When the sun is out in Sydney, we’re all faced with the tough challenge of cunning, research and personal recommendations; it’s the ever relentless quest for the ultimate summer drinking spot. A place where you’re spoilt for choice with drinks, can eat alfresco and and have a view beyond a beer garden wall. The obvious spots are often swamped, so when Sydney icon “The Pier” reopens with a whole new look and experience, we’re there quicker than you can say “Aperol spritzer please”.
Known affectionately as “The Pier”, architects Alexander & Co have transformed this 1885 grand dame into a sexy little number. It has a new grand stairway to ‘The Social’, knocked down walls and woah! a wrap around balcony with top to toe glass providing Cockatoo Island and city skyline views that is just intoxicating. It hits the spot balancing a heritage feel with modern touches – think timber panels, white walls and lush seating. The baby pink sofas, leather chairs and dusky blue high stools are on point.
Image by Jessie Harris
Head chef Glenn Tabudlo has created a new fusion French & Japanese menu, yet retains the classics for die hard fans (yes, the chicken and leek pie remains!). Tuna tartare is marinated in wasabi-ponzu and circled with waffle crisps and rice crackers. The burrata is given a new lease of life with a layered mille feuille of vegetables, resting on a puddle of pesto and dressed with edible flowers. Classics like arancini balls and salt & pepper squid are a generous start. The Chef’s Choices are the go to dishes – a twice baked cheese and leek souffle, a bit denser in style, a squid ink risotto topped with Miso Salmon and a top hat of crisp salmon skin dotted with roe, sesame mayo, togarashi and edamame. A blood orange reduction ‘Duck l’Orange’ comes two ways with confit leg, sliced and seared duck breast. Add in a killer Aperol Spritz, and we’re settled in for summer.
With a cocktail and wine menu long enough to keep you entertained all afternoon, ‘The Pier’ is your new secret weapon venue. It offers the perfect trifecta – design, food and drinks. When you add the views, you can finally stop searching and book a date with the ultimate 2019 summer pub.
Image by Jessie Harris
Woolwich Pier Hotel
2 Gale Street, Woolwich
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 11am -11pm
Fri – Sat: 11am-midnight
Sunday: 11am-10pm
www.woolwichpierhotel.com.au
Ahhh New Year’s Eve. That magical night when we get to put on our best sparkly outfit (or get a new one), glam up, and get ready to send off 2018 in style. But where to go? We’ve scoured Sydney for the best parties, dinners and fun ways to celebrate.
Champagne lovers should make a beeline for the Sofitel Darling Harbour’s fabulous Champagne bar. Start with a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Nature, then move onto the 2009 Louis Roederer Philipe Starck Brut Nature, exclusive to Sofitel (we have tried and its delicious!). Six courses then follow, yours to enjoy alongside floor to ceiling windows, the perfect vantage point for Darling Harbour celebrations. 
Inside the boutique Harbour Rocks Hotel, Tayim only opens its doors mid-December. Head Chef Ran Kimelfeld (former Head Chef, Nour) combines modern and traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The go to ticket is the ‘Dinner and Fireworks’ package. Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, followed by a six-course menu with four premium matching wines. The scoop is these guests will be invited to experience fireworks on the rooftop of the hotel’s Harbour View Suit with Champagne to toast. Woo! 
Overlooking Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour, these glass window offer some of the best views around town. Margaritas on arrival, followed by a shared set menu including Totopos with red & green salsas, chicken tostadas frijoles and roast chicken in yellow mole complete the winning formula.
Want to ring in the New Year over the other side of the bridge? The manly Wharf Hotel knows how to throw a party. This year the music kicks off at 6pm with big names like Tim Boffa, Somatik, Kid Kenobi and Plump DJs keeping the night pumping. Settle in for a solid session – drinks, eats, dancing. Done.
The name says it all. Not really. The name doesn’t explain that if you’re after some of Redfern’s best eats, and a killer cocktail, this is the spot for you. Make a beeline for this refined venue just far enough away from the city to enjoy the vibe without the wild crowds. this fun, friendly inner city hotspot. They’ll be open as usual, serving up a brand new menu (the beef tartare already has plenty of fans) and keeping the party pumping into the early hours with DJ Cassette and Aaron Achurch. 
