GREENWOOD HOTEL NORTH SYDNEY
- By Atal Hakikat
Centered smack bang in the thriving metropolis of North Sydney is the Greenwood Hotel. Over the years we've only heard great things about this Northside drinking and dining institution however we have never actually set foot inside ourselves. Deciding that this had to be rectified and upon hearing about The Greenwood’s recent renovation we jumped straight into the VW Arteon to check it out.
Built in 1878 the historical site was originally a church then later a school but in 1992 it was transformed into a pub. On approach we note the sandstone facade- it’s stunning, the beauty of late 1800’s architecture can’t be denied. SJB were appointed to overhaul the interiors and they have done an exceptional job. Co-owner Nick Wills from The Tilley and Wills hospitality group explained, “We wanted to use the existing architecture to build on the textures and then add colour and fun… we found simple ways to complement the sandstone colour and make it pop with new greenery, outdoor furniture and plantings.”
There are two courtyards set around the building and we take our pew out on the high tables in the rear courtyard. Yellow and white striped umbrellas shade the tables and we admire the striking view of the surrounding high-rise buildings.
The perfect sunny day prompts the desire for cocktails so we order an Aperol spritz and a cosmopolitan, then we turn our attention to the food menu. It’s a broad selection, reflecting restaurant quality offerings along with the staple pub favourites like burgers and beer battered fish. Head chef Sam Mathews along with group executive chef Brad Sloane have injected some fresh light dishes for summer and it’s hard to decide if we want healthy or naughty… It’s decided somewhere in the middle so we opt for the mediterranean pizza, the hummus super bowl and the Aspen (truffle parmesan) fries.
The pizza is our clear favourite, the grilled eggplant and zucchini is topped with cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives then finished with chunks of goats cherve and basil. Yummy.
The super bowl is, as promised, chocked full of flavour and goodness, it’s earthy and filling.
Feeling satisfied we explore the rest of the hotel. There are two function spaces and both are beautifully appointed. The Lounge Bar is a little more masculine with handsome curved Chesterfield banquets and soaring ceilings. The lighting is a standout feature, three stunning circular pendants hang overhead dripping with foliage. It’s an eye-catching space but we fall a little more in love with the Chapel.
The cathedral ceilings of the Chapel are braced with white timber beams and tall arched windows welcome an abundance of daylight. This is the perfect space to host a beauty event, engagement party, hens, baby shower or birthday … We leave contemplating throwing some kind of event- just so we can utilise our new favourite function space.
ANGELA
We’ve come up with some great fashion inspiration for the Greenwood. Dining outside always warrants something summery and fresh. You can afford to be bold with your colour choice and if your going to one of the function spaces defiantly step it up a notch as insides a little more fancy pants! My look is now sold out in Zara so I found an alternate choice with the same vibe. Enjoy and let us know what you think of the Greenwood Hotel!
