Editor’s Black Book

After all that shopping, you’ll need a place to crash—and a home for your fashion finds. Stay in Chippendale, a hip neighbourhood that is about to become the next big thing and only a halfhour walk from the Intersection.

STAY Book a loft room at the Old Clare Hotel and enjoy two floors of retro-cool decor to spread out in. If the sun is shining (and it probably is), head up to the property’s rooftop pool to cool off. You’ll make some new friends while sipping on a camomile and orange-barleywater cocktail.

SNACK If you’re looking for a languid start to your day, wander down to the south end of Chippendale to Brickfields. This café serves coffee that’s up to the country’s notoriously high standards and bakes its bread in-house. Must try: the homemade ricotta on toast topped with local honey and fennel.

EXPLORE For a midday art break, head to Chippendale’s White Rabbit Gallery, which specializes in contemporary Chinese art. Take in the interactive installations, and don’t leave without picking up a souvenir, like a handkerchief printed with work by Ai Weiwei.

EAT At the Old Clare’s Automata resto, grab a seat facing the open kitchen so you’ll be part of the “loud, fun and a bit rock ’n’ roll” vibe that chef Clayton Wells is forging. When I was there, the always changing prixfixe menu included smoked mackerel and stracciatella with fermented peaches and kelp oil.