Sydney’s Darlinghurst is gearing up for the launch of a neighbourhood bar spearheaded by none other than Alex Prichard, Evan Stroeve, and Cynthia Litster.
The inner-city venue dubbed The Waratah is located on the corner of Liverpool and Victoria Street and is the first from Pollen Hospitality, a new group founded by Stroeve and Lister.
The dual-level venue is set to launch three rooms across two floors that will each offer guests a unique experience.
A public bar will be located on the ground floor alongside a courtyard and outdoor terrace area, while the upstairs space will see a terrace bar and a dining room.
“We are crafting a sanctuary where the community can come together to unwind, savour exceptional flavours, and rediscover the warmth of classic hospitality,” says Litster.
“Our mission is simple – to create a space that resonates with the lively pulse of the Australian heart- where the spirits are high, the ambiance is laid-back and the experience promises to be nothing short of a very, very good time.”
Prichard, Executive Chef of Icebergs in Bondi, is developing the menu as culinary director of the venue, which will serve pub fare downstairs and share-style plates upstairs.
Former Icebergs, Bistro Moncur, and Re- talent Lewin White has been appointed head chef, and has worked on and off with Prichard for the past decade.
“Lewin … is one of Australia’s most genuine and thoughtful talents,” says Prichard. “The fairy bread ice-cream sandwich is going to fly.”
Award-winning bartender Stroeve is behind the drinks offering, and will fuse a sense of nostalgia with his signature seasonal and local approach to making cocktails.
“We want to tell a story of all the things we love about Australian hospitality; connection with growers, native produce, pub culture, seasonality, community, and connection,” he says.
The Waratah is slated to open in November this year.