Summer Story Ideas for Slow News Days
AUSTRALIA: With 2023 coming to an end, TFE Hotels has rounded up some story ideas to help for those inevitable slow news days during the summer holidays.
LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS
A Cool Christmas Idea for Everyone and Anyone:
Everyone needs an annual summer holiday, even if it’s just a mini staycation. That’s why TFE Hotels' eGifts are the perfect Christmas present or stocking stuffer this season. Whether it’s an overnight stay on the sandy shores of WA, or a romantic city staycation, an eGift allows you to choose from over 40 hotels, resorts and apartments across Australia including A by Adina, Adina Apartment Hotels, Vibe Hotels Quincy Hotels, Travelodge Hotels, Rendezvous Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels.
An eGift not only allows you/your intended to discover incredible places to stay, but also outstanding restaurants and curated lifestyle experiences. From cocktails at Sydney’s Dean & Nancy on 22; to an intimate wine tasting at Melbourne’s Olivine wine bar; or zesty Southeast Asian bites on Level 28 of The Q rooftop, dining eGifts start from as little as $50 - so it’s easy to stick within your Christmas budget – and sure to delight even the most discerning foodie in the family.
And the best thing about a TFE eGift? These can be sent electronically in a matter of minutes, so it doesn't matter if you’ve waited until the eleventh hour to do your Christmas shopping. TFE eGifts can be purchased at www.egifts.tfehotels.com. eGift dining vouchers are available in denominations of $50 $100, $150, $200, $250. eGift accommodation and experience-led vouchers are available in $100 denominations.
High-res images available here.
WHAT’S OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas Lunch at The Alexander Bar in Melbourne’s CBD
LITTLE COLLINS STREET: If you’re a stranger in the city or just looking to remove the stress of cooking, then consider Christmas lunch at The Alexander Bar, located at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins. With a contemporary Art Deco design, honouring its origins, The Alexander Bar features marble finishings, bold interiors, historic pillars, full-length mirrors, and classic tray ceilings. Glamorous and elegant, this cosy yet stylish space is the perfect venue to create cherished moments with loved ones on December 25.
For just $179pp, enjoy a lavish buffet lunch featuring Christmas favourites like a selection of fresh seafood, mixed salads, honey glazed ham, oven roast turkey, Christmas pudding, mince tarts and so much more.
Location: The Alexander Bar, 630 Little Collins Street Melbourne
Date: 25 December 2023
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Book here
High-res images: available here.
BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS TO RING IN 2024
A Tassie New Year’s Eve at Belvedere
HOBART: Inspired by and celebrating the site’s previous heyday as the Belvedere Ballroom, Belvedere restaurant naturally makes the perfect setting to ring in the New Year. Decked out with emerald-green velvet seating, Art Deco-inspired tiles and hints of brass and marble, sit beneath the gold chandeliers for an elegant, yet approachable, three-course meal showcasing Tassie produce and glass of bubbles.
For just $110pp, book your NYE dinner with friends or family at Belvedere restaurant, located on the ground floor of Vibe Hotel Hobart here.
Location: Vibe Hotel Hobart, Ground Floor, 36 Argyle St, Hobart
Time: 8pm – late
Price: $110pp (three-course dinner and glass of bubbles)
Book here
High-res imagery: available here.
Four Pillars’ NYE Degustation Dinner at Mr Tompkins
FLINDERS STREET: Kick up your heels in style in Melbourne’s CBD at Mr Tompkins restaurant this New Years Eve.
Head Chef, Eric Kwek, is collaborating with Four Pillars Gin to create an unforgettable degustation experience. Five dishes are carefully crafted to pair with three award-winning Four Pillars Gin cocktails, promising a night of sensory delight. Think house-cured Pacific Ocean Trout with The Ron Burgundy featuring a combination of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and crème de cacao; or a delectable Mount Macedon duck breast with a Summer Heatwave made of Four Pillars Modern Australian Gin, orange juice and sparkling wine.
