Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll from Applejack Hospitality (Bondi Hardware, The Botanist, SoCal) have opened their fourth venue called The Butler. Located in Potts Point on Victoria Street where Italian eatery, Mezzaluna used to reside the space has been completely revitalised. With a large outdoor terrace and sweeping views of Sydney’s CBD skyline The Butler feels as though you’ve stepped into a botanical garden. Walk past the entrance bar, down the stairs and you’ll find a spacious restaurant with hanging plants, natural toned wooden furniture and chic jungle inspired wallpaper.
The name pays tribute to it’s historic site. Climb the ‘Butlers Stairs’ first established in 1870 at the bottom of Woolloomooloo take a left, and enter the cool facade of this eclectic city oasis.
The Butler is a sophisticated casual eatery with an emphasis on good drinks and share style no fuss food. It’s more of an excellent bar that does good food than the other way round. They’ve launched just in time for summer. The outdoor garden terrace is the perfect spot for sundowner bottles of rose and cocktails.
Don’t let the jaw dropping view of the harbour distract you from the menu. Executive Chef James Privett cooks up a French Caribbean inspired selection of share foods including creole spiced lamb ribs with walnuts and fennel ($24), Black Bean Boulettes with collard greens ($18) and for the more adventurous foodies, lamb brains with artichoke, peas and caramelised butter ($20).
I’m predicting big things for The Butler. Maybe it’s because it’s shiny and new or maybe it’s the decor and epic city views but I think this is my favourite venue so far from the Applejack boys. We hear they’re working on something new though so lets not make any drastic claims just yet.
Ben Carroll and Hamish Watts
That view!!
*These fantastic pics are courtesy of Guy Davies Photography. The Butler 123 Victoria St, Potts Point Mon – Tues 4pm – 11pm Wed – Sat 12pm – 12am Sun 12pm – 10pm