Bungalow 8 reveals new bar, lounge and dining spaces
Sydney’s iconic waterfront venue Bungalow 8 is making a glittering return to Darling Harbour this October following a $3 million dollar renovation.
The venue has been a staple on King Street Wharf since its debut in 2003 and to celebrate 21 years on the wharf, the day-to-night destination is set to unveil its new-look on Saturday 19 October 2024, revealing new bar, lounge and dining spaces across the sprawling two-level venue.
The revamped Bungalow 8 will be a welcoming waterfront haven, featuring reservable cabanas in the front courtyard and an upstairs cocktail bar with an outdoor balcony that offers stunning views of Darling Harbour. Venue Manager Teddy Hepworth says customers will have a lot to look forward to: “There’s a lot to love about Bungalow 8’s new chapter and we’re excited to swing our doors back open to show everyone! New cocktails to shake, a delicious food menu and curated spaces that compliment both our iconic location and atmosphere.”
The updated ground floor and courtyard retain the tropical charm Bungalow 8 is known for, featuring stylish furnishings and a vibrant array of tropical plants. In the courtyard, newly designed cabanas with comfortable banquette seating, a coastal-inspired retractable canopy, and delightful festoon lighting create the perfect setting for everything from corporate meetings to casual lunches and sunny social gatherings.
As day transitions into night, Bungalow 8 will dial up the dance floor with a host of new weekend events, including live DJs and musicians plugging in every Friday and Saturday night until late. With new, custom DJ booths, curated lighting and state-of-the-art AV features, the King Street Wharf venue transforms into the ultimate party destination each weekend, delivering an exhilarating line up of the hottest local talent across two-levels. Bungalow 8 will also play host to all new Sunday Sessions, featuring high energy DJ sets accompanied by a live saxophonist from 2pm, the ideal spot to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney’s bustling harbourside precinct.
The upstairs bar and balcony provide the perfect backdrop for glamorous gatherings and late-night get-togethers from Thursday through to Saturday, with options for private event bookings. With a sultry, enigmatic atmosphere, the bar features custom botanical wallpaper, lush green flooring, and contemporary furnishings enhanced by sleek LED lighting. The décor and ambiance pay homage to the original Bungalow 8, the renowned tropical-chic hotspot that attracted celebrities in early 2000s New York.
Bungalow 8 will relaunch with a new all-day menu of casual eats, served from lunch until late. Curated by Executive Chef Jason Roberson, the menu will feature crowd favourites like burgers, sandwiches, salads and a wave of new dishes including Thai Chilli Chicken Wings with lime crème fraiche; a Charcuterie board featuring a selection of local LP’s Quality Meats (hot salami cotto, mortadella); and a Bungalow Club Sandwich (grilled chicken breast, streaky bacon, tomato, shredded iceberg, Swiss cheese, truffle mayo on focaccia bread, served with fries). The shared snack platter, a great option for larger groups and post-work nibbles, features crowd favourites including truffle fries, eggplant parmigiana ‘arancini’, char-grilled corn cob, and salt & pepper calamari. The upstairs bar and balcony will serve a refined menu of snacks, share boards and snack platters. The drinks menu includes a stellar selection of Australian and global wines by the glass (and bottle) as well as a curated cocktail menu featuring a mix of playful new signature serves such as the Lamington Negroni (coconut-infused rum, Campari, Punt e Mes Italian vermouth and cacao); Sandy’s Big Night Out on Kings Street Wharf (citron vodka, cream of coconut, pineapple, lemon and mint); and Picante de la Casa (blue agave tequila, lime, agave, coriander and green tobacco).
At 21, Bungalow 8 has truly come of age – but don’t be misled by its polished new look; there’s still plenty of fun and mischief to be had. Bungalow 8 is thrilled to enter an exciting new chapter, reopening to the public on Saturday 19 October. From relaxed lunches and daytime sips to electrifying nights with local DJs setting the vibe, this new phase makes Bungalow 8 the go-to spot for unforgettable moments on the wharf… let the good times roll!
What’s on at Bungalow 8:
Thursday Knock Offs: Celebrate the end of the workweek early with Thursday ‘knock offs’ at Bungalow 8. From Thursday 24 October, book in with a group of 6 or more and Bungalow 8 will shout your first round!
Bungalow L8: Experience Bungalow Nights, Sydney’s premier waterfront party venue! With live DJs and musicians every Friday and Saturday night until late, you’re in for the most exhilarating harbourside party in the city. DJs start spinning at 5pm on Fridays and from 6pm on Saturdays. Elevate your night with cabana bookings and guestlist entry!
Sunday Sessions: Get ready for summer with Sunday Sessions at Bungalow 8. Launching Sunday 20 October, and running every Sunday thereafter, enjoy high energy DJ sets accompanied by a live saxophonist from 2pm. Kick back in a cabana, savour delicious share platters, and sip on refreshing fruity cocktail jugs while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Bungalow 8: 3 Lime Street, Sydney
Ground floor open Sun to Thurs (12pm – 12am) | Fri/Sat (12pm – 3am)
Level 1 open Thurs to Sun (5pm – late)