Heritage trust

Opulence and history charm diners at the unique restaurants operating in heritage-listed digs writes GRACE MACKENZIE.

- GRACE MACKENZIE

Operating a restaurant within a heritage-listed building comes at a cost. Namely, the challenge of restoring, renovating and cooking under strict limitations. But according to Bentley’s Brent Savage, the historic spaces are well worth the cost and effort. “It’s an absolute privilege to go into these buildings on a daily basis,” he says. From booming banks and the glory days of print media, there are a number of Australian restaurants serving diners a glimpse of bygone eras; with original architecture and features adding historic charm to the overall dining experience.

- NSW-

BENTLEY

In 1856, inquisitive readers gathered at The Herald Corner, where Pitt, O’Connell and Hunter Streets meet in the CBD, to pick up The Sydney Morning Herald straight off the presses housed in a grand new building. The Renaissance Palazzo-style edifice featured Bondi sandstone and Bowral trachyte cladding, with Caleula marble wrapped impressively around the interior. After nearly a century of publishing the daily paper, the last day of news was typeset in the cupola-topped building in 1955. Today, diners at the internationally acclaimed Bentley have replaced newshounds in the ground floor reading room. Savage, co-owner and head chef, notes the privilege of operating in the incredible space. “We’ve always kept in mind what these buildings represent… [they] set expectations, you have to be really mindful of that when you take on these prestigious buildings.”

- NSW-

THE TEA ROOM