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Time Out
26-05-2025
- Time Out
I spent 48 hours in this riverside Sydney suburb and never expected to feel this way
It's funny how you can live somewhere your whole life and still overlook whole chapters of its story. For me, Parramatta was one of those skipped pages – a place I'd passed through, not somewhere I'd lingered. A bit too far for a casual dinner, a bit too close to feel like a getaway. But when my friend and I were after an easy mini escape, we took a chance on this riverside city in Sydney's west. What we found wasn't only great food, a buzzing high street, top bars, culture, history, nature (who knew?), but also a whole new perspective on our own city. We check into the Parkroyal Parramatta because it's in the middle of the action, and the rooms have just had makeovers. From our room we can see the whole town: a mix of new and heritage buildings, Western Sydney Stadium, a glimpse of the river, and Church Street, which is lined with restaurants and serviced by the brand-new light rail. We start our first evening at the Club Lounge for some complimentary bubbles and canapés, and then dinner in the hotel restaurant, Table 30. Then we hit up one of Sydney's best bars, Nick & Nora's – a glamorous, Art Deco-style cocktail and Champagne bar 26 storeys in the air. From up here, the city sparkles. Next morning after brekkie (omelettes on demand, hashbrowns, waffles!), we take the Australian Heritage Walk along the river. The track is dotted with signs that trace the history of the Burramattagal people of the Dharug Nation – their deep connection to this waterway, the devastating impact of colonisation, and the river's enduring role in shaping Parramatta's story. What I find most surprising about the walk is that we're just a few minutes away from a buzzing metropolis, yet it feels bushy and wildlife-packed, with loads of birds, and we see some for-real Parramatta eels. (I learn that the name 'Parramatta' comes from the Aboriginal word 'Burramatta', meaning 'place of eels'.) We head to Parramatta Park, towards our lunch spot, and it gets even bushier. Then we see it – Misc is an arch-roofed restaurant perched on the water's edge, surrounded by grass and bushland. It's way more beautiful than the photos I've seen, and I realise we're in for a very special time. There are bottles of Veuve in a bucket of ice at reception, and we're taken to our river-view outdoor table – covered by a mint-green and white umbrella. We order a bottle of bubbly and settle in, watching birds flit around the trees. To start we order some blue swimmer crab rillettes on fried sourdough, then continue with the cheesiest baked rigatoni with spiced prosciutto bolognese (yum!), and fish with a moreish sauce made from burnt butter, capers and toasted almonds (so yum!). We have the most magical afternoon – this restaurant, alone, is worth coming to Parramatta for (they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the day). Setting off back to the hotel, we stop to explore the World Heritage Listed Old Government House, Australia's oldest public building. Built from 1799 by convicts, on the foundations of Governor Phillip's original 1790 thatched cottage, this joint served as one of the residences of Australia's first ten governors. As we explore the building – full of original colonial furniture, homewares and clothing – I feel icky. It's an extremely 'old English' home propped up on a grassy hill overlooking the river that was once the lifeblood of the traditional owners. If this feels out of place now, I imagine how out of place it would have felt back when this was all bushland declared 'terra nullius'. It's good to see things that confront you, I tell myself – that's why museums are here, to remind us of our past, and of the future we hope for. In the evening, we head to the Riverside Theatres – the Sydney Comedy Festival is on, so we thought we'd get around it. We buy a couple of drinks and snacks, and head into the 'Festival Gardens' – a fairy-lit bar area. TBH, we weren't sure about the idea of the show we're going to see: Malaysian Comedy Allstars. But, several seconds into the show – which features an Indian comedian, followed by Malaysian, followed by Chinese (all from Malaysia) – we're already cacking. A multicultural comedy show that playfully riffs on our differences and quirks seems an apt prelude to a stroll back up Church Street, which is pumping. Couples, families and groups of friends spill onto the footpaths, gathered around outdoor tables, feasting on everything from Italian to Indonesian, Nepalese, Filipino, Greek, Japanese, Spanish, Thai and more. We