Overview
A four-storey mega-venue has opened in the heart of Sydney's Circular Quay, adding four unique venues to the harbourside CBD suburb. The new four-storey Hinchcliff House has overtaken the heritage Hinchcliff Wool Stores, a huge sandstone structure dating back to the 1860's that has been restored and revived as part of the ever-evolving Quay Quarter.
Two of the Hinchcliff House's four venues are now open to the public, with the other two set to follow suit in May. Grana, located on the ground floor of the former wool store, is an all-day Italian restaurant and bakery, while Apollonia is a low-light cocktail bar in the venue's lower-ground.
Head to Grana early for a taste of its breakfast treats. Think blue swimmer crab omelette or a classic bacon and egg roll on schiacciata with chilli mayo and a hash brown, alongside a selection of breakfast cocktails. Pastries and coffee from the bakery are also on hand in the morning for a lighter start to the day.
Once breakfast is finished you can turn your attention to the standard Grana menu. Start with a salami and cheddar scroll before moving on to the cauliflower cotoletta or market fish tartar with trout roe. Of course, a healthy selection of pasta is available including ricotta and pumpkin occhi, rigati with lamb shoulder ragu or seaweed gigli paired with Moreton Bay bug.
Grana, Jiwon Kim
Downstairs at Apollonia, spritzes, negronis and Italian cocktails are served in a space designed for romance. The bar is named after a character from The Godfather and looks to embody the romance of Apollonia and protagonist Michael in the film. Sip the Love at First Sight, a dry gin, amaro and strawberry gum cocktail, or A Letter Never Sent, a wheat vodka and Italian honey liqueur creation. If you stick around until midnight, you'll be treated to The Thunderbolt, a nightly toast to friends, life, love and negronis.
Apollonia, Jiwon Kim
Lana is set to open later this month on the first floor as a restaurant, while an events space on the top level of the heritage building will complete the impressive hospitality space.
All four of the venues are the creation of prolific New Zealand restauranteur Scott Brown (Amano) alongside the team at House Made Hospitality. Brown has been running restaurants across the Tasman for over a decade, founding Auckland's Hipgroup in 2004, responsible for venues like seasonal Spanish restaurant Alma.
Hinchcliff House is open now at 5–7 Young Street, Sydney. Grana is open 6.30am–11pm, Monday–Saturday, the Grana Bakery is open 6am–3pm, Monday–Friday and Apollonia is open 5pm–3am, Monday–Thursday, 12pm–3am Friday and 5pm–3am, Saturday.