Overview
Clarence Street is set to welcome yet another exciting new dining destination, this time from one of Sydney's top hospitality teams, the Bentley Restaurant Group.
Sydney's CBD has long been home to top-notch bars and restaurants but over the last couple of years it feels as if the scene has gained another level of momentum. Following the one-two punch to Sydney's nightlife that was the lockout laws and the pandemic, we've seen a wave of new venues contributing to a rebuilt and revived cultural boom — from additions to the now globally recognised YCK Precinct (see: Palazzo Salato, Pinky Ji, Ginny's Canoe Club), to new arrivals in Merviale's ivy precinct (Oti', MuMu) and lavish new hotels with adjoining bars and restaurants (Capella, Hotel Morris).
Now the Bentley Group is adding to Clarence Street's slate of new openings with King Clarence.
Set to open in October, King Clarence will be an expansive celebration of Asian cuisines taking inspiration from China, Korea and Japan, with co-owner and chef Brent Savage explaining that he wants the restaurant to be "fun, loud, and busy".
The menu here is designed around the kitchen's custom-built barbecue and grill, as well as plans for substantial live seafood tanks. The Asian-inspired eats will be paired with an impressive drinks menu. Diners will be able to choose from 40 different wines by the glass and dip into the Bentley Wine Vault for rare drops. There will also be a robust selection of cocktails that play on the classics and are designed to pair with the eats on offer.
Expect a welcoming 100-seat dining room designed by longtime Bentley collaborator, Pascale Gomes-McNabb, with help from New Zealand-based design studio Jasmax.
King Clarence marks the second new opening the Bentley Group has brought to the CBD this year, joining Circular Quay's Brasserie 1930 in the city. This pair of fresh openings sit alongside Yellow, Monopole, Cirrus and Bentley Restaurant + Bar in the hospitality group's acclaimed collection of venues.
Monopole
"This is new and exciting territory for us. We think the dining experience at King Clarence will appeal to all, whether it be a celebration, a corporate lunch or a late-night snack," says co-owner and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt.
"It's been a big year for us with the opening of Brasserie 1930 in March, and we look forward to rounding out the year opening a venue Brent and I have long been planning."
King Clarence will open at 171 Clarence Street, Sydney in mid-October.