Life & times

We asked some of our favourite creatives to reflect on the year that was, share their hopes for 2022, and reveal their exciting projects on the horizon...

- Elizabeth Wilson

After a delayed launch due to Sydney’s lockdown, chef Neil Perry is relieved to open the doors to his new restaurant, Margaret, a very personal project and the culmination of 40 years of menu finessing.

Neil Perry

The renowned chef is thrilled to finally welcome guests to his new restaurant, Margaret – named after his mother – a “neighbourhood dining space” in Sydney’s Double Bay.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2021? The closure of the restaurant the day it was about to open, thinking it was going to be a one-week lockdown that actually lasted about 110 days. Financially, it has been a massive hit.

UNEXPECTED POSITIVES? We were able to pivot, doing Providoor and burgers – and that kept the team going. I have a fantastic team here of 45 people who’ve been through a lot together in the last four months. We looked after each other – so that’s a positive to come out of it.

A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR? To be resilient, expect anything and make sure you figure out a way around it. It was a case of pivot or perish.

HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON? I’ll be cooking something beautiful at home – the family will be there and I’ll be chilled because it’s one day I’m not working.