Sydney’s iconic Evening Star Hotel has been transformed into a pan-Asian restaurant and bar, dubbed Gweilo.
Former China Doll and Est chef Seb Gee is behind the menu, which features contemporary Asian street food with a western twist. Think haloumi with hot and sour peppers, prawn, truffle and mushroom spring rolls and KFC bao burgers.
Gee was inspired by his travels throughout China and south east Asia when creating the menu.
“I was heavily influenced by a recent trip to Hong Kong, combined with my western cooking background at Merivale’s Est,” he says.
“Gweilo is all about marrying western and Asian flavours – think eggplant parmi bao smothered in Napoli sauce.”
Gweilo’s after-work drink game is strong, with options like “Gwei Sloe” made with Sloe gin, prosecco, lychee and rhubarb bitters, or the “Hadouken” complete with Roku gin, rosemary Aperol, grapefruit, yuzu and Absinthe flame lit at the table in front of you.
The venue was designed by Paul Kelly and blends classic architecture with retro-futuristic styling. Striking murals cover the walls while arches form individual sections, perfect for small groups and events.
Gweilo can be partially or exclusively booked for events, with capacity for 250 guests across the entire venue.
Smaller spaces include Dining 1, which is ideal for a large sit-down dinners or canape-style events, and the Main Bar, perfect for casual drinks for up to 50 guests.
Gweilo can also provide microphones, TV display, DJ hire and music control for events.
