An iconic Sydney nightclub that operated for 17 years has been transformed into a fine dining restaurant, an alfresco drinks and dining space and an intimate speakeasy cocktail bar.
The Argyle, located in the heart of The Rocks, closed down at the end of last year but the famed venue has been transformed into three new spaces: fine dining restaurant The Dining Room, an all-day dining and drinks experience, The Garden and a tiny hidden cocktail bar, Tailor Room.
The new Hunter St. Hospitality venues, which officially open today, are located next to the brand's established restaurants Saké and The Cut Bar & Grill, forming a new hospitality precinct called The Collective.
The space is set over 1,800sqm and is a dining and drinking destination in the heart of the city, catering to customers throughout the day.
The Dining Room offers sophistication with an elevated dining experience in a beautifully historic setting.
The restored wool store, which was built in 1881, has undergone refurbishment, but thankfully original features remain with original beams throughout.
The throbbing strobe lights and dance floor of The Argyle have been replaced with elegant booths, well-appointed seating and soft lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
With a trio of acclaimed chefs, Santiago Aristizabal, Andy Evans, and Shimpei Hatanaka, alongside Executive Chef Mike Flood at the helm, the menu has been thoughtfully curated offering decadent options to suit every appetite.
Starting with small snacks like caviar tartlets ($30) and foie gras éclairs ($25), through to epic showstoppers like the impressive chilled seafood tower ($280) or the 1.5kg Tajima Wagyu MB9+ tomahawk steak ($400).
Guests can share small plates like 'Aphrodite' halloumi with fig and pistachio ($28) or prawns a la plancha ($13) before moving on to larger dishes like coral trout with 'nduja ($80) or dry-aged duck breast served with confit apple croquette ($54).
The venue has a vast wine list and a dedicated wine room with over 500 bottles, as well as a 1,000+ bin cellar.
Prices range widely from $16 for a glass of wine through to a 1995 Krug 'Clos d'Ambonnay' for $20,000, or a Methuselah bottle of 1998 Dom Pérignon priced at a cool $39,800.
The Dining Room also boasts a private space for intimate groups and a cocktail bar too, providing spaces for those looking for drinks and delicious nibbles with a friend, a decadent dining experience or a place to enjoy a lavish celebration with a larger group.
The Garden offers a more relaxed destination with foliage and trees, allowing patrons to enjoy coffee and eggs benedict ($22) in the morning, king prawn rolls ($28) with a glass of wine for lunch, and sundowner drinks and minute steak and fries ($48) for dinner to toast the day away under the stars.
The hidden gem of the venue is undoubtedly Tailor Room, a 16-seat cocktail bar which is inspired by the building's textile heritage and provides a sensory experience once patrons step inside.
Drinks can be selected by touch from different squares of fabric within the menu and unique cocktails like Silk, Velvet and Corduroy are on offer, allowing patrons to enjoy a taste of the history of the building.
“Hospitality precincts are having a moment in Sydney, and their appeal is only growing. With The Collective, we saw a chance to do something special -- breathing new life into heritage spaces that deserve to be experienced, not just admired,” Hunter St Hospitality CEO Frank Tucker said.
“There’s a lot to uncover once you step inside, and we hope it becomes a hidden gem for anyone looking to see a different side of the city.”
“Each venue has a distinct personality but shares a common thread of culinary and cocktail craftsmanship. Together, they celebrate both the heritage and future of one of Sydney’s most iconic neighbourhoods,” Tucker added.
Hunter St. Hospitality are behind venues including Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple and The Collective adds three new venues to the portfolio.