“There’s something deeply good for my soul to sit in a buzzy room with a bunch of like-minded strangers while someone on stage does their best to make us all laugh. Whether it’s giggling at ourselves and our common curious habits and failings, chuckling over a sharp take on the state of the world and our politicians, or just guffawing at someone physically making a fool of themselves, laughter is the perfect panacea to the doom and gloom of the day’s headlines.”

“One of Sydney’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Surry Hills is packed with some of the city’s buzziest bars, standout restaurants, top-tier coffee, and an ever-evolving lineup of things to see and do.”

“Settle in for a three-course feast or sips and snacks, as an admired Sydney cocktail spot travels south for a one-night collab.”

“Big laughs are guaranteed at this year’s festival. But seats at the city’s best restaurants and bars aren’t – unless you have a plan. In partnership with Century Entertainment, we’ve rounded up the best spots for pre-show dinners, intermission snacks and post-show drinks.”

“There was a time when pickle juice lived exclusively at the bottom of the jar or beside a sandwich. Now, it’s turning up in martinis and margs across the city. With the recent revival of the dirty martini, savoury drinks have started to win out over the sweet, maximalist staples of the past.”

“The iconic Fitzroy North neighbourhood pub The Pinnacle is under new management; with publican Michael Bascetta ready to add to his PAX hospitality portfolio.”

“Plus, Incu’s limited-edition graphic tees, free shots on your birthday, chef-recommended date spots for Valentine’s, Mapo scoops on the house at a Paddington homewares boutique, and all the venues we’ve visited this year.”

“Plus, a new fish’n’chipper, half-price lobster spaghetti from the Ormeggio team, a bigger L’Avant Cave for Paddington, new happy hours at Bar Planet and more Sydney food and drink news.”

“This buzzy bar began life as the Negroni-focused Herbs Taverne, but its recent rebranding as Bar Herbs puts the focus firmly on New York-style Martinis. Slip into the moody, ruby-red space and settle in for concoctions crafted with custom-distilled spirits made locally at The Rocks.”

“If you're someone who takes birthdays seriously, you'll know how stressful the planning process can be. Whether it's the venue that will set the tone for the year ahead, a bonding session with your closest mates, or just the opportunity to switch off and escape the noise with some self care—birthday planning is often more work than it's worth.”

“There’s been a late rally of excellent bars opening in Sydney recently – right in time for the very silliest of seasons. Plus, a relaxed diner in Newtown and a Chinese spot in Potts Point with a love for prawn toast, black pepper beef and lemon chicken.”

“If you’ve ever wondered where late-90s New York cocktails might have ended up if they landed in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, wonder no more. Bar Herbs has opened in the Harbour City.”