Your washed-out weekend plans have just been saved by Sydney’s newest dessert.
Stay warm, cosy and satisfied while entering a world of pure imagination with the brand-new Luke’s Golden Chocolate Bar dessert.
I was lucky enough to be treated to a preview of the spring menu at Luke’s Kitchen, inside the gorgeous lobby area of Kimpton Margot. While it was all delicious – from fresh prawns to homemade gnocchi – it was dessert that stole the show.
This sparkly, golden bar of gooey goodness (available from today) was inspired by the children’s classic book and movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
It looks as good as it tastes, in my opinion. (Image: Chiabwut Sutthamaythee)
“Like many people, we grew up watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, dreaming of what might happen if we unwrapped a bar and found a golden ticket inside," chef Luke Mangan explained.
Described by Mangan as being “based on the classic Tim Tam, which I loved so much as a kid", I would say the comparison stops after considering the chocolate taste and crisp, biscuity bites. As gorgeous as it is on the outside – looking like an actual bar of gold, catching the light with its shiny surface – as Mangan said, “it’s all about what’s on the inside".
Cutting into the crispy wafer-like shell of Luke’s Golden Chocolate Bar (which was handmade and hand-painted) reveals a rich mousse of salted caramel that I personally could eat by the spoonful. Cleanse the palate between bites with the side of mandarin. Chef’s kiss.
The Golden Chocolate Bar will be available on the à la carte menu at select Luke Mangan & Co. restaurants. Order it as dessert, or, as I personally recommend, pop in to make it the main meal. Paired with Luke’s own rose, and you’re good to go.
It pairs very well with a rose. (Image: Chiabwut Sutthamaythee)
Now, this is enough for me, but there is a bit of an extra treat behind the limited dessert. 10 golden tickets are up for grabs across three of Luke Mangan & Company venues – Luke’s Kitchen , Luke’s Bistro & Bar and Luc-San – offering diners the chance to win over $50,000 in prizes. Think a four-day cruise with Carnival Cruise Line, exclusive superyacht dining experiences for 10, hosted by Mangan, or an intimate three-course dinner for two at Luke’s Kitchen.
“We want people to feel joy, surprise, and anticipation like a kid again, but in the best grown-up way," says Mangan.
“That moment of cracking the bar is meant to be shared, photographed and remembered. It’s about creating moments that spark connection and conversation."
Luke’s Golden Chocolate Bar launches at Luke’s Kitchen today, 22 August, and will be available until late October 2025 – or until all 10 golden tickets have been discovered, whichever comes first.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
