Rediscovering Double Bay

Recently the Lifestyle team were invited to see the Event Spaces at the Golden Sheaf for clients that are looking for that venue that is just outside the CBD.   On leaving the Hotel we took a stroll around Double Bay and were so taken with the village buzz in the evening that we set ourselves a goal to spend the next couple of week’s rediscovering Double Bay.

Double Bay is known for its classy street cafes and restaurants, exclusive fashion boutiques and beauty salons.  There is definitely a village feel about Double Bay in the evening with street side dining and of course hip and happening people.

Since posting our feature on Double Bay the Intercontinental Hotel has released an image of their spectacular rooftop bar of their soon to open Hotel and on restaurant news, the Japanese icon Sake is moving to the Double Bay postcode.

Double Bay Weekly Market
Every Thursday a weekly ‘Organic Food Market’ operates  in Guilfoyle park with stalls set with willow trees as the backdrop and the harbour only two blocks away.  With street side parking available alongside the park, you will feel like you are million miles away from the city.   On offer is great coffee and plenty of delicious cakes, pastries and breads, fresh pasta, organic meats and fresh flowers.

The Golden Sheaf
Located in the heart of Double Bay, the Golden Sheaf Hotel has long been an eastern suburbs institution.   Two spaces that really take you by surprise are the Deck Bar and Courtyard lounge.  Our evening started with a refreshing welcome Grapefruit Spritz and a truffle vichyssoise with taleggio fingers served in a shot glass.  The treats kept coming with hierloom tomato & fresh goats curd tarts, blue swimmer with tomato broth in gowgee pastry, peking duck, spring onion & cucumber crepes, pressed Organic chicken wing with sate and everyone’s favourite – fish & handout Chips

Niji Restaurant and Bar
21 Bay Street

This icon from Kingsford  has arrived in Double Bay. Niji Restaurant and Bar is a refined Japanese restaurant that has developed a reputation for excellence.  The slick décor and traditional Japanese Izakaya menu and drinks list, Niji prides itself on offering a memorable dining experience that fits in perfectly with the Double Bay crowd.  Perfect for an after-work drink or book your next event in their private dining room which seats up to 30 people.

Limoncello
29 Bay Street

This family-run business prides itself on simple, fresh and authentic food; warm and friendly staff; and a buzzing atmosphere any time of the day. The Pizza are rustic – a selection of 32 wood-fired recipes are available. The menu spans antipasti, primo piatti, secondo piatti, dessert and a children’s selection. Beers and wines are largely Italian with Australian drops featured on the list.

Pelicano Restaurant & Bar
24 Bay Street

Pelicano offers a relaxed Medditeranean fare in the company of the original Lichtensteins and Basquaits that decorate this 1960s, Harry Seidler designed building.  Take a seat outside in the very Hamptons setting or descend the stairs to the restaurant and lounge.   The white, warmly lit space of this swanky lounge is divided into three sections, with a variety of different options for dining and drinking. Get cosy on a leather banquette, or perch at one of the two striking wraparound bars, finished with copper panels and studded rivets – conjuring up the nautical theme.   The menu includes steak sandwiches, toast with whipped fetta and dukkah and pomegranate spiced 12-hour pork belly with radish and fennel salad.

Fish Face
346 New South Head Road

Steve Hodges rated by critics as the city’s top seafood chef, has opened on New South Head Rd to be closer to his regulars and with its sashimi bar, open kitchen and casual dining area, it’s easy to think it is the same as it’s always been. The new Double Bay restaurant has been split into two areas, the front bar and dining and the back, Fish Face Dining.

Mrs Sippy
37 Bay Street

Double Bay isn’t the usual postcode for cool bars but Mrs Sippy on Bay Street is set to change that with the owners of this new establishment pulling on their combined hospitality resume.  Mrs Sippy will cover all social grounds acting as an espresso bar, cafe, restaurant and bar. The Modern Australian menu, combined with an impressive cocktail and drinks menu is certainly injecting a bit of life into sleepy Double Bay.

Spice Market
340 New South Head Road

Spice Market is located at New South Head Road directly opposite the Double Bay Cinema (Greater Union). Spice Market, a unique Thai experience wooing locals for over 10 years.  When dining at this ever so small gem, be sure to check out the Chef’s Specialties on the menu.  

Operating on a first-come-first-serve basis, it’s best to rock up before 7 pm to secure seating, or you may need to summon a little bit of patience to jostle with regular diners for a space on communal tables. The food is stylish, fresh with the authentic flavours and aromas of Thai herbs and spices. The popular Cashew Nut Stir-fry with caramelised chilli jam is flavoursome without being hot. Generally the meals are spiced at mild to medium but the chefs will accommodate all chilli-lovers with that extra dose of heat. 

Chinta Kechil
342 New South Head Road

Cockle Bay’s institution Chinta Ria will be opening Chinta Kechil in June, bringing great food, cool jazz and a vibrant atmosphere  to Double Bay.