Sydney’s latest boutique design hotel is officially open for business.
Two iconic heritage-listed buildings – the former Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton and United Breweries Administration Building have been carefully adjoined by a glass link-way under the engineered expertise of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects.
A total of 62 rooms and seven suite types feature high ceilings, large original framed windows, heritage timber panelling and original exposed walls. Highlights include the heritage C.U.B. Suite – featuring spacious separate sleeping quarters, ample meeting, living and dining space with an eight-seater table and an anteroom with library.
The Mary O’ Suite – named after Chippendale character, Mary O’Shea, also known as Pig Mary entails a separate entertaining and dining area for up to eight guests, a wet bar and sleeping quarters overlooking Kensington Street.
The Chippendale Lofts are both contemporary and spacious, featuring a private bedroom with open white marble bathroom and sitting area over two levels.
Intricate, quirky objects and fixtures have been hand-elected to furnish each space including pendant lights, vintage furniture, custom tote bags and cushions inspired by Australian fauna and flora created by Eloise Rapp.
There are 62 custom made desk lamps fashioned from transformed vintage machinery of decades past by Paul Firbank aka The Rag and Bone Man, while New Zealand brand Triumph and Disaster challenge the senses with specialised amenity sets in each room. Throughout the hotel, Maison Balzac have created a bespoke and welcoming scent, evoking the memories of the past.
Downstairs, The Clare bar adjoins the hotel reception and upstairs, an expansive rooftop pool and bar has views over the surrounding district.
Additional amenities at The Old Clare Hotel include a private gym and a heritage meeting space. A day spa will also launch in early 2016. Outside of The Old Clare Hotel, guests can explore the Chippendale neighbourhood by custom made bicycle.
Three independent restaurants, offering different dining experiences, will also open as part of The Old Clare Hotel. Automata, Clayton Wells’ first solo restaurant, seating 60 guests and serving a constantly changing five-course menu has opened on Kensington Street. Silvereye, situated on level 2 of the hotel is by former Noma chef, Sam Miller, and will offer two tasting menus. Silvereye will open on September 22. Kensington Street Social, the 100-seat all-day venue from Jason Atherton will round out the restaurant offering.
