Bird Is the Word at Pyrmont's New Chicken Joint Whirly Bird

Sydney is not short on options when it comes to getting a good chicken feed. But while most eateries focus on one style – the buttermilk fried variety is overwhelmingly the most popular – new Pyrmont establishment Whirly Bird isn't putting all its eggs in one basket.

Anthony Prior (formerly of The Keystone Group, which went into receivership last year) is upping the ante with an extensive menu all about the bird at his new venture. Alongside the obligatory buttermilk fried chicken (paired with either chilli and honey caramel or house-made smoky BBQ sauce), Whirly Bird is also doing rotisserie spit roast birds (available in quarter, half or whole), a shredded chicken banh mi and even a chicken salad bowl.

Vegetarians and vegans are not forgotten with salt and pepper silken tofu and a vegan power bowl available. Sharing is encouraged, with plenty of starters and sides to peck at. Think duck fat roasted carrots, celery-battered jalapeno poppers and kimchi slaw.

No matter what you prefer to pair with your poultry, the bar menu has you covered with an array of beers, wine and spirits. The cocktail menu designed by The Rook's former bartenders Rollo Anderson and Liam Doherty-Penzer is definitely worth a look, with plenty of options to complement your food choice. With a musical motif ranging from fresh apertifs ('Intro'), headier options ('Chorus') and indulgent digestifs ('Outro'), it is clear the team are aiming to add some elegance to the chicken game.

With a generous capacity of 150, the team at Whirly Bird are obviously banking on this vast menu pleasing big crowds. So if you're craving some of the dirty bird in a setting that's not so casual, Pyrmont's latest could be one to try.

Whirly Bird is now open at 84 Union Street, Pyrmont. For more information visit www.whirlybirdsydney.com.au.