Doltone House Event Showcase
Working for one of Sydney’s most successful PR companies, as Office Assistant I’m frequently delegated the task of planning and organising events. So when we were invited to this year’s Doltone House Business Showcase, my manager and I were keen to see what they had to offer – and how could we turn down an evening of complimentary drinks and food!?
Founded in 1954 at Pyrmont wharf by Biaggo Signorelli, the Doltone House legacy has become Sydney’s most influential hospitality establishments. From intimate cocktail parties to weddings and large scale business events, their ever growing venue collection offers a variety of options to suit every occasion.
Starting at Jone’s Bay Wharf in Pyrmont, we kicked things off with sliders and ciders; a pear cider to match the spiced lentil patty and an apple cider to compliment the pulled pork mini burger. We started strong and how we meant to go on!
We were then shown onto the next space up on the rooftop where we were greeted with refreshing ice cold Chandon. With a large terrace overlooking the harbour bridge, The Loft was one of my favourite venues with exposed beams and 3 split levels to create a unique layout.
Next we were shown around the contemporary SoHo room and bar with trendy interiors including an antler lamp shade, bookcases and old school leather couches. This English period style reflects cool downtown New York vibes, perfect for hosting a more intimate cocktail or birthday party.
Venue number 4 was a short walk down the road where we were shown the fun activities which could add something different to your event. The group was split up to do either table arrangements, arancini ball making or a gin masterclass which we were lucky enough to participate in! We had a laugh shaking our cocktails and enjoyed our G&Ts paired with the delicious arancini fresh from the oven.
The final destination was Hyde Park House and it certainly didn’t disappoint. After walking through the opulent entrance with twinkling chandeliers, we were taken to the large function room overlooking the park which had been turned into a Christmas Party! A Mimosa in hand and live jazz band playing festive tunes, we got stuck in decorating our Gingerbread men, how fun!
Over at the bar we were served lychee blinis and spoilt with homemade sticky toffee pudding pots. We certainly had been treated with lots of drinks and delicious food we couldn’t say no to.
To finish the evening we had our makeup touched up for the LinkedIn headshot. I would’ve preferred to have this taken at the beginning before I had consumed such a mix of drinks…but the gin made me grin 😀
We were truly looked after all evening and given a unique overview of some of the fabulous venues Doltone House has to offer. Not only do they provide a stunning space to match your needs, but they can tailer every detail of the catering, drinks and activities to suit your requirements and host a seamless event delivered with class and style.
It may have been a Tuesday evening, but with my sister in town and my visa confirmation, it was more than necessary to pop the bubbly!
My fabulous chef land lady who is a family friend put the evening together and did a marvellous job of prepping and serving a delicious dinner. It was a treat to have the dining table laid as I often sit out on the balcony with my dinner.
We were treated to a one dish delight of chicken thighs, sweet potato, beetroot and spinach drizzled with lemon mint jus and sprinkled with hazelnuts.
What a way to officially welcome in my second year in Sydney by hosting my family to a dinner party in this gorgeous home of Lavender Bay.
So when it comes to the weekend, sometimes there’s nothing better than taking time out to enjoy simple pleasures. I never have chance to make my favourite bowl of oats during the work week, so for Saturday brunch I indulge in a beautiful bowlful packed with plenty of fruit, cinnamon & nut butter. My current preferred choice is Almond Pistachio Butter by the 99th Monkey, a Melbourne brand which uses only natural products to create a range of yummy spread combos.
Getting in my loungewear and in direct line of the air-con (it’s over 30 degrees here in Oz at the moment!), I settle in for the night in front of Graham Norton with a glass of vino. How lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful home too amongst the art and eclectic interiors. Cheers to the weekend wind-down from Lavender Bay ❤
Arriving at midday on Australia Day, the cafe was bustling and there was a little wait for a table. Finally we bagged our spot on a bench right by the window with prime view of the harbour and clear blue water splashing on the rocks right by our feet.
I ordered my classic long black with a dash of hot milk and for brekky I chose the granola bowl served with soy soaked chia, mango, berries and edible flowers. Exquisite presentation and delicious flavour combos matched with top coffee, I left well fed and ready for my birthday celebrations!
