Overview
Inner-city hospitality hub 25 Martin Place has quickly cemented a reputation as one of the most reliable dining go-tos in the CBD, but for the past few months, one-half of this multi-venue complex has been conspicuously dormant. New Zealand steakhouse chain Botswana Butchery, which occupied the expansive three-storey east wing of the site, announced in April that it was entering voluntary administration and given the economic uncertainties that have forced a rash of similar closures across Sydney in recent months, it was unclear if or when a new tenant would be able to take up residence.
Now, one of the city's most successful hospitality companies, Point Group, who also operate the ever-popular Shell House, has announced ambitious plans to launch not one but three venues in the former Botswana Butchery digs, creating a new hospitality hub within a hospitality hub. The International will feature a wine bar, a fine diner and a rooftop watering hole showcasing a worldly array of culinary experiences that celebrate the cultural diversity that is so essential to Sydney's identity.
Jonny Valiant
"We're excited for The International to become the cultural cornerstone of this lively and engaged part of the city," Point Group CEO Brett Robinson said. "Our approach will be simple: if it's fun, delicious and exciting, it's on the menu. Our team has had the opportunity to pull together this new project with total creative freedom and without limitations to define a new standard of big-city dining. The International is not just a restaurant; it will be a social and culinary destination where the only rule is that the food, the wine and the hand-crafted beverages must be delicious and of exceptional quality and the service dedicated, inspired and authentic."
Sydney already has an excellent pedigree when it comes to pyro-powered cuisine, championed by the likes of Neil Perry at Rockpool, Lennox Hastie at Firedoor and Corey Costelloe at 20 Chapel. The Grill will join this impressive list of woodfired fine diners with culinary director Joel Bickford delivering a menu driven by provenance, high-quality produce, seasonality and simplicity.
The Grill
Custom mid-century furniture and bespoke joinery will create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and comfortable. Guests will enter through a glossy walnut bar where they can enjoy artisanal martinis or a flute of chilled champagne. The dining room will feature striking geometric marble flooring and a cold bar showcasing local seafood, complemented by an open kitchen where licks of open flame will catch the attention of diners.
Bickford envisions The Grill as a destination for celebrating special moments while also being somewhere guests can enjoy everyday pleasures through exceptional food and wine. "Ultimately, it's about the food; provenance, best-in-class produce, seasonality and simplicity with absolutely no cutting corners, delivered by the very best chefs in the city working to deliver a unique perspective on classic traditions, internationally renowned preparations and worldly perspectives," he said.
The Wine Bar
The Wine Bar will deliver a more casual (yet no less refined) offering, with a menu by Executive Chef Danny Corbett leaning on small plates inspired by worldwide cuisines. The venue will comprise three distinct spaces: a 60-seat piazza-style courtyard restaurant with an outdoor bar, perfect for all-day dining and socialising; an intimate 40-seat wine bar with a terrace overlooking Martin Place and an open kitchen featuring a Marana Forni pizza oven; and a 60-seat circular dining room with plush decor, ideal for special occasions and wine tastings. In addition to the food offering, there will, of course, be an extensive wine list, including generous by-the-glass options, curated by sommelier Alex Kirkwood.
Finally, The Panorama Bar on the top floor of The International will be a vibrant social hub, made for sun-soaked lunches, golden hour drinks, and after-dark get-togethers. The bar will offer all-day dining and late-night drinking. Culinary Director Joel Bickford and Executive Chef Danny Corbett have created a menu of sharing plates and bar snacks, including cold bar options and Japanese bites prepared over Hibachi grills. Guests can enjoy a seasonal drinks list curated by award-winning bartender Josh Reynolds, including signature cocktails and an extensive champagne and chablis selection, perfect for a summer thirst-quencher.
With views of the art deco architectural masterpieces of Martin Place and the bustling courtyard at the foot of Harry Siedler's iconic skyscraper, the outdoor terrace of the aptly named The Panorama Bar will channel a glamorous yet playful vibe. Fire pits, comfortable loungers and leafy planting will set an enticing tone while live DJ sets in the evening will pump up the party atmosphere.
Panorama Bar
The International will open at 25 Martin Place in the CBD in November.