Overview
Barangaroo House has been three years in the making — we first wrote about this back in 2014 — and the anticipation around it will surely injure someone if it continues to grow. Thankfully, the first concept within Matt Moran and the Solotel Group's three-tiered stacked bowl masterpiece in Barangaroo has just been announced.
Taking the name Smoke, the rooftop level will be a cocktail bar nested on the rooftop level of the harbour-straddling oasis. Needless to say, there's going to be a 'smoke' theme which will be evident in both the 50-plus cocktail menu and interior design.
The architecture of the building is striking as it is, and the interior will mirror these standards. We already know that there will be colours of black, white, pink, burnt orange and green across tallowwood timber floors, brass fittings and leather and velvet upholstery. The building will be draped in plants, from which garnishes will be sourced.
Head sommelier of Barangaroo House, John Paul Wilkinson, has created a 400-bin wine list featuring both small and large growers and a huge selection of Champagne. You'll also be able to choose from at least 50 other cocktails, both new and classic with spirits from local and international distillers.
Food throughout the building will be overseen by credential-heavy Cory Campbell, who previously headed Noma and Vue de Monde. Moran has long hoped to showcase contemporary Australian cuisine, and the food at Smoke will be matched to cocktails. Expect oddities such as fried smoked brisket doughnuts, spiced crisp chicken skin skewers and a sea urchin and orange jam toastie.
It'll have a capacity of 150 outdoors and 100 indoors and a specially-designed soundscape will allow live music. With the harbour at arm's length, we can already see it being the perfect place for Friday evening drinks.
When the building is fully open to the public on December 15, it'll be a gargantuan addition to the Streets of Barangaroo, which is already teeming with bars, cafes and restaurants. The two other levels are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Barangaroo House will open at 35 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo on December 15. We'll keep you tuned about further Barangaroo House openings as news is announced. Until then, visit barangaroohouse.com.au.