What’s On according to Bo:
A curated lens on elevated living

Why we're handing over the reins to our CEO this month, and what it says about how we do things differently.

At Quintessentially, we’ve always believed that life’s best experiences don’t just happen - they’re curated. Tailored. Chosen with care. And this August, we’re doing things a little differently.

We’ve handed the editorial reins to our CEO, Bo Phillips, for an exclusive What’s On guide - a personal edit of the restaurants, rituals, and cultural moments capturing his attention right now. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how someone who lives and breathes access, taste, and timeless style approaches the month ahead.

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Dining
Bo’s Best Picks for Food, Wine & Where to Be Seen

Your must-try restaurant of 2025?

Maison Bâtard

“It already feels like a Melbourne institution. Chris and the team have built something that delivers on every level, quite literally. Each floor offers a different experience, from an intimate bar to a lively dining room to something a little more private upstairs. It’s one of those rare places where you can go for a quick bite or settle in for the full ride. As usual, I kept it simple- steak frites, done to perfection.”

Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 11:30pm
- 23 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Best spot for a long, boozy lunch?

Mimi’s

If I’m settling in for a long (boozy) lunch, it’s got to be Mimi’s. It’s on the water in Coogee beach, so the setting’s already doing half the work. The food leans indulgent- Think caviar, oysters… that sort of thing and there’s a great little bar off to the side for the before and after. If things really get going, we might wander up into the Coogee Pav. It’s a full afternoon well spent.

Wednesday to Thursday, 12pm - 10:00pm
Friday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034

Which Italian restaurant never fails to impress?

Cicciolina

“Cicciolina in St Kilda is one of those places that just never misses. It’s cosy, a little loud, and always busy. When I’m in the mood for Italian, this is where I go. The lamb ragu is a standout- rich, comforting, and tastes like something from nonna’s kitchen.?

Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 9:00pm
- 130 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Which café nails both the coffee and the vibe?

Gilson

Gilson is one of my go-to cafés in South Yarra. It’s busier than most nightclubs these days- and just as much fun getting a table. It has a lively buzz, from the energy spilling out onto Domain Road to the steady stream of locals who treat it like a second home. The coffee’s great, as is the food, and there’s always someone interesting to catch up with.

Monday to Sunday, 7am - 11pm
- 171 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

New Stand Outs from the Q Team:

The Collective

The Argyle is now The Collective — a bold new precinct in The Rocks from the team behind Rockpool and Sake. Spanning five venues, it blends heritage charm with luxe dining. Think crab omelettes, abalone schnitzel, and cocktails inspired by fabrics. With top chefs, a 500-bottle wine room, and moody interiors, this is Sydney hospitality reimagined.

Sunday to Thursday, 7am - 12am
Friday to Saturday, 7am - 1am
- 12-18 Argyle St, The Rocks, Sydney

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Where do you go when you’re craving upscale Japanese?

Prefecture 48

We hosted a lunch here recently and it really impressed me. It’s part of a slick multi-venue space in a beautiful heritage listed warehouse in Sydney’s CBD. The main restaurant, ‘Garaku’ is superb and there’s a brilliant whiskey bar upstairs for pre or post drinks. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger longer.

Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm - 12:00am
- 230 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000

Best club in Sydney to celebrate something big?

Sussudio

My club days appear to be well behind me, however I did wander into Sussudio after dinner not too long ago and I have to admit, it was pretty fun. It’s got a chic, vibe that is just right if you want to be if you’re not ready to call it a night, but you’ve aged out of dance floors and sticky shoes.

Friday to Saturday, 10pm - 3:30am
- 2 Kellett St, Potts Point NSW 2011

Hot Right Now:

Olympus

Olympus brings a modern Athenian taverna vibe to Redfern, with 40+ dishes, vibrant meze, and standout cocktails under a retractable glass roof. Start with a set menu, then return to explore lamb, trout, and more. Barthelmess (The Apollo) delivers alfresco-style dining, rain or shine, in one of Sydney’s most beautiful rooms - complete with bougainvillea and bold Hellenic flair.

Monday to Tuesday, 5pm - 12am
Thursday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 2 Baptist Street Redfern

Out of Town Experiences

A great bakery, a morning run by the sea, a glass of wine in the hills - these are the rituals and places that help me reset.

What’s your ultimate weekend getaway spot outside the city?

Byron Bay, is a family favourite. It’s got that perfect mix of laid-back energy and good food. A hidden gem, sightly out of town is the Suffolk Park Bakery- best pastries and coffee in the area. And after a day at the beach we love to head to Light Years or Pixie, owned by great friends of ours – or for a super lowkey, fun one we might head to the Pub for a drink and a few laughs with friends that live local.

What’s your favourite wine region in Australia?

