“I’m sorry I led you into temptation,” simpers Mimi (our Adele look-a-like waitress, with a Manchester accent) as she lays down the cutlery for Ricotta Fritters ($14.50). Dotted with chocolate chips and drizzled with warm apple blossom honey, they’re the crowning glory on a wonderfully unexpected pub meal in a venue that makes you feel like part of the family. There’s a real chef in the kitchen – my first clue was the super-fine eschallot vinaigrette dice accompanying freshly shucked Pambula Oysters ($3.50/each). Daniel Mulligan, who recently jumped ship from Pilu at Freshwater, aces both seafood and Italianate flavours, from Black Cobia Fillet with Cloudy Bay Clams, Artichoke and Chicory ($30) to silky Kipfler Potato Gnocchi with Pork and Fennel Ragu ($24). The wine list offers up prices that suit a midweek tipple – like the 2011 Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache ($36) – but Nick Davies’ craft beer list is where the real magic is at. From bottled beers, like the pretty To Øl Eurodancer ($12/330ml), to 20 on-tap options (with the chance to taste before you commit) it’ll keep you occupied for hours. Try them restaurant-style with a clever plate of Seared Scallops, Pea Puree, Quail Egg, Pancetta and Pilu Bottarga ($21), or pull up a pew in the friendly front bar.

The Welcome Hotel
91 Evans Street, Rozelle
Ph: (02) 9810 1323 thewelcomehotel.com
Modern Australian, Seafood, Pub Bistro $$$$

Cake Picnic CakeCon, a community-led event celebrating cake lovers and home bakers is making its national debut in Sydney, giving locals a chance to bring a cake to share, swap tips, and show off their creativity. 

CakeCon was influenced by cake picnics trends as seen in big cities such as, LA, London, New York, with the concept finally being brought to Sydney. 

“CakeCon is our love letter to home bakers – a fun, inclusive picnic where creativity, community and cake all take centre stage,” said organiser Joan Caballero.

In creating CakeCon, Caballero wants to celebrate Sydney’s big baking community, and hopes to foster “a space where cakes don’t just sit prettily on tables, but bring people together in celebration.”

From being the “cake person” in her circles, with a growing passion for baking cakes passed from her mom to her three daughters, Caballero sees baking as her way of celebrating the people she loves.

Each ticket holder must bring a cake, and will receive a pizza box to fill up with as much cake as they can physically fit, before voting for their favourite.

Two celebrity chefs, Darren Purchese and Rachel Khoo, will be there to judge the cakes based on flavours and looks and are ready to hand out some prizes to the best in show.

Organiser hopes “feel good” event expands across country

CakeCon is not just for cake bakers, it’s also for cake enjoyers because, with organisers allowing those who are culinarily challenged to store-bought cakes, as long as they include allergen info and nutrition labels.

“We wanted a feel good city picnic where everyone brings a cake and leaves with ideas, new friends, and a phone full of photos.” Caballero said.

Tickets are selling fast with more than 130 tickets purchased already- which means more than 130 cakes! 

As this is a cake picnic concept, CakeCon will happen in an outdoor area that is perfect for picnics so BYO picnic blanket and non-alcoholic drinks as it is also a family-friendly event.

With Sydney debuting as the first city to host CakeCon, Caballero hopes to expand the event across Australia, with an event lined up for Melbourne if the launch proves successful.

Purchase your CakeCon tickets here.

Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025

Venue: Centennial Homestead, Centennial Park