Gina Karlikoff

These places and collectives are putting the Bae into Beyonce with creative platforms and spaces designed for women, by women. 

When you’re waiting for a friend who’s always late, Town Hall steps just won't cut it. Avoid the bus fumes, pigeons, rapidly dying iPhone and makeshift seats with this essential list of places to pass the time. While most of them are in the middle of the city, they’ll make you feel miles away – making the wait not only shorter but also worthwhile.

Meet Sean McManus, the face of many happy mornings and 3pm slouches. The former head barista at Single Origin Roasters and barista/roaster at Artificer, is opening up his own coffee haunt next to Central Station. It’s called Neighbourhood. We chatted to him about what we can expect, and what it’s like to be one of the best baristas in town. Hi Sean! So tell us, how did you get into coffee?Coffee was one of those things where I started off as a bartender shaking cocktails. Then one day I was feeling jaded about the late hours, so I went down to my local coffee haunt, Barefoot Coffee Traders, and Squid, who was behind the bar, said, ‘What are you whinging about? Can you make coffee?’ He told me to hop on the machine to see what I could do. From there, it was a good three-and-a-half years hanging out with those guys. Now you’re opening up your own coffee shop, Neighbourhood. How long has that idea been in the making? I left Barefoot and had a memorable, lazy summer in Manly. From there I approached Single Origin Roasters where I worked under the guidance of Shoji Sasa (now at Artificer). I stayed there for four years, became head barista and had some success with coffee competitions with Single O’s full support [Sean won 3rd in the 2014 Australian Aeropress Championship and 2nd in the NSW Brewers Cup 2014/2015]. I guess it just came down to utilising all the experience that I’d gained from Barefoot and Single O, and shifting it into my own future. Tell us a little bit about the

With tickets to his Vivid Live shows selling fast, it's safe to say that Ta-ku's legacy is running hot. For one-week only this April, he'll be giving us a sneak peek into what makes him tick. The Perth-born producer, fashion collaborator and curator (with some very high-profile mates) will be undergoing his new project In Residence from April 11. The project is in collaboration with Dropbox and Our Golden Age Cinema, aiming to show us how new technologies are shaping creative processes and direction. To do this Ta-Ku will be hosting nightly talks with local and global innovators including chefs (Mitch Orr of ACME and Dan Hong of Mr Wong), DJs (like the awesome Andrew Levins), producers (Kuren), photographers, shoe-designers (Caroll Lynn) and of course, Instagrammers (Denise Kwong). Tickets will only be available to fans via contest submission. Don't worry though, if you miss a spot there's still plenty to hold onto. A multimedia gallery exhibition of Songs To Make Up To will be on display throughout the week. There'll be a piece of Ta-ku for everyone.

This ain't Woolies delivery. The Gourmet is now offering a fancier edit of Sydney’s foodie scene, shipped to the comfort of your couch. Their new service, Sydney’s Finest Purveyors, offers next-day delivery from producers and grocers including Simon Johnson, Brickfields Bakery, Mecca coffee, Earth to Table, Pasta Emilia and Venus Wholefoods.    Donna Thomas, the General Manager at The Gourmet, notes that "While it’s great to buy artisan products from the maker or restaurant in person, most of us just don’t have the time or means to do that".   The new service runs across the Sydney metro area from Parramatta to Pittwater. All orders before 8pm get next-day delivery for a flat rate of $9.95 or if the total is over $50, it's free. Let's face it, fine-dining tastes better in your trackies.         

Groovin’ the Moo (GTM) is coming to the NSW's Maitland this April the 23rd with a stella lineup of local and international acts including Ratatat, Danny Brown, Golden Features and Ms Mr. Heading up for the day is manageable – but why not make a weekender out of it? After the festival on Saturday, take the time on Sunday to not only recover but also discover the local gems around Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Central Coast or Taree.  Here's what to do while you're up there: 1. Find a new beach There’s a lot more to beaches in NSW than Bondi, Avalon and Gordon’s Bay. And let's face it, getting to those spots on the weekend can often take you as long as the train to Newcastle. If you’re heading up for GTM, take a dip along the way at Terrigal or stretch your legs by Avoca. Heading that little bit north for a swim also means the water is clearer and there’s more space to flap about.    2. After-party With the festival wrapping things up at a 10:30pm don’t let that dampen your spirits. Catch the shuttle bus from the showgrounds into Newcastle and dance the night away at the Argyle or King Street Hotel. When it’s time to wind down, head to the speakeasy whiskey bar Coal and Cedar on Hunter St. It’s a little hard to find (and you’ll have to text for access), but that makes it the perfect place to hide.      3. Kick-ons in the Hunter Valley Still feeling thirsty after Saturday’s shenanigans? Head to the Hunter Valley. Just make sure you’ve got a designated driver for the 25 minute