I would be keen to return to try another one of their tempting all day breakfast combos which initially drew me in on their popular Instagram feed. Celsius certainly serves up all the goods with a varied food menu for all tastes and perfect coffee to match the dreamy location.
Meeting my friend after work, we browsed the beautiful exhibition before stopping off for a glass (or two) of wine. I was in awe of the use of space as the beautiful art on display was such a contrast juxtapose to the raw, cumbersome interiors of this ancient building.
The Crystal Cloudscape built from thousands of sparkling chandeliers was exquisite and the eye-catching hanging metallic mobiles twinkled majestically against the exposed brickwork. However these hold a deeper meaning as on closer inspection they contain shapes of a teardrop, bullet or gun to symbolise the polarising gun occupancy prevalent in American culture today.
We then spent the evening winding down over some delicious Spanish tapas and a few glasses of Pinot Gris. We were treated to a pear parmesan rocket salad and polenta chips courtesy of my lovely landlady who is the head chef at Cosecha and finished the night with a little cheese board.
As an arts and culture hub, this space at Carriageworks attracts a variety of eclectic people to create a buzzing, friendly atmosphere welcome to anyone and everyone. I certainly can’t think of a better way to spend my hump day evening!
So here I find myself in the home of an artist turned chef and all round creative who has refined this beautiful space into a home inspired by her life of travels. Every corner of the flat is tastefully put together and has a story behind it to be told, from the opulent mosaic bone china to the side stool found on a street corner!
A couple of weeks prior to my move, this original framed print of John Lenon was purchased and placed as the centrepiece above my bed. To compliment such a dynamic piece, my Auntie gifted me this incredible tribal necklace which I’ve placed in prime position on my chest of drawers.
Adding my own personal touches to the decor with my ballet shoes hanging off the mirror and boat hat placed side by side with the necklace, I wanted to reflect the eclectic theme which is echoed throughout the flat. I feel so inspired by my surroundings nestled here in the hidden timeless pocket of Lavender Bay, Sydney.
Spending my weekends browsing the markets, trying another new coffee shop and meeting my friends for avro drinks in one of the quintessential pubs, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. However such an exclusive postcode comes at a price and an opportunity arose to live with a family friend in Lavender Bay. Given the idyllic location and beautiful apartment on offer, I decided to take the leap from central Sydney to just over the bridge…
New Years day and our delicate heads were fixed with a dip in the lagoon and morning of mooching the boutique shops of Byron. Before leaving, we also visited The Farm with its popular cafe and restaurant on site run by the founders of hatted restaurant Three Blue Ducks in Sydney. Here we enjoyed a much needed coffee and spot of brunch overlooking the sunflower fields before another long leg on the road. It was a busy time of year with the holidays in full swing, so I would be keen to visit another time to experience the true free-spirited local vibes of hippie Byron Bay.
Ending up back in Sawtell where we had initially scoped out a good spot to camp by the river, we launched the boat late afternoon and got fishing as the sun went down at golden hour. With a quiet river to ourselves, tunes playing in the background and a glass of vino in hand, it was the most blissful way to welcome in the first day of 2019. Our setup for the night was just perfect too, with a makeshift kitchen laid out on the grass and boat back on dry land set up with the bed ready to fall into after dinner. I made the most of what we had as shops had closed early on the bank holiday, even having to use tin foil for makeshift plates! I put together some bruschetta with cucumber, tomato and lemon for starters before steaming some broccoli and corn to accompany our little white fish from the days catch – modest yet so tasty.
After a quick dip in the ocean to reset our bodies, we visited my boyfriend’s auntie and uncle’s place where we could chill for a few hours in the cool air-conditioning. I also got to catch up on some journal writing which I hadn’t had time for over the Christmas period. It was the most idyllic setup as I sat overlooking the golf course and Mollymook beach.
That evening we were welcomed to stay the night and kindly invited to join a BBQ with yet more yummy offerings of seafood, steak and salads. I was in charge of serving the G&Ts which gave me a good head-start for our night out in the local town of Ulladulla.
Joining our mate who is founder and producer of Mammals, we were off to see a Babe Rainbow gig at The Marlin. Another night on the VBs and some good tunes was a recipe for a fun filled evening of dancing around and having a good laugh. I thought Molly was just a quiet family seaside town, little did I know there is a buzzing young community scene in and around quaint Magical Mollymook!
