Bar Wars

From the 1980s to the mid 2000s Sydney's nightlife was unrivaled anywhere in the world. KIngs Cross and nearby Darlinghurst, mainly Oxford Street were chockablock with nightclubs and bars and more or less open 24 hours a day.
And then came the "lock-out laws" after 2 shocking deaths where 2 innocent men were hit by complete drunken strangers and died after hitting their heads on the pavement. Clubs put up the shutters at 2am.
It's hard to recall the number of night spots that have now vanished but the recent prestige 'Bar Awards' held last night in London tell the story. In the Central Business District of Sydney, exempt from the lock-out laws. 4 bars have been named in the top 50 best bars in the world:
The Baxter Inn in Clarence Street, Bulletin Place near Circular Quay, PS40 in Skittle Lane and Maybe Sammy in The Rocks.

Congratulations guys you had some pretty tough competition from around the world including some legendary drinking spots around the world including London, New York, Singapore and many many more.
And the Top Spot went to Dante in NY's Greenwich Village which is owned by two Australians, Nathalie Hudson and Linden Pride.

Gary Shead's new exhibition

 Gary Shead with Shakespearean actor John Bell                                                          Peter Kingston & Stuart Purves

Gray Shead is regarded as one of Australia's finest lyrical, figurative painters. His new exhibition opened at the Australian Galleries in Paddington and is based on Dante Alighieri’s 14th century literary masterpiece The Divine Comedy.. By evening's end the gallery had sold nearly $750K worth of paintings but at his prices that may not be that many. They ranged from $16500 to $375,000. Here are a few snaps from the night. You can view the exhibition online here or at the gallery at 15 Royston Street Paddington until October 5th.