And just like that, winter has arrived. Here’s our top picks for the month.
Winter may have finally reared its chilly head, but that doesn’t mean you need to go into hibernation this month. Lucky for us, Sydney is abundant in happenings, with everything from gin and jazz parties to Vivid festivities, night markets and so much more. Check out the best things going on in June.
The Star Seafood Freshtival
If you’re like us and go weak at the knees for freshly shucked oysters and all of the lobster and prawns, this Seafood Freshtival is for you. Running from 9th May – 23rd June at the Star, the six-week-long event sees The Star’s many restaurants showcase some great seafood dishes. Highlights include a Seafood Buffet running every Wednesday, an Express Lunch at Flying Fish, The Freshest Happy Hour and $29.99 Lobster Specials and more. Catch the full program here.
Find the best spots to wine and dine during Vivid
Sydney’s most iconic lights festival is back, and just when you thought it had reached its creative peak, the 2019 program has proved itself as one of the best yet. Don’t feel like competing with the crowds? Check out the best spots for dinner, drinks and a show this year.
Get 49% off all drinks at Merivale’s bars and pubs
Off the back of a hugely successful activation in 2018, Merivale is bringing back it’s Bottom’s Up deal, which means 49% off all drinks, every day in June, from 5-7pm. You know what to do.
‘Make your own’ gin masterclass at The Fernery
Gin lovers can now have their hand at blending their own bespoke gin, thanks to the lush north-side bar, The Fernery. For one night only on Thursday 20th June, you can create your own blend from native botanicals and learn the art of distilling. Tickets are $65pp and includes a complimentary gin and tonic on arrival. To secure your tickets, click here.
Hop aboard the Glenfiddich Whisky Wanderer
Scottish whisky lords Glenfiddich are hitting the roads with a dedicated whisky tour around Australia. The Glenfiddich Whisky Wanderer is set to travel more than 9,000km over the upcoming weeks, with one of the stops including Sydney’s Good Food & Wine Show from 21 June – 23 June. On the Whisky Wanderer, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of whisky and sample a range of malts. You can also create the perfect gift with their very own personalised bottle of Glenfiddich.
Bopp & Tone Chef Table Series – Tues 18th June
You’re cordially invited to the Chef’s Table at CBD restaurant and bar, Bopp & Tone, as part of a new monthly series. Get a front row seat and watch the kitchen in action as you taste your way through a menu prepared and served by Bopp & Tone’s Head Chef Sa Va’afusuaga. Tickets are strictly limited, with only 6 seats available per monthly series. To secure yours, click here.
Matt Preston hosts Johnnie Walker Whisky Dinner
If you’ve ever wanted to get acquainted with food journalist and co-host of Masterchef Matt Preston, now is your chance. For one night only on Tuesday 4th June, Preston will host a special Johnnie Walker whisky tasting dinner at The Star’s BLACK Bar & Grill. Joining Preston is Katie Nagar, Johnnie Walker’s Australian whisky ambassador, and Dany Karam, Executive Chef, who has curated a three course menu paired with Johnnie Walker whiskies. To secure your tickets, click here.
Inn Talk with Paddo Inn
This winter, Paddo Inn and Veuve Clicquot are teaming up to present a new female speaker series, Inn Talks. Kicking off on Tuesday 4th June, the event opens up a social space for locals and female thought-leaders to network over Champagne and snacks and enjoy an open panel discussion. Tickets are $55pp and includes a flute of Veuve Clicquot and roaming canapés, with profits raised going to non-for-profit organisation, Dress for Success Sydney. You can secure your ticket here.
Aussie Beer Club at The Aussie Hotel
Attention all beer lovers! The Australian Heritage Hotel are now giving you access to an Aussie Beer Club. Running on the first Thursday of each month, you’ll learn about a new brewery each month, including the brewery’s backstory, how they work, have a sample of the beer range and tuck into some food platters. Tickets are $35pp and can be purchased here.
Queen’s birthday celebrations at El Camino Cantina
El Camino Cantina is mixing a special, birthday margarita during June, in honour of the Queen’s birthday on Sunday, 9 June. The Queen of Thrones rita ($15 – 15oz, $19 – 24oz) mixes tequila, triple sec, vanilla liqueur, vanilla Monin syrup and a colourful rim of hundreds and thousands. You’ll also receive the royal treatment come Sunday 9th June, with a day of Freddie Mercury themed tunes and limited-edition party sombreros for every diner. Bookings can be made here.
World Gin Day at Gin Lane & Spritz Bar
World Gin Day is almost here (Sat 8th June) and two of Sydney’s dedicated bars are getting in on the action. Head to Kensington Street’s Gin Lane & Spritz Bar and get your hands on drinks specials, live music and bespoke Australian gin. The day also marks the launch of Gin Lane’s luxe new cocktail, The Luxury Vintage Negroni. Coming in at a cool $175 and served in a crystal tumbler, this Negroni combines aged spirits and Earl Grey Tea smoke.
Pyjama Party at Lot One
While the temperature might be plummeting outside, things are warming up at Lot One in Kings Cross. Teaming up with Chapoutiers Organic Wines, it’s time to don your cosiest pjs and get ready for the ultimate Pyjama Party. Running every Tuesday in June from 6:30pm, your $49 ticket which includes a grazing station plus a glass of wine from Chapoutiers Organic Wines. You can also score best-dressed prizes + mulled wine specials.
Supersized spritzes and metre-long pizzas at Fratelli Fresh
Winter might be here but Fratelli Fresh are keeping the summer vibes alive with super-sized spritzes and metre-long pizzas. Cure your winter blues with the 1.5-litre super Aperol Spritz ($39), a drink big enough to share (or if you’re savvy, keep all for yourself). New to the menu are also metre-long pizzas, available at Darling Harbour, the Entertainment Quarter and Westfield Sydney at $79 a pop.
Gin and Live Jazz at Manly Spirits Distillery
Manly Spirit Co. Distillery is celebrating World Gin Day with a ‘Gin & Jazz’ party. Running 8-9th June, the celebration sees a full weekend of epic events, including FREE gin samples, live jazz music and the ultimate masterclass for gin lovers. For more information and to secure tickets to the masterclass, click here.
Royal Rooftop Party at The Fernery
A royal themed rooftop party is coming to The Fernery’s lush rooftop bar this Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Guests can enjoy $20 cocktail jugs which are all royalty inspired. Think ‘Meghan’s Mark’ the ‘Ghost of Harry’s Past’ along with the ‘Archies Spritz’. Local DJs will be there to keep the vibes high, with complimentary roving canapés also on offer. Tickets are just $25pp and can be secured here.
GoodnessMe Box Wholefood Night Markets
For one night only on Weds 19th June, The Grounds of Alexandria is getting set to transform into a Wholefood Winter Wonderland in partnership with GoodnessMe Box. Beneath a canopy of fairy lights, warm up by the fire pit with an organic mulled wine, before indulging in vegan s’mores, wood fired pizzas and signature healthy cocktails. The evening also promises cooking demos from some of Australia’s top health and wellness gurus, plus you’ll go home with a special gift! To secure your ticket, click here.