Category: Hospitality Industry

Bar Bouni has opened in Melbourne, a concept blending together the best of contemporary and traditional Middle Eastern with Mediterranean cuisine.   From the Tommy Collins team, founder Ben Avramides’ is taking an “unapologetically modern lens” to the traditional techniques that inspire him.   Jessica Mantilla (Añada) leads the kitchen, showcasing traditionally marinated meats and slow-cooked vegetables.  …

Sydney Theatre Company has opened the doors to a new dining destination at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, inspired by the theatre bars and speakeasies of New York.   The venue, Folio, is a meeting place for cocktails, light bites or a shared meal, and entertainment.  It joins The Wharf Restaurant and Bar, a recently opened venue at the end of…

Oncore by Clare Smyth is closing its doors after four years on Crown Sydney’s 26th floor. The restaurant will continue service until its lease runs out in February 2026. “We’re immensly proud of our team’s dedication and the exceptional standard of service they’ve delivered,” said a statement on Oncore by Clare Smyth’s Instagram account. “Being…

Two Australian bars have been announced in the top 50 most influential bars, with Sydney’s Maybe Sammy coming in at 16th, and Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage at 47th.  It marks a successful year for the two bars, with Caretaker’s Cottage also announced 19th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, and Maybe Sammy at 42nd.    The most influential…

“There’s something about Coogee that seeps into the soul. The salt in the air, the sound of the surf, and the warmth of a long lunch shared with friends,” says Justin Schott. Evidently a keen admirer of the suburb, it’s little wonder that the chef taken on the executive chef role at The Coogee Bay…

The red doors at the Doutta Galla Hotel, affectionally known as the Doot, have reopened following major renovations.  The transformation of the venue that’s metres from Victoria’s Flemington Racecourse in Kensington spans across three levels, celebrating its heritage while ushering it into a new era of modern hospitality.   The Doot also has new owners: Kickon Group Chief Executive Craig Shearer (The Terminus…

On 9 October, the Government introduced Payday Super legislation. Employers are currently only required to pay super quarterly, but the landmark change will mean businesses will be required to pay super on payday from 1 July 2026. Key changes for small businesses include: Employers must pay superannuation guarantee (SG) at the same time as salary…

“Consistency is critical,” says Commune Group Managing Director Robert Gringlas. “And consistency, in many ways, can link to value.” It’s this mindset that has allowed Commune Group to successfully thrive in Melbourne’s ever evolving and endlessly competitive hospitality scene since a group of mates founded the company over a decade ago. Over the years, the…

If you run a venue in the city and have noticed Tuesdays are particularly busy, you’re probably not just imagining it, with the City of Sydney’s latest economic insights report revealing this is when visits to the CBD peak.   The insights indicate the city’s high streets have had strong recovery over the past few years when compared…

Having returned to family hands, Crittenden Restaurant has reopened with a completely reimagined dining experience.   Margaret and Garry Crittenden established the winery restaurant in the Mornington Peninsula in the 1990s. The restaurant was previously leased to an outside operator, but last year returned to family ownership.   The family has transformed the restaurant from the ground up…