Where to Fuel Up in Sydney During the Ashes

Five Australian cities will be in the grip of Ashes fever this summer. Here’s what to do before, after and between matches in Sydney (test matches 4-8 January).

Eat

ORDER A BURGER
The burgers are not so basic  at Bar Ume, the reincarnation of chef Kerby Craig’s hatted restaurant, Ume, in Surry Hills. Jostle with locals for a seat inside the compact Japanese-bar-style eatery and team a signature burger – stuffed with crisp chicken katsu or beef – with a side of kimchi and an ice-cold Japanese beer.

CHOOSE ETHICAL
Leave the banter and the baggy greens behind and sink into the understated luxury of Fred’s, which, despite the name, is run by women, from head chef Danielle Alvarez to head sommelier Caitlyn Rees. The focus on seasonal, ethical produce at this Paddington restaurant doesn’t constrain  the menu – the day’s offerings  might include Yamba sardines with pea and tahini hummus  or smoked lamb’s tongue with horseradish yoghurt, salsa verde and beetroot. There’s  a comprehensive list of wines  by the glass and the cocktails receive the Australian touch with lemon myrtle in the Americano and eucalyptus  in the Gimlet.

DRINK

GO LIGHTLY
Depending on what’s broadcast, you might catch the day’s replays or a live match on the big screens in Brigade Bar, at Woollahra hotel The Light Brigade, where local and international beers come bottled or on tap. Alternatively, celebrate your team’s win with a sundowner – the appropriately named Harbour View or Grapefruit  Sky – while ogling the city skyline from Brigade Rooftop.

TAKE TIME OUT
Find your tribe among the patrons at The Clock hotel, a heritage building in Surry Hills that conceals a contemporary interior. For a break from the game (which you might see  on-screen in the downstairs  bar), head up to the balcony  bar and watch the bustle  of Crown Street below with  a G&T made with Australian gin. Or, if you’re feeling celebratory, order a dram  in the Whisky Room.

Between matches

WALK IT OFF
Download a Centennial Parklands walking tour app and do a self-guided walk  – themes include nature and wildlife, and history – around one of Sydney’s most prized green spaces, adjacent to  the Sydney Cricket Ground. Expect to encounter horseriders, joggers, cyclists and plenty  of native flora and fauna on your amble around this 360- hectare oasis.

HAVE A HIT
There’s only one thing more Australian than cricket: beach cricket. Grab your bat and ball, gather your friends and take  a bus or taxi to Coogee Beach for an afternoon of classic Aussie summer entertainment. Chances are you’ll be inundated with challenges from other beachgoers but if you’re forced to draw stumps, traverse the picturesque coastal trail  from Coogee to Bondi Beach.

Best breakfast

You’ll find Sydney’s best (off-field) catch of the day at Saint Peter in Paddington, where the weekend brunch menu might include smoked-eel pikelets, blue mackerel on toast or  sea urchin crumpets. Head  to Reuben Hills in Surry Hills for spicy pre-match fortification in  the form of green chilaquiles and huevos divorciados.  If you’re running late for  the match, grab a heavenly croissant (chocolate, almond praline or tomato and cheese) or an easy-to-juggle quiche (bacon, gruyère and leek) from Surry Hills’ much- loved Bourke Street Bakery.