George St to host a ‘long lunch’ on December 3 as CBD reopens

A table the length of more than five swimming pools will be set up along George Street next month to seat 600 people for a “long lunch.”

Dining tables the length of five-and-a-half Olympic swimming pools sitting hundreds of diners will run down the centre of George Street next month for a long lunch to entice people into the city and show that Sydney is back.

In what has been dubbed Sydney’s “longest lunch,” the CBD light rail will stop at Town Hall for the afternoon as the space for the line outside the historic QVB hosts a smorgasbord of dining and entertainment.

Sydneysiders and visitors will be able to take a seat on Friday, December 3, to enjoy food from some of Sydney’s best chefs, and entertainment from some top acts.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the “Sydney’s Open for Lunch” event, which will be held at four locations in Parramatta  and  the CBD, will turbocharge the city’s ­recovery.

(L-R) Toursim Minister Stuart Ayres, chef Luke Mangan, Premier, Dominic Perrottet, and chef Kylie Kwong, in George Street, which will host the long lunch. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“We’re signalling to the world that Sydney is open for business and that our world-renowned lifestyle is returning” he said.

“This event is a chance to revive the spirit of our city by bringing people together to enjoy some of our most talented chefs and performers,” he said.

Tickets for all four long lunch events will be available from as little as $30, with diners treated to a curated menu and entertainment.

On George St up to 600 people will sit at long tables spanning 280m for a three-course plated lunch, with tickets going for $60. Each dish will be from a different chef, and is set to culminate with a dessert of soft mer­ingue, lemon, berries and custard by Luke Mangan.

At Parramatta Square, Ruse Bar & Grill, CicciaBella and LILYMU will serve a three-course meal to 400 ­diners for $50.

A food, drink, and entertainment pop-up will open in South Eveleigh with a menu curated by Kylie Kwong and cocktails by Matt Whiley of Re. Smaller events in the laneways of York, Clarence, and Kent streets will include a Japanese-inspired lunch.

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the event would benefit businesses hit hard by Covid-19, give locals and visitors a new way to connect with the city’s dining scene and send “the strongest ­possible message that Sydney is open.” Mr Mangan said the event, which would feature different offerings from “incredibly talented chefs and restaurateurs”, would get the Harbour City “pumping again”. “It’s time for Sydneysiders to show their support and appreciation for a scene that is sought after internationally,” he said.

Ms Kwong said the long lunch event would be a healing way to reunite.

“There is no better way to reconnect with friends and loved ones, than over ­delicious food and drink, and great music.’’