Head back in time with innovative cocktails high above Sydney

 

Take the lift to level 22 and the world looks a whole lot better. 

High above the hustle and bustle and construction noise of the day, Sydney sparkles from up in the sky. 

Mixology is a serious business but the cocktails at stylish sky-high bar Dean & Nancy on 22 are full of fun. 

This is a cocktail bar worth seeking out; a nice vibe; great views. And some nifty snacks, as well. 

I was a bit late checking out the launch of its new signature cocktail menu, Time Machine, which is billed as "a spirited journey through the cultural icons, inventions and milestones that defined the 1950s and 1960s".

Innovative, with the interactive menu that invites guests to unlock each cocktail by rotating a spinning time selector, revealing the stories and flavours of 14 signature creations. And that's in addition to some long-time favourites and some ‘High Roller’ drinks made tableside. 

You can choose to sit at the bar, or at a private booth (ideal for small groups). 

Among the menu of craft cocktails is: Road Runner ‘Beep Beep’: A playful tribute to the beloved Warner Brothers’ cartoon, this tequila-based cocktail arrives in a custom 3D printed dynamite bar vessel. 

There is also  the Instant Camera: blending nostalgia with innovation, this vodka highball channels the childlike curiosity that sparked Edwin Land’s invention of the Polaroid. Guests receive a freshly snapped instant photo as their garnish - and as a keepsake. 

I very much liked the great looking Black Box (above), a citrus‐driven whisky cocktail honouring Australian inventor Dr David Warren and his invention in 1954 of the flight recorder. Think macadamia‐infused The Dalmore 12, mandarin, blackberry, black chinotto and an orange dust garnish to echo the real device’s colour. 

We also tried the fun M&Ms (Michters Rye Whiskey, Oats, Licor 43, vanilla, peanut butter, cacao and cream), which comes with a side serve of M&Ms, and a Kid Ory, a blend of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum, salted calamansi and pineapple, Tia Maria, Agricole Rhum and Cacao bitters. 

Great if you don't have to drive. 

There is an enticing selection of snacks: we sampled the impressively French-accented saucisson sec with cornichons (below), caramelised onion dip with pickles and parmesan crackers, and Manchego croquettes with Iberico and verde mayo.

All were tasty and well presented, but you can also choose from some share plates, perhaps some oysters, or buttermilk kingfish, or opt for a pork and beef lasagna, or a Wagyu ribeye with chimichurri sauce.   

“At Dean & Nancy, we’ve always believed cocktails should do more than taste great - they should spark the imagination,” says restaurant and bar manager Krisztian Csigo.

“Our Time Machine menu celebrates the people and moments that shaped a generation, brought to life through playful techniques, vintage references and modern mixology.” 

The Time Machine menu was developed in collaboration with the world-renowned team at drinks innovators Maybe Sammy. 

There is an aperitivo hour between 5-6pm with discounted drinks, including cocktails and wines by the glass. Ideal for watching the sun set. 

Dean & Nancy on 22, Level 22, 2 Hunter St, Sydney. Open 4.30pm until late. 

See www.deanandnancyon22.com.au

* The writer was hosted by Dean and Nancy on 22.

Accor to have three new hotels in Hamilton, New Zealand

Accor, the largest hospitality group in New Zealand, is going all in on the city of Hamilton.

The group has announced the signing of two new Mantra hotels in the fast-growing regional centre.

To be developed by Hamilton-based developers Sanjil Mistry and Pienaar Piso from Mistry Centre Ltd., the two new-build hotels are expected to open in 2027.

Together, they will add 92 rooms to the city inventory, with Mantra Hamilton Pembroke Street (render above) set to offer 52 rooms and Mantra Hamilton Karewa Place set to offer 40 rooms.

The signings build on Accor's existing relationship with Mistry Centre, which is also developing the upcoming Pullman Hamilton, a landmark conversion hotel project in the heart of the city.

The addition of two Mantra hotels will complement Pullman Hamilton by broadening Accor's offering across multiple segments and guest needs, from premium city stays to flexible studio and apartment-style accommodation.

Hamilton is New Zealand's fourth-largest city and a key gateway to the wider Waikato region.

“Mantra is one of the most trusted and recognised hotel brands in the Pacific, and these signings represent an exciting step in its continued expansion across New Zealand,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region.

“Hamilton is a city with strong momentum, growing visitor demand and an increasingly diverse travel market. By introducing two new Mantra hotels alongside the future Pullman Hamilton, we are creating a stronger, more complete accommodation offering for the city, while deepening our valued partnership with Mistry Centre.”

Avani rings the changes to mark Queenstown debut

Visitors to Queenstown are about to gain another international brand hotel option when Minor Hotels opens Avani Queenstown, a lakeside retreat in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Opening in September 2026, the re-imagined hotel marks Avani’s Queenstown debut and will be brand's New Zealand flagship.



Formerly known as Oaks Shores Resort, the property has undergone a significant transformation; from serviced apartments into a full-service hotel.

Set on Queenstown’s lakefront, Avani Queenstown is designed to offer experiences ranging from après-ski moments by the fireplace to private dining experiences and flexible event spaces for both for intimate celebrations and larger gatherings.

Wellbeing is priority, with AvaniSpa offering space to reset and recharge, and AvaniFit delivering a modern approach to fitness.

