We are crossing our fingers there are no more lockdowns in Sydney - unlike our unlucky Southern neighbours.
Personally we have a strong association with Melbourne, including having almost immigrated there when we did the switch from across-the-ditch 22 years ago. The deciding factor was loneliness - we had two friends in Sydney and none in Melbourne. Even though we felt like we dressed more Melbournio and the city had a more creative edge, Ms Sydney won the day with her jewel-like beaches and outdoor lifestyle. There was also our former life as an interiors showroom manager and popping down to the colder city several times a year for meetings and new product launches in Fitzroy. So we got to know Melbourne after all.

Former Australian Hotels Association boss John Thorpe famously remarked that "People in Sydney don't want to sit in a bar and drink chardonnay and read a book." Later that same year we actually found a small bar - Black Pearl, with the nicest staff, best cocktails and vintage furniture on Brunswick Street - where we could sit under the light of a lounge lamp and read a book whilst drinking chardonnay. And it was delightful! This was something Sydney could not offer a decade ago but now look at her: small bars like Dulcie's, Love Tilly Devine and Eau de Vie with great Australian spirit cocktails lists, collectible furniture and seductive lighting are everywhere.

And then there is the Melbourne food scene: diverse and innovative the city bursts at the seams with laneway cafes and fancy restaurants. The service is friendly and down-to-earth and each inner city pocket has it's own specialties: St Kilda for cakes; Fitzroy for craft beer and long-established cafes and the CBD for flash hotels and wine bars. We often give our guests, who are heading South next on their itinerary, our ‘Melbourne Hit List’ and always get great feedback about their food experiences there.

So best of luck to Melbourne with conquering the spread of Rona and keep practicing the art of social distancing Sydneysiders, whilst supporting your local.

Stay safe and wash your hands.

We Love You Melbourne