One of Sydney’s culinary gems, the two-hatted Monopole restaurant, will close its doors on Saturday, September 6. The announcement comes amid a challenging winter for many of the city’s dining establishments. Co-owner Brent Savage, part of the Bentley Restaurant Group, cited the end of a lease at the restaurant’s Australia Square location as the primary reason for the closure.
Monopole, renowned for its transformation from a wine bar to an upscale French bistro, has been a staple in Sydney’s dining scene. Despite a more optimistic outlook for the Central Business District (CBD) restaurant trade this year compared to last, Savage confirmed longstanding rumors that the Monopole site was seeking new operators. “We looked at all our options,” Savage stated, leaving the future of the site uncertain.
The Journey of Monopole
Originally opened in Potts Point, Monopole relocated to the CBD in late 2020. The restaurant shifted its focus from a wine bar to a French-leaning venue last year, earning praise for its culinary achievements. “We got a good review, I feel quite proud of what we’ve achieved,” Savage remarked. The restaurant has held two chef hats for a decade and has been celebrated for its award-winning wine list.
Monopole’s closure, however, is not the end for the Bentley Restaurant Group. The team is set to expand its presence in the CBD with new ventures, including the upcoming Watermans at Barangaroo, scheduled to open in spring.
New Beginnings with Watermans
Watermans will be led by Darryl Martin, former owner-chef at Barzaari in Marrickville. “We’re massive fans of Darryl from his Barzaari days,” Savage said. The menu will feature dishes like labne with salted cucumber, warm hummus with green zhoug, and pomegranate-glazed slow-cooked lamb shoulder, blending Martin’s culinary expertise with the Bentley Group’s finesse.
The 120-seat restaurant will be located in the newly developed One Sydney Harbour at Barangaroo, an area familiar to the Bentley team, who previously operated Cirrus Dining nearby until 2024. Savage emphasized that Watermans will not be a replica of Barzaari, but a unique creation with Martin’s signature touch.
Looking Back and Forward
The Bentley Restaurant Group has not ruled out a future return for Monopole. “If it’s the right site, never say never,” Savage said. In a joint statement with business partner Nick Hildebrandt, they expressed pride in Monopole’s legacy, both at Potts Point and in the CBD.
“An enormous amount of talent has graced both the kitchen and the floor. Monopole was a ground-breaking wine bar when we opened it and has always pushed the envelope, holding two hats for 10 years and winning multiple awards for its wine list.”
As Monopole bids farewell, Sydney’s dining landscape continues to evolve, with new ventures promising to carry forward the city’s rich culinary tradition. The closure of Monopole marks the end of an era but also signals new beginnings for the Bentley Restaurant Group and Sydney’s vibrant food scene.
