Gin Lane, in the Kensington Street precinct, now offers classes on its namesake spirit covering tasting and cocktail making, fuelled by snacks and free-flowing G&Ts; by appointment for groups of 12-25. ginlanesydney.com.au

Fave Bentleigh café Good Times Milk Bar has launched a new old-school takeaway burger window next door. Get six types of buns, plus fries and milkshakes, from Thursday to Sunday from 4pm.

Belles Hot Chicken kicks off its first guest chef series, Rulers of the Roost, in Fitzroy today with Peter Jo, aka Kimchi Pete, of Shik slinging fried bird and secret-style chicken ribs served with – what else? – Shik kimchi.

Jamón! Salt cod! Croquetas! We must be in Spain. Or some place like it. Yes, the new Bar Topa on Palings Lane channels Spain’s tapas bars. Grazing options extend to drinks – $8 for half-pour cocktails makes sampling a no-brainer.

The city’s oldest pub, The Duke, has raised the roof with a new rooftop bar with views of The Forum and Fed Square. Wind down with cool cocktails and eat up with classic burgers, hot dogs and fried chicken.

When hearts are breaking all across the country, Cookie Doh Co has got you covered. In the lead-up to Spring breakup season, the company has released a limited edition flavour filled with edible hearts and white chocolate. It guarantees to have you falling back in love in no time.

Talented chef Danielle Alvarez, of Fred’s in Paddington, heads to Cabarita Beach to host an epicurean weekend at celebrated hotel Halcyon House, with a masterclass and knockout dining; 17-19 August. halcyonhouse.com.au

Entertaining may sound like a grand plan, but the realities of hosting tend to provoke plenty of anxiety. Avoid the pressures of entertaining by having someone do the hard part for you, while you stick to the socialising. The Caterer can help, assisting with everything from concept to menu planning, cooking, serving and (the best bit) cleaning up. The events specialist can handle any event, from a dinner for 20, to a cocktail party of 1000. Save yourself from the dramas of cooking for a crowd (and cleaning up after them) and instead consult the experts. You can find example dinner menus from the group online.

For the month of August, Thievery will transform into a Middle Eastern Yum Cha restaurant. Enjoy traditional Chinese dishes with a Middle Eastern twist, washed down with unique tea cocktails served in teapots. Bookings are essential at reservations@thethievery.com.au.

North Bondi Fish is hosting the perfect cool-down party following the City to Surf. Finish in style with DJ’s and drinks to celebrate those who finished… and even those who didn’t!

Sheridan has collaborated with the Sydney Opera House to create a breathtaking showcase of Australian culture. Designed to be featured in every room of the home, each piece pays tribute to this design icon.

Chin Chin Sydney has just launched a monthly Curry Club in Chii Town. For the month of August they are collaborating with Stone & Wood and will be serving a Stone & Wood Cloud Catcher on arrival followed by a delectable banquet created by chef Graeme Hunt. Curry Club will be held on Monday August 6 at 6pm for $49.50 per person. Tickets to the event can be purchased online.

Tea time has never been such a sweet occasion since the release of T2’s limited edition chai range. The dessert tea coincides with the cooler season and includes flavours Milk Rose Chai, and Spiced Apple Chai among its expanding range. Just add milk! You can purchase the range now online.

Moore Park is an unexpected haven for the barbecue fan thanks to the new pop-up of BlackBear BBQ in the Entertainment Quarter. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the gang will be smoking up a storm in their hand-built smokers, accompanied by live music and warm heaters until Summer returns. Joining the creators Hayden, Glen, and Ben every weekend on site is a rotation of dessert trucks – from Messina to Pimp My Chimney, plus Six Strings Brewery and new neighbours The Urban Winery serving up tins of beer, mulled wine and more.

Once again the country is headed for the beach with the return of the 28th annual Mudgee Wine and Food Festival to Balmoral Beach in Sydney on August 12. From 11.00am to 5.00pm, the entire foreshore of Balmoral Beach will play host to the longest running regional wine and food fair. Guests will be able to sip on blends by Bunnamagoo Estate, De Beaurepaire, Robert Oatley Vineyards, and newcomers Slowfox Wines, as well as savour fresh produce by local providers including High Valley Cheese, Mudgee Honey Haven and Milnes of Mudgee, and see the sights of Mudgee with a new state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Experience. For more festival information including shuttle service visit visitmudgeeregion.com.au.