Kings Cross Distillery, Potts Point Credit: Kings Cross Distillery
Kings Cross Distillery, Potts Point
#feelnewsydney
As the sun-dappled curbside cafés of Potts Point wind down each day, this centrally located epicurean hub comes into its own. Named for the nightlife precinct that forms part of this inner-eastern Sydney suburb, Kings Cross Distillery, an urban micro-distillery, cocktail bar and restaurant rolled into one venue, is among the newest arrivals on the area’s ever-evolving after-dark scene. ‘Gin architect’ Odelia Potts, who co-owns the distillery with husband Khare Aoun, shares her top spots to spend a memorable night out in this vibrant neighbourhood.
Get in the mood with a great cocktail
If you love to kick off a night out with a great cocktail, Kings Cross Distillery, on Llankelly Place, has a concoction for all tastes, says Odelia. “If you want something bitter, we do a delicious negroni with a house-made liqueur instead of Campari, or, if you like a martini, we have our Minerva martini inspired by the historic theatre down the road [on Orwell Street]. It’s made with our Minerva Wise Cut Gin, infused with botanicals that evoke wisdom.”
Cocktail lovers looking for a taste of Australia would also be wise to step back into Prohibition-era Sydney at Dulcie’s on Darlinghurst Road, says Odelia. “They only serve Australian spirits, we which we love, including our Garden Island Navy Strength Gin.”
Kings Cross Distillery also has a wine list curated by renowned Sydney sommelier Ben Moechtar, but Odelia is also partial to trying something different at the likes of European-style wine bar Dear Sante Éloise, tucked further along Llankelly Place on the corner of Orwell Street. This laneway, which meets Darlinghurst Road at its southern tip, is the neighbourhood’s best-kept secret, according to Odelia. “People often don’t walk far enough along the lane, but there are some real gems to be found,” she says. Among them, Odelia adds, is Llankelly Thai and omakase restaurant Kisuke. With just six seats, you’ll need to get in early to secure a table at Kisuke — bookings open at the stroke of midnight each day for reservations up to 30 days in advance. “There’s no menu: it changes daily, depending on what the Japanese chef buys fresh from the fish market that day, so it’s always a surprise,” Odelia says.
Dulcie's Kings Cross, Potts Point Credit: Destination NSW
Neon signage at the entrance to the Dulcie's Kings Cross, Potts Point.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Dulcie's Kings Cross, Potts Point Credit: Destination NSW
Neon signage at the entrance to the Dulcie's Kings Cross, Potts Point.
Kings Cross Hotel, Potts Point Credit: Destination NSW
The Kings Cross Hotel, Potts Point lit up for Mardi Gras weekend in Sydney.
#feelnewsydney #ilovesydney
Kings Cross Hotel, Potts Point Credit: Destination NSW
The Kings Cross Hotel, Potts Point lit up for Mardi Gras weekend in Sydney.
Settle in for the main course
You don’t need to walk far in compact Potts Point for a fabulous feed, with Odelia’s top suggestion for a seriously memorable meal being French degustation restaurant Metisse on Roslyn Street. “The presentation of the food is wonderfully theatrical,” says Odelia. “A dish might be served under a dome smoking with dry ice, or maybe it’s not served on a stand rather than a plate, so it’s quite special. Another favourite is Macleay Street’s Bistro Rex, a Sydney take on a Parisian bistro. “It’s popular with locals, because the food and service are consistently good,” she says.
If you’re looking for a table after 9pm, Odelia’s go-to is modern Japanese restaurant Cho Cho San on Macleay Street. “I really appreciate that their kitchen stays open a little later than most local restaurants,” she says. “They do this lovely kingfish sashimi with an incredible sesame sauce.”
Be entertained into the wee hours
For some quality evening entertainment in the area, Odelia recommends checking out what’s on at the Hayes Theatre Co on Greenknowe Avenue, dedicated to honouring the colourful history of Australian musical theatre, or Dulcie’s, which is known to host a mesmerising burlesque performance from time to time. “And the Kings Cross Hotel has always been a fantastic place to catch a drag show,” Odelia adds.
As the night wears on and the music gets louder, Odelia can sometimes be spotted on the dance floor of Kings Cross Distillery. “My mum is from Latin America, so it’s in my blood,” she says. The Distillery closes at midnight, but visitors who aren’t ready for bed yet need only amble 300 metres to Dean’s Lounge, a reinvented institution of the ‘80s and ‘90s where you can sip specialty cocktails until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights, or boogie the night away at nearby Mykonos-inspired Eros on Bayswater Road, which has similarly late weekend hours.
When you’re finally ready to hit the hay, Odelia recommends bedding down at one of the boutique hotels set in the neighbourhood’s beautiful 19th-century buildings such as the Hotel Challis or Spicers Potts Point. “If you really want to immerse yourself in the architecture of this area, these hotels are luxuriously modern but also respectful of the period,” she says.
