The White Horse Hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills will re-open in Spring, under the guidance of team of esteemed hospitality operators.
Craig Hemmings, now GM of the White Horse, has reunited a group of hospitality colleagues that all worked together at acclaimed restaurant Black by Ezard a decade ago, before building bright careers elsewhere. Hemmings himself has helmed the teams at acclaimed restaurants Bilsons, Quay, Guillaume at Bennelong, Bistro Guillaume, Black by Ezard and Chin Chin Sydney.
At the White Horse, the kitchen will be led by Jed Gerrard (Wills Domain, Ritz Carlton Perth, Wildflower, Hearth, COMO The Treasury), while James Audas (LO-Fi Wines, Bar Heather, Noma, Tetsuya) steers the wine list and Michael Chiem (PS40, Bulletin Place, Sokyo) takes the reins on the bar. Gerrard is on board as chef-partner with Audas and Chiem as consultants – all three maintaining their existing businesses.
Hemmings states that the talent of the team was undeniable from early on, and relished the opportunity to work together once more.
“We all worked together at Black by Ezard 10 years ago. I was GM and Jed, Michael and James stood out then as very talented young professionals with huge potential. All three have since become leaders in their respective fields, to no surprise. We have kept in touch over the years and it just easily fell in place that we would all work together again at this great site.”
The team acquired the property at the end of last year with the tenant handing over the keys at the end of January. The hotel is now closed for an extensive renovation, which will see the White Horse’s offering comprise a public bar and restaurant on the ground floor, cocktail bar on level one and private dining room on level two, as well as a vast interior overhaul.
“Our brief for the venue is simple – a pub we would all like to go to,” said Hemmings. “A relaxed and fun local that quietly over delivers and doesn’t break the bank. All four of us are aligned in wanting to create an offer that is interesting, approachable and affordable. It’s great getting the band back together and we’re excited to breathe some life back into the old girl.”
The GM said that the location of the White Horse Hotel was also very appealing.
“Surry Hills and Newtown are the two most dynamic hospo suburbs and look to stay that way. It’s an iconic site which is well known and loved so it felt like a great opportunity to be part of the local community and contribute to the existing energy of the neighbourhood,”stated Hemmings.
The White Horse Hotel is slated to reopen in Spring.