MCA to explore the shimmering work of Australian-Chinese artist Lindy Lee. Stroll through Circular Quay while taking in beautiful views of Sydney harbour, before stopping at the Royal Botanic Gardens for lunch. Finish the afternoon exploring the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW.”
Recommended by: Trevor Hannam, Head of Sales
Bronte Baths, Bronte
“You’ll find me here at 5:30am, watching the sun come up at the best ocean pool in the world—simply brilliant!”
The Boathouse, Palm Beach
“After spending the morning throwing yourself into the surf at Palm Beach, there’s no better place than The Boathouse to enjoy a long lunch.”
Bronte Baths at sunrise
Recommended by: Victoria Tulloch, Head of Marketing
Pacific Yamba Hotel, Yamba
“I'm looking forward to a beer on the lawn at the Yamba Hotel overlooking the surf. I’ll also be drinking Canned Cocktails while camping at Caves Beach in the Booderee National Park if it reopens in time for the Christmas holidays.”
Recommended by: Jonathan Liu, Venue Manager
Taronga Zoo, Mosman
“For $99 you can become a 'Zoo Friend' which gives 1 adult and 2 children 365 days of unlimited access to Taronga Zoo, Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo. Evie, my three-year-old daughter loves navigating the zoo with a map and choosing where we head next.”
Recommended by: Daniel Hutchins-Read, Brand Ambassador, NSW & ACT
Mountain Culture Beer Co., Katoomba
“A great spot to add to your Blue Mountains itinerary, the team at Mountain Culture are producing some excellent frothy friends. Stop in for a bite and to sample brews fresh off the line.”
Oxley Highway road trip, Oxley
“As an avid motorbike rider, a trip along the Oxley Highway near Port Macquarie is an absolute must this summer. With 45 kilometres of sweeping, windy roads set amongst the spectacular Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, it makes for a fun-filled trip from Sydney. Hot tip: take the Putty Road on the way up so you can make a pitstop in the Hunter Valley.”
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Recommended by: Nina Schultz, Events Manager
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
“The NGA is a must-visit for lovers of Brutalist Architecture. Don't miss out on the current exhibition Know My Name, an important gender equity initiative celebrating the work of Australian women artists.”
Pilot Restaurant, Canberra
“Nestled in the idyllic ACT suburb of Ainslie, the entire Pilot experience is a treat. Ask for all the drink pairing advice they can give you and finish your meal with an Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky. Canberra hospitality is only on the up and I would recommend visits to Bar Rochford, Rebel Rebel and Hippo Co, too.
Recommended by: Daniel Hutchins-Read, Brand Ambassador, NSW & ACT
Amici Wine Bar & Deli, Canberra
“If you’re into cheese, cured meats and fish, you won’t want to miss this new addition to Canberra’s blossoming dining scene.”
VICTORIA
Recommended by: Paul Slater, Brand Ambassador, VIC & TAS
Bad Frankie, Fitzroy
“This is the epicentre of Australian libations, offering an all-local range of beers, wines & spirits, complemented by a diverse list of toasted jaffles. Expect one of the warmest welcomes you’ll find in town.”
Bomba Bar, Melbourne
“Overlooking Lonsdale Street treetops and taking in stunning views of Melbourne's north and south over two beautiful spaces, Bomba delivers a tight, well-curated list of fresh cocktails, sherries and local drops, plus bite-sized Spanish morsels to keep you sated.”
Whitehart Bar, Melbourne
“Set over two levels, this cleverly designed container bar boasts a snappy drinks list and a rotating offering of tasty bites from the food trucks parked within.”
Melbourne's St Ali terrace (left) and Bomba Bar
Mr West Bar & Bottle shop, Footscray
“Footscray’s pioneering house of hops and fine drops. Head upstairs for an extensive tap list, spirits offering and friendly vibes served up by some of the city’s most talented bar legends.”
St Ali, South Melbourne
“The team behind Melbourne's iconic coffee roaster and café have added a bold new dimension to their HQ with the addition of an al fresco terrace space. It’s here you can enjoy tasty AF food, curated drinks, and even better company every Friday and Saturday night.”
ACMI (The Australian Centre for the Moving Image), Federation Square
“Culture vultures take note: after closing for an extensive renovation last year, the much-loved Australian Centre for the Moving Image is reopening in early 2021 with a vastly updated multi-sensory offering. If you can't wait to visit, check out the extensive online offering now.”
