Following in the hoof steps of inner city Italian steakhouse, Bistecca, owners James Bradey and Warren Burns (also of Grandma’s and The Wild Rover) have just launched their second bar and grill, The Gidley. This time around, the venue takes its inspiration from New York’s famous steak restaurants and old school supper clubs.

Curated by executive chef Pip Pratt, the menu focuses on rich and robust meat dishes, with a dedicated steak offering backed up by whole deboned chicken and a big beefy burger stacked with a chuck and brisket patty. As for the herbivores, the hero dish will be an American pumpkin pie, made from wholemeal shortcrust pastry layered with pumpkin and goats curd, finished with a parmesan and nut crumb. Push yourself over the edge with a three-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese or the potatoes three ways – roasted, fried or gratinée.

While the Bistecca menu revolves around the famous Florentine T-bone, at Gidley, the rib eye is the celebrated cut. Try it one of three ways, a classic Riverine Black Angus rib eye on the bone, as a boneless rib eye cap (spinalis steak) or as a standing prime rib roast, either thick cut (700g) or thinly sliced (300g). Steaks are flamed over ironwood then slathered with burnt butter and mushroom sauce or confit garlic mustard.

Bar manager Jonothan Carr has put together a drinks list that revolves around the straight and stiff, with all cocktails batched and bottled before service then finished at the table. The house speciality will be a customisable martini, served with all the accouterments, including olives, citrus peel and pickled onions, so diners can garnish at will. Meanwhile, wine director Alice Massaria – also from Bistecca – has put together a globetrotting wine list designed to pair well with protein.

Taking cues from the venue’s namesake, Governor Philip Gidley King, the subterranean space has been rebranded by design firm Tom Mark Henry with references to both colonial and federation/Edwardian style. Tram interiors are evoked throughout the venue, making note of the street’s former transport pathway.

The Gidley is located in the basement of 161 King Street, Sydney. It opens Tue-Sat 5:30pm-late for dinner and Fri 12pm-3pm for lunch. For more details head to thegidley.com.au or @thegidley.