The Fenwick in Balmain joins ranks of top waterfront dining

Diners will enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour in a historical setting as prominent restaurateur Bill Drakopolous prepares to open a unique waterfront cafe and art gallery.

Bill Drakopolous at the old Fenwick's Store which will be converted into a cafe. (AAP Image/Monique Harmer)

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DINERS will enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour in a historical setting as prominent restaurateur Bill Drakopolous prepares to open a unique waterfront cafe and art gallery in the old Fenwick’s store in east Balmain.

The Fenwick will join other top restaurants in Drakopolous’ Sydney Restaurant Group, which includes Aqua Dining, Ormeggio at The Spit, LuMi Bar and Dining, Ripples at Milsons Point and Chowder Bay, The Nielsen at Vaucluse, Sotto Sopra and Jardin St James.

Pictures of The Fenwick before the restoration.

With views taking in Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park, the iconic sandstone building next to the Balmain East ferry wharf will be a jewel in the crown of the inner west’s dining scene.

Mr Drakopolous told the Courier the Italian-inspired, seasonal menu would offer “high quality comfort food” for breakfast and lunch.

“It will be a menu to be shared with good healthy sized portions at an affordable price point,” he said.

“I think it’s one of the most amazing sites to open a restaurant in Sydney.

“I’ve got a lot of incredible locations and none are better than this one; it’s just phenomenal.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne with Sydney restaurateur Bill Drakopolous post restoration.

He is hoping to partner with local brewers to devise a “clever” beverage list of wine, beer and cocktails while chef Davide Reveccato will oversee the “rustic” menu.

An art gallery on the first floor will add “another dimension” with plans to showcase local and international artists, community events, creative programs and a historical exhibition to pay homage to the building’s rich history.

The sandstone building has been restored to its former glory and will be refitted as a cafe.

As the former J. Fenwick & Co. boat store, the heritage site is significant due to its association with the growth and development of maritime industries in Balmain.

Inner West Council has carried out extensive refurbishments to restore the 1880s building to allow it to be used as a cafe and gallery.

These included a new timber floor, stairs, kitchen, entry points, balcony, installation of a lift and improved parking.

The cafe will serve Italian inspired, rustic fare.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said The Fenwick would be a destination for the whole of Sydney.

“With views overlooking the Harbour Bridge, the opening of The Fenwick will give people across the city a new reason to visit Balmain,” he said.

“With The Fenwick will doubling as an art gallery, it will create even more of a drawcard.”

The Fenwick is due to open around July and would also aim to support the Australian Heritage Festival through historical walking tours and heritage photographic exhibitions.