TASMANIA
Recommended by Amanda Jennings, Marketing Product Manager
Bruny Island
“Last year when I was back home in Tassie, my brother took me through our family tree and we uncovered the final resting place of my great-great-grandparents on Bruny Island. I plan on visiting their graves when I’m back home for Christmas—and I’ll swing by Bruny Island Cheese Company while I’m there.”
QUEENSLAND
Recommended by: Nina Schultz, Events Manager
Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane
"There is a beautiful James Turrell as you walk into GOMA to escape the summer heat, and Ai Weiwei's Waterfall just inside. This summer you can catch the world-exclusive exhibition, The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire, a fully immersive exhibition of the 100 greatest motorcycles ever assembled. Be sure to check out the International collection as well."
Recommended by: Daniel Hutchins-Read, Brand Ambassador, NSW & ACT
Boodjamulla National Park, Lawn Hill
“One of my favourite hidden gems in a lesser-visited part of the state, Lawn Hill is an absolute oasis nestled among the red dust and arid landscape of North-Western Queensland. Stunning photography opportunities, canoeing, hiking and swimming are all on the cards.”
Recommended by: Harriet Leigh, Head of Hospitality
Brisbane bars
“I can’t wait to get on a plane and head north for some sun and a visit to a few of my favourite Brisbane bars. Maker, Alba, Cobbler, The Gresham—I’m coming for you!”
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Recommended by: Nina Schultz, Events Manager
Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide
“This summer, take the time to visit Tarnanthi: Open Hands, AGSA's annual celebration of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. If you can, coordinate your visit with First Fridays, the gallery’s monthly night of live music, talks and tours.”
Leigh Street Wine Room, Adelaide
"Adelaide is an easy city to love, and I often catch myself dreaming of an alternate life living in the Adelaide Hills and dining at Leigh St Wine Room weekly. Sit at the bar, order the cacio e pepe gnocchi and a glass of natty wine and admire the beautifully designed room."
Adelaide's Leigh Street Wine Room
Recommended by Trevor Hannam, Head of Sales
Osteria Oggi, Adelaide
“The finest of Italian food and great drinks—there’s no better place in Adelaide for a long lunch.”
Recommended by: Harriet Leigh, Head of Hospitality
Africola, Adelaide
“Africola, I miss you so! One of my favourite restaurants in the world.”
South Australian Distilleries
“The distilleries of South Australia are some of my favourite places to drink other people’s spirits. The likes of Never Never, Applewood and Fleurieu are stealing some of the thunder from the state’s famous wineries.”
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Recommended by: Daniel Hutchins-Read, Brand Ambassador, NSW & ACT
Berry Springs Nature Park, Darwin
“An ever-popular day-trip for Darwin locals, this thermal spring is the perfect place to take the family. Pack a BBQ and a few Archie Rose Canned Cocktails and float down the turquoise stream among the pandanus.”
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Recommended by: Mitch Gurrin, Brand Ambassador, WA & SA
Strange Company, Fremantle
“Stop by this small bar for tapas, an extensive wine list, and even a Blend Your Own Gin Class hosted by yours truly.”
Recommended by: Kirsten Kayne, Production Coordinator
Kings park, Perth
“Perth's Botanic Garden provides a lovely setting for an outdoor gathering. Grab a bunch of friends, a cheese platter and a picnic rug, and find yourself a shady spot.”
Fremantle shopping
“Explore the historic Fremantle Markets or E Shed Markets in Victoria Quay, before scouring the local op shops for pre-loved treasures.”
Cicerello’s, Fremantle
"The best part of a trip to Fremantle is grabbing fish & chips at Cicerello's and then making the short walk to Bathers Beach to eat it while watching the sun set over the water."
WA Shipwrecks Museum, Fremantle
"You can check out the hull of a real shipwreck here. The building itself is beautifully restored—and cool and dark, to preserve the hundreds of artefacts that tell the treacherous story of Western Australia's coast line."
CBD Bars
“Once the office workers have gone home the streets of central Perth are full of fun—you just have to know where to look! Tucked away in the King Street precinct you’ll find Wolf Lane, Cheeky Sparrow, The Flour Factory and Prince Lane, which offers an amazing rooftop space to catch the 'Freo doctor' breeze."