Summer solstice hits Australia this Saturday, blessing us with a whopping 14 hours and 47 minutes of sunshine. London can expect more like seven hours, if you were wondering. In our final weekend edition before Christmas, here's what's going on.

The Headlines

• We really are spoiled living in Melbourne, with constant new openings what seems like every week. 2024 has been no exception, with some super cool new spots on the scene, and here is a round up of the best. It features more bakeries, trendy small-plate restaurants, rooftop bars, brunch spots and every other kind of eatery you could dream of. Plenty more to add to the list.

• If you're a foodie about to be graced with a few weeks off work, allow us to suggest a trip out of the city. We know it's already impossible to even make a dent in Melbourne's food scene, but some of the best food on offer requires a look further than the inner suburbs. From a restaurant in the comfort of the chef's home to a farm down the Peninsula, check out this list of the very best regional restaurants out there—not a single QR menu in sight.

• In yet another yearly round-up, Melbourne has been put on the world map for some particularly iconic pop culture moments this year. Pesto the penguin surely has to take the top spot, with people all over the world losing their minds over the oversized baby penguin, causing crazy queues at Sea Life Melbourne. Other top moments of course include Raygun and Jacob Elordi's bath water, what a year.

Where to Go on Friday

Popular brewery, Moon Dog, are finishing their opening spree for the year with a beach club in Frankston, launching tonight. With a balcony beer garden, a line-up of DJs, and holiday decor, it's about as close to the Bali beach clubs as you can get in Melbourne. Complete with cabanas and hammocks, and a menu featuring prawn buckets and alcoholic slushies, sounds like a dreamy summer opening.

Where to Go on Saturday

This Saturday, two of Melbourne's cult faves are collabing for an evening of wine and avant-garde bagel creations. Earth Angels, the West Melbourne wine bar that has been named as one of the year's best new venues, is teaming up with beloved market fixture Masses Bagels, known for their uniquely fermented bagels. For one night only, these local favourites will serve up boundary-pushing dishes including fermented bagel ice cream and crumbed lamb brain mapo, enjoy.

Where to Go on Sunday

Captain Baxter on a Sunday is always a great idea, but remove the fear of a hungover Monday at work and you're laughing. Spending December 22nd sipping cocktails beachside is the kind of Sunday session we could've only dreamt of years ago on a grey day—the St Kilda spot is raising its hand as one of the best places to bring in the Christmas week. Entry before 6pm is free but you still need to grab yourself a ticket, it'll set you back a tenner after that.

Where to Eat and Drink

Beverly is an LA-inspired rooftop bar in the clouds of South Yarra. All the way up on the 24th floor, the ceiling-high glass and chic décor is really giving Gold Coast—Burleigh not Surfers though of course. The perfect day-to-night venue, settle in for a bottle of vino whilst you watch the sunset and enjoy a set menu filled with local goodness.

Where to Live

Spending Christmas Eve Eve moving house doesn't feel very festive, but if that's where you find yourself, Elsternwick is calling. Board games with your new housemate Hamish, however—extremely festive. There's a communal guitar and piano if you back yourself on the keys, perfect for some Christmas karaoke. It's also only a six-minute drive from Elwood Beach if you don't fancy facing a red bikini filled St Kilda on the big day.

Core selling point: you'll never run out of coat hangers.

Where to Work

Time to pretend to be classy, Mulberry are hiring for casuals in their Melbourne store. Offering a commission model, if you think you could flutter your eyelashes and sell a couple of handbags, you could be making your millions. Also with a 'generous' seasonal allowance on the products, it could be time to acquire some new designer bags. Maybe not the place to go and hand in a ratty copy of your CV, save the online application for this one.

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