Overview
The Lobo Plantation lads should have no time for fun. They've been way too busy, y'know, managing one of Sydney CBD's top cocktail spots. But they're about to add some epic tasks to their to-do lists: they're opening a second cocktail bar next year and their first restaurant.
According to Australian Bartender, the Lobo crew are set to open their next venture in 2016. Adorably named Kittyhawk, the bar will take over a space on Phillip Lane in the CBD, formerly occupied by short-lived '80s richo business bar Bondy's (the one with the $20,000 cocktail and a theme inspired by Alan Bond). It's a two-level space in the heart of the city, also once housing posh pub Bull and Bear. The ground floor will be opened first as cocktail bar Kittyhawk, and then work will begin on the restaurant upstairs.
While owners Jared Merlino, Mikey Hwang and Eddie Levy aren't revealing much about Kittyhawk's theming, design or menu, they told AB there'd be a focus on rum, rye whiskey and "spirit-forward cocktails", with super bartender Paige Aubort behind the wheel. They also described Lobo as "quite a feminine venue", something they're looking to move more toward "more of a masculine style" for Kittyhawk. AZBCreative are locked in to design the joint, celebrated for their work with Lobo as well as Pink Salt, The Island, The Goodwill Society and pop-ups like Sydney's Duff Beer bar.
Construction on Kittyhawk will begin early next year, with opening date pencilled in for April 1.
Via Australian Bartender. Image: Lobo Plantation.