Sydney pub scions Laundy Hotels have unveiled the new look of the Woolly Bay Hotel in Sydney’s east, including the addition of the rooftop bar and restaurant, Arturo’s, reports Australian Hotelier.
Set across from Woolloomooloo Wharf, the Woolly Bay Hotel has had a comprehensive $14 million upgrade befitting of its location. As part of the renovation a new Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop, Arturo’s, has been added to the hotel.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Sydneysiders and international visitors to the all-new Woolly Bay Hotel. Our family has taken great pleasure in restoring and rejuvenating one of the harbour’s grandest venues,” said Laundy Hotels founder, Arthur Laundy.
The mammoth project was overseen by Laundy Hotel creative director Justine Laundy, her husband and project manager Nick Tindall, and design firm Luchetti Krelle.
“It’s been very fulfilling to steer a project with such a rich and colourful history as the Woolly Bay Hotel, redesigning and reimagining those spaces for a contemporary patron,” stated Justine Laundy.
“Our hope was to create spaces to be enjoyed all day long, with our food and drinks menu to complement, like being in the Mediterranean.”
The ground-floor public bar has taken cues from a comfy at-home lounge experience, with a new central fireplace anchoring the space. It also boasts floor-to-ceiling French doors opening onto Cowper Wharf Roadway and overlooking the waterfront.
“Throughout the design we’ve tried to incorporate the venue’s unique waterfront position. Details include blue mosaic tiles, a rippled granite and pebble-grey hand sponged paintwork, all resembling the shoreline, as do myriad terrazzo and swirling granite selections,” stated Luchetti Krelle principal, Rachel Luchetti.
On the first floor, the new Arturo’s restaurant seats 100 people for casual dining. Executive chef Jamie Gannon and head chef Adam Hotel have created a Mediterranean-style menu that celebrates Australian produce, including dishes like Kingfish Crudo, lemon oil, cucumber and peas; Lobster Roll, chives and smoked salmon pearls; and an 800g Bistecca Fiorentina served with salsa verde.
The second floor is the Arturo’s Rooftop, a glass-encased structure overlooking the city skyline and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Its design features a canopy of latticed bamboo, shimmering mosaic tile table-tops, camel-coloured accents and quartzite pavers. Small plates are on offer, as well as a cocktail list centred around martinis.