After dinner, head upstairs to Mr Tompkins' sister venue, Ms Ava bar, for more celebratory tipples to take you into the countdown.
Location: Mr Tompkins, 318 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC.
Price: $160pp, include five-course dinner with three matched gin cocktails
Time: First seating 5.30pm - 7pm | Second seating from 8pm – 10pm.
Book here
High-res imagery: available here.
Celebrate NYE at Salted Egg
FLINDERS LANE: Located on Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Lane, Salted Egg is taking guests on a culinary journey through Southeast Asia this New Year’s Eve.
Enjoy a feast of Southeast Asian bites at Salted Egg from just $85 pp this NYE. Images available here.
Enter through a graffiti themed lift – a nod to the venue’s Melbourne location – and slide up one floor to a light and bright space in an enviable CBD position. Starting from just $85pp, indulge in a menu, carefully crafted by Chef, Adam Woodfield (ex Chin Chin and Jimmy Liks), that features zesty bites and bold flavours, alongside a complimentary glass of bubbles.
Drinks to ease any lingering spice tingles include plenty of local talent such as Antagonist and Four Pillars. There are also Melbourne-inspired cocktails, a tight list of Tiki drinks and a huge selection of Australian wines to really kick off the celebrations!
Location: Quincy Entertainment Precinct, Level 1, 509 Flinders Ln, Melbourne
Price / Time: First seating from $85pp, from 5pm until 8pm | Second seating from $95pp including a glass of Piper-Heidsieck, from 8pm
Book here: saltedeggmelbourne.com.au/whats-on/nye-at-salted-egg/
High-res imagery: available here.
A Sydney Rooftop NYE Party at Above 319
SUSSEX STREET: Welcome 2024 at one of Sydney’s finest rooftop bars, Above 319. For just $175pp, be dazzled by stunning views of the city’s skyline as you enjoy a selection of delicious canapés like smoked salmon crostinis, arancini, smoked Californian beef rostis and more.
Kick off the celebrations with a cocktail on arrival, before enjoying free flowing premium beers and wines well into the countdown. A DJ will be spinning tunes all night long, so grab your besties for an unforgettable night at one of Sydney’s hottest rooftop venues.
Location: Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour, Rooftop, 319-325 Sussex St, Sydney NSW
Time: From 7:30pm to 12:30am
Price: $175pp (include canapés, welcome cocktail, free flowing beer and wine, DJ)
Book via email: [email protected]
High-res images: available here.
A Private Booth at Olivine to Ring in the New Year
COBURG: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the north at one of Melbourne’s newest wine bars, Olivine. Relax with friends or that special someone in one of Olivine’s private cell booths, while sipping a beverage from the impressive, award-winning wine list.
For $95pp, guests can book a booth and indulge in a delicious, shared menu featuring appellation oysters, smoked onion tart, pickled mussels and more, expertly crafted by Head Chef Mark Glenn. And to ring in the new year, enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling.
Location: Olivine Wine Bar, 1 Pentridge Boulevard, Coburg
When: 31st December
Price / Time: From 5pm, $95pp
Book here: https://olivinewinebar.com.au/age/new-years-eve
High-res images: available here.
Celebrate in style at Dean & Nancy on 22!
SYDNEY: Elevate New Year's Eve with breathtaking views of Sydney's skyline at Dean & Nancy on 22. From 8pm, kick off the celebrations with a Dean & Nancy on 22 signature cocktail of your choice before indulging in a curated menu of house made focaccia with Jamón ibérico, Chef's kingfish ceviche, scallop ravioli, Fremantle octopus and more. At midnight, raise a glass of sparkling wine to welcome 2024 as DJ’s will be spinning tunes all night long. Don’t miss this night of glamour.
Package options:
Premium Lounge Bar Booth: $2,100 for the booth (accommodating 6-7 guests) and includes 1 bottle of champagne.
