Meet Sydney’s newest super venue, Estate, bringing three distinct, Hamptons-inspired dining destinations to Coogee.

Attracting 350 eager punters to the launch of a new venue is no mean feat. But, that’s exactly what Estate managed to do last night. Brought to Sydney by Chef and Creative Director Matthew Butcher, Estate is an ambitious new super venue that has just landed in the heart of Coogee. Housing a trio of elevated dining concepts under one roof, this beachside playground is set to be one of the suburbs’ most exciting new openings of 2020.

Find its home on the street level of Coogee Beach’s Crowne Plaza (which recently scored a multi-million dollar refurb), Estate brings together three distinct dining concepts, all inspired by upstate New York in the sunny summer months. Inside, you’ll find Kitchen (a formal Hamptons-inspired restaurant and dining room), Taqueria (a buzzy Mexican cantina and bar) plus Terrace (an alfresco beach club bar). The decision to split the space into three ‘micro-venues’ comes from Matthew’s extensive market research, understanding Sydney’s desire for venues that straddle the line between restaurant and bar.

Matthew himself is no stranger to the food and drink space, with an impressive resume spanning 12 years in some of the world’s top hatted restaurants. In fact, Matthew has rubbed shoulders and worked alongside heavyweight chefs including Gordon Ramsey, Shannon Bennett, and Ryan Clift to name a few. He’s joined by Estate’s Head Chef Scott Eddington (Mamacita, Belle’s Hot Chicken, A1 Canteen), with the pair bringing a wealth of global experience to this latest project.

“Sydney likes to incorporate different spaces under one roof,” Matthew tells Eat Drink Play. “We don’t want to compete with what other venues are doing in the suburb,  but built a space for the local community and bring the inner city out to experience Coogee for themselves.”

And there’s plenty of reason for Sydneysiders to escape to Estate. For punters craving a more refined dining experience, head to the main dining room at Kitchen, kitted out with Hamptons-inspired interiors and a lavish seafood-focused menu. Expect everything from delicacies of cornbread dressed with spanner crab and tarragon and lobster rolls with lemon mayo and chives along with plates of smoked mussels, scampi risotto, Moreton Bay bug and more.

“We’re doing Crystal Bay prawns served on fermented potato tortillas (made in-house) along with guacamole made tableside, so diners can pick their preferred level of spice,” reveals Matthew. In fact, this is one of his favorite dishes on Kitchen’s menu. Oh, and he recommends diners finish their experience with a plate of cherry ripe bombe Alaska.

Step off the beach and score authentic Mexican eats at Taqueria, delivering a casual cantina-meets-bar complete with eccentric patterns, neon lights and a 40-strong list of tequila (something you won’t find anywhere else in Coogee). Expect a fun party vibe at this spot, with a menu packed with all the dishes Matthew would want to eat in a traditional Mexican taqueria. Chow down on traditional soft corn tortilla tacos loaded with everything from grilled fish to chorizo, crispy tofu, pork belly and more. Matthew’s pick of the bunch? Make sure to try the oh-so-cheesy Nachos ($12) loaded with corn chips, cheddar, salsa and lime cream. Oh, and make sure to wash it down with a spicy watermelon margarita, naturally.

The best bit? Swing by the Confessional, a private karaoke space punters can book for late-night sessions fuelled by tacos and tequila.

Last, but certainly not least, is Terrace, the alfresco space channeling relaxed beach club vibes. With sparkling water views over Coogee Beach, punters can nab a seat on the American style bleachers and soak in the ocean views with a drink in hand. Plus, Terrace welcomes a custom-built airstream caravan kitting out with a full bar serving drinks and bar snacks as well as a cinema projector screening sporting matches and films.

Estate is part of a new wave of chefs and restauranters turning their attention to the long-forgotten hotel kitchens and bars. With independent venues and small businesses struggling in today’s challenging restaurant climate, Matthew is excited for the opportunity to elevate the traditional hotel dining experience (welcoming both hotel guests and regular Sydneysiders through Estate’s doors). Although Estate is operated independently of the Crowne Plaza Coogee, both will benefit from the pooling of resources to attract and retain guests. And in exciting news for guests, Estate will be offering diners $15 valet parking (something relatively unheard of in the typical dining space).

Estate is now open at the Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach (242 Arden Street, Coogee). Find out more here.

Estate Coogee Hours

Kitchen
Monday to Thursday 5pm till late
Friday to Sunday 12pm till late

Taqueria
Open daily 12pm till late

Terrace
Monday to Thursday 4pm till 10pm
Friday to Sunday 12pm to 10pm