Lorraine’s Sydney
Sydney’s East welcomes Lorraine’s, a European inspired bistro made for lazy afternoons and evenings spent drinking and dining with friends and family.
Situated on level one of the iconic Robin Hood Hotel in Waverley, and following its multi-million-dollar renovation, the light filled venue features a stunning glass atrium roof – the perfect space to relax and enjoy good food and drinks until late.
The approachable menu has been created by Michelin trained chef, Clement Marchais, (previously Executive Chef of Peppe’s Bondi) and overseen by acclaimed chef Phillip Davenport. Designed for casual grazing, the menu makes the most of local ingredients in partnership with Jack’s Creek Beef. A custom-built charcoal grill enhances the ingredients natural flavour to create simple and delicious dishes locals will want to enjoy again and again. The menu also features an array of vegetarian and vegan options.
Start with tasty snacks – such as Alto olives, sourdough bread with Pepe Saya butter, and shiitake mushroom pate on sourdough – before moving onto an array of entrees and sharing style plates with a focus on fresh and seasonal produce, finished off on the charcoal grill. Highlights include charred octopus with harissa and potato aioli, mussels over charcoal with garlic butter and gremolata, charcoal leek with hazelnut and truffle vinaigrette, and cured ocean trout with pickled celery. Mains are hearty and wholesome, including a grilled snapper fillet with caponata, rocket, lemon and crispy capers, a stand-out chargrill chicken vadouvan with smoked labneh, and incredible steaks sourced from Jack’s Creek Beef in New England, New South Wales.
The venue, designed by H&E Architects and Design Miss M interiors, and built by Calida Projects, is awash with natural sunlight during the day and a soft glow in the evening, providing a warm and welcoming environment for families and locals to dine. The space features two contemporary private function areas, perfect for group dining, weddings, birthdays, corporate events and more. The art deco fit out features hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and a decadent marble top bar. The venue is complete with brass accents and pink and green hues.
The name ‘Lorraine’s’ serves as a homage to Lorraine Havin, one of the first female licensees in New South Wales, original owner, and previous licensee of The Hood.
“I want Lorraine’s to be an approachable and affordable restaurant and bar space for the Charing Cross locals,” explains owner, Daniel Whitten. “The Lorraine’s project has been in the works for the past 5 years and I am extremely happy with how we have brought our vision to life. The space has been transformed into an accessible venue for locals and families to enjoy lunch or dinner and stay for a few cocktails. Our goal was to revitalise the Waverley and Charing Cross area with an accessible yet glamorous restaurant and bar that showcases a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.”
Lorraine’s also features a premium wine room with over 200 unique wines including back vintages. Diners will have access to an extensive cocktail list and six beer taps, ensuring there is the perfect drop for everyone.
Lorraine’s brings community spirit and a vibrant mainstay to Charing Cross. Locals and visitors alike can revel in European inspired flavours with a range of sharing plates and more sustainable dishes, enjoyed in an open, relaxed setting. The venue is open Wednesday and Thursday for dinner, and all-day Friday to Sunday. Drinks, cocktails and bar snacks are available until late, licensed until 2am.