More Inspirational Stories
Vivid Sydney 2023Credit: Destination NSW
Views of harbour lights installations on marine vessels moving across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2023
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
As the Asia-Pacific's leading multi-artform festival casts its glow across Sydney for 23 nights, the curators behind the spectacle share their not-to-be-missed highlights. With a diverse and packed program of installations, experiences and performances to choose from, these are the must-see moments to add to your calendar.
Gill Minervini, Vivid Sydney Festival Director and Light and Food Curator
Gill's top Vivid Light and Vivid Food picks:
“Our opening ritual celebrating our First Nations culture and welcoming us to Country, First Light, is back for the third year and is again curated by Rhoda Roberts. This year, the Gadigal clan are inviting neighbouring nations to pay homage to the often-overlooked voices of the ancestral women of the Sydney Basin with song, dance and performance.”
Global Rainbow by Yvette Mattern, Sydney Tower
“Global Rainbow’s beams of rainbow lasers will fan out across the city from Sydney Tower for up to 40km. A beacon of unity and hope radiating across Vivid Sydney, all festival long.”
Gumscape with Road and Creatures by Reg Mombassa, Customs House
“Reg Mombassa is one of Australia’s most iconic and loved artists and musicians and I’m delighted to welcome him to the Vivid Sydney family. Come and see retro-futuristic style robots, one-eyed koalas and more weird and wonderful creatures in his iconic style on Customs House. Plus, we've got Reg and his band, Dog Trumpet, performing live in a free concert right in front of his projection on Saturday the 25th of May.”
Nest by Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J Montalban, Stargazer Lawn
“I’m beyond excited to have Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J Montalban back at Vivid Sydney with Nest after their enormously impactful work Temple from Vivid Sydney 2022. Nest explores our relationship with nature, showcasing the ritualistic mating dance of the brolga. It's beautiful and it will stay with you long after the festival. Catch it on Stargazer Lawn at Barangaroo Reserve.”
Sea, Sand and Stars by Guan Wei, Museum of Contemporary Art
"Celebrated Chinese-Australian artist Guan Wei will take you on a journey. This is the first time his work has been transformed into a light projection, and it’s a spectacularly magical result. As you stand in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ll zoom from a day at Bondi Beach to the outer reaches of space.”
Omnivisu by GreenEyl, North Village Greens, Darling Quarter
"Imagine seeing your own eyes projected onto a building behind Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour. That’s Omnivisu for you. It's fantastically fun and our way of making you feel a part of the Vivid Sydney all festival long. Step up and see yourself as part of the cityscape."
Fireplaces, Vivid Fire Kitchen and Tumbalong Park
"Who doesn't love a good fire? Hypnotic, mesmerising, and a place to gather and tell a good story. This year, at Tumbalong Park and the Vivid Fire Kitchen, we're celebrating with fire sculptures, flame throwers and other fiery installations. Come soak in the warmth and spectacle of the flames with us."
Horizon by Playmodes, Harbour Park, Barangaroo
“Get ready for a full-bodied, mind-blowing experience! Horizon is 80 metres long and plays with your spatial perception using hypnotic light and sound. It's transformative, it's mind-bending, and it will take you on a journey beyond the horizon to test the limits of human potential."
Vivid Fire Kitchen, The Goods Line
“There’s nothing quite like fire-cooked food and every culture around the world agrees! At Vivid Fire Kitchen you’ll find food trucks, markets stalls and barbecue stands serving wood-fired pizza, Sudanese BBQ sandwiches, Greek street food, Malaysian bites and much, much more. Plus, local pit master Lennox Hastie, Australian culinary legend Christine Manfield and Michelin-starred Swede Niklas Ekstedt, amongst lots of others, will also be doing live cooking demos.”
“The incredible, trailblazing Manoella Buffara from globally revered Manu in Brazil is heading down under for this special residency. She’ll step behind the pans at waterfront Greek restaurant Ploos, smack bang in the middle of the glittering Light Walk, to cook her award-winning sustainable fine dining in Australia for the first time. You can savour a nine-course dinner menu or seven-course lunch – don’t miss this chance to enjoy the work of one of South America’s best chefs.”
Vivid Chef Series, various locations
“Something special happens when two cultures and cuisines meet, especially in the kitchen. At this fabulous series of dinners, several international chefs are coming Sydney to collaborate with leading local restaurants. Sally Abé is teaming up with her former colleague Billy Hannigan, head chef at Charles Grand Brasserie. Ivan Brehm, chef-owner of Nouri, the beloved Michelin-starred Singapore restaurant, will join AALIA executive chef Paul Farag and Fred’s executive chef Ben Greeno will host Max Coen of Dorian, the London hotspot.”
Taste, See, Connect, House Canteen, Bennelong Point Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House
“For a delicious feast, stunning views and excellent price point, you can’t go past Taste, See, Connect. You’ll be sat right below the Sydney Opera House sails enjoying a pan-Asian feast of dumplings, sushi, share plates and dessert. All for $49! Amazing value, in one of the best Vivid Sydney vantage points.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST Credit: Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST Credit: Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban
Vivid Sydney 2024 - NEST
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
#feelnewsydney
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Fire Kitchen 2024 as part of Vivid Food.
