Taking over Shell House from top to tail from Wednesday 8 May, OUR HOUSE is the critically-lauded program of the same name which launched in 2022. Stacked with compelling and culturally significant experiences, the program spans food and wine, music, arts and culture. Presented by Perrier-Jouët, the eclectic program is set to deliver two months of unparalleled experiences celebrating good times and champagne moments.
Brett Robinson, owner and restaurateur of Shell House, said: “OUR HOUSE is a deeply curated festival of collaboration between our team and the valued, talented and respected friends in our orbit. OUR HOUSE is an essential selection of our world’s finest visual artists, musical performers, culinary innovators, wine makers, industry icons and product kings and queens into a two-month long feast for the senses presented in the place we call home – Shell House.”
Food and Wine
Wet, Cold & Delicious: There will be two instalments of this crowd favourite event. Hand Dived (Wednesday 12 June, $195pp) is a dinner exploring the depth and breadth of Tasmanian seafood hosted by Dale Ridgers, showcasing everything from hand dived Angasi and Pacific oysters, clams, periwinkles, urchins and more. A Deep Dive Into Tuna (Monday 24 June, $240pp) is returning for a third year and is a celebration of Southern Bluefin Tuna season featuring a live Maguro Shoten (traditional Japanese tuna cutting show and auction) by Chef Toshihiko Oe (Sushi Oe) and Narito Ishii (Sydney Fish Markets), followed by an exquisite five course tuna dinner meticulously crafted by culinary director Joel Bickford and Head Chef Brad Guest.
Prime Time: The Ultimate Beef Dinner (Thursday 20 June, $240pp)will see Shell House Culinary Director Joel Bickford join forces with Australia’s leading butcher, author and entrepreneur Anthony Purharich of Victor Churchill/Vic’s Meats. This exclusive dinner will showcase the absolute best available in this country, presented in various AAA grade preparations by Anthony and Joel including them both up close and personal hosting and sharing their vast experience with guests throughout the dining experience.
Sushi Oe Omakase: On Monday 17 June, $350pp – renowned two-hatted omakase Sushi Oe’s menu will take centre stage during a one-night takeover at Shell House. With Chef Toshihiko Oe‘s famed six-seater restaurant notoriously booked out a month in advance, this rare opportunity promises an unforgettable dining experience. Guests will indulge in chef Oe’s meticulously crafted dishes, celebrated for their seafood-focused delights, in the intimate setting of Shell House. Spaces are limited, with two sittings of 10 available.
Osteria Ilaria / Tipo 00 takeover: On Saturday 22 June, $125pp, the Melbourne-based team will take over the Menzies Bar at Shell House for one day only, serving their freewheeling bowls of pasta, epic wine, killer cocktails paired with effortless hospitality. From midday to midnight, expect to party with Melbourne’s finest.
World’s Smallest Champagne Bar: Step into the world’s smallest champagne bar, a one of a kind experience, replete with vintage Willy Rizzo 1970’s Hollywood Regency cocktail bar in suede and chrome, lush carpet and warm textures throughout, a dedicated bartender serving Perrier-Jouët by the glass, set to your own soundtrack as your DJ spins from an extensive vinyl collection. Located in the lobby, no two visits are the same as guests are invited to immerse themselves in elegance and craft their own perfect champagne moment.
Champagne & Caviar: Guests can make any moment a champagne moment with a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut with signature Crab & Caviar for $150. This add-on is pre-order only (select when booking online).
Music
Live music weeknights (free entry): With sultry soul from live bands on Thursdays and spectacular Wednesday night residencies from homegrown genius, Kirin J Callinan (and his friends), as well as another equally renowned surprise guest in June, Shell House will be brightening Sydney’s weeks with regular live acts
Takeovers (free entry): Sydney’s most influential party planners, record labels and tastemakers including Planet Trip, Bypass and Veer East will be taking over Sky Bar, and there will be all night sets from Ben Fester, Wax’O Paradiso and the Santamaria Brothers.
Classic Contemporary (ticketed): A limited capacity audiophile experience, Classic Contemporary returns to transform the intimate Sky Bar into a feast for the senses. The next instalment of this immensely popular series will see The Shell House Band, led by Jonti and Kirin J Callinan and a rotating cast of some of Australia’s finest musicians, perform fresh and propulsive re-interpretations of the iconic work of artists David Bowie and Grace Jones. Classic Contemporary will be held on Wednesday 29 May and Wednesday 26 June, $55pp.
Music won’t be restricted to Sky Bar, however; James Morrision will return to the Shell House Dining Room following last year’s sold out dinner and show. What is becoming an annual Jazz ritual for Shell House, Australia’s most influential multi-instrumentalist and Jazz icon will return on Tuesday 18 June for a very special one-night-only dinner and show ($245pp).
Stimulating the brain as well as the body, Shell House is proudly partnering with ARTS-MATTER to bring together the brightest and boldest creative talent from across Australia to educate and entertain their culturally curious community.
REGRESSION.STUDIO: Taking over the Clocktower Bar, a brand new and never before seen work from the breakthrough Melbourne-based artistic studio. A multi-level, multi-format work of art that plays with volume and shadow to combine video with multi-chromatic shapes and forms in the Clocktower void, this work will take original pieces of art for the House and transport them to a new and unexpected place.
JAI WINNELL: The principal and creative director of Hermetica Flowers will exhibit large-format floral installations within the House. Flawless, layered, luxury and highly refined; an autumnal celebration.
Artist In Residence Workshop: Artist in residence MIKEY FREEDOM will take guests on a journey through the art of découper – armed with paper, a pair of scissors and a UHU stick to create miniature masterpieces, this cut out class is not to be missed. Taking place on 25 May and 29 June at 2pm ($40pp), the masterclass includes a glass of Perrier-Jouët and snack on arrival.
DAIMON DOWNEY: the Sydney-based contemporary artist, who focuses on abstract and expressionist painting, will host two hands-on creative sessions in the Clocktower with snacks from Joel Bickford accompanied by Perrier-Jouët.
ARTS-MATTER: an active force in the world of arts and culture, being at the forefront of both emerging and established artists and creative trends. They will be collaborating with OUR HOUSE on art installations by artists Troy Emery and Lauren Brincat, a fun selection of street dancers to add to the music program and more.
Alongside the above special events, Shell House’s ongoing Golden Hours will remain; Champagne Hour (Dining Room & Terrace), Martini Hour (Menzies Bar), Negroni Hour (Clocktower Bar), and Margarita Hour (Sky Bar).
Bookings and tickets are on sale here.
