Sydney, Australia, 19 August 2025 – This September, W Sydney and Perrier reunite for the return of REFRESH, a four-day celebration of elevated mixology and intimate moments, timed to coincide with Sydney Bar Week. From 11–14 September, Living Room and Level 30 will play host to a series of experiences led by Stefano Bussi, Head Mixologist at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, top 10 of Asia's Best Bars 2024, bringing Japanese-inspired craftsmanship and signature cocktails to Sydney's nightlife.

The Omakase Cocktail Experience – Thursday 11 September

On Thursday, 11th September evening, Living Room will transform into an omakase-style cocktail bar for an intimate tasting journey crafted by Stefano Bussi. Across two seatings, guests will enjoy four of The Aubrey's signature cocktails, each paired with a Japanese-inspired bite from Chef Jamie Cho, formerly Head Chef at Sake Restaurant. The evening will begin with a welcome drink and ends with a sweet bite, all soundtracked by a live DJ.

Highlights include:

• Chinmoku: Gin, Iichiko Saiten, Aubrey Sake, Nori, Green Apple, Chamomile, Perrier – paired with Abrolhos Island scallop tartare and green apple pickle

• Named after the Japanese word for silence, this clarified milk punch blends gin with sake to offer a clean, rice-forward profile.

• Shibumi: Mezcal, Yuzu, Cinnamon, Dry Wines, Oregano, Elderflower, Perrier – paired with smoked wagyu beef tataki and enoki mushrooms
  • Sharing the name of Stefano's new cocktail menu, this cocktail captures the essence of what Shibumi represent with effortless complexity and layered restraint. A balanced, citrus forward mezcal sour with a touch of edible flitter to evoke a twilight-like visual texture to complement the cocktail
• Harmony: Vodka, Sweet Potato Shochu, Yuzu, Earl Grey, Perrier – paired with bonito zuke and seaweed crisps
  • A light and refreshing yuzu highball with enhanced sweet potato characters from the shochu inspired by Japanese chuhai
• Nihonjin: Whisky, Kamimura, Danryu, Awamori, Matcha, Tomato, White Sesame, Perrier, Carbonation – paired with yellowfin tuna and sweet potato tartlet
  • A signature highball from the new cocktail menu that brings ingredients that are deeply rooted in Japanese culture together for a clean and structured foundation with touch of matcha that adds a bitterness and earthy depth, breaking through with a tomato garnish for natural acidity and freshness

Details: Thursday 11 September | 7.00pm & 9.00pm | 12 guests per session | $99pp including cocktails, paired bites, welcome drink and sweet bite.

The Aubrey x Level 30 Guest Shift – Friday 12 September

On Friday evening, Stefano takes over Level 30 – W Sydney's highest and most exclusive bar – for a one-night-only guest shift. Known for his bold yet refined approach to Japanese-influenced cocktails, Stefano will serve The Aubrey's most celebrated creations from his new cocktail menu – The Art of Shibumi (the Japanese philosophy that represents effortless beauty and depth beneath simplicity) in an intimate setting 30 floors above Darling Harbour. An experience reserved for only 25 guests, offering rare access to world-class cocktails high above the city skyline.

Details: Friday 12 September | 7.00pm – 11.00pm | Waitlist now open.

Signature Serves All Weekend

From Thursday to Sunday, The Aubrey's cocktails will be available in Living Room for $28 each, alongside The Aubrey Flight – a mini tasting of four cocktails for $60.

To reserve your seat, please visit wsydney.com

- Ends –

Media Contacts:

Olivia Hargreaves

BLACK Communications

E: olivia.hargeaves@blackcommunications.com.au

T:  +61 414 226 413

About W Sydney

W Sydney is set on the city's magnificent waterfront in Darling Harbour, with immediate access to the CBD, International Convention Centre, and harbour entertainment precinct. In addition to its 588 luxury rooms, suites and Studios, W Sydney features two-storey rooftop bar 29/30, WET Deck and its heated infinity pool overlooking Darling Harbour, AWAY® Spa, FIT gym, contemporary Australian restaurant BTWN, Living Room bar and a dedicated level of state-of-the-art event spaces. A member of the Marriott Bonvoy travel rewards program, W Sydney brings a unique take on luxury, design, and charisma to Sydney.

