UPCOMING EVENTS
WINE, CRIME & DINE
Tequila Mockingbird
Step into the shadowy underworld of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs a century ago, where cocaine flowed through hidden networks, brothels operated behind respectable facades, and razor gangs carved out territories in a city gripped by vice.
Sex, Drugs & Razor Gangs explores the mechanics behind these illicit worlds—from cocaine supply chains and street-level trade to the inner workings of the sex industry and the violent rivalries that defined the era. Moving beyond the familiar names, this immersive storytelling experience brings to life lesser-known underworld figures including Guido Calletti, Snowy Cutmore, Frank Green, Fay Watson, Nellie Cameron, and Norman Bruhn—revealing a richer, more complex portrait of Sydney’s criminal past.
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Tuesday, 12 & 26 May 2026 at 6:30 PM
$70pp incl. 3-course menu & a house wine/beer
RECENT EVENTS
Paddo Inn
COCKTAILS & CRIME AT THE PADDO INN
After the sell-out Wine & Crime, Max goes deeper into Sydney’s shadowy past for this event; from the homicidal housewife of Botany Bay to the bigamist butcher of Sussex Street. These are the true tales that shocked a city and led many to the Hangman’s noose.
With il Baretto canapés and three bespoke cocktails inspired by Sydney’s criminal underworld.
Monday, 24 November 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Doss House
HALLOWEEN AT THE DOSS HOUSE
From the gallows of convict hangings and the dreaded arrival of the death fleet, to grisly murders and grotesque discoveries that once horrified the colony – these are the tales that history tried to forget. Dark, sinister and all too real. Blending premium whiskey with spine-tingling storytelling, this intimate evening is the perfect way to step into the Halloween spirit.
Thursday, 30 October 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Fenwick
HISTORY TOUR & LUNCH AT THE FENWICK
With a focus on the harbour-side heritage and colonial architecture of this unique stretch of Sydney, this tour will examine Balmain’s early beginnings and the fascinating figures who helped shape its bustling local industries and hard-working wharf fronts.
Known for its abundance of historic pubs, sandstone mansions and terraced streets that wind their way down to watery views, Balmain is a vibrant village with many stories to tell.
Friday, 7 November at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
The Nielsen
WINE, CRIME & DINE AT THE NIELSEN
Reflecting on the changing tides of Sydney Harbour throughout the ages this unique event will recount tales of shark attacks, shipwrecks, seaplanes and historic sandstone structures over dinner at the Pavilion, Nielsen Park.
Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 6:30 PM
Ripples Chowder Bay
WINE, CRIME & DINE AT RIPPLES CHOWDER BAY
Discover Chowder Bay’s hidden past over a delicious dinner, as rare imagery and infamous stories reveal its 19th-century “Pleasure Grounds,” secret military operations, spectacular structures, chaotic picnics, explosions, mysteries, and the colourful characters who shaped this quiet harbour cove across two centuries.
Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 6:30 PM
RIPPLES CHOWDER BAY
HISTORY TOUR & LUNCH AT RIPPLES CHOWDER BAY
Over the course of an easy going 1.45 hr guided walk, Sydney historian Max Burns-McRuvie will reveal the secrets of Chowder’s sub-marine mining depot and the dangerous duties of its mysterious army engineers once tasked with the construction, installation and even detonation of underwater explosives throughout Sydney Harbour at the end of the 19th Century.
At the same time, discover how the peaceful waters of Chowder Bay would see a transformation from Indigenous fishing to American whaling and eventually into an infamous ‘Pleasure Grounds’ where blasting brass bands, drunken larrikin gangs and picnic enthusiasts converged each weekend to enjoy its long-lost beach pavilion, marine hotel and enormous swimming facilities.
Saturday, 8 November at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
SEE MAX BURNS-MCRUVIE IN ACTION
All events are also available for private and corporate group bookings.
Get in touch with us and we can create and customise your event.
