Eating my way around Sydney

David Williams

July 22, 2025

Eating my way around Sydney

Sydney is a place I don’t visit often enough – I love it not just because of the shopping and friends but also discovering another restaurant while also visiting old favourites.

Our first stop was discovering a new place, which ended up discovering it was in an old place. I first visited Barangaroo as the home of Noma’s pop up restaurant. What has happened in 12 months is a transformation of a couple of dining places to being “Sydney’s new food scene”. We headed to Lotus (the new home of the old Noma) – where their dumplings are creamy and their pork belly crispy. After lunch we thought a cheeky martini was required and what better place to go than Banksii – Sydney’s first vermouth bar. As you can tell there are so many options for plenty of tastes down at Barangaroo.

After a quick visit to the Queen Vic Building, we headed to check out the newest roof top bar in the city. For a city with the most stunning views, there are not enough roof top bars – hint hint. The latest is found on the 12th floor at the Hyatt Regency; Zephyr is the place to watch the sun set over the harbour enjoying from chilled cocktails and cool sounds.

The next day I headed to the familiar David Jones Food Hall for lunch with the wonderful Andreas. For at least 10 years, Andreas has looked after me at the Deli with a glass of Chandon and Ploughman’s Platter. When I turn the corner and see him there – I know I am going to have a great day.

This evening was a special night that started with finding a bar that served a good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for the boss. Found it at QT Sydney’s Gowings Bar and Grill; it was so good we visited again for after dinner whiskeys in the upstairs Gilt Lounge. In between drinks at QT, we headed to Neil Perry’s modern Chinese establishment - Spice Temple. Though a private door beside a fire exit; down the stairs and you step into a euphoria of red and black décor, moody lighting and smells that tease the senses. The banquet was fit for a king with my pick being the cucumber with garlic and ginger.

My final day saw me heading to Sydney’s Coogee Beach and into a friend’s “local”; though this local has a better view than my local, in the country. Coogee Pavilion is another roof top bar with everything from Mediterranean tapas, pizzas and burgers. The mojitos can go down too easily, so we changed and took advantage of a Veuve special to toast a great friendship. What a way to finish a fab weekend, than with an orange labelled bottle.

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David, It is always a pleasure to work you and your team from HOT Events.The professionalism starts right from the Brief stage with detailed, clear requests that display a thorough understanding of your clients’ needs. Your staff are always friendly (even under pressure!) and courteous. Our on island conventions team also enjoy a successful working partnership with the HOT team due to their exceptional pre-event planning, organisation and ability to adapt to clients needs as required. At all times, they have treated our team and respect and a high level of professionalism. They are a pleasure to deal with at all levels within our organisation.

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New Zealand

As someone who is not, and will never be, an event manager you had to walk me through the process, and I appreciate your patience. David said the Friday activities (for example) were the single best day he had ever had on one of these staff incentive weekends, and he has seen a few.

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I have worked with Vic and Dave and the team from HOT for over 15 years, not only as a guest on media incentive trips but I also have them arranging our annual franchise conference and corporate travel. There is no other company that I would trust in delivering our conference wherever in the world we may choose. When we travel with the team on their trips, they know all our specific requirements from seating on the aircraft, to making sure there is a fishing boat for us and cold beer. Vic is great fun and always professional being available all hours for anything that may arise.

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