Past Events by The Historyteller Max Burns-McRuvie

CHOWDER’S CHEQUERED PAST AT RIPPLES CHOWDER BAY

WINE, DINE & CRIME EVENING

Revealing infamous stories…

and rare imagery from Chowder Bay’s 19th century 'Pleasure Grounds' and exploring the secret military operations once active inside our restaurant’s dining space, this unique experience will shine a very different light on the quiet harbour cove we know today.
Over a delicious dinner, guests can expect to rediscover spectacular structures, pandemonious picnics, horrifying explosions, unsolved mysteries and colourful characters have left their mark on this historic location over the last two centuries.

Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 6:30 PM | $159 per person

WHISKEY THROUGH HISTORY AT THE DOSS HOUSE

Whiskey & history

Horrible history & whiskey…

Deep in the underground den of the Doss House sits a storyteller awaiting your presence this Halloween. Join us by candlelight with a whisky in hand as he delves into sinister stories from the darkest chapters of Sydney’s peculiar past.
From convict hangings and the arrival of the death fleet; to horrifying local murders and gruesome discoveries that once sickened Sydney-siders to their stomachs, be sure to join us for a special evening of horrible history and premium whisky.

Thursday, 30 October 2025 | $80 per person

SCANDALS AND THE CITY AT TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD

WINE, DINE & TRUE CRIME

**A unique dinner**

experience filled with sensational stories of crime and controversy from our city’s chequered past.
Expect an entertaining exploration into colonial sex scandals, problematic paint jobs, shocking crime scenes and debaucherous dentists that once made headlines and outraged ordinary citizens across Sydney.

27 August, 10, 16 & 23 September 2025 | $65 per person

WINE & CRIME AT PADDO INN

WINE, DINE & TRUE CRIME

**Secrets of Paddington’s Past**

Step into the shadowy world of Paddington’s intriguing history during an evening of sensational stories.
Over delectable canapés by il Baretto & matched Vino, you’ll explore Paddington's chequered past — from curious characters and exceptional architecture to unforgettable crime tales.
Within a cosy setting, this immersive experience promises a captivating blend of history, crime, and culinary delight.

TUESDAY, 18 MARCH 2025 at 6:00 PM | $40 per person

HALLOWRUM FRIGHT NIGHT AT BRIX DISTILLERY

Rumtasting

**Halloween Special**

Step into the shadowy corners of Sydney's past with Brix Distillers for a spine-chilling evening of rum and crime. Join us for HallowRum Fright Night, where the city's most sinister, spooky stories come to life.
Immerse yourself in the dark and stormy tales of old Sydney as you indulge in a curated selection Brix Rums. Each tasting pairs perfectly with the gripping narratives, offering a sensory experience that’s equal parts eerie and exquisite.
It's Halloween with a rummy twist. Come dressed in a spooktacular costume for the occasion.

Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 6:00 PM | $115 per person

BALMAIN’S BAD-ASS HISTORY AT CASA ESQUINA

WINE, DINE & TRUE CRIME

Balmain has always been pretty bad-ass

Even the man behind its place name, Dr William Balmain, was a sea-faring surgeon who traded in rum and took a bullet from his boss in a 1788 duel fought in Sydney.

At this unique Wine, Dine and Crime event, your historian host will bring to life Balmain’s early reputation as a pub-filled peninsula of hard working, hard drinking larrikins and legends.

Exposing the infamous events and notorious crime stories that history has left behind, we’ll dig up the dirt on Balmain’s colourful characters, mysterious murders and sinister secrets while enjoying a delicious dining experience.

Immerse yourself in Balmain’s rich history while enjoying a 3-course shared set menu,

WEDNESDAY, 30 October 2024 at 6:00 PM | $85 per person

PADDINGTON’S PECULIAR PAST - AT TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD

WINE, DINE & TRUE CRIME

Wine, Crime & True Crime Evening

Delve into a night of notorious storytelling that reimagines Paddington’s peculiar past as we enjoy a unique dining experience filled with sensational tastes and tales.

Over three delicious courses, we’ll bring to life Paddington’s chequered history; curious characters; extraordinary architecture and colourful crime stories within the wonderful (and warm) courtyard dining space.