Since opening, W Sydney has garnered prestigious accolades, including recognition as one of Trip. Best's Global 100 Most Instagrammable Hotels, a #4 ranking in the ANZP Hotel category in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, and wins for “Hotel Interior Design” and “New Hotel” at the 2024 HM Awards. For more information about W Sydney, please visit wsydney.com

About W Hotels

Born from the social electricity of New York City, W Hotels has been at the forefront of lifestyle hospitality for over two decades. With over 70 destinations around the world, the detail-driven design, signature Whatever/Whenever service, and buzzing Living Rooms cultivate experiences of social connectivity. Each location brings together the magnetic energy of W Hotels and the essence of local culture, creating spaces for new perspectives and a freedom of self-expression. W Hotels is currently undergoing a multi-year brand evolution, to meet the needs of today's guest and deliver a new generation of luxury lifestyle experiences. For more information on W Hotels, visit w-hotels.com and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and YouTube. W Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Stefano Bussi

Originally from Italy, Stefano Bussi brings a rare combination of technical precision and thoughtful restraint to The Aubrey's evolving cocktail identity. He was named Bartender of the Year for Hong Kong & Macau at the Diageo World Class 2024, and his work at Vida Rica Bar in Macau contributed to it being named one of Tatler's Best Bars in Macau. Most recently, he was recognised as one of the Top Ten Bartenders at the 2025 Hong Kong & Macau Top Ten Bar Awards & Young Bartender Award presented by Wine Luxe.

About The Aubrey

The Aubrey is an elevated Japanese izakaya, located on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. A collaboration between Maximal Concepts and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, The Aubrey offers three distinctive bar experiences and accompanying Japanese food with uninterrupted views of Victoria Harbour. Recognised as the highest-ranked Japanese bar in Hong Kong at No. 10 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024 list, The Aubrey combines authenticity and innovation to present a remarkable culinary journey.  Since its opening in Hong Kong and London, it has consistently appeared on top Japanese Restaurant Awards and lists, elevating the Japanese Izakaya experience with sophisticated offerings and its award-winning Omakse cocktail experience.

About Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

The iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage. Having delighted guests with award-winning services and impressive facilities for over 60 years, it is a much-loved address for those seeking an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of the city. The hotel's spacious rooms and suites offer magnificent views of the renowned Victoria Harbour and the city's skyline. A collection of nine outstanding restaurants and bars, including One-Michelin-Star restaurant, a luxurious club lounge, a Shanghainese-inspired holistic spa, an indoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre,  make Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong the quintessential “home away from home” for discerning leisure and business travellers alike.

About Perrier

Born in Vergèze, south of France, PERRIER® comes from a natural terroir in the heart of Provencal garrigue. Its story started in 1863 : from the tables of the Kings of England to the most famous artist's hands, PERRIER® mineral water has travelled time without losing its uniqueness.

PERRIER® mineral water and its leaping bubbles will give you an intense refreshment and inspire your senses. Suitable for any moment in time, enjoy a refreshing glass of sparkling water. Satisfy your tastebuds and gain natural mineral water benefits.

About Maximal Concepts

For over a decade, Maximal Concepts Restaurant Group, led by Malcolm Wood, Xuan Mu and Matt Reid, has built a reputation for creating some of the most acclaimed, exciting restaurants coming out of Asia. The group is best known for Mott 32, arguably the leading luxury Chinese Restaurant brand globally, with nine locations spanning from Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Cebu, Dubai, Toronto with Los Angeles, London, Scottsdale, Budapest, Riyadh, Manila, Bali and Melbourne in development. Behind every concept is deep passion for sustainability with all three founders being thought leaders and pioneering solutions for the industry.