By Stefanie Collins, editor bars&clubs
Eastern Suburbs’ institution The Sheaf has unveiled its first stage of redevelopments, with The Garden Bar now open to the public.
Launched Monday 15 June, the new ground floor, outdoor bar has been designed by Alexander & Co – the team behind Watsons Bay Beach Club, The Morrison and Daniel San – and features exposed beams, leather lounges and solid wood table tops in among the scattered greenery.
Bruce Solomon told TheShout: "The Garden Bar has always been an iconic part of The Sheaf. With this refurbishment we've brought a really strong food focus and a fabulous intimacy to the area. The Sheaf has generations of families coming to eat and enjoy the atmosphere, it's an Eastern Suburbs institution and this really is a fabulous update.
"Matt has put together a really exciting menu and we have top mixologist Jeremy Shipley working on our cocktails as well."
The bistro menu has been reworked under the watch of Chef Matt Weller (former Head Chef at Ananas, Swine and Co and Wildfire). With meals ranging from Wagyu Burgers to lamb rump, to gourmet pizza, the bistro will also offer three to four lunch specials and five dinner specials daily. Those after drinking snack will be covered too, with share plates such as the seafood board – with blue swimmer crab, potted prawns, oysters and grilled half-shell scallops – or the Cracker Jack chicken lollipops with spicy green tomato relish.
The cocktail menu has also been refreshed to fit with the new area’s theme, with novel flavours alongside innovative takes on old classics. Some of the new drinks include popcorn-infused tequila with lime caramel and grapefruit, and the new signature cocktail The Garden Sling, featuring St Germain, limoncello and seasonal fruits.
The Sheaf has extended its wine list as well, now featuring a further mix of local and international wines by the bottle.
Solomon also said that the Garden Bar is only the first stage of the redevelopment of the pub, with further redevelopment on the upstairs spaces due later in 2015.