Rockpool closure: Neil Perry to close iconic Sydney restaurant and open new establishment Eleven Bridge

ONE of Sydney’s most famous restaurants — Rockpool — will close next month after 27 years. But diners should fear not, as the venue will reopen in August with the same Neil Perry-lead team, as Eleven Bridge.

Rockpool’s Neil Perry with head chef Phil Wood, who will remain at the new restaurant.

• RELOCATED ROCKPOOL OFFERS SOPHISTICATED DINING IN AN EXTRAORDINARY HERITAGE DINING ROOM

ONE of Sydney’s most famous restaurants — Rockpool — will close next month after 27 years.

But diners should fear not, as the venue will reopen in August with the same Neil Perry-lead team, as Eleven Bridge.

Perry confirmed this morning his most famous venue, which opened in George St, The Rocks, in 1989, and has been acknowledged around the world as one of Australia’s most influential restaurants, would close on July 30.

Rockpool has been acknowledged as one of Australia’s most influential restaurants.

“Rockpool has been our flagship restaurant for almost three decades,” Perry said.

“We’re moving away from that traditional concept of fine dining but maintaining all the elements that are crucial to great dining — excellent produce and service, and a contemporary style.”

He said the decision had been partly driven by the fact that many diners confused Rockpool with Perry’s nearby steakhouse juggernaut Rockpool Bar & Grill, with customers frequently turning up at the wrong restaurant.

“We have two Rockpool restaurants in close proximity, and we have at least 100 guests turn up to the wrong one every month,” he said.

Perry will be transforming Rockpool into a new restaurant known as Eleven Bridge.

He said head chef Phil Wood would remain at the rebranded restaurant, which will open on August 8.

“We’re really excited about the next chapter,” Perry said.

“With a new a la carte menu at both lunch and dinner, we will continue to give each and every guest a great dining experience.”

The closure follows the announcement that another seminal Sydney fine diner, Surry Hills’ Marque restaurant, will close on June 30.