Sydney is about to lose another fine dining heavyweight with the closure of Merivale’s est. announced this week.
The landscape of Sydney’s dining scene has been shifting in recent years. In the past year alone, we have waved goodbye to a string of iconic dining institutions that have been beloved destinations among diners locally and abroad. Some recent closures have included Bridge Room, Longrain, Newtown’s Oscillate Wildly and Surry Hill’s favourite Billy Kwong. The common thread? All have sat at the top tier of Sydney’s culinary scene, serving fine dining experiences at premium prices.
The latest casualty in this recent spate of closures has just been announced this week. And it’s a venue we’re mighty sad to see come to end of its lifetime in Sydney. In a recent announcement by Justin Hemmes, the brains behind the hospitality empire Merivale, it’s been confirmed that est. will be shutting up shop this Christmas. The news comes as Hemmes reveals major renovations will be taking place at the space, with both lifts set to be replaced (a project predicted to take over four months to complete).
Since opening in 2000, est. has delighted diners with its seasonally-driven modern Australian menu. Set in a dramatic heritage-listed building, the grand space has existed as one of the city’s most elegant dining rooms for nearly two decades.
The future for the building remains unclear, with Hemmes yet to confirm what concept will enter the space when renovations are completed in late 2020. In the interim, the est. team are set to be working at the new mid-level opening at the waterfront Coogee Pavilion, one of Merivale’s popular Eastern Suburbs venues.
For diners looking to get their est. dose before the venue closes in December, you’d better get in quick. We predict the restaurant’s lastest announcement will spark a rush of bookings, so you’d better get in quick to secure your spot. Click here to book a table at est. before it’s too late.
Psst… looking for a special experience for your next event? Check out our guide to Sydney’s Best Private Dining Rooms.
