By Rebecca Harris
Last Saturday night (Mar 20) represented a sad day for the Sydney bar scene with the temporary closure of the long-running institution the Bayswater Brasserie. The bar, now in its 29th year, will re-open under new staff and management in approximately one month.
Saturday’s farewell saw hundreds of members of the industry gather to say good-bye to the Parisian-inspired bar and bistro, which has been providing Sydney’s well-to-do and hospitality crowd with first-rate European fare and classic cocktails since 1982.
Most recently, under the auspicious eye of general manager Rebecca Whalley and former bar manager Charlie Ainsbury, the bar had become one of the most revered spots in the Sydney bar scene.
Having seen some of Sydney’s top members of the industry work there, Saturday night saw a host of former staff members including Andy Penney and Blake Head hop back behind the bar for one last shift.
The night also payed tribute to former bar manager Gregor de Gruyther, who passed away in June last year, aged just 30.
The direction the new bar and bistro will take has not been confirmed, although staff have allegedly been told they may re-apply for their jobs should they wish to work there when it re-opens.