After an extensive refurbishment, the historic Pumphouse Sydney has reopened to show off its incredible facelift. Inspired by the Pumphouse Sydney’s history amongst Australia’s burgeoning industrialisation, the chic industrial design speaks to the signature heritage traits of the building. The venue once supplied power to a booming city – but the Pumphouse Sydney’s hospitality character has long been underpinned by craft.
It’s a great welcome back to Darling Square with a plentiful collection of craft beers, a new wine room and a new menu. The sophisticated new space boasts an industrial design with high end finishes, from the statement pendant shades over the bar which features the work of Australian artist Lance Corlett, to the stunning timber bar and intimate wine room. Metallic touches add to the premium feel of this newly relaunched venue while maintaining the heritage-listed facade. There is even a fireplace (perfect for winter) and enjoy a whisky or relax on the open terrace.
Staying true as one of Sydney’s first microbreweries, the Pumphouse Sydney consistently stocks an evolving and diverse beer selection. Amongst the wide range of craft beers will be the Thunderbolt Strong Ale which was born in the old microbrewery, inspired by Sydney’s historic Captain Thunderbolt or more commonly known as the “gentleman bushranger”.
For cocktail lovers, Pumphouse Sydney offers a range of cocktails, including the ‘Steam Punk’ vanilla vodka and flavours of passionfruit, ‘The Heritage’, a simple cocktail of vanilla vodka, Chambord and pineapple and the gin-based and lychee flavoured ‘The Darling’ to name a few. Shame on the night I visited, they ran out of Vermouth and Campari so couldn’t order a martini nor a negroni.
With the addition of the wine room, this is perfect for tastings or a social private dining experience. The wine room features a broad selection of wines from various international and local winemakers, with QR codes visible to be scanned to review tasting notes and select your perfect drop.
The Pumphouse Sydney Head Chef Anthony Kirk and his team have created a new range of food, suited to accompany any drinks preference. Anthony’s journey with the Pumphouse Sydney started back in 2018 when he moved back to Sydney from the Gold Coast where he had worked in various restaurants and alongside other incredible chefs.
Anthony Kirk commented: “The concept for the new menu has been inspired by the Pumphouse Sydney’s rich history, fusing great Australian pub food with grazing dishes to keep customers satisfied. We are so thrilled to welcome Sydneysiders and interstate visitors to our new and improved venue”
Pumphouse Sydney is proudly and authentically Sydney, therefore the team was eager to reflect this in the food offering with a menu that has been inspired by seasonal produce. Much of the menu is suited to sharing style of eating with a selection of share plates including three types of boards the Bushman with a selection of cured meats, a veggie board with creatively displayed vegetables and a seafood option which will have fresh Sydney rock oysters, southern calamari, Tasmanian ocean trout and smoked fish rillettes all featuring house-made wood-fired flatbreads.
The new restaurant also boasts an abundant range of main meals including an aromatic Red Snapper in a fish broth with baby fennel, fresh herbs and garlic crostini as well as your classic PH Burger there is something for everyone. Finish off the feast with one of the venue’s signature waffles, including a delectable lamington waffle which boasts 42% couverture milk chocolate, strawberry gum and a tasty coconut ice cream or an indulgent Banoffee Pie waffle with sticky caramel, torched meringue and banana ice cream.
Novotel Sydney Darling Square’s General Manager Nikki Little says: “We are incredibly excited to open the doors of the Pumphouse Sydney. We have taken into consideration what our customers love about this venue, and have elevated those aspects to provide an experience people can’t wait to go back to. We are so proud of the heritage of the building and have shown that in the aesthetic of the Pumphouse Sydney, as well as in the offering of our food and beverages.”
If you are an Accor Plus member, don’t forget you can enjoy more flavours for less. As a Silver member, I was able to save 50% off the food bill when I dined with one guest.
Pumphouse Sydney
17 Little Pier St, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
P: +61 2 8217 4100 | E: H3021-SM2@accor.com | Book Online
