Sassafras Canteen
Iconic Paddington cafe Sassafras has undergone some significant changes recently, shaking up its offering and adding some new elements to its set up. Now known as Sassafras Canteen, the establishment has converted its back garden into an evening bar, offering craft beer from Newstead Brewing Co. and Green Beacon Brewing Co, as well as wine and cider. Share plates of cheese and meats have been added to the menu, as has a range of gourmet hot dogs. The bar is open from 2:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with live music every Sunday from 4:00 pm.

Sichuan Bang Bang, Pizzeria Violetta and Benzina
After creating her own dining hub in the heart of Kenmore, Renata Roberts is now bringing second instalments her three food destinations Sichuan Bang Bang, Pizzeria Violetta and Benzina to Paddington. Securing a spot on Given Terrace, Renata will be opening the three venues side by side, with distinct separations between each. The beloved menus from the Kenmore locations will come across, as well as some new additions. Renovations of the new location will begin in February and Renata hopes the doors will be open in mid-to-late March.

Truck It Street Feeds
The year 2015 might go down in history as the year that food-truck frenzy first seized Brisbane tastebuds, but don’t expect the trend to die out in 2016. Friday December 18 will see Fortitude Valley venue The Brightside offer its own foodie event when it hosts Truck It Street Feeds Laneway Party. Combining live music and street food, Truck It will host The Bun Mobile, The Bone Lorry, Micasa, Juan More Taco and Gourmet H-Dogz in the car park, alongside permanent fixture Lucky Egg.

Everingham + Watson pop-up
Australiana enthusiasts take note – the annual Everingham + Watson pre-Christmas pop-up shop is back for another year. Opening tomorrow, Wednesday December 2, this year’s pop-up will be at 2 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, until Monday December 21. The pop-up store will bring together Everingham + Watson’s colourful range of kitsch-patterned homewares, old-school toys, bed linen and handmade accessories, as well as its new Girt by Sea summer collection featuring body products, textiles and stationery. The pop-up shop will be open weekdays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and weekends from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

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