Acclaimed Sydney fine diner Saint Peter will officially move into its new Paddington home this July.
Josh and Julie Niland acquired neighbouring pub The Grand National hotel in 2022, and have been working to convert the iconic venue into a restaurant, bar, and 14-room boutique hotel since.
While the space is certainly an upgrade in terms of capacity, Niland says Saint Peter’s ethos will remain.
“I don’t want to lose what makes Saint Peter a special place, not only to eat and enjoy as a guest but also for me and our team to work,” he says.
Studio Aquilo is behind the design which revolves around a 40-seat dining room and a 30-seat bar on the ground floor as well as a private dining room for 15 guests that has its own entrance on Elizabeth Street.
Diners can expect a spectrum of materials from stone and timber to brass and earthy, bleached elements that will be illuminated by a central skylight.
As for food, Saint Peter will offer a bar menu for the first time, which will be a “study of Australian rock oysters”, and serve an a la carte lunch menu that will change by the day.
For those spending an evening at the restaurant, the experience will begin with a drink at the bar. Guests are then invited to take a seat at the kitchen counter to be welcomed by the kitchen team before they will be taken to their table for a series of dishes.
The accommodation arm of Saint Peter will open later in the year, which will see visitors able to enjoy in-room dining from the restaurant.
“We are excited about the challenge ahead of not just moving into a beautiful home for Saint Peter but also expanding our expression of hospitality to a wonderful bar and boutique hotel,” says Julie.
Bookings are now open for August and September. Reservations for July will be released closer to the opening date.