duck into a cool little Lebanese street food eatery called Sambousek to pick up some Lebanese pizzas for a steal ($8 for a big zaatar and cheese manoush, and $11 for a chicken, garlic sauce and cheese). Back out on the pavement, I take a moment to look around – at people with backgrounds from all over the world, all having fun in this eclectic stretch of city – and although I was confronted by the weight of history earlier at Old Government House, being here makes me feel grateful, and all the more hopeful for our future. After checking out of the hotel the next morning, we stop at the delightful Lucien Baked Goods – by the same crew as our , Circa Espresso – for coffee and a very good almond croissant. Fuel for the bike ride we're about to take. We hire our wheels from Bike Hire @ Sydney Olympic Park, then (think) we set off towards the Parramatta River Cycleway. We probably don't head in the right direction (hot tip: map out where you're keen to ride, then ask the people at the hire co. to point you in the right direction before you set off). Regardless, we end up on some beautiful foresty paths and riding by some pretty mangroves. Again, I didn't realise just how much wilderness there is right on the doorstep of this concrete jungle. After a cycle – in the words of Aussie band The Chats – all I want and all I need, all I crave is a good pub feed. I've heard good things about the revamped Guildford Hotel, so we head there for fish and chips and a steak, and it delivers. Great food, excellent prices, in a welcoming dining room with a stylish glow-up. As we roll back towards Marrickville, full of food and fresh air, I think about how much Parramatta surprised me – not just because we had fun, but because of what the place reveals about Sydney as a whole. Parramatta played such a significant role in Sydney's history – it was the second European settlement after Sydney Cove. Now, it's where the future of Sydney is being built, and a place where people from all over the world are shaping our city's story. Parramatta may be just down the road, but spending a couple of days here felt like travelling somewhere far richer than I expected – not just a getaway, but a glimpse into the layered, complicated and hopeful heart of modern Sydney. And that's a trip I'd take again.
France 24
25-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Union Saint-Gilloise end 90-year Belgian title drought
They finished three points clear of defending champions Club Brugge, held to a 1-1 draw by visiting Antwerp, at the close of the the playoff between the six best teams from the regular season. USG qualify directly for the group stage of next season's Champions League when they will have to stage matches away from the Joseph Marien Stadium, their home since 1919. The 9,000-seat stadium's Art Deco-style facade may have earned it a place on the Brussels heritage list, but the ground perched on the wooded hills of Forest, one of the 19 municipalities of the Belgian capital, does not meet UEFA standards. "I know many who wondered if they would ever win a title again and who have since died. It's them I'm thinking of," said the 76-year-old former club president and former mayor of Saint-Gilles, Charles Picque. The club, founded in 1897, won the Belgian league 11 times between 1904 and 1935 but experienced a long period of decline, dropping to the fourth division in the late 1970s, and struggling to survive financially. One fan, Patrick, 57, on Sunday described the period as "the descent into hell." USG was bought in 2018 by Tony Bloom, who is also chairman of Premier League Brighton and fellow Englishman Alex Muzio, who has since become majority shareholder and chairman. The club returned to the top flight in 2021 after a 48-year absence. The "Old Lady" narrowly missed the title in each of the last three seasons. In 2023 they led the table until the 89th minute of the final matchday. They conceded three late goals to Club Brugge while Toby Alderweireld scored an injury-time equaliser to lift Antwerp to the title. Last season, they won the Belgian Cup for the first time since 1914 and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they were eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen, the eventual finalists, but they blew an eight-point lead in the league and finished second by one point. Sebastien Pocognoli, a 37-year-old Belgian who played a season on loan at Bloom's Brighton in 2016-17, took over as coach. "For me, Union represents the true spirit of football, just like in England. Win or lose, we support the club!" said Paty, a British expat who became a supporter "charmed by the friendly atmosphere."
