Sydney hospitality group Swillhouse has announced it’s adding a new venue to its fold.
The team behind restaurants including Hubert and Alberto’s Lounge now has the keys to Phillip’s Foote; a heritage bar and eatery at 101 George Street in The Rocks.
“The site is unique, ramshackle, charming, and we fell in love with it as soon as we saw it,” says Swillhouse CEO and Owner Anton Forte.
“The building once housed a sailors’ bar, custom’s agent, and stable before standing derelict until the early 1970s when the Dredge family took it over and established Phillip’s Foote, a classic bar and steak house.”
The group will commence renovations next year and convert the space into a European-centric wine bar called Le Foote.
“As impressive as the bones of this site are, we intend to change a lot,” says Forte. “We are going to keep the bustly charm and loose atmosphere of the current space and update the offering to something contemporary, delicious, and cool.”
But before the tradies move in, Swillhouse will give the public a look at what’s to come with a three-month pop-up from 1 November.
“As we dig into the planning process, we’re going to clean up the space and farewell Phillip’s Foote with a temporary bar for the summer,” says Forte.
The takeover will make the most of the balmy weather with alfreso seating and beers on tap.
Le Foote is expected to open around August next year.