Mr & Mrs Smith

If you've sampled the Establishment Hotel's fab clutch of bars and restaurants but are still hungry for more, head for the white-hot ivy complex nearby, also owned by entertainment players Merivale (www.merivale.com). A one-stop shop for all things hip and happening, it embraces a stack of bars, restaurants and even a pool spread over 330 and 320 George Street (for reservations for any of them, call +61 2 9240 3000). With zingy yellow and white seats, floral-patterned lighting and a green lawn-like floor, New York-style grill Mad Cow at 330 George Street is a hot tip for superior steaks (as well as vegetarian options), with a menu designed by super-chef Peter Doyle, as well as good wine. For modern Japanese at the same address, hit Teppanyaki, where you can choose between dishes from 'the wok', 'the teppan grill' and 'the kitchen'. Its black-fringed pendant lights, dark wood communal tables and wait staff in kimono-inspired garb, add to the luxe oriental vibe. At 320 George Street, glam options include Sushi Choo, which offers modern conveyor-belt sushi with a funky interior combining white marble with bold red stools and pendant lights. At Uccello on level four, which overlooks the adjoining Poolclub deck, head chef Eugenio Riva creates authentic Italian dishes. Decor is a subtle blend of white and wood with hits of yellow and textured ceramics adding appealing accents. For Chinese fine-dining, turn up the heat at Spice Temple (+61 (0)2 8078 1888) in the CBD. Further afield, Bills (+61 (0)2 9360 9631) in Darlinghurst is famous for its laid-back brunches or soak up pasta with squid and sea views at North Bondi Italian Food (+61 (0)2 9300 4400) on Bondi Beach.

Sashay to the white-hot Ivy complex created by Establishment’s owners Merivale, a one-stop socialising shop spread over 320 and 330 George Street (+61 (0)2 9240 3000). Don’t miss the much-fêted Ivybar, a clean-lined, monochrome watering hole: upstairs, the seductive Ivylounge cocktail bar has a 1950s feel, with dark wood-lined walls and dusky rattan chairs, and the art deco-inspired den room is an intimate drinking spot sporting plush buttoned sofas, silk ottomans and a mirrored bar.

Tiny, intimate French-style bistro Ash Street Cellar (+61 2 9240 3000), at 1 Ash Street, tucked away down an alley beside the ivy complex, has a fine wine list but is also a good place for grabbing a coffee, with seats both inside and out on the quiet pavement. The decor mixes raw wood, graphic pattern and a dash of dark, Gothic opulence.

Sydney's CBD (Central Business District) is bustling with great retail therapy. Hot stores in the area include Australian accessories label Mimco (+61 (0)2 9232 2629), at 320c George Street, beside the ivy complex. Cult label Sass & Bide (+61 (0)2 9232 4393) is at Shop 6, ivy, 320 George Street, right nearby.