Australia is currently experiencing an unprecedented bushfire emergency that has, at the time of writing, burned more than six million hectares of land, destroyed more than 2000 homes and killed 25 people and an estimated half a billion animals.
With many bushfires still burning in NSW and across Australia our thoughts are with the firefighters, their families and the communities affected by the fires. Many Sydney businesses have also stepped up to help out during the crisis, with a number of restaurants, cafés and bars hosting fundraisers.
The Australian Venue Co
All 15 of the Australian Venue Co’s locations are supporting the National Bushfire Disaster Appeal. In Sydney, this includes the Winery, Untied, the Rook, Bungalow 8 and Manly Wine. The group will be donating $1 for every schooner and $2 for every pint of Furphy sold until February 1st.
Continental Deli Bar Bistro Newtown
As if we weren’t already in love with this overachieving Inner West venue (check out our five-star review). Pop down to the deli for a slice of ricotta and blueberry cake for $10, with all proceeds being donated to support our brave firies.
Bar Luca
These patty-slingers are arguably one of the biggest names in what has become a highly-competitive burger scene in Sydney. Bar Luca will be donating $2 from every burger special sold this week to the NSW Rural Fire Service. The special in question is the Big Blame, a pimped-out version of the already decadent Blame Canada Burger – which involves poutine and maple bacon – doubling up the ingredients and adding a mozzarella pattie to the mix. The donation drive will be running across all three Sydney venues – including their original city venue on Phillip Street, Loaded by BL in Newtown, BL Burgers on Oxford Street.
Arthur
There’s a special place in our hearts for Arthur, where head chef Tristan Rosier takes the wheel on a seasonal set menu. For every house spritz sold until January 19 (and possibly beyond) the restaurant will be donating 100 per cent of sales to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Bills
This classic ’90s cafe chain hits all the right notes when it comes to good service, great dishes and bougie charm. Bills is donating $1 from every serving of hot cakes sold (their most popular dish) to the NSW Rural Fire Service, CFA (Country Fire Authority), Australian Red Cross and WIRES. You also have the option to add a voluntary $1 donation to your bill.
Lankan Filling Station
This little casual Sri Lankan diner is a stand-out gem in Darlinghurst, which also happened to scoop the Restaurant of the Year and Best Casual Dining Restaurant awards at the 2019 Time Out Food Awards. In January, Lankan is giving back, with all profits from the sale of their cashew curry being donated to the Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities.
Nel
This inventive and good value fine diner has taken out the People’s Choice in the Time Out Food Awards on more than one occasion. Nel will be donating $5 from every sale of their Australian-themed summer degustation menu to Rural Aid, giving back to the farmers that supply their produce.
Want to donate directly?
National
Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery
Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities
National Bushfire Disaster Appeal
NSW
Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES)