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LIVING SILKARI Your In-Room Guide
88 Archer Street, Chatswood NSW 2067 | T: +61 2 818 818 18 | E: [email protected]
silkarihotels.com.au
The ultimate place to retreat, Silkari Suites at Chatswood
interlaces the convenience of hotel services with the
expansiveness of a private apartment. This is your very own home away from home,
so sit back and relax while we take the next few pages to
show you around.
MARKUS SIGMANN Director of Hotels
EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY
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WELCOME TO SILKARI SUITES— At Chatswood
Where we envelop an experience and render it extraordinary. Once experienced, you’ll know that Silkari Suites is exquisite, convivial and versatile. Silkari feels familiar, yet refreshing. Curating the exceptional is the focus of our team.
Silkari Suites at Chatswood is located at 88 Archer Street, in the heart of Chatswood’s dynamic art, entertainment and shopping precinct. Located next to The Concourse, the cultural home of the North Shore and one of Sydney’s leading entertainment venues and across from Chatswood Chase and Westfield Chatswood.
Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, with open green spaces, restaurants, cafes and retail stores, all within close proximity, Silkari Suites at Chatswood is the perfect meeting place for all occasions. Our aim is to provide you with convenience, comfort and relaxation.
With 212 suites, ranging from Executive Studios to our Penthouse suites, we have something for everyone.
The story of Silkari begins with a single strand of wild silk, carefully woven into threads and bound to create a luxurious fabric. Expertly formed with a hand-crafted finish, silk is the most extraordinary of materials, catching the light as it drapes and folds. It’s a fabric that demands the utmost care and attention - a material that since the ancient era, has united east and west in its strength and versatility.
These are our guiding principals at Silkari Suites at Chatswood, to weave the extraordinary. In our hotels, we have worked together with some of the country’s most notable designers and architects to create accommodation experiences that are without parallel.
Our Chatswood location is enveloped in rich diversity. Surrounded by award-winning Asian cuisine, a leading entertainment venue and luxury boutiques means our guests and residents are ideally placed to luxuriate in the variety of this vibrant setting.
SILKARI HERITAGE
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24–hour Concierge
24–Hour Front Desk
Airport Transfers *
Car, Mini Bus and Valet Parking *
Car Rental *
Communal Outdoor Area on Level 11
Complimentary WiFi **
Dry cleaning Service *
Express Check In/ Check Out ***
Late Check Out ***
Housekeeping Service
Dry Cleaning Service *
Luggage Storage
Multilingual Services
Pantry Shopping Service * | ***
Room Service ***
Wake up calls ***
* Charges Apply** With Download Limit*** Upon Request
GUEST SERVICES — Details make the difference
Your time with us is precious. To help you make the most of it, we’ve developed a comprehensive list of services to ensure your stay is as carefree as possible. Nothing is ever too much trouble, so whatever it is you might need, just ask.
Contents
Our Services 8
Our Suites 11
David Jones Services 15
Our Brand 21
Our Location 27
Shopping 29
Eateries 31
Wellness 41
Culture 43
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SILKARI SUITES SERVICES— Weaving the extraordinary
As a Silkari Suites at Chatswood guest, you will come to appreciate a way of life that is wonderfully effortless. We believe it’s these thoughtful touches that will make every experience truly memorable.
RENTAL CARS
If you need a rental car, concierge can take care of the arrangements for you.
GREEN TEA BATHROOM PRODUCTS
First traded on the Silk Road, green tea is the core ingredient of our Silkari range of bathroom products. Packed with antioxidants and rich in Vitamin C and E, this complimentary range is suitable for both men and women.
GROCERY HAMPERS
Keep your pantry stocked with one of our signature hampers, or create your very own upon request. Charges apply.
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SILKARI GOURMET HAMPER
Includes three varieties of specialty cheese, crackers, quince paste and your choice of either red, white or sparkling wine.
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SILKARI CONTINENTAL HAMPER
Includes orange juice, milk, muesli, yoghurt, bread, jams and preserves.
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SILKARI SWEET TOOTH HAMPER
Includes a selection of handmade chocolates, strawberries, bananas and creamy dipping chocolate.
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ROOMS THAT RADIATE— Our Suites
Whether you’re staying in one of our expansive Executive Suites or an eleventh floor Penthouse, you’ll be amazed at how much room is yours to relax in.
Located on the 11th floor, our penthouse apartments enjoy sweeping views of either The Concourse or glittering cityscape, with a balcony.
ROOM FEATURES
– One or two spacious bedrooms with balcony
– Bang & Olufsen sound system
– Nespresso coffee machine and microwave in private kitchen
– Private balcony
– Silkari Green Tea bathroom products
– Spacious lounge area with smart TV and movie channels
– Spotify playlists for every mood
PENTHOUSE SUITE
All rooms are 100% non–smoking
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This self–contained one bedroom executive suite caters for guests who require the comfort and convenience of their own home during their stay. These spacious apartments boast a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, as well as a private study and separate lounge area.
ROOM FEATURES
– Generous open plan living
– King bed
– Some apartments contain a study with desk and outlet adaptors
– Bathroom
– Silkari Green Tea bathroom products
– Lounge area with smart TV and movie channels
– Kitchen facilities
– Washing machine and dryer
ROOM FEATURES
– King bed
– Bathroom
– Silkari Green Tea bathroom products
– Separate lounge area with smart TV and movie channels
– Kitchen facilities
– Washing machine and dryer
Complete with a King bed, these elegantly styled studio suites are open plan with separated living area, fully equipped kitchen, laundry and private bathroom.
Our executive two bedroom suites offer guests a generous 70sqm to make themselves at home in. Each suite features two king beds, two bathrooms, a fully–equipped kitchen and a separate lounge area to unwind in.
EXECUTIVE ONE BEDROOM SUITE
EXECUTIVE STUDIO SUITE
EXECUTIVE TWO BEDROOM SUITE
ROOM FEATURES
– Sleep up to four people. One bedroom with a king bed and ensuite, with the second room converted with two single beds
– Two bathrooms
– Silkari Green Tea bathroom products
– Lounge area with smart TV and movie channels
– Kitchen facilities
– Washing machine and dryer
All rooms are 100% non–smoking
There are additional room types available for you to enjoy – please contact reception for more details.
Complimentary Features
– Complimentary WiFi (with download limit)– Adjustable air–conditioning and heating– 24 hour concierge service
– Wake up calls – Gymnasium facilities
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DAVID JONES PARTNERSHIP— The Silkari Experience
Our exclusive partnership with David Jones means you can enjoy any of the following complimentary services from the comfort of your room.
BEAUTY SESSION
Enjoy your very own David Jones beauty experience. Choose between a free makeover, skincare lesson, or let one of their fragrance experts help you.
DELIVERY
We can arrange for delivery of any item of clothing purchased from David Jones to your suite.
GIFT SERVICE
Full of ideas and with a comprehensive knowledge of trends, the unusual, and the exclusive, David Jones personal shopping experts will find the right gift for everyone on your list.
STYLING SESSION
If you have a special occasion coming up, book a free styling session and allow a David Jones stylist to help you put together the perfect outfit.
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David Jones is Australia’s leading department store, housing a carefully curated collection of the world’s most sought after brands.
Founded in 1838 by David Jones, a Welsh-born immigrant, the eponymous retailer is the oldest, continuously operating department store in the world trading under its original name. Since its inception David Jones’ mission was to sell “the best and most exclusive goods” whilst carrying “stock that embraces the everyday wants of mankind at large.” The retail house has grown to over 40 branches and concept stores across Australia and New Zealand and is highly revered for its luxury instore services.
As a Silkari guest, you can enjoy a wide range of services which David Jones has to offer. Located conveniently beside Silkari Suites in Chatswood Chase, guests can benefit from complimentary services from the David Jones’ Chatswood store. A variety of personal shopping experiences and customised beauty services can be found instore. Enjoy a makeover or skincare consultation, or have a personal shopper take your shopping experience to the next level.
“David Jones Chatswood has an extensive product range of both local and international designers, along with an exceptional personal shopping team. Our team are there to make it all about you.” says Amanda Edey, In-Store Services Manager at David Jones.
“Silkari and David Jones are well-aligned to give our customers a luxury offering whilst maintaining the highest standard of service,” adds Amanda. “The David Jones team at Chatswood understand the needs and desires of their customer base.”
“We have specifically tailored this offering to Silkari Suites and we are driven to provide these services in the most seamless fashion to guests and residents of Silkari,” Amanda explains, “It’s a personalised package to ensure your stay is one that you will always remember.”
David Jones and Silkari are pleased to offer guests this exciting partnership and encourage you to explore these services during your stay in Sydney.
DAVID JONES PERSONAL SHOPPING SERVICESSilkari’s extraordinary partnership with Australia’s premier department store.
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AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
— In Room Services
IN ROOM DINING
With Chatswood’s bustling food hub at your doorstep there’s no limit to our room service options. Ask concierge for a selection of local restaurant menus that deliver to your room.
RESTAURANTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Whether you’re after restaurant recommendations, table reservations or even theatre tickets for shows at The Concourse or local cinema, our concierge team can arrange it all.
MOVIES & TV
Catch up on all the latest shows and movies with our in–room movie rentals.
YOURS TO ENJOY
— Recreation
Whenever you’re ready for a work–out, there’s all kinds of ways to work up a sweat.
IN–HOUSE GYMNASIUM
With everything from running machines, elliptical trainers and free weights, our in–house gymnasium is free to guests.
PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION
Ask concierge to arrange a personal training session.
TAI CHI IN THE PARK
Join an informal tai chi class in Beauchamp Park. Contact reception for more information.
CLASSES
Ask concierge for a list of local gyms and studios specialising in yoga, pilates and other fitness classes.
EXCLUSIVE TO YOU
— Private Functions
In conjuction with The Concourse, the largest conference facilities in the North of Sydney, the team at Silkari Suites at Chatswood are here to work with you to provide both accommodation and conference facilities.
If you’re looking for a private space to host a meeting or conference, there’s no shortage of great options. Contact [email protected] or call 818 818 18 to discuss.
PERSONALASSISTANCE
— Business Services
To ensure all your business dealings run smoothly, we offer the following business services:
— Free WiFi.
— Printing and facsimile services.
— Conference facilities, available through The Concourse.
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Private Functions
In–house Gymnasium
THE TOTAL PACKAGE
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The result is a vibrant space that
accommodates visitors and residents with a sophisticated ease.
YOUR ARRIVAL— A partnership with Turner Studio that fulfils a vision, with function and aesthetic.
Known for their sophisticated design solutions in some of Sydney’s most iconic buildings, Turner Studio are the architects and designers behind the lobby of Silkari Suites at Chatswood.
Driven by a desire to solve pragmatic issues with creativity, passion and innovation, the team at Turner Studio saw Silkari as an inspiring accommodation offering that is unique in the Australian hospitality landscape.
Visionary Investment Group (VIG) worked closely with the architects to design a space that marries sophistication with form and function. “We used the foundations of silk as a key influencer in the process,” says Angus Henderson, Senior Associate at Turner, “The fluidity in form, the perception of touch and it’s inherent lustre are all key reference points in our design thinking.”
Generous, light-filled interiors are a hallmark of the Silkari brand, as well as luxurious materials and polished finishes. The lobby at Silkari Suites at Chatswood exemplifies this, with lacquered concrete, gold detailing and prodigious marble surfaces. “In order for a hotel experience to be truly
memorable and successful, it should provide an immersive dive into escapism, provoking the senses, and encouraging reinvigoration in style and comfort.” Angus explains.
The lustre of silk is interpreted through the lighting in the lobby, which plays on the dimension and reflection of the materials throughout the space. The fluidity and movement of the fabric are reflected in the grand sculptural palisade suspended from the ceiling as it ebbs and flows around the room. Layers of texture lend personality and generosity to the expansive room and meeting place.
The result is a vibrant space that accommodates visitors and residents with a sophisticated ease. The interaction between the spaces and those who use them is for the team at Turner Studio, paramount to its success. Angus says, “Buildings have the ability to create a multitude of emotions and personal responses. They are art on a grand scale that allows us to interact with them at a close range and a tactile level. In this way they are representative of a thought brought to life for all to share.”
Angus Henderson
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Silkari has worked with Vogue photographer Nick Leary and Australian model Miranda Louey as the face of Silkari Suites at Chatswood campaign. Miranda has enjoyed a remarkable international career, gracing the cover of Singapore’s Shape Magazine and featuring in editorials and televised campaigns for high-profile brands like Sony, Nivea, Clairol and Herbal Essences.
Miranda’s background is in dance and she holds a Diploma in Performing Arts. Her childhood saw her frequenting the stage before she decided to pursue a career in modelling. “I think there was a natural progression from performing to modelling, the two are inherently similar and I find that my background in dance really feeds into my work as a model.” Miranda tells us.
The images Nick captured for Silkari all reflect the fluidity of silk. “Silk was the motif that really inspired the shoot and I particularly loved shooting in the gold, signature flowing silk gown. The dress was a masterpiece in itself and allowed us to experiment and play with movement.” she adds.
Existing as the epitome of Silkari’s identity, Miranda is Chinese Australian; a poignant representation of Silkari’s woven fabric of east and west. Artfully embodying the relationship between the finest aspects of two cultures, Miranda humanises the harmonious relationship emulated by Silkari.
In the shoot for Silkari, Miranda exudes a graceful elegance, “Working with someone as talented as Nick was a wonderful, effortless experience,” says Miranda, “His way of choreographing your movements is what makes his images as strong as they are beautiful.”
THE FACE OF SILKARI—We speak with the Tasmanian-born model, Miranda Louey.
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Anderson St
Archer St
Archer St
Victoria Ave
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Ferguson Lane
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Albert Ave
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8 Silkari Suites at Chatswood
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ON YOUR DOORSTEP — Local Area
DINING & BARS
1 Terrazza Italian
2 Chao Ba
3 Khao Pla
4 Chef Rasa Sayang
5 New Shanghai Chatswood
6 Din Tai Fung
7 Mamak Chatswood
8 O Crab Sydney
9 Flower Child
q Lid & Jar
w Aqua S
e Shangai Stories 1938
r Rocket Restaurant
SHOPPING
t Chatswood Chase
y Westfield Chatswood
u David Jones
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
i The Concourse
o Strike Bowling Chatswood
p Mills Lane
TRANSPORT
a Train Station & Bus Interchange
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CENTRESCHATSWOOD CHASE 345 Victoria Ave chatswoodchasesydney.com.au
WESTFIELD CHATSWOOD 1 Anderson St westfield.com.au/chatswood
FASHION DAVID JONES Chatswood Chase Sydney davidjones.com.au
CARLA ZAMPATTI Chatswood Chase Sydney carlazampatti.com.au
CAMILLA Chatswood Chase Sydney camilla.com.au
HUGO BOSS Chatswood Chase Sydney hugoboss.com
RALPH LAUREN Chatswood Chase Sydney global.ralphlauren.com
HOMEWARE KARTELL Chatswood Chase Sydney spacefurniture.com.au/kartell
WEST ELM Chatswood Chase Sydney westelm.com.au
POTTERY BARN Chatswood Chase Sydney potterybarn.com.au
GEORG JENSEN Chatswood Chase Sydney georgjensen.com
The options are endless in this vibrant cluster of premium fashion and retail.
Silkari Suites at Chatswood is positioned within the Chatswood Shopping precinct – the third largest retail space in Australia. Two large retail centres combine here; Chatswood Chase and Westfield Chatswood, making Chatswood the ultimate shopping destination with every retail experience on offer.
Chatswood Chase is the premier shopping destination on the North Shore, with over 200 specialty stores, including the iconic department store David Jones, and a wide variety of gourmet food offerings. For homewares venture into modern retailers West Elm and Pottery Barn, or if you’re after the perfect gift you can look no further than Danish design house Georg Jensen.
Iconic Australian fashion houses like Carla Zampatti and Camilla offer elegant, high–end womenswear, while menswear and accessories can be found in established International retailers such as Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren.
From small local businesses to designer boutiques and upscale department stores, Chatswood brings together a carefully curated selection of top– tier retailers in Australia.
CHATSWOOD– A Shopping Destination with Diversity and Opulence
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Cafes
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Restaurants
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Bars
An abundance
of choice right on your
doorstep
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6:00—
Rise and shine with a cup of tea or coffee at Elbow Room Espresso. Take a seat by the window and enjoy
the slow pace of the morning as the hustle and bustle
of locals begins.
7:30—
Yoga class at YYOGA. An hour of stretching
and meditation will leave you feeling refreshed
and ready for the day.
8:30—
Breakfast at Flower Child. We can’t go past the
Breakfast plate with poached eggs, avocado and
pea guacamole, crispy bacon, spiced pumpkin and
grilled sourdough.
10:00—
Take a stroll around The Concourse through
the open pavilions. Peek into the 1,000–seat Concert Hall and explore the exhibitions on in the
Art Space.
11:00—
Enjoy a complimentary styling session
in the comfort of your own room with
a David Jones stylist, after a morning of shopping
at Chatswood Chase.
12:00—
Get in early to queue for Tim Ho Wan’s Michelin–Award winning dumplings. It will
be well worth the wait.
15:00—
Find a comfortable nook at The Chatswood Library
where you can happily spend the afternoon
browsing their extensive collection.
19:00—
Dinner at Terrazza Italian, try the Il salmone
– oven baked salmon fillet on quinoa salad
with asparagus, rocket, cherry tomatoes,
extra virgin olive oil and lime.
21:00—
If you have room for dessert then it’s a signature
honey cake at sweet spot Passion Tree.
22:00—
Unwind and recharge back at
Silkari Suites at Chatswood.
24 HRS IN CHATSWOOD
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Only in town for a day? No problem. We’ve curated
the perfect, 24–hour day in Chatswood.
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1. Firstly, what are your own coffee habits?
In my own time, I seek good coffee wherever it may be. It takes me to beautiful cafes run by baristas with huge personalities and helps me to push my passion and knowledge.
2. Tell us your story as a Barista, how did you get in to coffee?
Coffee started as a part time job for me and quickly became a passion.
I wanted to learn as much as I could about the science of the process and the humanity of the trade.
3. How would you describe Sydney’s coffee culture? Any coffee trends we should know about?
Sydney’s coffee culture is diverse. From commercial to specialty, each café often has a subculture in itself and different motivations, which have inspired them to operate the way they do.
If given the option, try hand brewed coffee (also known as brewed or pour over coffee)— it takes skill and patience for the barista to make, the coffee tends to be higher quality and the cup of coffee you receive will have a unique flavour profile showcasing innate characteristics of the beans used.
4. What’s the strangest coffee order or request that you have ever received?
A cappuccino with the coffee on the side was quite an odd order to see on a docket. Essentially a large babyccino with an espresso shot on the side.
5. It’s lunch and you’re hungry, what do you order from the Lid & Jar menu?
I love the antipasti plate. It’s not too heavy and showcases our head chef’s house made dips.
6. Can you tell us about some of the brewing methods you practice at Lid & Jar?
We do traditional espresso extraction as well as various filter coffee options. These include cold drip coffee, batch brew and manual pour over. All of these methods produce a black coffee with a consistency more like a tea and have unique flavours based on the varietal of the beans used and the baristas individual recipes.
7. You’re located in a vibrant area at the heart of The Concourse. What is most appealing to you about the location of Chatswood and its surrounds?
Chatswood is always bustling; I get the opportunity to interact with such a diverse group of people with their own interests, passions and stories. They keep my days interesting and I get to learn a lot about the people I meet.
LID & JAR
For those who like their coffee strong and smooth, Lid & Jar serves the best coffee this side of the bridge.
419/405 Victoria Ave
ELBOW ROOM ESPRESSO
An industrial–style espresso bar serving coffee blends by 5 senses.
6 Spring St
THE STEAM ENGINE
An easy going hole–in–the–wall cafe where quick, steaming hot coffee is on the menu.
Chatswood Interchange
CAFÉ NEW YORK
A relaxed cafe that is well suited for late–night coffee drinkers.
Victoria Plaza Shopping Centre, 316 Victoria Ave
FLOWER CHILD
Plants hang from the ceiling in this stunning cafe where your coffee comes with a side of petals.
Westfield Chatswood
WHERE TO GET THE BEST COFFEE WITHIN 5 MINS OF YOUR ROOM
Best Coffee
LID & JAR – Q&A with ALEX WOODWARD
Alex Woodward Lid & Jar
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From traditional Beijing style street food to upscale Japanese restaurants, Chatswood blends the best of Asia’s food culture in an Australian way.
Chatswood is home to a wide variety of Asian cuisine and unique dining experiences. Chum Tang is famed for it’s exceptional regional Thai cuisine, and the award–winning Malaysian restaurant Mamak draws in daily crowds for its authentic roti and charcoal–smoked satay.
Witness first–hand the world’s first robot assistant chef, expertly knife–shaving the noodles in the kitchen of Mrs Mi Restaurant, or queue up for dim sum from Hong Kong’s Michelin Star restaurant, Tim Ho Wan. The District at Chatswood Interchange is bustling with street–food inspired Asian eateries, and a trip to the food court in Hawker Lane is endless with options from saffron roasted chicken at Chachu’s to the delicious skewers at Lamb & Cumin.
Modern Thai restaurant Khao Pla is notorious for their sticky tamarind pork ribs, and if you’re in the mood for dumplings then it has to be in the intimate atmosphere at New Shanghai.
And for dessert? You’d be amiss not to try a sea salt soft serve from Aqua S.
—CONTEMPORARY
ASIAN DINING IN CHATSWOOD
CHUM TANG
Chatswood Interchange, P4/436 Victoria Ave
MAMAK
P9/1–5 Railway St
MRS MI
Chatswood Chase, 40B/345 Victoria Ave
TIM HO WAN
Chatswood Interchange, 75&76A/436 Victoria Ave
CHACHU’S
Westfield Chatswood, Level 2, 1 Anderson St
LAMB & CUMIN
Westfield Chatswood, Level 2, 1 Anderson St
Chatswood blends the best of Asia’s
food culture.
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HELLO KITTY DINER
The District Chatswood Interchange
Delicious burgers and milkshakes are on offer at this eatery where Hello Kitty paraphernalia meets American diner.
CHAO BA
The Concourse
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the style of a suburban Parisian cafe.
HAWKER LANE
Charlotte Ln
This bustling food court brings together delicious cheap–eats in the style of a traditional Asian street market.
AQUA S
Westfield Chatswood
The fluffiest fairy floss envelopes icecreams here that are assembled like precious works of art. You’ll want to take a photo.
TERRAZZA ITALIAN
The Concourse
Wood-fired pizzas and traditional Italian fare in a warm and bustling setting.
SHANGHAI STORIES
The Concourse
Offering Yum Cha and an extensive menu of Shanghainese favourites.
OUR FAVOURITE CHATSWOOD EATERIES
Local Places to Eat
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Wanting to slow down? We’ve found the best local places
to improve your well–being.
Chatswood offers an abundance of boutique wellness experiences that will allow you to unwind with ease. Nourishing and wholesome food is on offer at Stone and Peel and Top Juice where you can pick up fresh cold pressed juices, super food smoothies and nutritious salads all on–the–go.
Stock up on vitamins, essential oils, wholefoods and health tonics in Healthy Life and take a Hot Bikram or traditional Asana Yoga class at Chatswood’s YYoga or Yoga Hotspot – whose weekly timetables cater to all levels of experience and practices.
Acupuncture, Naturopathy and Chiropractic appointments can all be made with the Feel Amazing Wellness Centre. Enjoy a massage at Oriental Spa, a Balinese–style tropical day spa with a sauna room, therapeutic treatments and herbal baths. Or de–stress at Arisoo, the popular Korean day spa where you can be treated to facials, body scrubs and of course, a relaxing afternoon session in the spa.
—A LOCAL GUIDE TO
WELLNESS
STONE AND PEEL
Chatswood Train Station stoneandpeel.com.au
ARISOO
Suite 2 / 7 Help St arisoospa.com.au
HEALTHY LIFE
Westfield Chatswood healthylife.net.au
YYOGA
l2/370 Victoria Ave yyoga.com.au
YOGA HOTSPOT
31 Albert Ave yogahotspot.com.au
ORIENTAL SPA
67 Archer St orientalspa.com.au
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Silkari Suites at Chatswood is located in The Concourse precinct – a vibrant cultural centre in the heart of Chatswood that combines a concert hall, theatre, public library, exhibition and retail spaces with community spaces and sustainable design. Silkari Suites at Chatswood is an integral part of the precinct, offering elegant accommodation for visitors and patrons of The Concourse.
An initiative of Willoughby City Council, The Concourse was inspired by the European concept of a town square, acting as a shared space for diverse interaction and cultural engagement. The precinct is managed by Century Venues,
who curate a highly–coveted calendar of events including performances by the Vienna Boys Choir, English National Ballet, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and John Cleese.
Director of Century Venues Greg Khoury attributes the success of The Concourse to its focus on accessible, shared space. “The Concourse is Australia’s second largest performing arts venue after the Sydney Opera House,” Khoury explains. “It’s a place where world class performances and national headliners meet community ventures, and that has been been elemental to its reception as a rich and dynamic venue.”
SEE A performance by The Concourse resident Willoughby Symphony Orchestra – highly revered as Australia’s finest community orchestra.
EATDine at French–Vietnamese restaurant Chào Bà where Parisian street cafe meets traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
THE CULTURAL HEART OF SYDNEY’S
NORTH SHORE—
The Concourse
Each area of The Concourse complex is oriented toward the open public terraces “to reflect the the shared vision of the adjoining spaces,” Khoury says. Its design aims to change the fabric of the urban landscape. Large glass panels and filtered light contribute to the welcoming atmosphere. The construction upon a vast stone podium interprets the stone ridge that stretches from Sydney City into the northern suburbs that once formed the ‘spine of Sydney’s settlement’.
Designed as a nucleus of combined arts and professional events, The Concourse combines technical resource with excellent acoustics, making it one of the leading spaces for hire in Australia. The space contains a variety of leasable venues including; a world class Concert Hall, an intimate Theatre and a highly versatile Civic Pavilion, a stand–alone Rehearsal Centre, 50sqm Urban Screen, and a variety of landscaped outdoor spaces. With extraordinary architecture and state–of–the–art facilities, The Concourse is an ideal platform for conferences, exhibitions, cocktail parties and professional events.
The cultural heart of Sydney’s north, The Concourse is as modern as it is refined. Not unlike Chatswood itself.
THE CONCOURSE
409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood 02 8075 8100 or [email protected]
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If there’s one performance you must see at The Concourse, it’s an evening concert by the exceptional Willoughby Symphony Orchestra. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s top orchestral organisations, their annual concert series are both invigorating and soothing as they work through a repertoire that marries traditional, classic melodies with new and innovative compositions. From well–known works of Mozart and Beethoven, to contemporary Australian strains, their program offers something for all who attend.
Led by world–renowned conductor Dr. Nicholas Milton, the orchestra is comprised of musicians of the highest–
calibre, who, working alongside the region’s finest symphonic chorus, produce sell–out concerts that continuously impress.
Pre–concert talks, a relaxed reception and the grandeur of The Concourse Concert Hall and its extended balconies render these performances the perfect option for an elegant night out.
Willoughby Symphony Orchestra performances take place year–round in The Concourse Concert Hall – Tickets are available online and from The Concourse Box Office.
—WILLOUGHBY
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
These captivating concerts are not to
be missed.
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A FILM FESTIVAL THAT FOCUSES ON ABILITY
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Paula Duncan has always been a performer. Her entry to the stage began with her education at Australia’s National Institute for Dramatic Art. Following this was a succession of starring–roles; Firstly as Carol Finlayson in “Number 96” which was ranked as Australia’s most–watched television program at the time. We then knew her as Lisa Brooks in “The Young Doctors”, as Carolyn Johnstone in “Neighbours” and of course for her Logie–winning long term role as determined policewoman Danni Francis in the highly popular “Cop Shop”.
As an Australian screen actor and national icon, Paula Duncan is well known for her leading roles on screen, but it’s the role that’s off–screen that is the most significant to her – as dedicated ambassador for charities and welfare organisations through her company Paula Duncan Promotions.