Time Out Dubai
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Best burger restaurants in Dubai 2025: 10 top-rated spots to try next
So if you're in Dubai as a resident, tourist or professional on business, you need to know the best places to get yourself a burger in town. Check out the full list of Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 winners here For the fourth year in a row, we've eaten our way around Dubai's best burger restaurants and bars to discover the best dishes on offer. Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here. These are the best Burger restaurants in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025. The best burger bar in Dubai 2025 WINNER Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop Credit: Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop Hungry for a smashed burger? This is the place for you. Maxzi was originally an online grocery store, before setting up shop in the hip Al Quoz in 2018. And since then its awesome burgers have drawn in a loyal following. Burgers are made with wagyu beef and smooshed into squidgy potato buns, smothered with onion, pickles and house sauce. Hungry? Go for the double cheeseburger. Extra-hungry? Go large with the triple patty. Pair it with tater tots and you're onto a good thing. Now officially the best burger in Dubai for 2025, this is one patty you'll be dreaming of for days. Unlicensed. Al Shafar Investment Building, Al Quoz, (04 395 3988). Check out our full Smash and Sear at Maxzi The Good Food Shop review here Highly commended Eleven Green (Credit: Eleven Green) The brainchild of husband and wife duo Sultan and Kinda Chatila – aka supperclub stars Tanos At 8 – there was great anticipation when Eleven Green opened. And this brilliant burger bar fulfilled all expectations. With Art Deco-style décor and green banquettes, the interiors contrast with the stripped-back metal trays the burgers come on and it's a cooler-than-cool place to grab a burger. And the burgers themselves are excellent. Don't miss the Double Trouble, with cheese, onion, pickles and signature 11G sauce in a potato bun, or the signature Bull Burger smothered in melted cheddar, onions, house-made bacon jam and the team's famed bull sauce. Unlicensed. Umm Suqeim, Check out our full Eleven Green review here. Pickl Dubai's best takeaways and food deliveries: there's one for every occasion. (Credit: Pickl) Everyone's heard of Pickl – and with good reason, it's a giant when it comes to the best burgers in Dubai. A multiple winner of the best burger in Dubai award, you can look forward to a perfectly seared patty, smothered in special sauce and snuggled into a squishy potato bun. Not only are the beef versions lip-smackingly good, Pickl's chicken sando has become the stuff of legend, so make sure you order one of each – you won't regret it. Morning, noon, night – there's never a wrong time to dig into a Pickl burger. Unlicensed. One JLT, JLT, (04 584 6859). Check out our full Pickl review here Shortlisted Beau Restaurant Credit: Beau Restaurant This cute burger joint has a concise menu for lovers of the smash burger. Opt for the original – comprising a double Angus beef patty, sliced cheese Elysee sauce and white onion. Feeling fancy? The truffle is for you, while if you like things spicy then the jalapeño version brings the heat. For something a little different the smash toast comes with a single Angus patty and sliced cheese in a smashed bun, plus there's a selection of potatoes served in a variety of ways, if regular fries are not your thing. Unlicensed. Jumeirah 3, @ (04 224 7348). Good Burger at Maiz Tacos Credit: Instagram @@goodburgerdxb Part of popular Mexican joint Maiz Tacos, Good Burger opened in 2020 and quickly found a following of burger fans in JLT. Promising to use only the freshest of premium ingredients, it's a small spot that packs a punch when it comes to quality. Get stuck into the original Good Burger if you're keeping things simple, or ramp it up a notch with the mushroom and Gruyère version. If you're a fan of Maiz Tacos, try the Birria Burger for a palate-popping combo of the two concepts. Unlicensed. Cluster Y, JLT, @goodburgerdxb (04 514 4712). High Joint Credit: High Joint This tiny burger bar in Dubai's Al Manara only has a handful of tables, but it is the definition of small but mighty. Having been set up by three Emirati friends in 2018, it's gone from strength to strength and is now known for whipping up some of the best burgers in Dubai. Messy and moreish, these burgers are also pretty creative – coming with a variety of toppings from pineapple to truffle. The High Jamz, smothered with caramelised onions and beef bacon is a top pick, pair it with a mountain of fries and get dipping in those sauces. Unlicensed. Al Manara, @ (04 268 1586). Check out our full High Joint review here. LENTO Credit: LENTO This home-grown burger joint comes from Emirati chef Faisal Naser and is a top pick for a tasty patty in Dubai. Found nestled away on Al Wasl Road, the restaurant is a super-cool spot