Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll’s Applejack Hospitality has reopened institutional Sydney pub Forrester’s following an extensive makeover.
Located on the corner of Riley and Foveaux Streets in Surry Hills, established in 1921, the pub was previously one of Jaime Wirth’s Drink n’ Dine trio sold to Australian Venue Co, then known as Dixon Hospitality, in line with its no-gaming policy.
In August, the leasehold business was acquired by dynamic Sydney hospitality group Applejack, representing a timely return to the pub game.
The Applejack team dove straight into a $1.5 million rework, drawing inspiration from the building’s history and original ‘bones’, incorporating natural finishes, a classic neutral colour scheme, pastel furnishings and the group’s signature love of greenery.
The result is three distinct drinking and dining spaces to attract some of the variety of markets in the precinct. The all-important public bar has retained its exposed Oregon beams, hardwood floors and tri-folding windows, now joined by a bespoke timber back bar and period feature lighting, big screens for sporting events, and natural materials such as leather for a ‘lived-in’ feel.
On offer is a range of local craft and classic Aussie beers, Australian-only wines and a typical Applejack-style cocktail list.
Phylli’s restaurant aims to be the go-to destination for long lunches and social catch-ups as well as casual dining, serving pub favourites including the classic $10 steak, and shared-styled plates for grazing, with flavours guided by the Americas; classic Latin dishes fused with North American influences.
From 14 November Phylli’s will be introducing ‘Bottomless Long Lunch’ packages starting from $79 per person.
The menu is a collaboration between Forrester’s head chef Jon Barrios and group executive chef Jason Roberson.
The restaurant strives to bring elements of outside in, optimised for natural light and packed with lush greenery and warm timbers, and a giant mural by Sydney-based artist, Mielo.
On the upper level is Upstairs at Forrester’s, sporting comfortable booth seats, its own dining space and a separate bar. This area is intended for small functions or events and will host weekly trivia and comedy nights. The full dining menu is available.
Applejack was founded in 2011 by hospitality professionals Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll, who worked together at NLG before going on to open seven bar-restaurants and two cafes together. The portfolio now counts The Botanist Kirribilli, Endeavour Tap Rooms, Bopp & Tone, SoCal Neutral Bay, June’s Shoppe, Juanita’s Bar, Hester’s, and The Butler Potts Point.
Forrester’s is the pair’s first pub venture since Endeavour, in 2016, and Watts says the long-term lease was a decision by Applejack to grow and spread its risk following the pandemic.
“In these uncertain times, we wanted to diversify our group with a more casual offering in a truly special Sydney Suburb.
“It is an iconic Sydney pub that has endured a mixed identity over the past few years. Our goal is to deliver a community-centric watering hole with an Applejack twist.”
