5 new experiences to try if you’re heading to Sydney during the holidays

To no one’s surprise, Sydney always has exciting new events, restaurants and entertainment to offer. If you’re heading up to the big city over the holidays, here are five new experiences that you should try.

New Restaurant: The Rover

After reopening its doors in March, Surry Hills’ The Rover has recently unveiled its final phase – a British-inspired seafood bistro opening upstairs. Serving a coastal menu delivered with warm neighbourhood charm, the menu boats a daily haul of crustaceans, caviar and rotating oysters.

 

New Rooftop Bar: The Strand

Undergoing a multi-level restoration, The Strand Hotel in Darlinghurst has completed its final phase with a new rooftop bar and 17-bedroom house and hotel. Guests can now soak up the afternoon sun amongst the bar’s playful mix of vibrant colourful textures, warm timbers and lush verdant landscaping. The bar will serve its signature drinks, the French Ginger Mule and Thyme & Basil Daiquiri alongside a menu of light dishes such as tuna tartare & fried shallots with sesame crackers, fried chicken with pickles and hot sauce, and corn and gruyere croquettes.

 

New Menu: Flying Fish

Premium Asian-influenced seafood restaurant in The Star Sydney, Flying Fish has appointed Adam Hall as new executive chef. Stripping the menu back to basics, the restaurant’s new menu will serve up simple, honest yet punchy dishes that celebrate the flavours and freshness of the very best produce from across Australia’s land and sea. Rather than being bound by words that have cultural implications like ceviche, crudo or sashimi, the dishes will be led by seasonal local suppliers with garnishes that elevate the natural flavours of the seafood. This will include Raw Shark Bay Scallops with pickled desert lime, lemon myrtle and cultured cream, and Hirashima Kingfish with green tomato and Geraldton wax. The kitchen’s wood-fired grill will also be maximised with the likes of Jervis Bay Mussels smoked over paperbark and seasoned with fermented chilli, and Goolwa Pipis served with chickpea miso.

 

Reopening: Bar Tikram

After a year and a half-long closure, Bar Tikram has reopened in The Star Sydney with a mouth-watering mezze-style menu that puts the aromas, colours and flavours of the Middle East at the forefront. Inspired by the authentic cooking techniques, sauces and spices of Lebanese culinary culture, the entire menu comes straight from the on-site wood-fire oven, including their signature flatbread and Ketef Ghanam, a nine-hour braised lamb shoulder with minted yoghurt. To wash it all down, the outdoor bar serves fresh cocktails, mocktails, Lebanese spirits and drinks infused with Middle Eastern flavours. Highlights include a Rubi Margarita with tequila, pomegranate and rhubarb liquor.

 

Gallery & Bar: Michael Reid Art Bar

Gallery by day, distinct bar by night, Michael Reid Art Bar is a reframing of the gallery experience. Working alongside galleries both nationally and internationally, curating an industry-leading program, the gallery bar allows you to both wander through an incredible line-up of art followed by a snack and drink at the bar.

For more inspo for your summer holidays, visit our travel page.