Pumphouse is a Sydney institution, so when it closed, locals felt lost. Now, after an extensive refurbishment, the historic venue has reopened, sporting a completely different look.
Inspired by the Pumphouse Sydney’s history amongst Australia’s burgeoning industrialisation, the chic industrial design speaks to the signature heritage traits of the building. The venue once supplied power to a booming city—but the Pumphouse Sydney’s hospitality character has long been underpinned by craft.
The sophisticated new space boasts an industrial design with high-end finishes, from the statement pendant shades over the bar which features the work of Australian artist Lance Corlett, to the stunning timber bar and intimate wine room.
Metallic touches add to the premium feel of this newly relaunched venue while maintaining the heritage-listed facade. Guests can cosy up by one of the fireplaces and enjoy a whisky or relax on the open terrace and watch the hustle and bustle of the Darling Square precinct in Darling Harbour.
Staying true to its history as one of Sydney’s first microbreweries, the Pumphouse Sydney stocks an evolving and diverse beer selection. Amongst the wide range of craft beers will be the Thunderbolt Strong Ale which was born in the old microbrewery, inspired by Sydney’s historic Captain Thunderbolt or more commonly known as the “gentleman bushranger”.
For cocktail lovers, expect a great range of cocktails specially curated for the venue. Paying homage to the venue, cocktail favourites will include ‘Steam Punk’ including vanilla vodka and flavours of passionfruit, ‘The Heritage’, a simple cocktail of vanilla vodka, Chambord and pineapple and the gin-based and lychee flavoured ‘The Darling’ to name a few, while also offering favourites such as the original and the Pumphouse Negroni.
Wine drinkers will also find something to their liking with the addition of an incredible wine room for tastings and private dining which can be booked for special events. The wine room will feature a broad selection of wines from various international and local winemakers, with QR codes visible to be scanned to review tasting notes and select your perfect drop. These can be enjoyed in the venue or in the comfort of your own home as take away.
As for the food, much of the menu is suited to sharing style of eating with a selection of share plates including three types of boards the Bushman with a selection of cured meats, a veggie board with creatively displayed vegetables and a seafood option which will have fresh Sydney rock oysters, southern calamari, Tasmanian ocean trout and smoked fish rillettes all featuring house-made wood-fired flatbreads.
The new restaurant also boasts a range of main meals including an aromatic Red Snapper in a fish broth with baby fennel, fresh herbs and garlic crostini as well as your classic PH Burger there is something for everyone. Finish off the feast with one of the venue’s signature waffles, including a delectable lamington waffle which boasts 42% couverture milk chocolate, strawberry gum and a tasty coconut ice cream or an indulgent Banoffee Pie waffle with sticky caramel, torched meringue and banana ice cream.
It’s still Pumphouse we know it, it’s just sporting a new look, feel, and food and beverage offering.
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