Thomas Gorringe has secured the executive chef role at Sydney fine diner Aria.
Gorringe joins the Solotel restaurant after time as head chef at Pier One’s The Gantry and has taken over the top position at Aria from Joel Bickford, who has moved to The Point Group.
Solotel’s Matt Moran says the group were looking for a chef who not only champions local producers while thriving in a fine-dining environment, but a culinary talent who could spearhead Aria Wine Bar.
Aria Wine Bar will open to the public next year and see Gorringe create a curated snack menu that complements a generous by-the-glass wine offering.
“Having the opportunity to work within one of the leading fine-dining restaurants in the country, while also building upon a completely new offering through the creation of Aria Wine Bar is a challenge that I’m really looking forward to,” says Gorringe.
The soon-to-launch wine bar and recent staff movements, including Alexander Kirkwood‘s appointment as general manager, marks a new chapter for Aria in its 21st year.
“We’re thrilled to have Tom join our Aria team to head up the kitchen in this exciting new phase for the venue,” says Moran.
“As much as this past year has presented its fair share of hurdles, it’s made us more hungry than ever to swing open the doors and welcome in this new phase for our harbourside venue.”
Image credit: Steven Woodburn