WHATS NEW IN NSW - NEW FOOD AND DRINK

QT Newcastle hotel

Fine dining with flair in Newcastle

Celebrated chef Massimo Speroni is bringing his Michelin-star experience to Newcastle with Jana, the signature restaurant of the new QT Newcastle hotel. The modern Australian menu will incorporate a hint of Speroni's Italian heritage, so diners can expect classic techniques and flavours mixed with innovative new twists. There will be a strong focus on local produce as well as a wine list that leans heavily on the nearby Hunter Valley.

Whisky a go go

Uninterrupted harbour views and Newcastle's largest collection of Japanese whisky make The Rooftop at QT the city's best new spot for a nightcap. Cocktails like the Harajuku Highball and Tomasu Margarita are served alongside a menu of Japanese share plates of salmon sashimi, yakitori chicken and miso eggplant. It's a little touch of Tokyo glam in this surfside city.

Tumbarumba tasting
Though the region is best known for its wines, visitors to Tumbarumba can now add a gin distillery to their itinerary. Ladbroken Distillery sits beside Tumbarumba Creek and is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Snowy Mountains High Country. It was started in 2020 by Robbie and Neil Ladbrook from a desire to craft great Australian single malt whisky and botanical gins. The tasting room opened in April and is now open on weekends, with a dedicated Cocktail Club running Friday and Saturday nights. The Distillery Discovery Experience includes a behind-the-scenes tour with the distillers and a tasting of three gins.

Tomakin levels up

Tomakin Sports Club has undergone a revamp to turn it from a classic community club into The Patch, a stylish, modern foodie destination on the South Coast. The 226-seat venue will showcase the best seafood and fresh produce from the Eurobodalla region, with indoor and outdoor dining areas overlooking lush gardens. It's an elevated offering for Tomakin that will appeal to locals and visitors alike.