Overview
Chapters close, but new ones begin, as the Bentley Restaurant Group has announced significant venue news. After 13 years and two hats, Monopole will close, serving its last dinner service on Sunday, September 6. Following eight bustling years as an award-winning wine bar in Potts Point, the restaurant made the move to the CBD in 2020, later reinventing itself as a fine French diner. With the venue's lease ending, owners Nick Hildebrandt and Brent Savage say the time was right to wind things up — at least for now.
"We are extremely proud of what we've achieved at Monopole, both in the original Potts Point location and the CDB — an enormous amount of talent has graced both the kitchen and the floor. Monopole was a ground-breaking wine bar when we opened it and has always pushed the envelope, holding two hats for 10 years and winning multiple awards for its wine list, and while we're sad that the lease has finished, we will never say never for a Monopole in the future."
Monopole
Yet the duo aren't wasting any time before launching into their next venture. Monopole's closure is met with the opening of Watermans — an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant set to move into the recently completed One Sydney Harbour development in Barangaroo. Located just metres from Sydney Harbour, the pair has teamed up with respected chef Darryl Martin (Barzaari), who will lead the kitchen as executive chef. Open daily for lunch and dinner, guests can expect Levant-inspired cuisine produced from top-notch Australian produce.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Darryl into The Bentley Group family," says Savage. "[Watermans] has a strong emphasis on vegetable-forward dishes, and it's been fun to collaborate with Darryl, whose cooking I've long admired, especially his work at Barzaari."
Monopole
With the full details still to be revealed, opening menu highlights span warm hummus with green zhoug; pickled watermelon and raw tuna salad with sumac; and pomegranate-glazed slow-cooked lamb shoulder with pickled radishes and black lime. Served within a 120-seat venue, an outdoor dining area will feature two inviting pergolas immersed in greenery, while the interior offers bespoke lighting and finishes alongside a custom-made woodfired grill and oven.
Ahead of Watermans October opening, co-owner and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt reflects on a massive 12 months: "2025 has been a huge year for The Bentley Group. We started the year with the launch of Eleven Barrack and we're ending the year back in Barangaroo with Watermans, right in time for summer."
Monopole
Watermans is expected to open at One Sydney Harbour in October, while Monopole will close on Sunday, September 6. Head to the website for more information.