Piano Bar Booth: $1,000 for the booth, ideal for 4 guests
Lounge and Piano Bar Cocktail Table: $200pp
Lounge and Piano Bar Seat: $200pp
All packages include entry and entertainment, a welcome signature cocktail of your choice on arrival, sparkling for the midnight toast and a delectable food selection throughout the evening.
Location: Dean & Nancy on 22, Level 22, 2 Hunter St, Sydney
Time: From 8:00pm to 12:30am
Book here: www.deanandnancyon22.com.au/new-years-eve-2023
High-res images: available here
WHAT’S NEW IN 2024 - NEW SOUTH WALES
The Eve Brings a Refreshingly Local Flavour to Inner City Sydney
REDFERN: Set amongst a labyrinth of lively laneways connecting Surry Hills and Redfern, the SJB-designed The Eve Hotel Sydney has a foothold in Sydney’s past and present when it comes to guest experience.
Operated by TFE Hotels and developed and owned by TOGA Group – both headquartered in Sydney – and designed by Surry Hills based architects SJB, the Harbour City’s newest 102-room boutique hotel is nestled in a thoughtfully curated new lifestyle precinct, Wunderlich Lane, at the centre of TOGA Group’s Surry Hills Village.
Set on the site of Sydney’s original Wunderlich Ltd factory, the carefully curated precinct’s inner-city laneways will feature boutique shopping, al-fresco dining and design-led commercial and event spaces peppered amongst lush gardens at the doorstep of The Eve Hotel Sydney.
By design, The Eve hotel’s pre-opening team is aiming to create spaces where guests and visitors can immerse themselves in the art, cultural, and culinary offerings from the local community… with the hotel at the centre of the creative experience.
An artist’s impression of The Eve Hotel Sydney and the retail space at Wunderlich Lane. Download images here.
“Every aspect of The Eve has been carefully crafted to evoke a sense of elegance, sophistication, and comfort, TFE CEO Antony Ritch said. “From the unique architectural features to the meticulously designed interiors, we are looking to create a hospitality experience that is both visually stunning and welcoming for all.”
Architecturally designed by local, Adam Haddow, and landscaped by Daniel Baffsky from Surry Hills’ 360 Degrees, the hotel and wider precinct is characterised by beautifully designed laneways and lush greenery. The EVE Hotel will also feature a lavishly landscaped roof top deck, swimming pool, bar and restaurant with a fully operable glass roof and walls designed by leading Australian interior architect George Levissianis, also based in Surry Hills.
Like The Eve, Wunderlich Lane’s retail shopfronts will provide an opportunity for moments of discovery. The al-fresco dining areas which hem the various walkways – including the precinct’s focal point, the ‘Oculus’, an architectural void set above the outdoor dining terrace of the flagship restaurant space – are set to create a bustling atmosphere, just 4km from the city centre.
The hotel opens September 2024. https://theevehotel.com.au/
WHAT’S IN A NAME: The Eve Hotel Sydney (can be shortened to ‘The Eve’ after first use). The Eve Hotel Sydney is named as Cleveland Street is such a connector - an East West connection and an inner-city North-South connector. It’s an increasingly important link between this emerging-recentering heart of the city. What is an Eve? Well, it’s the night before and it’s the excitement of a big event.
Wunderlich Lane: The precinct name pays homage to the original Wunderlich Ltd factory, whose outputs had a wide-ranging impact on Sydney’s heritage architecture, such as the grand facades of the Government Bank in Martin Place and pressed metal ceilings which can still be found in Sydney’s terrace homes to this day.
Location: 8 Baptist Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia, New South Wales
High-res images: available here.
ROOFTOP FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN
Soak in the summer vibes at Above 319
DARLING HARBOUR: Whether it's a breezy outdoor lunch, drinks and nibbles at dusk, or cocktails by the pool, Above 319 is a vibrant rooftop destination in the heart of Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Perched high above the bustling streets on level 14, the open-air urban oasis is adorned with lush green walls, vibrant neon lights, a rooftop pool, and spectacular views of Sydney’s skyline and Darling Quarter.
