^{As a company with offices in both London and Sydney, Playlister is constantly in opposite seasons. In London, we are clearly edging closer to autumn, with temperatures dropping and cosy pubs calling our name; while in Sydney, summer is just around the corner - with beach barbecues, al fresco cocktails and music festivals on the horizon.}

^{Whether you’re warming up for summer down under, or bracing yourself for darker evenings in the northern hemisphere, we’ve got you covered. From sun-drenched cocktails to fireside pints, here are six spots worth your time right now.}

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Summer

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Opera Bar

Sydney hospitality group Applejack has taken over Sydney Opera House's Opera Bar - where you can expect menus rooted in local produce (think platters of regionally made cheeses and meats, tiger prawns with house-hot sauce) paired with harbour views. It’s perfect for sundowners, slow lunches, or watching the evening unfold with friends and a good drink.

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The Sunseeker

Dealing in artful nostalgia, The Sunseeker is modelled on an 1980s brick motel, reimagined for the stylish modern traveller. By day, it’s poolside margaritas and lazy beach walks by Byron Bay; by night, dinner at a nearby café-bar before collapsing into crisp sheets with the sound of the ocean. Considered simplicity is the vibe here - unfussy, sun-warmed, endlessly easy.

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Raes on Wategos

Perched on the edge of Wategos Beach, Rae’s is the sort of place where barefoot afternoons slide easily into candlelit evenings. Mediterranean-inspired interiors, ocean-view terraces, and just the right amount of hush make it feel like a secret, even though it’s one of the most famous stays in town. Swim, spa, sip, repeat: Raes is luxury softened by salt air.

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Autumn

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Thyme

A weekend at Cotswolds' Thyme encourages reconnection with nature, which surrounds this 17th-century estate. A patchwork of cottages, barns, and gardens, designed for wandering, inside it’s all warm fires, antique details and produce that moves seamlessly from garden to plate, with chef Charlie Hibbert creating menus with local ingredients at their core.

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The Fox at Oddington

This 19th century village inn, operated by Daylesford, is nestled in the audaciously beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. Managing to feel both chic and homely; The Fox at Oddington is like a Country Living centrefold. Crisp walks followed by slow, indulgent meals featuring seasonal dishes that celebrate local producers. A haven for when you need to warm the cockles on a chilly Autumn evening.

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Hauser & Wirth Somerset

There's no better place to celebrate the arrival of autumn than Bruton, Somerset. It's always a lovely trip - but a food scene with the likes of Farm Shop and Da Costa at Hauser & Wirth, Osip and Margot Henderson's The Three Horseshoe's make it a gastronomic getaway to remember. Walk off your meals at H&W's perennial meadow, designed by Piet Oudolf.