The Plug // October 2025 The Plug
Welcome to The Plug. In the spirit of connection, we’re sharing our top picks of what to eat, drink and share with your favourite people this season. Explore more here Share this on LinkedIn, Twitter

STAY: 1 Hotel Melbourne

Opened in June 2025, 1 Hotel Melbourne is the eco-luxury brand’s Australian debut. Located on the Yarra River at North Wharf, the hotel blends sustainable architecture with Melbourne’s maritime history, incorporating the restored heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5. Designed to connect guests with nature and community, the hotel features 277 rooms crafted from reclaimed materials and over 7,000 plants. Guests can enjoy the Bamford Wellness Spa and From Here by Mike – the signature low-waste restaurant by chef Mike McEnearney.


DINE: Sogumm

Opened in April 2025 by husband-and-wife duo Changhoon “Kimi” Kim and Suhyun “Su” Kim – alumni of Gimlet, Aria and Alain Ducasse, Sogumm draws inspiration from Korean temple cuisine, emphasising fermentation, restraint and seasonal vegetables. The menu is guided by four foundational seasonings: soy, gochujang, salt and doenjang. With its communal table and open kitchen, Sogumm invites diners to slow down and connect over food that’s humble, layered and deeply soulful.


BUY: Marshall Stanmore III

With its old-school design, brass knobs and iconic script logo, the Marshall Stanmore III connects past and present, both in style and sound. It delivers rich, room-filling audio with crisp highs and deep bass, whether you’re streaming wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.2 or plugging in the old-fashioned way. More than just looks, it’s built for modern living with smart sound tuning features such as Dynamic Loudness and Placement Compensation. The perfect reminder that connection through music is always a good idea.


CREATE: Sarah Schembri Ceramics

In the heart of Fitzroy, Sarah Schembri’s pottery studio offers more than just ceramics – it’s a space for connection and creativity. Her Wheel & Unwind workshops invite friends to gather around the pottery wheel, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and grazing board while exploring the tactile art of pottery. Designed for all skill levels, Sarah’s classes provide a relaxed environment to share moments and newfound skills.


BUY: Flint Rechargeable Lighter

The Flint Rechargeable Lighter elevates the simple act of lighting a candle into a mindful ritual. This sleek, display-worthy tool replaces disposable lighters with a sustainable, rechargeable alternative. A single USB-C charge powers up to 1,000 ignitions, making it ideal for candles, incense or gas stovetops. Whether you’re setting the mood, marking the end of the day, or simply enjoying a quiet pause, slow down and savour the moment.


DRINK: Departed Spirits

This Melbourne-based brand is redefining the spirits landscape with its rebellious spirit and a commitment to quality. Focusing on purity and simplicity, Departed Spirits offers premium spirits in sleek, 500ml stainless steel tins that are both durable and infinitely recyclable. Their lineup includes distinctive flavours such as Yuzu Gin, Green Apple Vodka and Pineapple Jalapeño Agave, designed to be enjoyed straight or with a splash of sparkling water.

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