Being a fan of cool climate wines, I love having the Yarra Valley on our doorstep - with the likes of Levantine Hill and Oakridge producing some superb Chardonnays. There’s a great mix of old favourites and exciting new producers popping up all the time. Every visit feels a bit different. To that end, the Adelaide Hills is also well worth a visit, if not heading to WA or NSW on a wine trip.

What’s the best luxury hotel you’ve stayed at recently?

We’ve been pretty grounded recently with a 1 year-old at home, however, I would say domestically, Capella, Sydney, is hard to beat. A stunning property, beautifully appointed and in a good part of town. There’s been a gap in market in Australia for a long-time for truly great hotel experiences and I’m excited to see the landscape evolve and level up in the next couple of years.

I’m looking forward to checking out the Mondrian, Gold Coast – which has just opened on the and have no doubt the Waldorf Astoria coming to in Sydney next year, that will make waves. Outside of Australia, I’m looking forward to visiting an old Quintessentially favourite, The Beverly Hills Hotel– and also heading up to Santa Barbara for a few days at El Encanto - which I’ve heard wonderful things about.

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Stand Outs From The Team:

Red Hill Wineries:

Montalto: Set on 50 scenic acres, Montalto pairs estate wines, fine dining, secret picnics and sculpture walks. *Insider tip: grab a bottle of basil-infused olive oil on your way out for the ultimate at-home indulgence.
- 33 Shoreham Road Red Hill South

T-Gallant: Just down the road from Montalto, T’Gallant is your go-to for relaxed, rustic charm. Sip cool-climate Pinot Gris over woodfired pizza in the vine-draped courtyard. *Insider tip: don’t leave without a bottle of their sparkling Prosecco - perfect for summer spritzes at home.
- 1385 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge

Entertainment & Concerts
The Moments That Hit the Right Note

Whether it’s a powerhouse stage performance or a reunion tour I’m still hoping sticks, these are the cultural moments that cut through the noise and stay with you.

What was the last live performance that completely blew you away?

I recently saw Jesus Christ Superstar, and it was superb. Michael Paynter, who is an old friend that I spent some time touring with in my younger days - completely crushed it, alongside Mahalia Barnes who is also a powerhouse. It’s a powerful show and the guys had a lot to live up to – filling the shoes of John Farnham and Kate Ceberano’s legendary performances in the 90’s - but it was superb and well worth checking out if you still can.

Playing at Lyric Theatre, QPAC in Brisbane from June 29 to August 10, 2025

Is there a show or concert coming up that you’ve already locked in tickets for?

I’m all in for the Oasis reunion coming to AUS later this year. Still waiting to see if they can make it to the stage without breaking up again, but to hear some of the anthems live, will no doubt be one for the ages. Some members and friends that saw the recent UK show said that it was amazing, therefore quite excited for it!

Oasis Tour | 31st Oct, 1st & 4th Nov – Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
7th & 8th June – Accor Stadium, Sydney

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Art & Culture
What’s Inspiring Me Lately

Whether it’s reconnecting with music, discovering new artists, or revisiting old favourites, here’s where I turn when I’m looking for a creative spark.

What's exciting in the art space?

Q has had had a long-standing relationship with Art Basel, so I always keep an eye on what’s coming up- particularly the show in Paris – which we’re excited for some of our Australian members to be heading over for I’m also really looking forward to the Contemporary Art Fair in Sydney next month and checking some new and up and coming artists I’ve been hearing about.

- Contemporary Art Fair | 11th - 14th, September 2025

- Art Basel, Paris | 24th - 26th, October 2025

What book, film, or album has stayed with you recently?

I’ve just finished reading Keith McNally’s, I Regret Almost Everything- he’s the man behind my favourite restaurant in New York, Balthazar - and a really quirky and interesting guy. The book made me laugh, cry and everything in between. It’s raw, wildly honest and full of incredible anecdotes and observations with a solid dose of heartbreak and hilarity.

- Balthazar | Iconic French brasserie with steak frites, brunch & pastries
80 Spring St, New York

Which gallery or art space consistently gets it right?

We’re incredibly lucky to have the NGV here in Melbourne, it is a world-class institution. It will be hard to rival the hype and high- of Kusama – but looking forward to checking out the upcoming French Impressionism exhibition. Of course, we are lucky to have the likes of Mona within reach, down in Tassie too – but on a global scale I’m a huge fan of the Tate Modern – which I’ll hopefully have time to pop into on a very quick trip to London next month.

NGV:
- French Impressionism | Until OCT 2025
- Kimono | Until OCT 2025
- Martin Grant | Until JAN 2026

On the Horizon
Events to keep on your radar

Q Australia has access to the world’s best; from court-side seats to performances by the likes of Lorde, Lady Gage and Tyler The Creator; here’s our entertainment offerings available to members