Kittyhawk, a new venue from the team behind The Lobo Plantation, has opened in Sydney’s CBD taking over the space left by the Bull and Bear pub.
Co-owners Jared Merlino, Michael Hwang and Eddie Levy were inspired by the Liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944.The cultural mix of Parisians and American troops dancing as Champagne flowed freely at bars all along the Champs Elysee was the driving force behind the concept, informing everything from the interior and signage to the menu and cocktail list.
The venue has a cocktail bar with capacity for 175 people and a back bar that can hold over 900 spirits. The drinks list is a full team collaboration lead by groups bar manager, Andres Walters and groups operations manager, Paige Aubort (ALIA Bartender of the Year 2015). With a strong focus on rum and rye whisky, they have devised a program of bespoke cocktails using rare spirits, like the Rum and Rye and the Memphis Belle, as well as an extensive wine list with more than 80 wine and Champagnes to choose from.
Rum and Rye
Tonica Express
The food menu, designed by head chef Jason Wright (formerly of STEAK Restaurant, P1 Edinburgh) takes its cues from Parisian street food, with new twists on the classics. Working with ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishermen and providores, the menu includes Kinkawooka mussels vol au vent; Scotch eggs with organically farmed duck eggs and smoked aioli; and steak Swiss with truffle mayonnaise.
Kinkawooka mussels vol au vent
Scotch eggs with organically farmed duck eggs and smoked aioli
Steak Swiss with truffle mayonnaise
The interiors were designed by Alex Zabotto-Bentley and his design agency AZBcreative in collaboration with the Kittyhawk team. The venue is divided into distinct spaces that flow naturally, centred around a 12-metre long, hand crafted American Oak bar. The cocktail menu, designed like a Kittyhawk mechanic’s manual, picks up on the nostalgic WWII atmosphere.
Kittyhawk is located at 16 Phillip Lane, Sydney and is open 3pm–12am Monday to Thursday and 3pm–2am Friday and Saturday.
