Overview
When Jacksons on George's ambitious re-build and redevelopment was first announced back in 2018, it was billed as a pub of the future. While it may have taken five years, Studio Hollenstein's forward-thinking three-storey building is almost complete and the venue has been given a rough open date: September.
Alongside the open date, we've also received details on the multiple restaurants and bars that will be housed within the multi-level opening which is set to arrive at Circular Quay's Sydney Place this spring.
Leading the charge at Jacksons on George will be Head Chef Steven Sinclair in collaboration with Maurice Terzini (Icebergs, Re-) and Michael Broome. Sinclair arrives at the inaugural venue for Terzini and Broome's DTL Entertainment Group with a wealth of experience in world-renowned kitchens. Alongside time spent overlooking Bondi Beach at Icebergs, he's also cut his teeth at two of Ireland's top restaurants, The Old Schoolhouse Inn and The Potte Inn, plus Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred L'Enclume in England (currently doing a five-week residence at Bathers' Pavilion).
Boasting an elegant modern design across its floors and artworks from former Archibald and Sulman Prize finalists, the sleek new venue will be split into three distinct hospitality offerings — a ground-floor public bar, a luxe bistro and a breezy rooftop bar.
Wander in from George Street and you'll find a classic pub sporting a fresh fitout from Sydney-based studio Richards Stanisich. Both here and up on the rooftop you can expect the tried-and-true combination of pub feeds done well, house twists on classic cocktails and perfectly poured local beers. Some of the unexpected turns you'll discover on the pub menu include slow-cooked duck sausage rolls, Moreton bay bug buns and the beloved roast chook, brined, air-dried and cooked over charcoal.
Elevating the feeds here will be Bistro George, a European-inspired diner that champions local produce. Clams casino, brined Ora king salmon gravlax, salt-crusted wagyu ribeye and a signature Jacksons banoffee sundae will all grace the menu at the date night-ready first-floor restaurant.
Later into the night, Bistro George will transform into a cocktail bar and live music venue with a reduced supper menu. This will be the kind of place that you can slip into for an after-dinner drink or a late-night snack.
An exact open date for Jacksons on George has arrived just yet, but you can look out for updates over at the pub's Instagram page.
Jacksons on George will reopen at 176 George Street, Sydney following its ambitious transformation in September.
Photography: Nikki To