Australian hospitality group, The Point, has been working around the clock to deliver the first phase of Shell House, Sydney’s latest multi-level dining destination.

The first venue to open at Shell House will be Menzies Bar and Bistro, which will be located on the ground floor, beneath the building’s historic 400-tonne clocktower.

Inspired by the legendary Menzies Hotel, the new restaurant and bar will dish up European bistro fare by former Aria Head Chef, Joel Bickford.

The menu will comprise of share plates for lunch and dinner, with snacks and supper served in-between.

“This is a hugely exciting time for Sydney and I’m so thrilled to be able to launch the first phase of Shell House with The Menzies Bar team when the city comes back to life,” Joel Bickford said.

“We’ve sourced beautiful produce to incorporate into stunning dishes across the bistro menu. The menu showcases exciting and interesting dishes, as well as bistro classics, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Diners can expect bistro classics like chicken liver eclairs with trout roe and amaro jelly, swordfish crudo with pink grapefruit and a cheese toastie filled with fontina, black pig ham and pickles. Larger plates will include a coral trout with olive mascarpone, roasted spatchcock and a 200g bistecchina steak.

The drinks list will embrace new world wines and progressive classics, with a focus on family-based producers and organic, biodynamic and sustainable drops. Cocktails will also be available, with a creative selection of sippers by former Scout bartender, Josh Reynolds. Signatures will include the ‘In-Cider Trading’ made from cider caramel with scotch and coffee, as well as a Sicilian margarita – a fresh, citrussy blend of fresh lemon and limoncello with a tequila kick.

Every day when the clock strikes 4pm (just look up), Menzies will host a dedicated Martini Hour, where it will serve lobster rolls and chilled martinis stirred with shards of ice.

The newly renovated venue has been given a heritage-inspired makeover, which includes a blackened steel bar, an overhead bar hamper that holds 1300 spirit bottles, a marble fireplace and mosaic tumbled marble floors. Guests can get comfy on the crimson leather booths that span the length of the room.

Sydney artist Mikey Freedom created the artworks and framework for the walls, as well as bespoke tiles, tables and sculptures for the space, which take their design cues from the building’s rich history.

Dedicated music director Vi Hermens has created playlists for the space, and a timber DJ booth will support a sound system and a rotating roster of resident DJs.

Shell House will open midday Thursday, October, 14th 2021.

Menzies Bar & Bistro
Shell House, 37 Margaret St, Sydney 
Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2am
shellhouse.com.au