New late-night bar and dining venues open @ Sydney’s QVB

IMAGE: Esquire Drink + Dine/Photo: Damian Flanagan

Trippas White Group – the name behind the recently opened Sydney Opera House function centre, among many other premium venues in Sydney – held an exclusive launch event last night for one of its two new late night drinking and dining spaces in the city’s iconic Queen Victoria Building (QVB).

Esquire Drink + Dine on Level 2, is warm and contemporary, with a classically stylish ambience enhanced by the QVB’s elegant architecture and design. The new venue brings late-night drinking and dining to QVB in a way never before seen in its 120-year history.

Together with Reign Champagne Parlour & Bar, on Level 1, Esquire gives the city of Sydney a unique late night venue that evokes all the hallmarks of an exclusive Manhattan or London establishment – intimate and welcoming.

Both venues are also open seven days for lunch, dinner and drinks. Reign opens at 11am Monday to Friday and for brunch at 10am Saturday and Sunday, closing late each night. Esquire is open midday until late, daily.

Trippas White Group Managing Director, Joseph Murray, said: “We’re excited to launch Reign and Esquire in the QVB. It has been a lot of hard work and commitment from the Trippas White team, bringing these two brilliant new bar and dining venues to life. The QVB is a truly iconic and treasured building, loved by Sydneysiders. Now, the QVB offers two brand new bar and dining venues in the heart of Sydney.

“Our leading chefs, sommeliers and venue hosts are all very excited and ready to help bring a world class bar and dining experience to Sydney’s night life, for all to enjoy.”

Esquire Drink + Dine
Located on level two of the QVB, on the Market Street end, entering Esquire feels like stepping into a New York supper club, complete with reimagined modern-Australian comfort classics alongside an array of the world’s best spirits and hand-crafted cocktails. Esquire’s alluring old-world glamour sets the scene fora long lunch, post show drink or late-night dinner. A dark, oak bar framed with mosaic and parquetry flooring, soft leather seating and sensuous low lights all make the most of the QVB’s historical Romanesque revival architecture. Start at the bar and whet your appetite with one of the 100-plus wines, whiskeys and cocktails on the menu. Then tuck into crumbed sweetbreads, a gooey yet crunchy gruyere jaffle, a two-course whole roast chicken for two or a 250g Grainge Signature MB3+ Rump Cap straight from the grill. The kitchen features a domed oven to add a sizzle to the menu.

Reign Champagne Parlour & Bar
Located on level one of the QVB, on the Druitt Street end, Reign serves up over 150 Champagnes and sparkling wines alongside an array of light share-plates. Set amongst lush marble, brass and soft musk tones, and framed by a Romanesque arch window overlooking Town Hall, guests can enjoy a tasting flight through France’s Champagne region, or sip on an artisan cocktail. Savour a serve (or two!) of king brown mushroom and pork fried rice. Or devour a thyme and honey ice-cream sandwich with plums. As Sydney’s newest bar, Reign is the perfect spot to escape the daily grind, to taste fresh-made fare and the best sips from around the world.

Patricia Salomo, Venue Manager – Previously of Haru in New York City, QT Hotel Sydney, Merivale and Sokyo at The Star in Sydney, Patricia heads up both venues as General Manager.

Damien Worthington, Executive Chef – Previously of QT Hotels and The Winery, Damien has pulled his hatted restaurant experience through the menus at both venues, perfectly crafting each bite to match sommelier Fabio Nistrio’s carefully selected menus of Champagnes, spirits and wines.

Fabio Nistrio, Sommelier – Hailing from Modena, Italy and previously of Sokyo at The Star and Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room, Fabio has brought his passion for Champagne and wine to life through bespoke drink menus for each venue that showcase drops from the big houses next to smaller, lesser-known producers.

Matthew Beaumont, Group General Manager of Beverage – Formerly of The Star, Sydney and Merivale, Matthew has led the charge across the creation and curation of both venues and their drink and dining offering.