By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
One of Sydney CBD’s historic watering holes has had an “injection of style and sophistication” to position itself as a go-to dining and entertainment destination.
Opening as the Plaza Theatre in 1930, before incarnations as an ice skating rink and celebrity-backed Planet Hollywood, the Maloney Hotel Group’s massive Star Bar now boasts five bars, a 350-seat bistro, five function spaces, 62-seat cinema, custom booth seating with bottle service, and a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. [continued below]
Owner/director Kim Maloney told TheShout the re-furb is part of bigger plans based around the city’s planned transport infrastructure expansion through the area.
“With the implementation of the light rail, including the planned closure of Wilmot Lane to traffic, our vision is for an ‘eat-street’ to rival any in Australia, with Star Bar the centrepiece,” said Maloney.
Celebrity chef Danny Russo heads up the foodie temptations, offering gastro delights such as truffle oil risotto and pork belly alongside pub favourites including pizza and juicy steaks.
Last Saturday saw 700 party-goers at the inaugural night for Studio One – Star Bar’s weekly club night and Sydney’s latest ‘Superclub’.