A defining feature of the hotel will be Six to Midnight, an all-day dining venue showcasing local and seasonal produce. Designed as a social hub for both visitors and locals, the venue evolves throughout the day from breakfast and lunch to high tea, après-ski drinks and evening à la carte dining.

Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the hotel's transformation reflects both the strength of the Queenstown market and Avani's continued growth in the region.

“Avani Queenstown introduces a premium lifestyle offering to one of New Zealand's most dynamic tourism destinations," Hooley said. 

"Combining a standout lakefront location with Avani's design-led approach, the hotel delivers a contemporary guest experience that reflects how travellers increasingly want to stay, connect and experience a destination."

Avani Queenstown joins Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences as the brand’s second property in New Zealand, strengthening the brand;s presence across Australasia following the recent opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Visit avanihotels.com for more information. 

Australian travel industry boss slams organisation reponsible for air traffic control

The head of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has hit out at the lack of professionalism being displayed by the organisation that operates air traffic control and navigation at major airports.

Airservices Australia is an Australian Government-owned corporation, responsible for providing services to the aviation industry and it has overseen two recent near misses at Sydney Airport.

“Airservices Australia is the last major part of Australia’s aviation sector still struggling to recover from Covid," ATIA CEO Dean Long (right) said in a media statement.

"Airlines, airports and the broader travel industry have rebuilt their workforces and operations, but Airservices continues to be a major choke point for Australian aviation.

“Staff shortages and processes that are not match-fit for today are causing significant disruption for airlines, airports, travel businesses and, ultimately, Australian travellers. Five years after Covid, this simply cannot continue.

“There needs to be far greater transparency from Airservices about what is driving these ongoing problems and, most importantly, a clear plan to fix them.

“Whether the answer is more staff, better training or improved processes, Airservices needs to lift its performance urgently and get the system operating at the level Australians and international visitors deserve.”

ATIA is the peak body representing Australia’s $70.6 billion travel industry. It represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers, and ITOs.

A lunchtime oasis offers top value in Sydney CBD

 

Anyone looking for a value lunch option close to Sydney CBD might want to have Jackalberry Bar & Restaurant on their radar.

In a city where food prices can range between expensive and stratospheric, the cosy restaurant at the front of the Hyatt Regency hotel is offering something a little bit different. A little oasis of calm and conviviality.

The new lunch menu showcases a wide array of flavours with a one course and one drink package for just $29.

Perfect if you want to know exactly what you are going to spend.

Dishes include charred lamb cutlets, crispy skin barramundi with laksa broth and noodles, or Mexican chicken salad that can all be be paired with your choice of house beer, wine, soft drink, or juice.

I opted for a very impressive Truffle Steakhouse burger with cheese, truffle aoli, balsamic onions, crispy pickle and delicious crispy fries (above), paired with a chilled glass of Tyrrell's semillon sauvignon blanc. I could easily have opted for a pad Thai, or a creamy mushroom fettucine.

My wife chose the healthy option of the prawn poke bowl (below), paired with a pot of jasmine tea.

We opted against adding a dessert ($9) - both mains were substantial - but could have chosen a mango crème brûlée, or an old-fashioned chocolate cake.

The vibe is English country tea house with service from some grizzled hospitality veterans keeping a keen eye on proceedings. It's not haute cuisine, but it is good food, freshly cooked in congenial surroundings.

It's an ideal venue for a quick break from the office, or a relaxed catch up. And with a set price per person you don't have to worry about someone ordering Champagne and lobster and then want to split the bill evenly.

The one course and one drink for $29 deal is available daily, 11:30am-3pm. There is also a $22 make your own salad option. 

# The writer was hosted by Jackalberry Bar and Restaurant 

AirAsia recognised for consistent performance

I've flown several times with AirAsia, both long-haul and short-haul, and find the budget carrier consistently delivers exactly what it promises.

It's no frills. But the price is right.

AirAsia was earlier this month named Airline of the Year - International at the Australian Aviation Awards, the third time it has been honoured.

Benyamin Ismail, general manager AirAsia X, said it was an honour that reflects the airline's ongoing commitment to innovation and its people.

"Winning Airline of the Year - International at the Australian Aviation Awards for a third time is an incredible honour and recognition of the work our Allstars have put into continually improving the experience we deliver for our guests," he said.

"Over the past year we've invested across every aspect of our business, most notably from a digital and operational perspective.

"We have made significant investment in new technologies and AI to help streamline processes, especially in our customer experience and journey through our AirAsia MOVE website and app. We are continuously optimising our operations to find efficiencies, allowing us to remain competitive so we can stay true to our mission of making travel accessible to everyone.

“None of what we've achieved would be possible without our people. Our Allstars come to work every day united by a shared ambition to make AirAsia the world's most connected low-cost airline. We've invested heavily in creating a workplace where our people can thrive because we know that when our Allstars succeed, so do our guests. It's incredibly rewarding to see that commitment recognised alongside the work we're doing to transform the travel experience.”

Ismail acknowledged the importance of Australia within AirAsia's global network.

"Australia is one of AirAsia's most important international markets and has played a significant role in our growth over the years," he said. "We'd like to sincerely thank the Australian Aviation Awards for this honour. To be recognised alongside so many respected airlines and aviation businesses is a privilege, and we'll continue striving to deliver even greater value and connectivity for Australian travellers."

In 2025, AirAsia Group carried more than 68 million passengers across its 150 destinations, strengthening its position as one of the world's leading low-cost airline groups.