The talented team behind the bar has pulled together an impressive drink’s menu featuring rooftop favourites like spritzes, bellinis and punches. And for food think shared plates of wood fire pizzas, charcuterie boards, calamar, sliders and more. This lively terrace garden is the perfect place to sit back, relax and celebrate the summer or any occasion – cocktail in hand!
Location: Level 14, 319 – 325 Sussex Street, Sydney
Opening hours: Wednesday – Thursday 3pm – 9pm | Friday 3pm – 11pm | Saturday 12pm – 11pm | Sunday 12pm – 8pm
Book here
High-res images: available here.
The Q Rooftop, Quincy Entertainment Precinct
FLINDERS LANE: Perched high above Melbourne's bustling Flinders Lane, The Q is a go-to rooftop destination for zesty Southeast Asian bites and delicious cocktails, served with a side of Melbourne skyline.
As the sibling venue to Salted Egg - a Southeast Asian restaurant located in Quincy Hotel Melbourne - The Q earns a standing ovation as a rooftop terrace bar, complete with 360-degree views of Melbourne CBD, all the way to the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay.
Upon entering The Q, opulent golden chainmail shapes an archway into the venue, coupled with velvet upholstery and endless mirrors. A seat outside offers stunning sunset views over the bay or nearby buildings shine bright in the afternoon sun.
An evening at The Q might start with a signature cocktail, like a refreshingly, sweet, and sour signature Quincy Sling, or the Reduce, Redrink, Recycle environmentally friendly daiquiri made from Brookie’s Moonshine, and husks of Kaffir Lime, Finger Lime and Havana 3yr.
Each cocktail focuses on showcasing an Australian Spirit utilising some homemade syrups or garnishes and flavours (or style) of Southeast Asia. And names, like the Hook Turn or Brighton Beach House, give a nod to The Q’s Melbourne roots.
Small plates from Executive Chef Adam Woodfield (ex Chin Chin and Jimmy Liks), perfectly complement the drinks menu. Here, expect bold, immersive dishes, steeped in rich culture, punchy, fragrant flavours, and traditional techniques native to its region. Such dishes include wild mushroom larb lettuce cups; raw blue fin tuna and prawn rice cups with chilli jam dressing and salmon roe; and chilli salted school prawns with red nahm jim dipping sauce.
The Q team have an incredible line-up of events and activations including Sky-High Cocktail Classes. Hosted by some of Melbourne’s finest bartenders, cocktail-lovers can book entertaining and interactive masterclasses. A perfect way to start an evening with friends, learn the basics from $59pp or master The Q’s signature cocktails for just $75pp.
And, from Wednesday to Thursday, CBD workers will have 20 more reasons to knock off work early with a 20% discount on food and drink between 4-6pm.
Location: Quincy Hotel, Level 28, 509 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
Open: Wednesday to Thursday: 4pm – late | Friday to Saturday: 2pm – late
Website: quincymelbourne.com/eat-drink/
Events: quincymelbourne.com/whats-on-melbourne/
High-res images: available here.
Storehouse Subiaco Sunsets Are The Best!
SUBIACO: Situated high in the sky - just four kilometres from Perth's CBD and atop the Vibe Hotel Subiaco - Storehouse Subiaco offers city views and an eclectic, inviting menu from the ninth floor. With indoor and outdoor dining, a gorgeous bar and sun-kissed pool, this rooftop oasis is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the city’s abundant sunshine.
Open for breakfast lunch and dinner, the wholesome, handcrafted menu is designed to share and features fresh, seasonal, regionally produced, and sustainable ingredients. Western Australia’s outstanding wines and bespoke signature cocktails also feature strongly. Indulge in the Chef’s Table, a share-style culinary showcase featuring Head Chef’s Jonny Peacham favourite entrées, mains, sides, and desserts.
