Fraser Short’s The Sydney Collective has secured the tender for 8 and 10 Circular Quay East.
Short announced the group will undertake a million-dollar renovation to the sites and launch a restaurant called Whalebridge.
Sean Connolly will spearhead the culinary direction, with the chef indicating local produce will be front and centre.
“If anything has shone through in these challenging times, it’s the quality of our homegrown produce,” says Connolly. “I plan on showcasing all of this with just a touch of French finesse and hint of romance.”
The Sydney Collective will secure the sites, currently held by the Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, in March 2021.
The NSW government declined to renew the oyster bar’s lease, which it held for more than 30 years.
The restaurant took to social media to comment on the situation.
“I’m totally devastated for my staff, suppliers, family and am personally struggling to believe this is our new reality,” reads the post penned by owner Philip Thompson.
“We took on a derelict toilet block in 1987 and transformed it into one of the most iconic venues within Australia and to this I am enormously proud.”
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