While the main purpose of the week was to see the latest offerings from Australia’s top designers at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, that didn’t stop Brittany from using her spare time to explore some of Sydney’s other attractions. Here’s her Fashion Editor’s diary, featuring her top picks from her first proper visit to the iconic city.
Day 1
Arriving in Sydney early Sunday morning, I didn’t let the rainy weather deter me from doing some exploring. First stop was The Rocks Market, filled with designers and artisans selling their locally made clothing, artwork, jewellery and general bits and bobs. Held on both Saturdays and Sundays, if you’re lucky you may just catch Patrick James serenading market goers as they shop. The talented indie/folk singer has recently supported Pete Murray, is currently on tour with Boy & Bear, and is set to release a new EP following on from the successful All About To Change. With the rain getting heavier and heavier, I was extremely grateful to stumble upon the welcoming doors of The Tea Cosy. Promising the best scones in Sydney, one foot in the door and I already feel at home. Operated by an Irish-Australian family who also own the Irish Design Shop at the front, the 180-year old heritage listed building is warm and well –cosy, just like the tea cosies that cover the teapots on every surface. As I settle into my steaming hot, buttery scones with fresh cream and homemade jam, with calming Celtic music in the background and rain pelting against the window, I don’t think it can get much better.
Shop: The Rocks Market – George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Hear: Patrick James
Eat: The Tea Cosy – 33 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Day 2
After the official welcome and a stunning show from Aurelio Costarello at MBFWA, I’d worked up quite an appetite. With the urbanspoon app in hand, I set about finding Albion Street, where I’d previously spotted some interesting looking cafes. Walking past Chur Burger, I knew I’d found my lunch destination. Hipster hangout meets retro diner, I opt for the pulled pork burger with Chur BBQ sauce, red slaw, fennel mayo, sweet potato fries and a vanilla milkshake. Within minutes I’m devouring the delicious food, with only just enough time to take the obligatory snap for instagram before it totally disappears. To walk it off, I take a wander around Circular Quay. Touristy maybe, but I love it!
Eat: Chur Burger – 48 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
See: Circular Quay
Day 3
It’s a full on day at Carriageworks today, so I decide to take a welcome break by visiting Reuben Hill for something to eat. Popular for its coffee, the menu is also inspired by the owners coffee buying trips through Central and South America. Unintentionally, it’s a burger again, this time the ‘Dirty Bird’ – spiced grilled chicken, tomatillo salsa, cheese, pickles and chipotle aioli and a delicious salted caramel milkshake to wash it all down. Making my way back for an afternoon of shows, I decide to walk back to soak in some of Sydney’s sights. 15 minutes in I’m totally lost so the brick sight of Brickfields bakery is a very welcome sight. The chocolate and sultana brownie is light and moist at met with some envious looks at MBFWA.
Eat: Reuben Hill – 61 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Eat: Brickfields -206 Cleveland st, Chippendale NSW 2008
Day 4
And of course it wouldn’t be right to finish my trip without a visit to the Sydney Institution that is Bourke St Bakery. Luckily just missing the lunchtime rush (that can go til about 2:30pm) there’s an extensive menu including gourmet sandwiches, specialist breads and a whole load of sweets. Unable to resist the pastries, I choose the lemon curd tart that had been calling my name since I walked in. The curd is tangy and the pastry perfectly crisp – yum!
Eat: Bourke St Bakery – 633 Bourke St, Surry Hills
My home for the week was the lovely Cambridge Hotel Sydney in Surry Hills. Walking distance from almost every attraction, the rooms were large and modern looking, and the staff particularly welcoming and helpful. Reasonable pricing for the location, although wi-fi was extra – a necessity for any MBFWA attendee! Overall a great base for a quick Sydney visit.
Stay: Cambridge Hotel Sydney – 212 Riley St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