Julian Ramundi, curator and producer, Vivid Music
“This year, music lovers can expect a diverse and exciting range of experiences, from free outdoor concerts to ticketed events in exclusive, heritage-listed buildings. There is something for everyone – from nine to 90, from around the globe and around the corner.”
Tumbalong Nights, Tumbalong Park
“Tumbalong Nights is the beating heart of the festival, with a diverse range of free entertainment every night. We’ve got DJs, headline talent like Budjerah and Mallrat, First Nations voices like 3% feat. Jess Mauboy, along with sounds from around the globe in various languages like our K-Indie and Afrobeat nights, and so much more! You can dance or sing showtunes with Club Broadway – we’ve even got a kid’s program. It’s all live and it’s all free.”
Ngulmiya, Machine Hall Precinct, 183 Clarence St, Sydney
"Ngulmiya will put on an incredible and profound show. This Arnhem Land song man uses his powerful, pure voice to sing in language, accompanied by chamber music. Critics around the world herald his shows as nothing short of revolutionary.”
Club 4A x Eastern Margins, Machine Hall Precinct, 183 Clarence St
“4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art are known for their excellent Club 4A nights that meld the world of art and dance-floor revelry. This Vivid Sydney exclusive will be a genre-mash of artists from the Asian diaspora including Melbourne hyper metal artist Daine and Chinese Australian guzheng composer Mindy Meng Wang, along with Sydney's 700 Feel and Dylan Atlantis. A party like no other.”
Deerhoof, Machine Hall Precinct, 183 Clarence St
“Deerhoof’s performance is set to be a catalytic fusion of sound and surprise, typical of their experimental and wild approach to music and their live shows. The legendary, indie band from San Francisco will perform their quirky Japanese-language album Miracle-Level. It’s going to be great.”
Vivid Sydney Supper Club, Mary’s Underground
“The Supper Club program this year is a fantastic smorgasbord of live music, comedy and spoken word. Hosts Rhys Nicholson and Georgia Mooney are roping in their long list of famous friends, from Mo'Ju and Zoe Coombes Marr, Michael Hing to Annabel Crabb and Julia Zemiro to Paul Capsis. There are nights celebrating the great divas of history to a spectacular game show, a night of (adult) bedtime stories to a kids play date for grown ups, it’s going to be a riot.”
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour, Vivid Sydney 2023.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Tumbalong Nights at Darling Harbour, Vivid Sydney 2023.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney Supper Club at Mary's Underground, Circular Quay for Vivid Music during Vivid Sydney 2023
Rachel Healy, curator, Vivid Ideas and special events
“This year, our Vivid Ideas program offers a range of very different experiences as a way of exploring ideas and what it means to be human. We’ve packed the 23 nights of the festival with international, Australian and local events including dance, walking tours, cinema and intimate one-on-one experiences plus gripping debates, talks and panel discussions. Try them all!”
After the Fact, Rekodo, Barangaroo House
“After the Fact is a brand new program held at Barangaroo House every weeknight of the festival. A different set of notable panellists every night, like Lucy Turnbull, Kim Williams, Annabel Crabb, Stephen Page, will come together to debrief the issues and breaking news of the day. It’s an engaging and fun way to kick off the festival each night, post-work drink in hand.”
A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter, State Library of New South Wales
"This transplant from New York is a critically acclaimed piece of fully immersive “theatre”. I don’t want to give too much away – part of what makes this piece so profound and special is the element of surprise. I’ll just say that this event is designed to peel back the layers of everyday social interactions to reveal the humanity underneath."
Shifting Perspectives, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Pier 2/3 Event Space
"Shifting Perspectives is an unforgettable work of contemporary, immersive dance. The ingenious work of both Matthew Adey, the man behind Dark Mofo’s House of Vnholy, and Restless Dance Theatre, will challenge the way you see the world. Part riddle, part revelation, the whole piece takes place in a labyrinth of spinning mirror plinths as light, sound and bodies dance around you, upending your perceptions of reality and artifice."
AI Will Destroy Humanity: A Future Science Debate, Parliament House, Legislative Council Chambers
“This isn’t your average debate. When we say it’ll be a night of comedy, calamity and contemplation, we really mean it. We’ve brought together comedy nerds like Adam Spencer and leading science minds so they can debate not just the future of AI, but the future of humanity as we know it. Taking place in the majestic and weighty setting of Parliament House’s Legislative Council chambers it’s the zeitgeist event not to be missed.”
For the full spectrum of events and to create your own itinerary through the festival, visit vividsydney.com.
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Sydney Town Hall for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2023
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Crowds at Sydney Town Hall for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2023
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying Natural Wonder at the Powerhouse Museum for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2023.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2023 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying Natural Wonder at the Powerhouse Museum for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2023.