Overview
If you know anything about the Hotel Rose Bay, it's probably the pub's obsession with miniature trains — up until recently, it sported a model that would skirt around the venue every hour. But an extensive renovation and a few million dollars later, and the 90-year-old pub will choo-choo no more. It will reopen on Friday, March 1 as a sleek new eastern suburbs venue.
The heritage facade had been kept, but inside the space has undergone some serious work by Richards Stanisich Interiors, who raised ceilings, added more windows and doubled the interior space. It's now brighter and more airy and befits the venue's harbourside location. Rose gold finishes, terrazzo tiling and Australian spotted gum furnishings, along with an emerald granite bar, have replaced the pub's train track.
The kitchen's split king prawns with burnt butter and coastal greens.
As a result, there are now three distinct spaces on offer: the main bar and lounge with a cocktail list and share plates, the sports bar, and the 70-seat restaurant. The latter is helmed by ex-Flying Fish and Catalina executive chef Ian Royle, who's bringing his fine-dining background to pub grub. Sure, you'll find the usual fish and chips, cheeseburgers and steaks, but also a barramundi fillet with cauliflower and tamarind butter ($29.50) and soy spare ribs served with sriracha mayo ($29).
Other menu specialties include the king prawns with burnt butter and native greens ($28), the free-range chicken with chilli coconut and peanut sauce ($28), and the salmon tartare with avocado, tomato ponzu and wonton crisps ($18.5).
Having first opened its doors back in 1929, Hotel Rose Bay is also one of the few independent pubs around town — it's been owned and operated by the Auswild family from Bellevue Hill for over 20 years now.
Hotel Rose Bay opens Friday, March 1 at 807 New South Head Road, Rose Bay. Opening hours are Monday through Saturday 10am–1am and Sunday 10am–10.30pm.
Food images: Oliver Minnett.