Latest from Time Out
Time Out
24 minutes ago
- Business
- Time Out
Cape Town International crowned #1 airport in the world
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has officially clinched the world's best airport title in the newly released AirHelp Score 2025. The airport has outperformed 249 other global hubs with an exceptional overall score of 8.57, including an on-time performance rating of 8.6 and a customer experience score of 8.7. According to Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), the airport handled a total of 10.49 million two-way passengers in 2024, a 7% increase compared to 2023. However, this figure is still lower than record numbers between 2018 and 2019, when passenger numbers averaged close to 11 million. Domestic traffic grew by 6%, while air cargo volumes saw a notable 27% growth in the first 10 months of last year. As AirHelp's emphasis on real‑time data and passenger-sourced sentiment grows, CTIA's #1 global ranking spotlights South Africa's emerging status as a world-class aviation hub. The AirHelp Score gauges performance across: • On-time punctuality (60%) • Customer sentiment (20%) • Quality of food and shops (20%) Notably, this assessment spans 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025, and incorporates feedback from 13,500 travellers across 58 countries.
Time Out
39 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Nick Supreda on a kingdom of pulse and purpose
I'm sitting inside the bar that isn't quite finished. There's no sharp scent of fresh paint clinging to the air, but there're chairs – mid-century in ambition but scuffed just enough to feel like they've lived – scattered like punctuation marks. In the centre of it all is a transparent DJ booth, looking more like an art installation than a workspace, glowing faintly in the late afternoon light. I'm sitting with one camera man, opposite Nick Supreda with a list of questions folded in my palm and the sense that I've arrived mid-thought, not at the beginning of anything. Raised in Southern California by aunts who taught him the value of taste and autonomy, Nick returned to Bangkok after college and built something between a movement and a myth. With music, nightlife and fashion as his language, he's turned subculture into infrastructure – founding Blaq Lyte and more recently, Bloq, a new bar in Thonglor that feels like a blueprint. We're here, in the almost-finished glow of his latest creation, to talk about Thonglor – his kingdom of contradictions. The place where meetings dissolve into midnight sets, where hype meets heritage and where the future of Bangkok's creative class continues to quietly unfold. All bright lights and quiet blueprints 'Thonglor has this unexplainable charge – it's like a magnet for ambition and chaos,' he says, lifting his glass without sipping it. 'It's the only place I've found where business meetings turn into afterparties and random nights turn into new ventures.' It's not just noise, though. Beneath Thonglor's reputation – the gaudy storefronts, the thudding basslines – is a quieter code of intention. If you're not real, people feel it fast. The creativity here is competitive – and that keeps me sharp. 'People see the nightlife, but they don't always catch the culture. There's an unspoken code here – creative minds moving quietly, businesses being built in the back corners of bars,' he explains. 'Beneath the chaos, there's craft.' Nick doesn't just live in Thonglor, he studies it. Every street stall, every pop-up gallery, every late-night DJ set is a beat in a larger rhythm. 'It taught me how to blend street energy with sharp branding,' he says. Blaq Lyte, balance and the art of the reset At the core of Nick's empire is Blaq Lyte – more than a brand but something close to both. It began, as many things do, from a refusal to wait for permission. 'I saw a gap – before, not many people throwing events that mixed international flair with Thai soul, so I did it myself,' he shrugs. 'I was going to parties alone out here, seeing how music, energy and visuals could create a world people wanted to live in.' Now, that world is tangible. A collective, a club, a bar, a digital playground. But even as it grows, the intention remains fixed. 'Balance is the game. We party with purpose. Every Blaq Lyte night looks like fun, but there's intention behind it – from the music to the design to the people we let through the door,' he says. 'If we ever lose the 'why' behind it all, we stop. Reset. That's how we stay grounded.' It's not about being louder than the new spots popping up weekly. It's about being rooted. Bangkok moves quick, and staying alive isn't about being louder – it's about staying true while adapting fast,' he adds. 'That takes time, and sometimes, sacrifice.' Southern California, streetwear and the soul of Auntys Haus Nick's earliest lessons in taste and tact didn't come from nightclubs or business meetings – they came from his aunts. 'They had style, they had opinions, and they ran things on their terms,' he smiles. 'That taught me to trust my eye, build things that look and feel like me, and not to play it safe.' That spirit lives on in Auntys Haus – his streetwear label with a soul. Less brand, more philosophy, it's fashion as message: playful, resistant, unafraid. 'With Auntys Haus, we're creating pieces that say something about identity, care, resistance,' he says. 