Hospitality leaders Oscars Group has reopened The Bristol Arms after its closure in 2019, rebranding as The Bristol.
Oscars, who purchased the Unanderra Hotel from Redcape last year, the massive WestWaters Hotel & Entertainment Complex in a record deal in 2022, and whose impressive portfolio includes pubs such as Shooeys in Surfers Paradise and Hotel Sweeney’s in the Sydney CBD, has boldly reinvented the 126 year old venue.
Beginning at the top, the rooftop bar has been restyled with a Greek twist, complete with a spit roast and grill.
This is headed by renowned chef Peter Conistis, with further plans for Conistis to open new restaurant Ela Ela on a lower floor in a matter of weeks.
Conistis has always wanted a rooftop dining space and says that Rooftop Kouzina is “my take on an Athens souvlaki bar”.
Conistis has been a champion of Greek cuisine since the 1990s, and after the accolades from his latest venture Ammos, at Brighton-le-Sands, he has made the decision to step back from his restaurant Ploos in order to focus on his latest projects at The Bristol.
Conistis has consistently been at the forefront of elevating Sydney’s Greek cuisine offerings, which all began with his signature dish, a moussaka consisting of scallop and eggplant.
“I find it exciting Greek food is making such an impact on Sydney dining, and rightly so,” Conistis said.
The Bristol’s Rooftop Kouzina opened last Thursday 22 August.
Aside from the Rooftop Kouzina and the soon-to-be-opened Ela Ela, The Bristol will have six venues over its five floors.
‘Euro-chic’ nightclub Calypso opened its doors for the first time at an invitation-only event last Friday, replacing the popular club Retro the pub had previously been known for.
Two other bars, a casual art-deco inspired bar and a sports bar with clear links to the building’s history are already open for business, while an extravagant cocktail lounge boasting a VIP area and bottle service will be opening shortly.
Oscars proprietors Bill and Mario Gravanis commissioned the redesign through DS17, led by Paul Papadopoulos, giving a Saint Tropez feel with a hint or two of retro vibes.
