Plaza Hotel: Sydney’s New Premier Destination for Nightlife, Dining & Entertainment
A famous historical building on George Street’s entertainment strip has come back to life as the Plaza Hotel – the city’s newest destination for music, nightlife, and dining.
Most recently the former home of the iconic Star Bar, the location was originally the elegant Plaza Theatre for several decades…and later, Australia’s first Planet Hollywood which opened with tremendous fanfare in what was one of the most star-studded launches Sydney had ever seen.
The Winchester Hotel Group have transformed it into the Plaza Hotel to redefine the urban entertainment experience. Every element of the hotel has been thoughtfully preserved or reimagined to honour its heritage with three distinct levels for patrons to enjoy. Under the creative direction of Sarah and Ryan Maloney, their innovative vision brings a new energy and perspective to the venue, setting a dynamic, modernist direction.
Ryan’s expertise has modernised Level One into an Ibiza-inspired club with a vibrant design, world-class sound and lighting system and a high-energy dance floor. With a lineup of international headliners and local artists, Plaza Level One is poised to become Sydney’s premier nightlife destination, delivering a masterclass in human movement.
Sarah’s vision has brought Plaza Basement’s moody aesthetic to life, blending vintage vinyl vibes with modern style for an unforgettable nightlife experience. The intimate underground music lounge is a stunning space where warm amber lighting and a curated vinyl collection spin up a cozy, seductive atmosphere. Perfect for post-work drinks or a night out, this hideaway promises lascivious sounds from top DJs and audiophiles, paired with expertly crafted, agave infused cocktails.
Going back to their roots, they will also soon be opening Plaza Theatre – a 30-seat theatre with the original ceiling having been repurposed from the original Plaza Theatre. While its heritage charm remains intact, don’t let the retro aesthetic fool you. This space is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, ready to host everything from private screenings to live streaming events. Stay tuned for a cinematic experience where timeless elegance meets cutting-edge innovation.
On the main level, as you walk in off the street, is where you will find the Plaza Bistro – a place where you can experience some of their delicious food and drink offerings. A contemporary take on Modern Australian cuisine, Plaza Bistro combines seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with European cooking techniques. Helmed by renowned Executive Chef Sam Bull, the menu strikes a balance between approachable luxury and culinary excellence.
Starter highlights include a delicious Greek-style BBQ Octopus, tasty Baked Beets featuring a selection of local grown beetroots, goats curd, hazelnuts, bulls’ blood, beetroot crisps with aged balsamic, and the delectable Crudo with kingfish, rockmelon, fennel pollen, chilli, lemon and basil. Light and refreshing yet slightly spicy, a scrumptious combination.
Signature features range from the refined caviar menu to the pure and unadulterated simplicity of the humble cheeseburger. There’s also a flavour-packed Chicken Schnitzel served with slaw & chips which is hard to resist, a Whole Grilled Spatchcock or a Whole Lamb Ragu to dig into, and an outstanding Grilled Swordfish Steak with French lentils, green beans, olive, dried heirloom tomatoes, chervil and lemon sauce which make for a symphony of taste and texture.
An extension of the Bistro experience, the outdoor dining area brings a Parisian charm not often found in Sydney’s CBD. With elegant seating, ambient lighting, and a view of the bustling energy that the CBD has to offer, this al fresco addition is perfect for casual lunches, leisurely dinners, or an aperitif in the open air.
No matter which level you’re on, there’s an extensive selection of wine to explore and an amazing cocktail menu. Cocktail highlights include the heavenly Amaretto Sour (Amaretto Disaronno, lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white) which offers the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and the Clover Club (Beefeater Gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, egg white) which is super refreshing and so silky and smooth to drink.
The launch of the Plaza Hotel sees Sydney gain a new upmarket multi-level destination and vibrant space where history and modernity converge. And with the closure of several other hospitality venues in recent times, the Plaza Hotel will be an exciting new hub for nightlife, dining, and entertainment.
The Plaza Hotel
600 George Street, Sydney
Open 10am to 3am daily