Frisco Hotel Relaunched
A little-known piece of Woolloomooloo’s seaside heritage has been reintroduced to Sydney’s pub scene with the refurbishment and relaunch of Frisco Hotel.
A 12-week closure for extensive renovations has breathed new life into Frisco – one of Sydney’s oldest pubs. The venue is now also under new management after owner Adam Micola, a Woolloomooloo resident himself, left behind a career in property economics to start building a hospitality portfolio.
The menu philosophy is based on seaside simplicity. Head chef David Park, recipient of numerous hats from Gault et Millau, has created refined bar snacks and share plates that showcase the freshest seafood and paddock-to-plate produce. Signature dishes include mini lobster rolls with celery, lemon mayo and chives; tempura fish tacos with avocado, pickled ginger and nam jim sauce in a lettuce cup; and grilled miso salmon with shiitake and enoki mushrooms and chef’s signature miso sauce. A dessert platter of matcha crème brulee, sticky date pudding, and Belgian chocolate mousse fondue is perfect for sweet tooths to share.
Alongside a wine list curated by consultant Gabrielle Webster, winner of Wine List of the Year for Love Tilly Devine, the Frisco’s cocktail menu includes several unique rum concoctions in keeping with the venue’s nautical theme. Smoking Guns combines Zapaca rum, Aztec chocolate bitters, and raw sugar, served in a jar filled with hickory smoke, opened and self-poured over ice; while Sailor’s Mistress features Tanqueray gin, St Germain elderflower, apple juice and elderflower syrup, sprayed with absinthe and garnished with an apple fan.
The new interior pays homage to the location’s rich navy legacy with a chic fit out by award-winning interior architects Alexander & Co., specialists in heritage refurbishment. The site has been completely reinvigorated with exposed brick, wall tiling, leather banquettes, solid wooden floors, an all-new ground floor communal bar, and quirky nautical accents.
The venue has staggered its opening, with the exclusive first floor bar area, and huge, north-facing balcony with CBD and water views currently open for business. A sea breeze and all-day sun that melds into fairy-lit ambience by night create an ideal setting for everything from an intimate date night through to after-work drinks or a large function.
Also currently open on the next floor up are seven freshly renovated pub-style hotel rooms that provide a simple, excellent-value accommodation solution for those on a short Sydney getaway.
The ground floor is also now open, with a brand new layout featuring a huge public bar, pressed tin bar top, large communal tables, hammed glass bulk heads and bespoke feature walls painted by well known mural artist 8footwalls.
The relaunched 140-seat Frisco Hotel is set to provide Sydneysiders with the ideal locale for waterside soirees this summer and beyond.
Open 10am to 12pm (Mon – Sat) and 10am to 10pm (Sun)
Facebook/Instagram: @friscohotel
www.friscohotel.com.au