Sydney institution Gowings, has reopened under the creative culinary direction of one of Sydney’s most acclaimed chefs.
We know it, we love it, Gowings Bar & Grill is a true culinary Sydney icon. Standing firmly on a foundation of heritage, Gowings has been going steady since 1920. An awe-inspiring infusion of history, possibility, and flavours you can’t refuse.
As with any institution that can stand the test of time, an ability to adapt and adjust is crucial. As Gowings dawns a new era, the latest iteration carries forth the venue’s ageless swagger with a rejuvenated flair for flavour. Honing in on New York’s Little Italy for inspiration, the all-new menu showcases a simultaneously elegant and unpretentious offering alongside QT’s signature dose of punk and a tone of theatrics.
Celeb Chef Sean Connolly is spearheading the operation, following a wildly successful launch of award-winning Esther at QT Auckland. It’s fair to say Connolly has found a home in the unique boutique hotel brand, and he’s excited to continue building upon the foundations.
About the offering, Connolly says “In this new venture, I’ll bring back old school hotel dining with a twist, combining the new interiors and menu with a flair for interactive theatre. It’ll be a melting pot of Italian food and great Australian beef and produce, what’s not to love? It’s an immersive experience, where the food and drinks are equal to the atmosphere, interaction, brought alive with high-fashion art, photography and music.”
The fit-out includes a Chef’s Table which sees up to eight guests get right amongst the action of the kitchen. Feast your eyes on the handling of the dough for garlic pizzetta, the rolling of Mafalda pasta for octopus Bolognese, and the assembly of the delicate yet decadent popcorn semifreddo.
The accompanying drinks list is inspired by good food and good times. Signature cocktail highlights include the QT Martini, a dramatic iteration of the classic cocktail which uses liquid nitrogen in its construction. The wine list heroes Australian winemakers with an Italian accent. Featuring over 800 wines, and 40 by the glass, from icons to game-changers plus an aged collection dating back 90 years!
The updated aesthetic features a homage to the punk, high fashion era of the 60s and 70s curated by Blender Gallery. Sculptural art fills a once empty atrium and the once masculine energy of the space has been balanced with the introduction of bright, fresh and feminine finishes.
The all-new offering is ready and waiting to be discovered in the thick of the CBD. Gowings is open for lunch Thursday and Friday, and dinner Tuesday to Saturday, bookings available here.
If all this talk of boutique hotels has got you craving a getaway, check out our list of cosy NSW accommodations to tick off your bucket list this winter.
