The historic Dry Dock pub in Sydney’s Balmain reopens to the public today after undergoing an extensive renovation.
The heritage-listed venue was acquired by James Ingram and Mike Everett of newly formed group Peninsula Hospitality back in 2021, with the pair aiming to restore the establishment to its former glory.
H&E Architects, CWF Constructions, and Bianca Isgro worked together to transform the pub while honouring its roots, creating a space that has room for 330 patrons.
“The Dry Dock has been designed to have that timeless feel, something that stands the test of time,” says Isgro. “It has a transportative, escapist quality, where you could be anywhere, or right at home.”
The venue is split up into the dining room and the public house, which spans a public bar, sports lounge, and lounge bar.
The public bar caters to 90 guests at any one time and has 16 taps and a bar food menu, with the sports lounge located to the side.
The lounge bar accommodates 120 patrons and has been fitted out with a double-fronted fireplace and leather booth seating.
Former Felix, Uccello, and Rockpool chef Ben Sitton is heading up the kitchen, and has designed dishes that make the most of the Josper charcoal oven.
“I loved James and Mike’s vision for The Dry Dock and their passion to create a classic pub experience based around great food, produce, and service,” says the chef.
“Cooking over fire is one of my passions … seafood is another passion of mine, so our sit-up oyster bar will be a favourite spot.”
The dining room overlooks a courtyard and seats 100 guests, who can sample dishes with European influences from steak frites to a crumbed Berskhire pork cutlet and raspberry souffle with pistachio ice cream.
Sommelier Christiane Poulos joins after time at Rockpool and Bennelong and has worked alongside wine consultant John Clancy to put together a wine list of both international and domestic drops.
“It’s been exciting reimagining the pub for future generations,” says Ingram.
“Balmain has such a strong pub culture, so we’re excited to add to the already great mix of venues in the area and contribute to the reinvigoration of the food and beverage offering in Balmain and the peninsula.”
The Dry Dock opens today (30 November) – the public bar, sports lounge, and lounge bar operate from 11am until midnight Monday to Saturday and until 10pm on Sunday.
The dining room is open for lunch and dinner from midday Monday to Friday and from 11am until close on weekends.
