There were so many gatherings before the end of the year due to the inevitable and endless “we must get together before Christmas”, – and yet it’s impossible to see everyone. So there’s that promise – “see you in the new year” you make to friends and you know it’s left to you you to organise a time and a venue. Well look no further folks. Indeed, round up, round up your friends to lock in a Bottomless Brunch at the newly renovated Sackville Hotel, in Balmain.
Darling Street, Balmain is known for it’s English inspired gastropub. Now that the Sackville has had a little work – bit of a facelift if you will, it fits into the street with a lightness and slightly more refined offering – a classic with character and charm. New booths, in the main bar along with a sports lounge with comfy chairs for those who kick on through the night plus new menu and new chef (and it really shows). It’s a very considered (face)lift, keeping some of the best of the place but weaving all the elements we love about Balmain.
The Sackville is filled with locals popping in for one drink and a bite while on a walk with their four legged friend (pup friendly venue), or groups gathering for a night of great food, fun and giggles.
On our visit, we enjoyed the Bottomless Brunch, which has to be the best value of money brunch of absolutely killer courses to accompany the wine selection of bubbles, rose, white and red or beers that you can switch between in your 90 minute allocation.
Now let’s talk about the food. It’s, in short, excellent.
There are upgrades with 1/2 Dozen Sydney Rock Oysters ($38) or Fried Prawn Cutlets $8 each. Upgrades aside, the main fare starts with marinated olives, house made focaccia and the absolute hero – raw tuna. Then the burrata This isn’t a case of pick one and see how you go – you get all of these, which as a fan of the BB, we found astonishing as we often leave ravenous.
The house made Focaccia is light, while rich in flavour. The Raw Tuna is phenomenal and a show favourite. Considering you’d be paying $30 in any other establishment for the tuna alone – the value here of $85 for the whole Bottomless Brunch ($55 without alcohol) is extraordinary.
The mains are equally perfect and substantial. A Half BannockBurn Chicken is served with Grilled Cos and Romesco is delicate and flavourful. A Mafaldine with King Prawns, Garlic, Tomato, Chilli and Basil is silky and rich, and again, if you’ve got some left over Focaccia, it’s worth it to decadently sweep through the dish.
Add the Scotch Fillet for an extra $10pp and you won’t regret your wisdom. The medium rare version melts in your mouth like velvety caramel and a sure sign of the quality of the chef. A perfect steak is, after-all, deceptively hard to achieve – particularly in a pub environment.
Sides are Salad and a very generous serving of Chips with Aioli, a sure sign you are actually in a pub – because it’s easy to forget with the exquisite calibre of the meals. No schnitzel and gravy in this pub brunch – thank you.
Of course this amalgamation of the share plates has been curated perfectly by the team at the Sackville. You can experience all the house wines and try the shiniest of stars on the menu while catching up with friends, who will be so impressed by the food and the stylish updates to the venue, you’ll make another date to return.
The bottomless brunch is for groups of four or more. Available on Saturday and Sundays from 11.30 for a very reasonable $85 ($55 without alcohol).
The Sackville
599 Darling Street, Rozelle
Bottomless Brunch 11.30 Saturday and Sunday