Location: Storehouse Perth Subiaco, 9 Alvan St, Subiaco
Open: Breakfast Monday - Friday: 6.30am - 10am Saturday and Sunday: 7am - 10.30am | Lunch Thursday - Saturday: 12pm | Dinner Tuesday - Saturday: 4.00pm until late
Website: vibehotels.com/book-accommodation/perth/hotel-subiaco-perth/storehouse-subiaco/
High-res images: available here
Australia’s Sunniest Capital City has a New Rooftop Cinema at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
SCARBOROUGH: With panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a front row seat to WA’s iconic sunset, Perth’s newest open-air rooftop cinema on Level 24 of Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough is now open. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night sees cult favourites hitting the big screen, from heartwarming Christmas classics to thrilling action-packed adventures and cherished family favourites.
Movie buffs can start their night at the hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge on Level 25 for artisanal produce platters and movie-themed cocktails expertly crafted by the talented team at Four Pillars. Think Home Alone Bloody NY Sour or a Sex & The City Spiced Negroni Cosmo. Little Creatures will also be behind the bar serving pre-movie brews.
From 6.45pm the Observation Deck will open with deck chairs available on a first come, first served basis for a 7.30pm movie start. Get comfy and BYO cushions, blankets, and rugs.
A movie isn’t complete without the snacks, expect a popcorn stand and plenty of fairy floss available to purchase while a pop-up bar slings out refreshing summertime drinks. There’s even the opportunity to make a night of it with the Film Club accommodation package. Enjoy a night’s stay at the Rendezvous Hotel Scarborough, complimentary cocktails, movie tickets and popcorn for two.
Location: Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough, Level 24, 148 The Esplanade, Scarborough,
Dates: From now until 20 January every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 2 February – 31 March every Friday and Saturday.
Time: Cub Lounge opens 5.30pm | Observation Deck opens 6.45pm | Movie starts 7.30pm
Price: Adult $25.00 | Kids (3- 15 years) $15.00 | Under 2 years free.
Book here: rendezvousperthscarborough.com.au/film-club/
Overnight accommodation package: rendezvousperthscarborough.com.au/promotions/film-club/
High-res images: available here.
INTRODUCING ADELAIDE’S NEWEST EAST END EATERY
Renowned South Australian Chef Brent Potuszynski Returns Home
FLINDERS STREET: Former Mimasu Head Chef, Brent Potuszynski, has returned home after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus to run Adelaide’s indoor-meets-outdoor restaurant and bar, Storehouse Flinders East.
In 2020, with Covid knocking on the door, Brent made the decision to leave the South Australian capital and pursue opportunities in rural Australia.
With an invigorated mindset - and impeccable pedigree of experience spanning across London’s Michelin Starred restaurants - like Pied à Terre* as a young chef and, more recently, some of South Australia’s finest establishments including Georges on Waymouth - the Adelaide born chef has returned home to pick up where he left off.
“Being back in Adelaide feels fantastic,” Brent said. “The restaurant scene is impressive right now, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it again, albeit this time in the city’s East End,” he said.
Since stepping into the role as Head Chef at Storehouse Flinders East, Brent has crafted a wholesome menu featuring regionally sourced produce. His trademark flair for plates full of rustic flavour are evident with some of his most beloved dishes appearing on the new menu, like his seared South Australian kangaroo loin, paired with black garlic aioli, pickled grapes, toasted pumpkin seed and saltbush.
Brent’s approachable menu perfectly complements Storehouse’s sleek fit out complete with high communal tables; Australian blackbutt floors and large bifold windows that open to a courtyard filled with Australian natives.
The pairing, Chef says, is deliberate.
“We want to evoke a feeling of comfort, familiarity, with authentic and wholesome hospitality,” he said of the 76-seat eatery (52 indoor/24 courtyard). "We are 100% focussed on using quality, seasonal SA ingredients, while remaining relaxed and contemporary for the everyday diner.”
For lunch and dinner, starters include baba ghanoush with toasted flat bread, roast almonds, chilli honey and crispy sage; salad of prosciutto with fior di latte, pomelo, watercress and vincotto; or pork, duck and chicken terrine accompanied with pistachio, orange marmalade, cornichons, mustard, and sourdough.
