Souk in the City: 431 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW (02) 9357 7577 or www.soukinthecity.com Souk in the City is the latest venture by Omar Majdi, with interiors by Baxter Creative. It blends the allure of Morocco with the clean design that is demanded of Sydney’s design savvy diners. A unique opportunity for design director
Ripples at Chowder Bay: Deck C, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman NSW (02) 9960 3000 or www.ripplescafe.com.au Developers have been eyeing-off the old Chowder Bay top-secret defence base for years. Finally, this prime piece of Sydney real estate — with expensive views of Clifton Gardens and Sydney Harbour — can be enjoyed by anyone… well, it
MINQ Bar & Lounge: Burswood Entertainment Complex (08) 9362 7965 or www.minq.com.au Burswood Entertainment Complex has officially unveiled its latest venue: MINQ Bar & Lounge. NH Webb Architects, the design team behind the project worked within the existing infrastructure — the space was formerly used as private gaming rooms — keeping original wood panelling, intricate
Brisbane’s only 24-hour restaurant, Cafe 21, has been transformed into a modern, stylish eatery that caters for a wide range of tastes. The $1m refurbishment is a perfect example of how a heritage-listed building can be adapted to suit modern requirements without spoiling the original ambience. The dramatic red and black décor, white Laminex tables
Westgarth Cinema: www.palacecinemas.com.au The Westgarth Cinema in Northcote, the oldest cinema in Melbourne, re-opened its doors in August 2006, following a $4m investment into the restoration and improvement of its interior. The cinema was struggling and facing an uncertain future until it was rescued by Palace Cinemas, a company managed entirely by members of the
Shellharbour Workers’ Club: Cnr Wattle & Shellharbour Rds, Shellharbour NSW (02) 42967 155 or www.shellys.com.au Shellharbour Workers’ Club, a prominent NSW South Coast institution, is based in a 20-year-old building that dominates its region both physically — sitting on a hilltop above Shellharbour village; and economically — as the club is one of the largest employers
Rooftop Cinema: Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC Where you watch a movie is becoming just as important as the movie you watch. If you’ve seen a movie at one of the more inspiring open air cinemas you’ll know that nothing ups the atmosphere like the great outdoors. So how about movies on top
The Red Hummingbird: 1st Floor, 246 Russell St, Melbourne VIC (03) 9654 2266 or www.theredhummingbird.com.au Thomas Kiltorp and his partners at The Red Hummingbird are gunning for an air of exclusivity: forget about a sign over the door that leads upstairs to the bar, the only pointer is a red birdcage. Exclusivity is one thing
Peach Tree Hotel: Castlereagh Road, Penrith NSW (02) 4721 794 or www.peachtreehotel.com.au The Peachtree Hotel is located in one of Sydney’s fastest growing suburbs Penrith. The brief from the owner Colin Parras was simple: Colin wanted a multipurpose space that appealed to all markets — kids included! The venue is big on alfresco ambience and
The Order Of Melbourne: (03) 9663 6707 or www.theorder.com.au ‘Established in 1890’ could be tacked alongside The Order of Melbourne’s Latin inscribed motto ‘Omnes Bibimus Nostris Sodalitas’, so accurate are the antique touches. Patrons often give mistaken kudos to part owner and designer of The Order, Margo Orr, ‘A lot of people walk in and