Photo Credit: Steven Woodburn One of Paddington’s most enduring pubs has officially reopened its doors — and it’s done so with heart, history and a very good pizza oven. The Captain Cook Hotel  reopened on 11 February following a thoughtful, heritage-led regeneration by hospitality group Bird & Bear , who took custodianship of the historic venue in December 2025. Known for operating community-focused pubs that balance strong identity with genuine inclusivity, the group also s

Stand Out Comedy The Chippo Hotel Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP It’s great to discover new comedy venues, and my latest finding was Stand Out Comedy at The Chippo Hotel in Chippendale. The show combines stand-up comedy with improv. Even though this isn’t a review about the hotel bistro, the parmi was excellent, and my companions told me that their grilled barramundi and mushroom burger were equally delicious. With the venue’s proximity to UTS and Sydney University, the audience