'It's wearable culture – and it ties into everything we do, from the music to the foundation. It all loops back to building community.' There's no confusion about aesthetics here – just a quiet assertion of taste. The same one he inherited, honed and stitched into every corner of his creative output. The 32 Foundation and giving shape to purpose For all the light Blaq Lyte throws on Thonglor's nights, the 32 Foundation works quietly in the background, redirecting nightlife profits toward orphanages and youth empowerment projects. 'From the beginning, I knew if I had a platform, I had a responsibility,' Nick says. 'Giving back became real for me when I saw how nightlife can change lives – not just with music, but with action.' He talks about impact with the same measured precision he brings to curating a lineup. It's clear this was never just about parties. The Foundation – paused briefly but now back in motion – is proof of that. 'Right now, I'm focused on building on what's in front of me – so my company's not just in nightlife, but in impact,' he says. 'We're building new ways to empower youth through creativity. The fire's still there – just burning smarter now.' It's not about redemption. It's about responsibility. Youth, nightlife and the future of a city 'Nightlife gives young people a space to experiment – with identity, with sound, with ideas,' he says. 'I see people expressing themselves – dressing how they want, acting without shame. I don't see that in most places in Bangkok.' That spirit – fearless, erratic, unapologetic – is what Nick believes will push Bangkok forward. And it's already happening, in shadowy corners and packed basements. 'Creative spaces like Blaq Lyte venues give them the room to find their people and their purpose. That's culture in motion.' The term 'subculture' doesn't sit quite right anymore. What Nick is cultivating feels bigger than that – more porous, less defined by edges. 'We don't follow trends – we study patterns. We know what our vision is, what creatives are playing with, and we flip it in our own way.' he says. 'We're not for everyone – we'd rather mean everything to the right people.' As Bangkok speeds forward, shedding trends as quickly as it picks them up, Nick Supreda holds the line between vision and velocity. His version of Thonglor isn't one of VIP tables or Instagram-ready drinks. It's the backroom conversations, the bootstrapped ideas, the quiet moments that build a scene from the inside out. In a city where creative spaces are often devoured by real estate and routine, Nick's work is a reminder that purpose still has a place – and it can look like a party.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Single in the City: Where to find love in Cape Town this July
Retro Arcade Night Who says a date has to be all serious candlelight and Kenny G in the background? Sometimes, the best kind of date is tapping into your inner kid, letting loose, and having a blast playing games at Barcadia – the perfect mix of bar and arcade. What to expect: Over 100 singles ready to have fun Maybe some flirty glances flying over the air hockey table Plenty of laughs and good vibes – exactly what we all need Event details: Date: 17 July Time: 7 pm Age: 21 and older Tickets: Between R150 and R240. Click here to purchase a ticket.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out
Western Sydney's roads are getting some major upgrades, including a recently announced $2.24 billion investment
Things are getting easier for Western Sydney's drivers. First up: toll reform is bringing big changes to Sydney's toll road network, easing the burden that tolls have traditionally placed on routes through Western Sydney. And now, the NSW Government has announced a $2.24 billion upgrade to some of Western Sydney's key roads. The investment will be focused on three major arterial roads as Western Sydney prepares for the new international airport to start welcoming passengers. Here's what we know so far. The roads in line for investment are Elizabeth Drive, Mamre Road Stage 2, and Garfield Road East – with $2.24 billion in funding set to be split across the three. Elizabeth Drive – the stretch of road between the M7 Motorway at Cecil Hills and The Northern Road at Luddenham – is in line for an $800 million transformation, upgrading it to a two-lane dual carriageway in priority sections, with upgraded intersections allowing for safer access points (including to the new CBD, Bradfield City). According to the NSW Government, more than 28,000 vehicles currently use Elizabeth Drive daily, with that number set to rise significantly as the airport nears completion. Nearby, Mamre Road Stage 2 will receive a $1 billion investment, a project the NSW Government is describing as an 'employment corridor'. The $1 billion investment will upgrade the road from Erskine Park Road through to Kerrs Road, providing more access to the "rapidly expanding employment zones' in the area. The third road in line for an upgrade under this scheme is Garfield Road East, on track for a $440 million investment designed to enable growth in the area. This key road between Piccadilly Street and Windsor Road will be converted to a two-lane dual carriageway, improving connectivity in the North West Growth Area as more housing developments are finalised in the area. Other transport investments in the works linked to the new airport include a brand-new metro line and a toll-free motorway road lined with Aboriginal artwork (pictured above). . .
