Overview
Chef Clayton Wells has won over many a Chippendale foodie's heart since opening Automata on the ground floor of the Old Clare Hotel in 2015. And now he's set to extend his reach with the opening of a casual all-day eatery, just 20 metres away.
To be called A1 Canteen, the venue will take over the ground floor of The Old Rum Store on Kensington Street — the same building that houses Olio, Bistrot Gavroche and Eastside Kitchen. Whatever the time of day — and whatever the nature of your hunger — you'll be able to satisfy it. A1 will be open for brekkie, lunch, dinner and snacks, including pastries and sandwiches, so you can sit down and take your time or grab a tasty morsel and run.
"I've been working on a casual concept for well over a year now," Wells said. "We tested it out last year with auto.lab and we've been waiting for the right space to open something permanent. Finding a site directly across the road from Automata is a dream. A1 will be much simpler and more casual than Automata."
Wells will be joined by chef Scott Eddington in the kitchen, while in the role of restaurant manager will be Rachael Trewin, who's the current assistant manager at Automata. Meanwhile, Matt Darwon is overseeing the design. Dishes will range from scrambled eggs and sausages from LP's Quality Meats to fried eggplant sandwiches to a whole roasted flounder.
Wells has just returned to Australia after spending some time in Singapore, where he opened Blackwattle, his first venture in Asia.
A1 Canteen is scheduled to open in 2018 on the ground floor of The Old Rum Store, Kensington Street, Chippendale. We'll keep you updated when we know more.