Longstanding Sydney Pub Jacksons on George Has Finally Reopened Under Maurice Terzini's Guidance

It's back. A CBD institution known for facilitating many a late night has reopened following a multimillion-dollar transformation. Jacksons on George's ambitious rebuild and redevelopment was first announced back in 2018, with the Circular Quay space being completely reinvented over the last five years — re-emerging under the guidance of Maurice Terzini (Icebergs, Re-) and his DTL Entertainment Group partner Michael Broome.

"I tip [the rooftop bar] as being a place to be this summer," says Terzini. "Great food and drinks intersect with contemporary art and music across all three levels to create a vibrant, contemporary venue."

There are indeed three distinct areas in the new Jacksons on George: a ground-floor public bar, a flash new French bistro and the sleek cocktail-fuelled rooftop bar.

Leading the charge across all three levels is Head Chef Steven Sinclair, who arrives at the venue with a wealth of experience in world-renowned kitchens. Alongside time spent overlooking Bondi Beach at Icebergs, he's also cut his teeth at two of Ireland's top restaurants, The Old Schoolhouse Inn and The Potted Hen.

Wander in from George Street and you'll find a classic pub sporting a fresh fitout from Sydney-based studio Richards Stanisich. Both here and up on the rooftop, you can expect the tried-and-true combination of pub feeds done well, house twists on classic cocktails and perfectly poured local beers.

Some of the unexpected turns you'll discover on the pub menu include slow-cooked duck sausage rolls, Moreton Bay bug buns and roast chook cooked over charcoal. Plus, there's a signature dessert on offer: the Jacksons banoffee sundae.

Changing things up above the public bar is the 120-seat Bistro George, a European-inspired diner that champions local produce. Clams casino, beef tartare, salt-crusted wagyu ribeye and gin rigatoni all grace the menu at the date night-ready first-floor restaurant.

"The ethos at Bistro George is all about recognisable bistro classics, elegantly executed with quality ingredients," says Sinclair.

"Meanwhile, everything on the public bar and rooftop menu is designed to be accessible and familiar. Think: pub and bistro classics, elevated with the best produce and on-point service, regardless of what dish you order and where you dine."

From Friday, September 22, Bistro George will transform into a cocktail bar later into the night, with a reduced supper menu and live music led by house jazz trio The Jacksons All Stars. This is the kind of place that you can slip into for an after-dinner drink or a late-night snack.

Throughout the venue, you'll also find an impressive art collection including a series of works from Archibald and Sulman Prize finalist and Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey, who injects her award-winning blend of traditional Anangu art and pop culture into the space.

And, if you're on the hunt for an intimate spot to host your work Christmas party or a milestone birthday, Bistro George also boasts a 30-guest private dining room, translating the luxury of the restaurant into a secluded corner of the venue.

Find Jacksons on George at 176 George Street, Sydney from Monday, September 11 — operating 10am–late Monday–Sunday.

Photography: Tom Ferguson and Toby Peet.