Larger plates up the ante. Think braised lamb belly with white onion puree, pickled red onion, bulgur wheat tabouli and crispy kale.
“My Spencer Gulf prawn linguine comes with blistered tomatoes, garlic, chilli and wild rocket,” Brent said. “Whilst our fried gnocchi are made in house and paired perfectly with spring peas, broad beans, mint, goats curd and candied walnuts.”
*Pied à Terre is the longest standing independent Michelin Starred restaurant in London.
Location: Storehouse Flinders East - 260 Flinders Street, Adelaide, SA
Open: Monday to Wednesday: 6.30am - 10am, 5pm - 9pm| Thursday and Friday 6.30am - 10am, 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm | Saturday 7am - 11am, 5pm - 9pm | Sunday 7am - 11am
Book here: via the Storehouse website
High res images: available here.
WINE, GLORIOUS WINE
Enrol in Olivine Wine School at Melbourne’s newest $1b lifestyle precinct
COBURG: Set in Pentridge’s former prison cells at the stylish Olivine wine bar, Olivine’s Wine School series offers a casual yet educational setting for anyone who loves a wine (or two) to learn more about taste, texture, producers and place of origin.
Held on the last Wednesday of every month, a special guest (also a wine expert) joins Liinaa and her team to pour eight different wines from a chosen wine region anywhere in the world. They’ll be there to answer any burning questions from those who want to take their love of wine to the next level.
The third instalment of Olivine Wine School has been announced. On 31 January 2024, Olivine invites wine lovers to enrol in – “Old v New”. The experienced team of sommeliers and wine experts, alongside a guest wine producer, will explore old world wine versus new world wine with guests as they sit back and relax in their own intimate drinking booths.
For just $70pp, guests will taste eight different wines on the evening and be able to purchase food from Olivine’s menu. At the end of the tasting, guests will even go home with a certificate of completion.
Wine School will occur each month. Find more information on the upcoming events here: olivinewinebar.com.au/whats-on (due to Xmas holidays wine school will not be held in December)
What: Olivine Wine School, Old v New
When: Wednesday 31st January 2024
Time: From 5pm
Price: $70pp include eight glasses of wine, food available to purchase from Olivine menu. Wines showcased are also available to purchase for home delivery.
Book here: olivinewinebar.com.au/whats-on
High-res images: available here.
DINNER AND A TOUR
North & Common launches new Dinner and Tour package
COBURG: If you’re looking for a unique evening experience in Melbourne’s north this summer, then look no further than North & Common’s Thursday Dinner & Night Tour.
In partnership with National Trust Pentridge Prison Tour, guests are invited to start their evening with a two-course dinner at the recently hatted restaurant, North & Common, before embarking on a fascinating Night Tour of H Division where they’ll uncover and explore some of the more notorious chapters in Australian penal history. Hosted at the former historic HM Pentridge Prison, in Coburg this experience is one to remember.
What: Thursday Dinner and Night Tour
When: Every Thursday night
Time: Dinner at your choice. Tour starts at 8.30pm sharp.
Price: $89pp. Includes two course dinner at North and Common and a 90-minute night tour of H Division with National Trust.
Book here: northandcommon.com.au/whats-on/
High-res images: available here.
Ends.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jodi Clark - TFE Hotels (Director of Communications) - +61 499 900 658 / [email protected]
WHO ARE TFE HOTELS?
TFE Hotels (TOGA Far East Hotels) is Australia’s International Hotel Group - headquartered in Sydney and operating in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Singapore, and Switzerland. TFE has a portfolio of seven hotel brands - A by Adina, Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Quincy Hotels, Travelodge Hotels, Rendezvous Hotels and Collection by TFE, with more in the development pipeline.
TFE Hotels acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands we conduct business upon and pays our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We respect the Country itself, including its trees, animals, spirits, waters, skies, stars, and special sites. https://www.tfehotels.com