Barangaroo is named after a leader of the Cammeraygal people and wife of Kenneling of the Wangal people, ancestral elders of the First peoples. The transformation from a disused container terminal on the edge of Sydney’s CBD into a spectacular 22 hectare waterfront precinct will see the streets of Barangaroo come to life in an action packed stroll. A number of special menus, events and shopping experiences themed to the festive season will be taking place.
Anason
Celebrate Christmas lunch by the water with a five-course feast at Anason in Barangaroo. Feast on a selection of Turkish mezes and sweet treats. Think pasha meze with creamy goat’s cheese and slivered pistachio; slow cooked octopus with curly peppers and heirloom tomatoes; and Ottoman donuts with pistachio ice cream.
When: Tuesday 25 December from 11.30am
Gift Ideas: $95pp for five-course (lunch)
Address: 5/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Bookings: anason.com.au
Bel and Brio
Bel & Brio Bel & Brio is a food and wine-lovers’ emporium, with a marketplace, restaurant and cellar with over 2000 wines, headed up by Jon Osbeiston. For the festive season the team has the perfect collection of gifts to please everyone; wine for the connoisseur, cookbooks for mum, candles, cosmetics, and don’t forget the Italian fine food of course. Think handmade pasta, olive oils, truffle oils, chocolates and cheeses. Bel & Brio can also create bespoke hampers with the goodies of your choosing.
Gift Ideas: 2016 Head the Brunettes Shiraz $59, Ottolenghi: The Cookbook $50, Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Whisky $250, Staple Hamper $250, Tea-Mania Hamper $179, Indulgence Hamper $220
Website: www.belandbrio.com.au
Address: 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
The Barber Shop
The Barber Shop is a continuation of the classic, premium brand created by award winning barman Mike Enright. The Balvenie Shave Experience is the ultimate grooming gift this Christmas – this includes a haircut, followed by a hot and cold towel shave with a Balvenie cocktail.
Gift Ideas: Mujle Shaving Kit $250, The Balvenie Shave Experience Gift Voucher $140
Website: http://thisisthebarbershop.com/
Address: 3, 33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Courses
Christmas Wreath Making with Flowers for Everyone:
Learn some handy skills directly from the experts just in time for the party season. Senior floral designers at Flowers for Everyone are here to work with you and lend a hand in creating your very own Christmas wreath. Enjoy a glass or two of prosecco as you practice your creative skills and master a beautifully bespoke design you can take home and show friends and family, just in time for the festive season. Known for their farm fresh seasonal bouquets, indoor plant arrangements and a curated selection of ready-to-go gifts.
When: 12 December, 5.00 – 6.30pm, Gift Ideas: $40 pp=
Book tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2208100069449531/
Gift Ideas: Bellaberry I Love You Chocolate $11.95, Marble Pot with Succulent $39.95, Hampers from $150 – $195
Website: https://www.flowersforeveryone.com.au/contact/barangaroo-shop.shtml
Address: 6/3, Sussex St, Barangaroo
Devon cafe
A two-course set menu at Devon Barangaroo and Devon North Sydney is available the whole month of December. Feast on a selection of entrées including prawns with a tom yum mayo; chargrilled sourdough with olive oil and Christmas baked ham with beetroot and apple relish. Mains include a choice of roasted pork belly, pasta or the breakfast with sakumas.
Mon-Fi 7am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4:30pm, public holidays 8am-3:30pm Bookings: devoncafe.com.au
Gift Ideas: $50pp for a two-course menu, bookings are essential, minimum of eight people.
Address: Shop 19, 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Whisky Making with Shirt Bar
Ever wanted to make your own whisky? Well this Masterclass is a must for you. With your very own blending kit, create a whisky just the way you like it! With the choice of 5 single malts of distinct flavour profiles (floral, fruity, creamy, citrus, & smokey), and under the guidance of a master blender, be tutored by the pros in the craftsmanship of blending your own perfect whisky. Shirt Bar Shirt Bar successfully pairs perfect-fitting business shirts with coffee and dark spirits. Design your ideal shirt from scratch with a whisky or wine in hand for the ultimate tailor-made experience.
When: 17 December, 6.30 – 9.30pm, Gift Ideas: $65 pp (includes a cocktail on arrival, tasting of grain whisky & the 5 distinct single malts, and creating your own personalised whisky)
Book tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/224447418305685/
Gift Ideas: Cudworth Cufflinks $70, Ganton Floral Shirt $150, Bowtie $65, The Bespoke Corner Tailors Pocket Square $50
Website: https://shirtbar.com.au/
Address: 7, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Christmas Cocktails with Untied
Let the Untied cocktail experts show you how to shake, stir and whip up drool worthy drinks for your Christmas lunch. Make, drink and take-home recipes for three festive drinks at this fun and interactive masterclass. Get the inside knowledge on how to make the best cocktails without specialised equipment using everyday items, and show off your new skills anywhere, anytime. Package also includes some complimentary nibbles.
When: 18 December, 5.30 – 7.00pm, Gift Ideas: $49 per person (includes 1 single shot cocktail, 2 double shot cocktails and shared plates of nibbles). Book tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/296946597619019/
The Butcher’s Block, Barangaroo
Several set menus have been created for Christmas. Enjoy a four-course menu designed by the team, starting with house drinks on arrival and wood fired flatbread with white bean hummus and chilli oil. Entrées can include crispy Queensland calamari with black garlic aioli and lime; duck parfait with pancetta jam, house pickles and grilled sourdough; and seared khiramasa kingfish with charred witlof, pomelo lime and jalapeno dressing. Mains provide choice with the classic wagyu beef burger; panko chicken; pork ribs; pan roasted ocean trout or the BBQ swordfish loin. Dessert brings with it a traditional Christmas pudding that will give your nan a run for her money.
