So, you’ve just spent a mind-bending day listening to the most extraordinary and inspirational speakers at 2018 TEDxSydney, and you’re feeling all the feels, simply itching to get out there right now and be the change you want to see. TEDx talks can make you ask all the big questions, change your perspective on something you’ve been certain on for years and jaw drop in awe with the line-up of talented humans whose skills and accomplishments could make you die just a little bit inside. In a good way, of course.
So how to cope with all these inspirational feels?
As well as being the name of the most awesome city in the world, Sydney is the name of the town that covers Darlinghurst, Opera House, The Rocks Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. In fact, TEDxSydney is held smack bang in the middle of these iconic spots, so it would be churlish not to take advantage of the Harbour City’s offerings, ammiright?
Here’s your guide toTEDxSydney after dark. You’re welcome.
DRINKS
Baxter Inn
It’s hard not to be completely taken in by a backlit wall of whiskey, a collection so impressive it’d make a grown man weak at the knees, scrolling library ladders and some of the slickest bartenders this city has to offer. Located in an old loading dock down a city alleyway, behind heavy doors and a set of basement stairs, Baxter Inn is the perfect spot to ruminate over the mathematical genius that is Eddie Woo or Miles Merrill’s epic poetry slam dunk.
Kittyhawk
Stepping into Kittyhawk is a little like stepping back in time. The cocktail bar in the CBD takes its cue from the Parisian salons of the 1940s, and it’s got the drinks list and the decor to match. Let the bartenders take you on libation journey with their rum and rye cocktails whilst you pontificate over James Bevington and the plausibility of life on Mars.
Also deserving just as much swipe-right love are the following city waterholes: PS40, Dear Sainte Eloise, Bulletin Place, Door Knock, The Duke of Clarence.
SNACKS
Belles Hot Chicken
Finger licking good. That is all. While vegan tacos and kombucha flavoured green smoothies might be so right now, sometimes some deep fried, American style chicken is exactly what’s required. Because #balance. Located at Barangaroo, a quick hop, step and skip from the TEDxSydney home at ICC, this is one spot for snacks you definitely cannot miss.
Restaurant Hubert
One of the hottest restaurants in town for a while now, getting a seat at this dazzlingly bawdy, achingly romantic, deliciously Francophile spot is challenging, however after a day of inspirational talks on world-changing topics, we’ve got faith in you. Descending the stairs is a little like discovering Narnia at the back of the wardrobe, only this time there’s steak and wine and a rollicking good time.
Missed a seat? Check out these other joints for snacks and TEDx ponderings: Café Sopra @ Walsh Bay, Mr Wongs, Banksii Vermouth Bar & Bistro, Bings Bao & Beer.
VIEW FROM ABOVE
Ahhhh, she’s a pretty city, isn’t she? Whilst back alley and basement bars are where a lot of the good times roll, there’s a lot to be said for a glory spot with a view of the glimmering harbour and city lights. Add in a Sydney-sider’s innate need to be outside and couple of braziers to warm things up, and no one would ever know it’s winter in Sydney.
Zephyr Bar
Sydney loves a rooftop and this new one at the Hyatt’s is a hella good one. Located in between the CBD and Darling Harbour, this open-air hotel bar has sweeping views of the harbour and plenty of room to take it all in. Vintage vermouth is the medicine of the day here, as well as imported rums, fancy barrel-aged wines, aperitifs, infusions and digestives. Winning.
East Village
Even though she’s been making drinks for Sydney-siders for over 100 years, this grand ol’ dame of beverage institutions never gets old. Recently having completed her final facelift, oops, renovation, once you climb four flights of stairs, you’ll find high bar tables, lower lounge-like seating, handcut terrazzo slabs, plenty of plants and a retractable roof. It’s the perfect spot for lazy evening cocktails, overlooking the city skyline.
Hit me up with a Negroni and see you there!
