It started out as the stables of a Victorian mansion in the late 1800s and has had various reincarnations including as a scout hall, park kiosk and one of Sydney’s plushest eateries. Now, restaurateurs Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan have opened Chiswick at the historical garden site and plan to bring fun back to the facade with their Woollahra neighbourhood venture.

There is more than a touch of English about Chiswick with its light, expansive, airy dining room, facing out onto the gardens in a nod to the British stately home and upmarket area of south-west London that it’s named after.  And the garden is also the starting point for the menu with herbs, fruit and veggies from the patches influencing the menu and cocktail list too. Think of all the creative possibilities with a little coriander, passionfruit, basil and liquor of course.

The menu is designed for sharing with small plates such as butter milk chicken, chargrilled scallops and sliced kingfish on offer for refined tastebuds. There are also some large dishes to get stuck into like the fish and prawn pie and chicken wood roasted in spiced hay. Specials change daily depending on what is in season and also what has been freshly picked by Moran’s eager hands.

Top of the crops for Sullivan is the veal tortellini with broad beans, cornichons and shiso. Beef and lamb comes from the Moran family farm in Rockley, NSW. “It’s all about having fun and being relevant for now while also nodding to the past,” Sullivan told AgendaCity. “We keep things fairly simple with the food and accentuate the flavours by using the freshest produce possible and seasoning really well.”

We reckon this new neighbour is sure to be a Woollahra favourite but perhaps you should head there and discover that for yourself.

Where:  65 Ocean Street, Woollahra
Hours :  Tues-Sat 12pm – 2.30pm and 6pm -11pm | Sunday 12pm to 9.30pm
Phone:  (02) 8388 8688
Details: chiswickrestaurant.com.au