There’s nothing like live music to get toes tapping and voices singing along to some of our favourite tunes.
All around the country, a plethora of venues serve up live music to guests as they sip and eat their way through the weekend with friends and family.
Here are six we think you should add to your repertoire:
Paella Feast & Flamenco Show
Nestled in the undulating hills just north of Warragul, Brandy Creek Estate on Buln Buln Road in Drouin is West Gippsland's premier wine, food, function and day spa destination. Take to the relaxed atmosphere of the beautifully appointed restaurant, or on the recently built outdoor deck to enjoy Brandy Creek's premium cool climate wines, including Tempranillo and Sparkling Pinot Gris.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Paella Feast and Flamenco Show for live music and a delicious paella lunch while being mesmerised by a vibrant dance performance; expect to devour seafood paella with prawns, calamari, mussels, fish, roasted capsicum, peppers, garlic, tomato, onion, saffron and paprika, along with cumin and red wine braised beef cheek, mojo marinated lam ribs, chicken and chorizo cazuella and saffron rice, with churros and chocolate fudge to finish.
Monthly Live Music Program
For a meal the whole family can enjoy, head over to Cranzgot's Pizza Café, a lively pizzeria loved by crowds of Avalon locals. Established on Sydney’s Northern beaches, this casual venue offers wide alfresco dining that captures balmy breezes blowing in off the water, while inside radiates a welcoming atmosphere with bright lighting and splashes of colour.
A monthly live music program on Wednesdays and Sundays has toes tapping and hands clapping with the best and most established local musicians as well as showcasing up-and-coming new talent from the area; grab an ice-cold beer and a slice of Tika Tala pizza topped with African-spiced chicken, roasted pumpkin, red onion, rocket and jalapeños on a pesto base as you sing along.
Changing Lineup of Local Musicians
Chill out on the deck overlooking the Ovens River at Precinct Bar & Restaurant on Faithfull Street in Wangaratta. Part of the vibrant riverside dining scene just minutes from the heart of the city, Precinct rocks a vibe of exposed brick, splashes of greenery and geometric pendent globes indoors, while balmy breezes deck-side beckon during warmer months.
Live at Precinct sees a changing lineup of musicians ready to entertain from solo artists to groups all delivering a good time and vibe as you enjoy coconut-crumbed prawns, Asian rice noodle salad and sweet chilli sauce to start a memorable meal; before devouring gourmet Southern pulled pork pizza, with BBQ sauce, bacon, red onion, tomato, spring onion and mozzarella, or the Precinct beef burger with bacon, lettuce, tomato, smoky BBQ sauce, cheese, pickled cucumber, onions and chips.
Greek Food, Music & Dancing
Celebrate decades of Greek hospitality at Steki Taverna on Enmore Road in Enmore. This iconic Sydney restaurant is a living legend within the European dining scene – a place where Greek culture, cuisine and camaraderie come together in perfect harmony creating unforgettable moments with delicious food and live entertainment.
A stacked stone wall, recycled timber and tiled floors set a rustic vibe for live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday along with Greek dancing, hospitality and delicious cuisine; make sure to book your table in advance to delve into starters of BBQ octopus drizzled with vinegar, garlic and oil dressing, followed by slow-baked lamb with onion, garlic, bay leaves, lemon and olive oil.
Leading Live Music Venue
Located in the historic town of Forth, The Bridge Hotel on Leith Road is one of the longest continually running establishments in Tasmania. Nestled on the banks of the Forth River, the historic hotel hasn’t changed much – from a jilted bride to fires, floods and a murder of two, this watering hole is chock full of history, heritage listed and considered a national treasure.
It is also regarded as one of the state’s leading live music venues; there really is no better place to grab a hearty homestyle meal, cold beer and enjoy good old-fashioned service. Get the party started with soft-shell brisket, chicken and calamari tacos, served with slaw and citrus mayo; while for the main, think classic bangers and mash – beef sausages, served on mash with peas and onion gravy – or a Tipsy Texan burger on a brioche bun with brisket, fried chicken, bacon, slaw, cheese and bourbon BBQ sauce.
Dance the Night Away
Good pub grub, craft beer and live music are what you’ll find at the Union Hotel on Union Street in Brunswick. This locally-loved Melbourne watering hole has a leafy beer garden out back for chilling out with mates and an icy brew, local bands play at the weekend and the bar resonates with the buzz of lively conversation; while the food offering is exactly what it should be for those who visit regularly.
With live music every Saturday and Sunday expect to dance the night away to artists like Ezra Lee and his Boogie Woogie Band while chowing down on crispy chicken wingettes, sticky hot sauce and apple walnut salad to start your meal; then wrap your hands around a beef ‘n’ bacon burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion, pickles and chipotle mayo on a sesame milk bun, served with beer-battered chips.