Since the beginning of her on–screen career, Paula has worked alongside charities and various fundraisers to provide support and raise awareness of their causes. Her many years in front of audiences have equipped her with confidence and a determination to speak up for what she values. She has been recognised many times for her work, including the Order of Australia, Executive Woman of the Year for Contribution to the Arts and the Community as well as an Australian Achievement Award for her work with people with disability.
Paula is a dedicated ambassador for Nova Employment, the not–for–profit disability employment agency behind the Focus On Ability Film Festival. Since its inception in 2009, the festival has aimed to promote talented individuals within the community of disability. The festival has reached to over 110 countries. Winning entries are showcased at screenings all over the world and aired on national television. “This festival showcases just some
of the incredible creative talents in the community of disability” Paula explains, “it gives people a platform and the courage to showcase their work in a supportive and professional environment.”
Silkari Suites at Chastwood was pleased to be a major sponsor for the 2016 event by sponsoring the best international Actor in a Short Film with a Disability. The winner received 2 return economy flights to Sydney for the winner and a carer or partner, including 21 nights of accommodation twin share. Courtesy of Silkari Suites at Chatswood.
The Focus On Ability Film Festival took place in the
The Concourse Concert Hall and was proudly supported
by Silkari Suites at Chatswood.
Actress and avid philanthropist, Paula Duncan has made her mark in Australia, on and off the screen.
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From Georgio Armani campaigns to Vogue and GQ, luxury fashion photographer Nick Leary is one of the most coveted in his industry. Meet the iconic man behind the camera –
this time for Silkari.
AN EXTRAORDINARY
LIFE IN FILM—
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The Sydney–born maverick came to photography in a roundabout manner after a business investment where he gut–wrenchingly “lost everything”. Leary, a former fashion model, was thrust into the unusual position of launching a new career from scratch. “I sat back and thought, ‘Well what do you want to do? What would you love to do every single day?’ It was photography. I wanted a job where I could live freely, travel and be creative—I still live by those rules.”
While he’s most at home in the realms of fine art and fashion, Leary’s signature aesthetic—punchy and high–contrast, cast in cinematic sheen—naturally lends itself to high–end property development and hospitality. He describes his latest project, an ambitious collaboration with Silkari for their serviced Chatswood suites, as almost serendipitous. “It was an natural process. [My team and I] were approached by Silkari, who admired what we’d been doing with interiors and asked if we’d like to create something for them.”
“Rather than the common, cliché property shots, we saw an opportunity to elevate the photography to another level,” he continues. “We flew along cliff faces in a chopper, capturing footage that slowly revealed Sydney. There’s that shot with silk billowing against a natural Australian backdrop, on a ballet–trained model that mirrors its organic lines with her body language.”
“There was a certain subtlety in using silk throughout: it was about freedom and form, a purer form of luxury.” You can spy glimpses of Leary’s fashion tutelage everywhere: in huge lashings of silk blowing over a cliff–face, in quiet, ritualistic images of a woman preparing for evening drinks, in shimmerings of gold across bare skin. Here, every moment at Silkari—even the smallest—is magnified to be extraordinary. Part of that, of course, is owed to the city itself.
It’s fitting that Nick Leary—the photographer dubbed “a magician” by Cate Blanchett—is discussing beauty from somewhere so, well, picturesque: a recently acquired part–time home away from Sydney on the turquoise–trimmed Sunshine Coast. “From a very young age, I always found myself attracted to beautiful things,” he begins. “It wasn’t really in my family, but I remember being quite small and flicking through a magazine, looking at a pretty girl’s face or men’s suiting, transfixed. Some of the earliest memories I have are of catching myself thinking about beauty.”
Leary has made a career out of shrewd observations. He finds pockets of splendour in tiny, unobtrusive details, hunts down magnifying glimpses of grandeur with the epic eye of a film director. It’s this mastery that propelled Leary to major fame—with clients spanning Vogue China, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Glamour. He’s shot Tommy Hilfiger, all pearly teeth and trademark spectacles, actor Hugh Jackman slung across a chair, tennis heavyweight Serena Williams in stark black and white. He’s snapped swerving mobs of wild brumbies in the flaming heat of North Queensland, hanging out of a chopper with a camera in each hand.
Leary finds pockets of splendour in tiny, unobtrusive details, hunts down magnifying glimpses of grandeur with the epic eye of a film director
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