Woolloomooloo’s Frisco Hotel has relaunched after a refurbishment. One of Sydney’s oldest pubs, Frisco was closed for 12 weeks to accommodate the renovations.
The venue is now also under new management after owner Adam Micola, a Woolloomooloo resident, left behind a career in property economics to start building a hospitality portfolio.
Head chef David Park, recipient of numerous hats from Gault et Millau, has created bar snacks and share plates that showcase fresh seafood and paddock-to-plate produce. Dishes include mini lobster rolls with celery, lemon mayo and chives; tempura fish tacos with avocado, pickled ginger and nam jim sauce in a lettuce cup; and grilled miso salmon with shiitake and enoki mushrooms and chef’s signature miso sauce. A dessert platter of matcha crme brulee, sticky date pudding, and Belgian chocolate mousse fondue is also featured.
Alongside a wine list curated by consultant Gabrielle Webster, winner of Wine List of the Year for Love Tilly Devine, the Frisco’s cocktail menu includes several rum-based drinks in keeping with the venue’s nautical theme. ‘Smoking Guns’ combines Zapaca rum, Aztec chocolate bitters, and raw sugar, served in a jar filled with hickory smoke, opened and self-poured over ice, while ‘Sailor’s Mistress’ features Tanqueray gin, St Germain elderflower, apple juice and elderflower syrup, sprayed with absinthe and garnished with an apple fan.
The new interior pays homage to the location’s navy legacy with a fit out by interior architects Alexander & Co., specialists in heritage refurbishment. The site has been completely renovated with exposed brick, wall tiling, leather banquettes, solid wooden floors, an all-new ground floor communal bar, and nautical accents.
The venue has staggered its opening, with the exclusive first floor bar area, and north-facing balcony with CBD and water views currently open for business. Also currently open on the next floor up are seven freshly renovated pub-style hotel rooms.
The ground floor will feature a new layout with a public bar, pressed tin bar top, large communal tables, hammed glass bulk heads and bespoke feature walls painted by well-known mural artist 8footwalls.
The relaunched 140-seat Frisco Hotel is open Monday to Saturday 10am–12pm and Sunday 10am–10pm.