Sydney’s Hottest Things To Do This February

Sydney is a fast-paced city with plenty to sample, and you don’t want to miss out on the hotspots and hangouts of the month. Instead of trying to keep up with those around you, let us show you what and where deserves your attention, so you can set the example for everyone else.

Newtown Hotel Cider Yard Pop Up

Celebrate the rest of summer at Newtown Hotel’s Cider Yard pop up. Located in the outdoor Tiki Garden, 15 different ciders from Kopparberg Elderflower and Lime to Dirty Granny will be made available while you marvel at the creation from local sculptors, Liam Kennedy and Adrienn Lord. Using the pre-existing ponytail palm as a blank canvas, they have used new and recycled materials to create branches, flowers and apples and pears, as a celebration of all things cider. Bringing something new to the beloved Tiki Garden, visit the Cider Yard before summer ends and it shuts up shop permanently in March.

174 King Street, Newtown

newtownhotel.com.au

The Lobo Plantation

The hottest joint to escape the heat, The Lobo Plantation lies in the basement of 209 Clarence Street and takes inspiration from Julio Lubo, the Caribbean’s last sugar baron, and his taste for the finer things in life. A rum bar with decadent cocktails, soft lighting and small, round chestnut-brown tables to gather round, it screams 1950s Cuba. You can basically do with this venue as you wish; whether hiding in the corner on an intimate date or bringing every friend you’ve ever had to sample the bar, this is the place to enjoy good food, good service and very good cocktails. From The Napoleon to the more flaming variety, cocktails are celebrated and appreciated – no one made with any less precision than the last. Head to the bar and order yours ‘til 12am Monday – Saturday.

209 Clarence Street

www.thelobo.com.au

Chur Burger

Since its humble beginnings in the backyard of the former Albion Street Kitchen, Chur Burger has gone onto take over the whole venue, increase the amount of burgers it sells tenfold (they used to run out by 1pm!) and has a further two outlets in Paddington’s London Hotel and Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly. Now a year old, it is a staple of Albion Street, and one of the best diners in Surry Hills to feast on delicious meat patties. The menu is packed with flavour, from the grilled beef, cheese, tomato jam, mustard mayo and pickle; pulled pork, Chur BBQ sauce, red slaw and fennel mayo; and grilled lamb, mint sauce, feta, red onion and aioli – to name a few! Despite the indulgent ingredients, burgers are just $10 each, while you can double up your meat for another $3, and add $5 sides like sweet potato fries. This place gets ridiculously busy, so it’s a good thing they’re open Monday 11.30am – 5pm and Tuesday – Saturday 11.30am – 10pm.

48 Albion Street, Surry Hills

www.churburger.com.au

 The Record Store

For anyone that loves the sound of vinyl, The Record Store in Darlinghurst is a big two fingers up to the cold, over-processed format of mp3, stocking over 3000 classic, rare, rereleased and new titles on the beloved disk. From Drum & Bass to Jazz and Eclectic Wax, flick through the shelves while in-house music and street art inspire you. A whole lot more than just what it says on the tin, these guys provide DJ lessons, turntable services from a qualified technician and keep you up to date with all the best gigs in Sydney. Oh, and if you bring a six-pack of beer, they’ll welcome you with open arms. Pay a visit to The Record Store and you never know what you might find – because “you can’t hug an mp3”.

255b Crown Street, Darlinghurst

therecordstore.com.au