Recently we turned the weekend escape on its head by looking directly inner-city as a source of rest and relaxation. Not normally anybody’s first choice for a little R&R but go with us on this…
For the past decade or so, Sydney has been one of those cities that seem to get more beautiful the further away from the CBD you get. Only to say that, for many years, the area put a lot more emphasis on function rather than form.
The times have been a-changing though and if you give it a chance there’s plenty of cultural and epicurean gold to be found between the concrete and heavy commerce.
STAY
488 George Street, Sydney,
NSW, 2000
+61 2 9266 2000
In a place where it feels like there’s a new hip hotel opening every month, we have to give credit to the Hilton Sydney’s 2005 renovation (by the very esteemed Johnson Pilter Walker architects). Even nearly 10 years on, the hotel still feels opulent and modern. Just enough clean space, not too much marble, no fuss, just luxe.
We were booked into a Relaxation Room, practically a mini suite but we argue almost better than the more expensive options for its clever design. There’s something about a bathroom that seamlessly links into the bedroom which inspires a feeling of enormous space.
That marble tub is arguably the best way to end the work week and mark the start of your weekend. Yes, we tested it for you.
DINE
Glass Brasserie by Luke Mangan
2/488 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 9265 6068
Luke Mangan was one of the pioneers of modern Australian fine dining. He is so entrenched in our cuisine culture that it’s almost impossible to believe that every venue he owns (of which there are many) could possibly maintain that same Michelin-star quality across the board.
We’re going to go ahead on shut down any of those misguided thoughts. Glass is the jewel in Mangan’s crown and has been designed in kind by the renowned interiors master Tony Chi, who has positioned this as a darkly rich palace of feasting.
You can see why this is the go-to place for Power Lunches. Everything in this room, right down to selecting your own aged wagyu, means business.
Cho Cho San
73 Macleay Street, Potts Point
Sydney, NSW, 2011
+61 2 9331 6601
Come for the Soy Glazed Wagyu Beef and the Cho Cho Snow, stay for the calming zen-like interiors. Seriously – this place is our dream sanctum of polished concrete, brass and pine (by George Livissianis of the Apollo).
The high-form simplicity stems through to the food, all beautifully presented small plates of mouth watering flavours that are as fun to see mixed as they are to eat.
VISIT
Queen Victoria Building
455 George St, Sydney, NSW, 2000
+61 2 9265 6800
The Grande Dame of Sydney commerce, the opulent historic building has sat pride of place along George Street since the 1800s. We’ve power-shopped her halls many-a-time, although honestly we’ve never taken a moment to appreciate her curves and edges.
Have a quick coffee break here next time you’re in the area (just across the road from the Hilton), we promise it’s next level window shopping.
SEE
Sydney Theatre Company
Pier 4, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay NSW 2000
+61 2 9250 1999
Unless you work near Sydney’s Wharf it can be easy to forget that tucked away on Hickson Road is one of the world’s most renowned and diverse theatres in the world.
We watched ‘The Effect’, a romance/drama/psychological study by the acclaimed British director Lucy Prebble.
The story merges the rarely discussed and highly regulated world of human drug trials with the often unpredictable nature of love and human psychology. By the end you’re guaranteed to have your position on medication and relationships completely addled.
It’s a play that will inspire many heated discussion over drinks at The Theatre Bar At The End of The Wharf (yes, it’s the world’s longest name).
White Rabbit Gallery Tour
30 Balfour St, Chippendale NSW 2008
+61 2 8399 2867
It’s an art tour but not as you know it. Everything at the White Rabbit Gallery is done with deep sensitivity but a sly sense of humour, right down to the colourful Chinese aprons the staff wear as they guide you through the works.
The Chinese perspective on art is fascinating as it is multifaceted. As the strong arm of Communism is still alive and kicking in modern China it means most political slants need to be hidden behind clever subtext. The amusing part is hearing the tales of how these brave artists manage to dupe customs officials as they ship their pieces to galleries over the sea.
CITIZENS OF THE WORLD were guests of the Hilton Sydney
To experience exactly what we did visit hiltonweekends.com.au (add #BeAWeekender on all your instagrams so we can see them).
Follow us on Instagram @citizensoftheworld and @dl_photos
Follow us on Steller at Steller.co/COTW