with a focus on music, with vinyl records and a DJ booth, plus stripped-back décor and a hip vibe. When it comes to eats, LENTO serves some of the best burgers in Dubai, being cooked perfectly and jam-packed with flavour. For a rich, indulgent burger go for the double umami or mushroom and Swiss, while chicken burger fans will want to get their chops around the honey butter version. Unlicensed. Al Wasl, @ SALT Credit: SALT Salt is one of the most famous burger names in Dubai. A home-grown brand, the cool burger bar can be found at various events and pop-ups around the city, but the ultimate place to enjoy a Salt burger is at its home on Kite Beach. With views of the Arabian Gulf, you'll find holidaymakers and residents alike flocking to this burger joint, with families and friends digging into the flavour-packed patties and wolfing down fries. Go for the original Salt burger, or opt for a selection of sliders, the chicken Cheetos version is a loveable classic. Unlicensed. Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, @findsalt (055 996 5802). Check out our full SALT review here SLAW We know a thing or two about burgers at Time Out Dubai and SLAW's multi-layered stacks are some of the best in town. With patties smashed to perfection, the beef options are solid (always go for the double) while the chicken parma burger with parma sauce, berg lettuce and grated Parmesan is a welcome twist on a classic. Get the corn ribs on the side and choose one of seven types of fries, from classic and truffle to sweet potato and dirty. Unlicensed. Al Hudaiba Road, Jumeirah 1 @ (04 547 6777). Ugly Burger Having previously been a resident of Dar Wasl Mall, Ugly Burger is now providing burger-hungry Palm residents with the goods, thanks to a move to Nakheel Mall in 2023. Gloriously messy burgers are packed full of flavour, whether you're after beef, chicken, shrimp or vegan versions, all smothered in sauce and nestled into a soft bun. Feeling indulgent? Make a beeline for the double truffle burger – which is as rich, earthy and meaty as it sounds – or keep it simple with a classic cheeseburger. Order some loaded fries and you're all set for one of the best burgers in Dubai. Unlicensed. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, @ (058 110 8432). Check out our full Ugly Burger review here Other award-winning spots in Dubai 10 of the best pubs with food in Dubai that you need on your radar Roast, burger or pie? We've selected the top spots in the city Hands down the 10 best steakhouses in Dubai Places that are really worth your money The 10 best pizzerias in Dubai for the perfect slice Because pizza is life, let's be real
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
‘I found a five-star London hotel next to The Ritz but a fraction of the price'
Spending a night at The Ritz in London is probably high up on many people's bucket lists but, with rooms starting from £725 a night, it's way out of most travellers' budgets. However, I found another luxury five-star hotel just a few doors down that costs significantly less to stay there. I recently checked in to The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences and, when my guest and I arrived, we couldn't believe the location; between Green Park and Hyde Park Corner tube stations in London's upmarket Mayfair area, it's 500m from The Ritz's front door, on the other side of the road. When we visited, the main entrance to the the tall Art Deco-style building was ringed in an archway of flowers; a very different – although no less impressive – welcome to the iconic establishment up the road. After a warm greeting at reception, we received a nice surprise: we had arrived just in time to enjoy the hotel's complimentary 'cocktail hour' drinks up in the Club Lounge – a lovely treat after a long day. Settling down with a glass of fizz and some olives, we couldn't help but overhear some of the friendly chats between guests – many of whom were clearly repeat visitors – and hotel staff, who expertly recommended favourite local restaurants they should check out. When it was time to check into our Park View Room, we found a comfy and classy sanctuary awaited. The Art Deco decor continues with mirrored walls, deep teal velvet armchairs tucked into a small bay window, and a marble bathroom stocked with Molton Brown toiletries. It wasn't until morning though, when we drew back the curtains, that we fully appreciated the incredible location; the floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the room with light, and beautiful views over Green Park, one of London's eight Royal Parks, created by King Charles II in 1660. It was the perfect sunny spot to start the day with a coffee from the room's Nespresso machine, and I doubt even those staying at The Ritz would have had a much better view. As the property's name suggests, there are also serviced apartments available to book at The Athenaeum, ideal for those staying longer in the city. A stylish and centrally-located five-star hotel with views over London's Green Park and perfectly