Gift Ideas: $102pp
Address: 2/100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Bookings: http://butchersblockgroup.com.au/contact-us.html
Website: http://butchersblockgroup.com.au/
BELANCÉ BELANCÉ
A luxury men’s tailor and retail concept, combining the best international men’s lifestyle brands and a world-renowned made-to-measure service.
Gift Ideas: Baxter of California Water Pomade $32, Tommy Rough Tie $129, Von Routte Lyon Sneakers $240, Bang & Olufsen Portable Speakers $379 Website: https://www.belancetailoring.com/suits/
Address: Shop 1/3 Sussex Street, Barangaroo
Collector Store
Collector Store Collector Store combines fashion and home. Think Herbivore Botanicals for your bathroom routine, a Binchotan charcoal eye mask, cheese boards, tote bags, P.E. Nation activewear and more.
Gift Ideas: Herbivore Botanicals Jasmine Toner $60, Binchotan Charcoal Eye Mask $40, Redecker Dry Massage Brush $15, Hunter Lab Pinot Grape Skin Bath Soak $54, P.E. Nation Forecourt Crop Top $129, Becksondergaard Lauren Bag $279.95
Website: https://www.collectorstore.com.au/
Address: Shop 13/T2, Shipwright Walk, Barangaroo
Born by Tapavino
Born by Tapavino presents a Spanish feast and banquet set menu featuring marinated olives, croquettes del dia and Serrano jamon with spiced cherries, goats curd and mint; to seared scallops, sweet corn puree and fennel.
Gift Ideas: $80pp
Address: 9/23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Bookings: bookings@borntapavino.com.au
Website: https://www.tapavinobarangaroo.com/
Title Store
TITLE store is Australia’s largest independent retail collection of music, books and film, all under the one roof.
Gift Ideas: The School of Life: how to think about exercise $20, The School of Life: how to stay sane $20, Van Morrison – Astral Weeks (vinyl) $50, Joni Mitchell – Ladies of the Canyon (vinyl) $45, Audio- Technica Headphones $150
Website: https://www.titlemusicfilmbooks.com/
Address: 400 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Somedays
Somedays stocks a balanced list of Scandinavian, European, American and local fashion and accessories. Offering a unique and personal shopping experience, by presenting handpicked wearables that are not only stylish and of high quality, but which are at the forefront of international design and innovation.
Gift Ideas: 19-69 Purple Haze EDP $259, State of Escape Neoprene Tote Bag $229, Reliquia Hope Necklace $170
Website: https://somedays.com.au/
Address: 14, 200 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
12 Micron
A festive three-course menu overlooking the harbour that starts with a glass of champagne on arrival before digging into polenta chips with whipped cheddar, bush tomato and marinated olives. First course explores the sea with choices from kingfish with native limes, wasabi and apple; oysters with finger lime dressing; king prawns with lemon aspen and sea herbs; or lobster with crab consume, fennel and daikon. Enjoy some heartier dishes of rotisserie pork with caramelised apple, muntries and cider jus; roast wagyu with onions and pepper berry jus; or barramundi with fennel, citrus and native fruikake. Finish on a sweet note with a Christmas pudding, white chocolate and rosella, some mince pies and eggnog, and mini coconut roughs.
When: Monday 25 December, 12pm or 2.30pm sittings
Gift Ideas: $155pp
Address: Tower 1, level 2, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Website: 12micron.com.au/
Peter’s of Kensington
Peter’s of Kensington stocks the biggest brands in homewares, kitchenware, dinnerware and more in a boutique setting.
Gift Ideas: S’well water bottle $47, Christian Lacroix Butterfly Parade Dessert Plate $78, E+M Mechanical Graphic Pencil $79, Viski Flask $50, Ted Baker Accessory Box $79, Redd Leather Watch Box $129
Website: https://www.petersofkensington.com.au/
Address: 6, 100 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Oh! Boo
Oh! Boo Chocolates Oh! Boo Chocolates creates artisanal hand-painted chocolates using chocolate from Peru and Venezuela. The range includes pralines (their signature creations), rocher, brittle, nougat and fruits. For Christmas indulge all the chocolate lovers with an Oh! Boo Chocolates hamper.
Gift Ideas: Chocoholic small hamper $45, Chocoholic large hamper $60 Website: https://ohboo.com.au/
Address: 1, 33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Opique Boutique
Optique Boutique is a sleek destination for designer frames and sunglasses sourced from around the world.
Gift Ideas: Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses $629, Kirk & Kirk Glasses $469 Website: http://optiquebarangaroo.com.au/
Address: 6, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
David Jones
David Jones’ boutique department store. There’s no need to venture into the city for Christmas shopping when all your gifts can be found just around the corner from the office. From make-up gift packs, clutches, and hampers, to perfumes, shoes and designer clothes, all are available at David Jones Barangaroo.
Gift Ideas: MAC Christmas Gift Pack $89, Foreo Luna 2 Face Cleanser $279, Acqua Di Parma Perfume $110, Marc Jacobs Backpack $289, Mimco Clutch $99.95, Just Add Cheese Hamper $69.95
Website: https://www.davidjones.com/stores/barangaroo
Address: 20/300 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
And there you have it, our gift guide and dining guide this festive season at one of the city’s premiere destinations.
Joseph Lloyd, Freelance Writer
Photo Credits: The Streets of Barangaroo, Oh Boo Chocolates, Optique, Ryan Linnegar, The Butchers Block Group