EDITION 12
Five Fresh Venues to try this Autumn
From a Palm Springs inspired rooftop bar to a modern chinese dining experience, or a taste of the Hunter Valley on the water’s edge – Newcastle’s City and Beaches precinct keeps surprising. We encourage you to head ‘into town’ this Autumn and try five of the city’s newest venues.
Blanca
Take your tastebuds on a journey through the Mediterranean at one of Honeysuckle’s newest destinations – Blanca. Upon entering the restaurant you’ll feel like you could be somewhere along the coastline of Greece or Sicily, with bright white furnishings and a mosaic sandstone floor. The menu features Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist, with mezze plates designed to share as well as larger mains. They’re open ‘til late on weekends, so you can take your time and savour a great night out.
2/11 Honeysuckle Drive,
Newcastle NSW 2300
Hao Chi by Lee’s Yum Cha
The team behind Lee’s Yum Cha have opened their latest venue – Hao Chi. Novocastrians might recognise the restaurant’s facade, which was once home to great dining institution – Chinois. The interior has been completely updated, with sleek modern oriental-inspired furnishings, paired with some of the more familiar aspects you’d come to expect at a Chinese restaurant, such as the round tables with Lazy Susans, or the large live seafood tank. The menu is incredibly extensive, and pairs modern Cantonese flavours with traditional yum cha dishes.
326 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
Charlie’s Rooftop
Transporting you to somewhere else entirely is Newcastle’s newest rooftop bar and restaurant – Charlie’s. Heavily inspired by Palm Springs and the mid-century-modern style of the 1950s and 60s, Charlie’s is a great spot for dinner and drinks or if you’re in the mood for a dance, stay for the in-house DJ. The food menu is expansive, with a variety of share plates, tacos or larger mains on offer. The carefully curated cocktail list features tropical classics like the mojito or chili margarita, and the best part is that all can be enjoyed under the covered rooftop space – rain, hail or shine.
529 Hunter Street,
Newcastle NSW 2300
Thermidor
If oysters and seafood are your thing, you can’t go past Thermidor – an oyster bar and brasserie situated on Newcastle Harbour. Owners Jess and Josh Gregory are no strangers to the Newcastle hospitality scene, having worked at Muse, Subo and Bistro Molines to name a few. The menu has been designed to showcase the best the Australian coast has to offer, while the restaurant’s design reflects that of a bustling Parisian bistro mixed with an iconic San Francisco oyster bar. While seafood does feature heavily, there’s plenty of other options too and even a dedicated kids’ menu – so bring the family along.
1/7 Honeysuckle Drive,
Newcastle NSW 2300
Hope Estate at The Landing
Iconic Hunter Valley Winery, Hope Estate, has taken over the reins of The Landing at Honeysuckle. Offering a tasting bar of their popular wine list, as well as a wide range of beers and spirits, head along to Hope at the Landing for a relaxed night out. There are plenty of good eats too, with a tapas menu, charcuterie boards, burgers, pizzas and tacos. The vibrant waterside bar and restaurant have set the tone for what we can expect when their signature venue, Hope at Honeysuckle opens in the Wharf Building later in 2024.
1 Honeysuckle Drive,
Newcastle NSW 2300