Darlinghurst is about to get a whole bunch cooler with the arrival of the Waratah, a bar helmed by one of Australia’s best bartenders and a Bondi Icebergs chef. Evan Stroeve (Re, Bulletin Place, the Baxter Inn) has joined forces with ex-Icebergs chef Alex Prichard and business partner Cynthia Litster to bring their dream venue to life.

The two-level, 120-seater venue is slated to open on Liverpool Street in November with three separate offerings throughout.

On the ground floor will be a classic public bar filled with nostalgic Australiana and elevated pub fare. Upstairs will be the terrace bar, with a focus on cocktails and snacks, and finally, an open-air courtyard which is where you’ll find us holding up the bar come summertime.

Restaurant review: Chill at the bar or splash out on dinner at the newly revamped Icebergs

The Waratah is the first venue from newly-minted hospitality group, Pollen, founded by Litster and and Stroeve. Inspired by artist Wendy Stroeve’s work, the group aims to focus on the story of modern Australia through the connection between growers, Indigenous communities, sustainability and seasonality. The Waratah will source the majority of its produce from First Nations growers and NSW farmers, with a farm-to-table (and vineyard-to-glass) ethos.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Waratah (@thewaratahsydney)

When designing the menu, Prichard says “the philosophy behind the food is that the menu is fresh, nourishing and most of all sourced with thought and care.” And to keep things running smoothly, the chef has brought his protege Lewin White (ex-Bondi Icebergs, Bistro Moncur, Re), who will be the Waratah’s head chef.

As far as menu teasers go, it doesn’t get better than this. “The fairy bread ice cream sandwich is going to fly.”

Potato scallops with Abrolhos scallops, lemon, and tartare sound like a brilliant start, unless of course a bay lobster roll is more your speed.

Steamed market fish with pipis and XO sauce; six-week aged sirloin steaks; and roasted celeriac with Boon Luck greens and gravy are just a few of the mains to look forward to. Just make sure you leave room for the Daintree vanilla flan for dessert.

The Waratah will open December 6 at 308-310 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst. For more details, follow @thewaratahsydney.

Related story: Kick on at the best restaurants and bars on Oxford Street