An iconic Sydney spot once considered one of the city’s trashiest ‘dive bars’ is making a polished return as an upscale three-level restaurant.
Jacksons on George was an old favorite among Sydneysiders before she was demolished in 2018 and is set to reopen this time with a Michelin-starred chef on board and a fresh new look.
Scheduled to open on Monday 11 September, the former watering hole will now span three levels in the new Sydney Place on George Street in the CBD with a gastropub, restaurant and sunny rooftop bar.
In the kitchen will be executive chef Steven Sinclair who has worked at Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar in Bondi as well as the three-star Michelin restaurant L’Enclume in the UK.
The swanky new layout and menu don’t fit the brand that many Sydneysiders remember from the original boozer.
Now: Sydney’s iconic Jacksons on George, once a dive bar, has had a chic makeover. The new and improved Jacksons on George will open on September 11
Next: the new layout and upmarket menu is not how many Sydneysiders remember the old watering hole.
News of the redesign of the Sydney institution made those who visited at the time nostalgic and eager to visit.
“I had my first shot at Jacksons on George about 1,000 years ago,” one woman recalled.
“Will the floor still be sticky?” joked for a second.
“Jackson on George!” What a breath of the past…!’ added a third.
“What happened to Jackson on George?” It’s a far cry from our nights there, someone laughs.
The former Jacksons on George was demolished five years ago to make way for the Sydney Place complex which will house shops, restaurants and a massive 55-storey tower that will be the capital’s tallest office building.
Before: News of the redesign of the Sydney institution made those who visited at the time nostalgic and eager to visit.
After: The former watering hole will now span three levels in the new Sydney Place on George Street in the CBD with a gastropub, restaurant and sunny rooftop bar.
The ground floor will house a relaxed bar offering pub classics with a modern twist, cocktails and local beer.
On the first level will be Bistro George with a “vibrant” menu of contemporary dishes that will turn into a live music venue later in the night.
An open-air pub is set up on the rooftop where guests will be surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy Sydney’s urban environment and summer weather.
Sinclair said diners can expect “a collection of European bistro-inspired dishes that are both contemporary and classic, with a touch of Australian influence”.
“We want to take the setting of a classic bistro dish and reimagine it without taking its soul away,” he added.
“I’ve been developing this menu for a long time now, so I’m just excited to get into the kitchen, cook for people, and provide memorable dining experiences.”
Jacksons on George is already taking reservations for its three bars ahead of its opening next week.
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