The ground floor of the much anticipated Shell House has opened. Say hello to Menzies Bar & Bistro.
Sydney-based hospitality collective The Point Group is about to open the first level of its new multi-storey venue inside the historic CBD building, Shell House. The hospitality group who also have The Dolphin, Bondi Beach Public Bar and Harry’s, are opening The Menzies Bar & Bistro on the ground floor.
The space combines heritage with European grandeur. Cast windows clad the perimeter between Carrington and Margaret street filling the space with beautiful light. There’s a sleek blackened steel bar, an overhead bar hamper that holds 1300 spirit bottles, a marble fireplace and mosaic tumbled marble floors which are complimented with soft furnishings.
Executive Chef, Joel Bickford and his team have created a menu comprising of shared and large plates spanning across lunch, dinner, snacks and supper. Smaller Plates feature Spanner Crab Crumpets with Sweet Corn and Lardo as well as Chicken Liver Eclairs. There’s a Swordfish Crudo with Pink Grapefruit and Yarra Valley Salmon Roe, plus a delicious looking Slow Ferment Sourdough Toastie with Fontina, Black Pig Ham & Pickles.
Larger plates hero locally sourced produce including Coral Trout with Tropea Onion, Caponata and Olive Mascarpone; as well as Vongole with Fermented Chilli Linguine, and a Boneless Ribeye (400gm).
The Menzies Bar embraces new world and classic wines across an extensive list. In particular, you’ll find an array of organic, biodynamic and minimal intervention wines to try. Cocktails will shine through all three levels of Shell House with a number of signature creations already available in The Menzies. There’s the ‘In-Cider Trading’ made with scotch, coffee, fig, cider caramel and smoked honey. Or for something lighter the ‘Gunslinger Spritz’ is made with Bianco Vermouth, Gunpowder Tea, Yuzu, Jalapeno, Orange, Cucumber, Sparkling Wine. Made popular at The Dolphin Hotel you’ll also find the ‘Sicilian Margarita’ – tequila, limoncello, sichuan, fresh lemon makes an appearance on the list.
Every day between 4pm and 6pm you can enjoy Martini Hour. Take a seat at the bar and enjoy $10 mini martinis and lobster rolls.
This is the first of three levels to open at Shell House. Watch this space for more info on the Dining Room opening in mid-November and the Sky Bar rooftop bar opening in early November.
Menzies Bar
Shell House, 37 Margaret St Sydney 2010 (Entry via 37 Margaret Street)
Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2am.