located for sightseeing or business stays. Our previous evening continued with dinner at The Athenaeum's contemporary British restaurant, 116 at The Athenaeum, just off the lobby. Although quiet when we dined, the food was delicious (and filling!). We enjoyed light and refreshing watermelon tataki (lightly seared on the outside) with innovative coconut, rhubarb and miso flavours, a bowl of rich green pasta heaped on top of an oozing ball of burrata, and to finish, a twist on a classic sticky toffee pudding, topped with a miso caramel sauce and popcorn. There's and extensive wine list to accompany it, and even the lower priced bottles are excellent. Breakfast at 116 in the morning offers a long list of a la carte classics (think full Englishes, egg dishes and pancakes) along with a help-yourself continental selection (I loved the little glasses of overnight oats and the fresh juices). Afternoon tea is also available to book. Rooms at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences start from £390 per night in a Townhouse Room.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rehab work finally begins on long-vacant Lee Plaza in Detroit
Redevelopment work is now officially underway on a large and long-empty Detroit high-rise after several years of delays related to the project's complicated financing. The 16-story Lee Plaza, situated a mile west of New Center at 2240 W. Grand Blvd., originally opened as a luxury residential hotel in 1929 and has been vacant since the mid-1990s, when it last operated as low-income senior housing. The building fell into disrepair during the years it was closed, much of it from vandalism. Vandals also made off with several stone lion heads on the plaza's exterior facade, some of which were reportedly used as decoration at a Chicago townhouse development. The redevelopment project's team has been attempting since 2021 to rehab and reopen the Italianate Art Deco-style building as a mix of 117 new affordable senior apartments and 65 market-rate apartments. But the process of assembling the nearly dozen layers of financing for the project's roughly $60 million phase one, including various tax breaks, tax credits and other development incentives, took longer than expected, and a spring 2023 goal date for construction start came and went. Finally, within the past two weeks, the developers successfully closed on the financing and gained title to the building from the city of Detroit. The development team is composed of Detroit-based Roxbury Group and Ethos Development Partners and Pontiac-based Lighthouse. "It's getting everybody to the table all at the same time, everybody's conditions met and being ready to fund the project," David Di Rita, principal of The Roxbury Group, told reporters during a May 13 kickoff event for the renovation work. "It's just the nature of these projects that they don't happen overnight." More: Long-vacant beauty Lee Plaza set to be restored, will feature senior apartments Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has had a keen interest in seeing Lee Plaza brought back to life, a goal he referred to as "an obsession of mine" at the kickoff event. "There was a time when Lee Plaza was the premier luxury hotel residence in the city of Detroit," Duggan said. 'It mattered a lot — and it was absolutely beautiful.' 'It closed nearly 30 years ago," the mayor continued, "and for 30 years, everybody coming in and out I-96 saw this building on the skyline, with the roof that you can see is not there. And the easy thing was, knock it down and hope they forget. But we said 'what would happen if we renovated it ... and what would it mean to families that need affordable housing?' " The redevelopment project will be done in two phases. Phase one will create 117 affordable units for seniors with incomes at or below 50% of area median income, which is currently $35,350 for one person or $40,400 for a two-person household. Those rents would start off at about $450 per month and Section 8 vouchers will be accepted. The anticipated completion date for phase one is fall 2026. Phase two would create an additional 65 market-rate apartments on the building's top five floors. The developers have yet to close on financing for that phase, but hope to before the end of the year. The project's complex financing package is said to include: Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority The city of Detroit's portion of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act Michigan State Housing Development Authority grant support State Legislature grant support Funding for Detroit from federal Housing and Urban Development programs. Historic and low-income housing tax credit investments from JPMorgan Chase and the Royal Bank of Canada A HUD rental subsidy Contact JC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or jcreindl@ Follow him on X @jcreindl This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Rehab work finally begins on Detroit's long-vacant Lee Plaza Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
