By Gwen O’Toole
Neil Perry of Rockpool has confirmed the January launch of two new Sydney venues within the heritage-listed Art Deco City Mutual Building at 66 Hunter Street; Spice Temple and Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney.
Spice Temple will be a basement restaurant specialising in regional Chinese cuisine, while Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney will be inspired by the Melbourne restaurant of the same name. Construction has commenced on both sites and each will offer event organisers new options for private dining and intimate dining functions. 
Guests will enter Spice Temple by a discreet doorway and the venue will have a capacity for 126 and private dining room for 10. Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney will take full advantage of the City Mutual Building’s Art Deco features and 11-metre high ceilings. The dining room will feature in an almost entirely black palette, creating a glamorous and sophisticated space.
Head chef Khan Danis and pastry chef Catherine Adams from Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne will oversee the menu and kitchen at Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne, and Paul Easson and Ben Pollard will be promoted to manage the kitchen. It will have capabilities for 200 with a wine bar for 45 and three private dining rooms.
“For both restaurants, our focus will be on presenting menus that use only the best and freshest produce available, world-class wine lists and the finest personnel to provide outstanding and informed service at every turn,” Perry said.
For further information call 02 9252 1888 or visit www.rockpool.com.
The interior of Neil Perry’s new Sydney eatery
