One of Sydney’s most beautiful, heritage-listed buildings has been given new life as a multi-level dining destination and luxury boutique hotel. 

Porter House on Castlereagh Street was originally built in 1876 and remains one of the most recognisable Sydney landmarks from the Victorian commercial era. The one-time tobacco factory, warehouse and leather merchant has been undergoing restoration for four years and is set to unveil the results of its transformation in July. 

The five-storey venue will house three new dining destinations, and two floors dedicated to private dining and functions: Euro-style delicatessen and wine bar Henry’s Bread and Wine on the ground floor, modern brasserie Dixson & Sons on level one and Spice Trader bar on the top level. 

But that’s not all. Right next door (and opening the same week) will be Porter House Hotel Sydney – MGallery: a luxe new 122-room-and-suite hotel. 

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The multi-million dollar luxury hotel will occupy 10 floors of the 36-storey mixed-use tower, with 131 residential apartments to fill the remaining floors.

Designed by award-winning architect  Angelo Candelapas of Candelapas Associates, the sleek new boutique hotel promises a unique balance of ultra-modern design and original Victorian character. 

Think contemporary curved windows that pay homage to the original building’s iconic sandstone arches; interior elements that reference its erstwhile days as a tobacco factory and leather merchant; wooden flooring underfoot, and elegant gold and brass features. 

As for the guest rooms, expect a muted, modern palette of dusty pinks, soft mushroom grey tones and natural textures that evoke a contemporary yet welcoming atmosphere, playfully mismatched bed lamps, pink and grey marble tiling in the bathrooms, and soft curves, arches and circles featuring throughout. 

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Inside the Classic and Superior rooms, you’ll find a king bed and 65cm television, complimentary in-room amenities by Appelles Apothecary. The four Junior Suites – all of which face Castlereagh Street – provide next-level luxury, including a separate king bedroom and living space, generous wardrobe and spacious bathroom. 

Among the suite amenities, a steamer, hair straighteners, dryers and a free-standing bath with its own mirror screen television. Swoon. 

It will also be the first Aussie hotel to employ DigitValet, a walking talking iPad concierge to assist guests in navigating the hotel and dining venues. 

Porter House Hotel – MGallery, Henry’s Bread and Wine, Dixson & Sons, the function spaces and private dining floor will launch in July 2022, with Spice Trader set to follow in spring. For more info, head to www.porterhousehotel.com.au

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