Manly Wharf Hotel

There’s nothing like an unexpected spin under Sydney harbour’s glittering lights to remind you to break out of your bubble and explore the abundance on our doorstep (or waterfront). We enter our plush luxury vessel (aka a taxi from Water Taxis Combined) at 6.30pm at the Rose Bay ferry wharf, escorted by a handsome gentleman in uniform.

Our destination of choice is the Manly Wharf Hotel, an exhilaratingly fast boat ride away from the CBD, which has brought on a new chef in honour of its 10th birthday celebrations. Disembarking at the wharf, we discover an outdoor bar full of family groups relaxing at long tables, almost oblivious to their 360 degree ocean views.

A recent refurbishment has created a beachy and relaxed vibe that suits the location, with colourful cushions, blackboard menus and painted surfboards adoring the place. A Jack Johnson-esque musician strums his guitar in the background, we settle for dinner on the comfy indoor seats.

 Examining the surprisingly sophisticated menu, we order a selection of roasted barramundi fillet on spinach gnocchi, herb seared tuna nicoise and a chargrilled lamb fillet salad (and chips – we are in a pub after all!). All were presented beautifully and expertly cooked. The wine selection offered a good cross section of reasonably priced Australian wines, starting at $30 per bottle – a refreshing change when accompanied by a spectacular view.

The friendly staff fit the theme in their nautical t-shirts, and whipped up a couple of cocktails while good-naturedly admitting that they were pretty rarely ordered.

Whether you’re rocking up in thongs after a day at the beach, glammed up for a date night or meeting a mate for a post-work beer, you can be assured of decent food, a chilled out crowd, and an unpretentious haven of waterfront views. Thumbs up to the Manly Wharf Hotel.

Lifeafterfive* was a guest of the Manly Wharf Hotel.

Social September; How will you 'Disconnect to Reconnect'?

“Dad – are you okay? It’s been three hours since you checked your blackberry” was my sister’s introduction to my dad in her wedding speech. The ensuing guilty laughter of all those who could relate (or were sneakily updating their facebook under the table mid-speech) is a telling indicator of who –or what – has the upper hand in our relationship with technology. 

Whether playing Words with Friends while crossing the road or sitting on iPads while having coffee with friends, Social September encourages people to connect with each other – by disconnecting. It is an initiative to raise funds for the Reach Foundation, which promotes the mental health and emotional wellbeing of vulnerable young people.

Photo: Social September Facebook 

Funnily enough, Social September is using our addiction to all things techy – facebook, twitter, the whole social media sphere – to get this message across. Recognising the critical role that technology does play in facilitating our social lives, super socialite and founder of Social September, Bianca Venuti-Hughes, is encouraging us to be more conscious of the where, why and how we do it. Don’t quit facebook – but stop checking it when with company. Keep an eye on your emails – but not over dinner with your girlfriend (or at your daughter’s wedding). Answer that SMS – when you’ve finished our conversation with your mum. 

Founder Bianca Venuti-Hughes reconnects using old-school technology

Launching at the stylish Mezzaluna Ristorante Italiano in Potts Point, ambassadors roved the floor with giant plastic phones as guests admired the sparking Sydney skyline. Maria Venuti, the larger than life entertainer of Mad Pizza fame, stunned the crowd with a powerful rendition of “That’s what friends are for” as the connected crowd tweeted, checked in and instagrammed pics of the event. 

Photo: Social September Facebook

As the clock ticks past midnight tonight, we will farewell winter and commence our springtime socialising – so go to www.socialseptember.com for more info, register to host a Reconnect event, or take on a personal Disconnect challenge for September.

Miss Marmalade, Bondi Junction

"Decaf coffee is like kissing your sister!" The wall, Miss Marmalade

8am, Monday morning. I walk briskly to Bondi Junction station to catch the train to work, an icy wind biting the tip of my nose. At 8 degrees Celsius, my head is down, scarf tightly wound and gloved hands jammed into my pockets. Oxford St is a peripheral blur of sleepy shops, loud buses and early morning commuters. 

 

A warm blast of air and chilled music jolts me out of my determined stride as I pass Miss Marmalade. An oasis of warmth in the Sydney chill, Miss Marmalade is a surprisingly cozy vintage haven, chalk scribbled all over the walls with irreverent quotes amongst the art. The walls may be cheeky but this establishment is clearly serious about its coffee, and appeals to the demand for organic and fair-trade that is flourishing in Bondi but surprisingly scarce in the junction itself. 

I break my mad rush to order a coffee from the dimpled waiter who grins and banters with me while I wait. A laugh, a sensational coffee and a moment of serenity in an otherwise routine trip to work; thanks to Miss Marmalade for a gentle reminder to stop and smell the coffee beans.