Government plan to keep Sydney CBD restaurants open late

Select Sydney CBD venues will be able to keep their lights on later thanks to a NSW government initiative this month. Find out where to get a midnight meal here.

Like it is in New York and London, it’s now finally possible to get a quality meal in Sydney at midnight — at least during the Vivid Sydney festival.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the state government is spending $125,000 to subsidise the cost of business at 12 restaurants in the CBD so they can keep their lights on and kitchens running for longer and later during Vivid.

The Vivid Sydney Later pilot program will help cover the cost of staff wages, power and rent for participating venues so they can serve dinner until midnight and drinks until 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the popular Vivid festival.

Venues include Hinchcliff House’s Lana and Grana as well as steak restaurant Bistecca and French venue Bouillon l’Entrecote.

The Vivid Sydney Later program is an initiative championed by NSW’s first 24-hour economy commissioner Michael Rodrigues.

Justin Newton owner of Grana restaurant in the Sydney CBD with manager Claire Ivanovski and 24-hour economy commissioner Michael Rodrigues. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Mr Rodrigues said the initiative came after public feedback lamented the lack of late-night dining options.

“Sydney‘s night-time economy is in full revival mode after the pandemic and offering greater choice and options for evening dining will add to the city’s buzz,” he said.

Steak restaurant Bistecca is another restaurant that will be open late during Vivid. Picture: Supplied

Late night dining in Sydney – Double Deuce Lounge. Picture: Supplied

Sydney CBD venue Bouillon l’Entrecote. Picture: Supplied

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the government subsidy will help visitors and locals enjoy the city after dark.

“We want visitors to Vivid Sydney to enjoy everything the festival and our Harbour City has to offer, including the opportunity to enjoy a fabulous meal after the Vivid Sydney lights are turned off for the night,“ he said.

Justin Newton, general manager of the popular venues at Hinchcliff House, believes the support from the NSW Government is a “real pick-me-up” for the sector, after a tough two years under Covid.

“Not only will it allow businesses to extend their trading hours, but more importantly it will mean that people have more time to enjoy the hospitality and culture that Sydney is famous for,” Mr Newton said.

“Sydney has always come alive for Vivid, and after two years we can’t wait to see the streets filled with people again.”

After a two-year hiatus, the Festival’s return has broken records with close to half a million people attending last week’s opening weekend.

It’s understood if the program is a success, the government will replicate the model in other parts of the city to coincide with major events.