“Sydney is a little over one month away from the debut of Bar Bridge, which will open in the basement space at 6 Bridge Street in the Uptown precinct of the city.”

“This year marks year two of Centro 86, the underground tequila joint from the Mucho Group (Cantina OK!, Tio’s Cerveceria, Bar Planet, Bar Herbs). Across that time, they’ve grown their tequila selection — there’s some 200-odd bottles on the back bar today — and become a must-visit destination for a growing group of regulars.”

“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.”

'“As a food editor, I’m often asked about the balance between the stories I chase and the ones that simply land in my lap. This one in particular, was very much the latter.

It was late one Friday afternoon when I noticed my inbox light up with a pitch from Annie Hayes, events and partnerships manager at Mucho Group (Cantina OK!, Bar Planet, Tios, Bar Herbs).”

“If there's one summer drink that never goes out of style, it's the margarita. With its salted rim and smooth tequila, it's the ultimate warm-weather classic, made for long afternoons with friends. To celebrate that feeling, Tequila Herradura (which has been crafting tequila for 150 years) is teaming up with some of Australia's favourite bars to put their unique spins on the classic cocktail.”

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

“Bar Planet is teaming up with Marrickville florist Date Night Studio for a Valentine’s Day pop-up that combines two of life’s better pleasures: martinis and fresh blooms.”

“Shop flowers and sip martinis, as this one-day flower market sets the tone for the year's most romantic day.”

“Cantina OK! has unveiled a limited run of 18 small-batch mezcals, now pouring from its back bar after the team’s December 2025 sourcing trip to Oaxaca.”

“The Enmore Road martini bar has just bottled its cult Dirty Martini, bringing one of its most-loved pours out from behind the terrazzo and into Inner West freezers.”

“Where to find your nearest bars serving a new year spin on the classic cocktail.”

“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.”

“Sydneysiders have turned walking into an art form — whether it’s along coastal cliffs, through leafy laneways, up to harbour lookouts, or down historic staircases in The Rocks, it’s all about the journey. As a renowned walkable city with many landmarks close together, Sydney offers an array of walking tours that delve into interests from history, crime, nature and food.”

“While you might not be celebrating on 26 January, you probably want to know where you can pick up your first coffee for the day, where to satiate that hunger at lunchtime, and where you can gather with your crew over a few cold ones to kick off your long weekend.”

“We’ve pulled together the ultimate Sydney local’s gift guide so you can shop small, shop smart, and still deliver something that actually feels special. This is Sydney, as served through retail therapy.”

“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.”

“Sun-loving Sydney is known for its stunning, sky-high rooftop bars and seaside spots for wining and dining. But sometimes the finest watering holes can be found where you least expect. Sneak down a laneway or descend into a basement and you may just stumble across one of the city's hottest cocktail havens, or even a seriously cool new nightlife nook that stays open long after other spots have called last drinks.”

“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.”