Overview
The art of a restaurant reopening is a subtle one. If you skew too far away from the original vibe of the establishment, you risk isolating your loyal clientele. But if you play it safe, you lose that wow-factor allure (which is surely the whole purpose of a reopening in the first place). Thankfully for Paddington residents, the beloved Bellevue Hotel — which has stood stoically on the corner of Hargrave Street since 1880 — is reopening after seven long months of renovations, and it looks like they've really hit the mark.
The Bellevue building always had good bones but now it’s gone under the knife and has been totally transformed. The renovations have classed the place up a bit and the vibe is now more of a gastropub with an impressive-sounding menu to match. The bar menu offers the kind of fare you want to shove down your cake hole after a bottle of shiraz. Start with the cheese board with five types of cheese and complementary accompaniments ($29), pretend to be healthy with the kale chips drowned in salt and vinegar ($6) and once you’re warmed up, grab the Bellevue burger ($19) with a dry-aged beef patty, cheese pickles and fries. Did we mention that this is just the bar menu?
If you want something a little fancier, book in for a one-, two-, three- or six-course winter menu experience, which sounds nothing short of life-changing. A main of roasted pork jowl with parsnip, kale and malt vinegar jus? Yes please. And we don't think we'll be able to walk past the chocolate tart with salted caramel and earl grey ice cream. On top of this bounty of goodness is an impeccable-looking wine list, classic cocktail menu and wide choice of international and craft beers. Oh Bellevue, we have a feeling we’re going to like the new you.
The Bellevue is located at 159 Hargrave Street, Paddington. For trading hours visit their website.