By Sacha Delfosse
The team behind Toko and Tokonoma has expanded its presence in Sydney's Surry Hills with the recent opening of a new venue, Rainford Street Social.
The concept behind Rainford Street Social, located nearby Toko and Tokonoma, is that of a neighbourhood bistro – offering a much more casual, yet still high-quality, dining and drinking experience.
The venue has a very open feel, with full length glass walls providing a full view of the street, and open kitchen (with the bar incorporated into it) design allowing patrons to see, and smell, all the culinary and drink-making activity.
The interior has a homely fit out, with red ironbark tables, Chesterfield sofas and sanded wooden floorboards.
The kitchen team is headed up by Benjamin Orpwood, who began his career at Zuma in the UK, and most recently worked at Toko. The food menu is seasonal, and offers a mix of classic and contemporary meals, with a strong focus on shared dishes.
Running the bar is Jon Riera-Egaña, a veteran form the UK bar industry, having worked at places such as Trader Vics on Park Lane, Bush Bar & Grill, Zuma, T-Bar in Shoreditch, Whisky Mist and The Commissary, before heading down under.
The drinks list will also be seasonal and changing to reflect the food menu, while also offering twists on classics as well as ‘bottle-conditioned’ Negronis, Manhattans and Dr. Hendersons.
Managing the restaurant operations is Kristy Whitchelo, who apart from having an extensive amount of experience working in the hospitality industry, has also worked for liquor companies such as Pernod Ricard.
Rainford Street Social is opened from Wednesdays to Sundays.
500 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney Ph: (02) 9357 2573