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
The best two-night getaway spots within three hours' drive from Sydney
You don't always need a Euro trip to feel recharged – sometimes, two nights away from the bustle of the city is all it takes for a re-set. In fact, according to research from Reflections Holidays, 57 per cent of Aussies say that shorter, local trips help them unwind better than a lengthy overseas holiday. And thankfully, there are hundreds of truly magical places to stay within a few hours drive from Sydney. We've got our own favourite weekend getaways close to the city, but thought we'd ask camping expert Nick Baker (CEO of Reflections Holiday) to share his top picks too. Read on for Nick's top seven picks for a two-night escape from Sydney – each spot is less than three hours from the CBD. Here are some of the best destinations for a two-night escape, according to a travel industry expert Jimmys Beach, NSW Just under three hours north of Sydney, Jimmys Beach feels like a little slice of paradise. It's one of those places where you can really do whatever feels right on the day. You might spend the morning out on a paddleboard or kayaking around the water, then head off on a walk to explore the area a bit further. Or maybe you just want to throw down a towel, grab a good book, and completely switch off in the sun. Kiama, NSW Famous for its spectacular blowhole and stunning coastal walks, Kiama offers a charming seaside escape just under two hours from Sydney. Watch the blowhole put on its striking show (from a safe distance) and explore the stunning Kiama Coastal Walk that stretches all the way to Gerringong. Enjoy fresh seafood, explore the vibrant town centre, or simply soak up the ocean breeze. It's the perfect mix of adventure and laid-back charm. Hunter Valley, NSW Under three hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region, and a paradise for food and wine lovers. Spend your days joining wine tastings at iconic cellar doors like Tyrrell's or Brokenwood, then enjoy gourmet food at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants. Don't forget to stroll through the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens, where themed landscapes and seasonal displays make for a relaxing afternoon. Lake Glenbawn, NSW About three hours from Sydney, Lake Glenbawn is a beautiful inland retreat, perfect for anyone who loves a mix of water sports and wide-open countryside. Spend the day fishing or hire a boat to explore hidden coves around the lake. In the evening, gather around the campfire and enjoy some stargazing under the wide country sky. It's the kind of place where you can slow down, unplug, and come back feeling totally refreshed. Hawks Nest, NSW A stone's throw from Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest is a relaxed coastal spot that feels worlds away from the city. Start your morning with a peaceful walk along Bennett's Beach, it's often quiet and you might even catch dolphins cruising by. Afterwards, head over to nearby Tea Gardens for a laid-back meal or a coffee by the river. It's the kind of place where you can really switch off and slow down, and you'll probably leave wondering why you don't come here more often. Blue Mountains, NSW Approximately two hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer stunning natural beauty, with dramatic cliffs and lush rainforests. Snap a photo at Echo Point lookout for an epic view of the Three Sisters, or explore Scenic World 's cableway and boardwalks for a different perspective of the rainforest and towering cliffs. Spend your days hiking or browsing quaint mountain villages, then cosy up by a fire in the evening. It's the ultimate mix of adventure and relaxation. Bowral, NSW Nestled in the Southern Highlands, Bowral is known for its beautiful gardens, boutique shops, and cosy cafes, perfect for a laid-back country weekend. Visit Corbett Gardens (especially stunning during Tulip Time in spring) or explore Dirty Janes for antique and vintage treasures. Grab a coffee and cake at one of Bowral's many welcoming cafes and wander through local produce markets and scenic walking trails – it's all about enjoying the slower pace and country charm.
