Overview
Two years on from shutting its doors, Balmain's oldest licensed pub The Dry Dock will reopen under new owners and with an ambitious full-venue transformation. A haven for great pubs, Balmain has lost some real gems over the last few years, but with the return of mainstays like The Exchange Hotel (in the form of Fabbrica Pasta Bar) and now The Dry Dock, things are looking good for a Balmain renaissance.
The heritage-listed Dry Dock was established all the way back in 1857 and has long been a community cornerstone. After it closed, industry veteran James Ingram snatched up the historic venue under the guise of his company Peninsula Hospitality in collaboration with investor Mike Everett.
Everett, a Balamian resident of nearly three decades, introduced Ingram to the pub with the intention of returning it to its former glory and reinventing its offerings.
"When Mike told me about The Dry Dock and I first looked at it, I was impressed with the layout and size of the pub, and I could immediately see the potential to combine a great dining concept with a classic pub experience — and this sparked the momentum which founded Peninsula Hospitality," says Ingram.
The pair have grand plans for the building, including a classic 90-person ground-floor pub, a 120-seat lounge bar and a detached 100-seat dining room. Leading the charge in the kitchen will be Head Chef Ben Sitton who brings with him experience at some of Sydney's top venues including Felix, Uccello and Rockpool Bar & Grill.
While the pub is set to offering on-fuss feeds paired with top-notch drinks on the ground floor, Pensinuslar Hospitality and Sitton are creating a luxurious French-influenced menu for the dining room.
While we don't have a confirmed open date just yet, the hospitality group has promised the stalwart will be back up and running seven days a week by the end of the year.
The Dry Dock is located at 22 Cameron Street, Balmain. It will reopen under the guidance of Public Hospiality by the end of 2023.