With a reputation for being one of the North Shore’s only late night venues where you can get a decent feed after a flick at the Hayden Orpheum, you’ll be pleased to note the newly renovated hotel – subtly masculine without being alienating to women – kept the 1am kitchen. Publican Anthony Brady tells me value for money is very important: “We want people to like this place.” He’s clearly proud of the menu by new chef, Robert Oey (who spent time at Est.). Oey doesn’t forget it’s a pub, but notches up the standards, delivering a well-rendered Caramelised Pork Belly ($25) with Asian ‘slaw; Crisp School Prawns ($10) that won’t damage your mouth; and a great rendition of Chicken Liver Pate ($11) with house-made chutney. Even the ham on his juicy Minskys Burger ($18) is house-smoked. Bar industry heavyweight Jason Crawley has put together a smart, underpriced cocktail list. The Salted-Caramel Espresso Martini ($14) won me, while the Spiced Honey Apple Whisky Sour ($14) wooed my dining companion. Wine’s actually where it’s at – what with an Enomatic wine pouring system and charismatic bartender Liv, who’ll happily tell ladies who walk in after work and slump at the bar: “You need a big glass!” Try the Pichot Vouvray Sec ($13/150ml glass, $21/225ml glass)…

Minskys Hotel
287 Military Road, Cremorne
Ph: (02) 9909 8888 minskyshotel.com.au
Pub Bistro, Cocktails, Wine $$-$$$

One of Sydney’s most elegant restaurants, Monopole, is set to close its doors on September 6 after 13 years of service.

Known for their ability to blend classic technique with contemporary flavour, the restaurant resides in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, blending French wine culture with warm and refined dining.

The restaurant’s co-owner Brent Savage claims that the closure is result of the end of lease closure, but as the slow winter trade to continued to impact restaurants within the CBD, many factors contributing to the closure.

Savage said, “Monopole had been searching for new operators”, and is unsure about the restaurant’s future direction, but has considered all options.

New venture in CBD for Bentley

Located in Potts Point for over 8 years, the restaurants arrived in the CBD in 2020, shifting from a wine bar to an elegant French venue last year.

As one of the most expansive and successful restaurants operating within Sydney, the Bentley restaurant group announced that they will be opening in Sydney’s CBD with King Clarence and Eleven Barrack with another new venue – Watermans – to open in spring at Barangaroo.

Former owner of Barzaari in Marrickville, Darryl Martin, will headline the Watermans Kitchen.

Savage says that some of the dishes they are incorporating into their new menu include warm hummus with green zhoug; pickled watermelon and raw tuna salad with sumac; whole roasted John Dory with chermoula; and pomegranate slow cooked lamb shoulder with picked radishes and black lime.

The new menu will find its way to the 120-seat restaurant at the Barangaroo precinct, where Bentley crew have previously operated the now closed Cirrus Dining.

In a joint statement by business partners Nick Hildebrandt and Brent Savage said, “Monopole was a ground breaking wine bar when we opened it and has always pushed the envelope, holding two hats for 10 years and winning multiple awards for its wine lists.”

The restaurant group isn’t distancing themselves from a return of Monopole.

“If it’s the right site, never say never,” Savage said.

The restaurant will depart on Saturday, December 6, but spring welcomes the businesses operator’s new venue.