House Made Hospitality will welcome two new venues to its Sydney portfolio with the opening of Bar Tilda and Tilda next week as part of its four-venue inner-city precinct at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Set to debut on Wednesday 9 October, both venues are said to have a distinctly Australian character, featuring dramatic stone finishes, dark and earthy plaster walls and textural fabrics, designed by Fender Katsalidis to emulate a moody and intimate atmosphere.
Bar Tilda combines old-world charm with contemporary design, bringing together nostalgic cocktails, a bespoke Martini cart, live jazz band, a wine list comprising icons new and old, and a strong Australian whisky list.
Whisky is at the core of Bar Tilda’s offering, with The Whisky Armoire, an ornamental golden whisky cabinet, creating a focal point in the bar and showcasing more than 100 Australian craft whiskies. The collection spans rarities from the 1990s and 2000s and prized first editions, such as the first-ever single malt from Sullivan’s Cove, alongside more modern releases and unique finds from the likes of Starward.
Showcasing the full breadth of the whisky offering, a rotating selection of themed whisky flights will be presented on Sydney Blue Gum tasting boards, diving not only into the craft of Australian distillers, but also Scotch and Japanese varieties.
Complementary to the unique whisky showcase, Bar Tilda offers five signature Martini’s from a roving Martini cart executed in partnership with Archie Rose. Available shaken or stirred tableside, the Yellowbelly Martini is a standout combination of Ester Dry Gin, cucumber vermouth, chicken salt and Yellow Chartreuse.
Jason Williams, Director of House Made Hospitality and visionary for the drinks menu, says: “Bar Tilda is about embracing a spirit of relaxed, luxury experiences. We’ve curated a vibrant cross-section of our local drinks scene to show what makes it truly special. Whether you’re just passing through Sydney or you’re a local looking for a change of pace, the bar offers a lively pause – a chance to unwind and soak up the best of what’s pouring in our own backyard, whether it’s a quick drink or a longer session.”
Jason’s signature cocktail selection and the extensive wine list, curated by Head Sommelier Paul Sadler, champion Australian producers with a nod to the country’s dynamic spirits and wine landscapes.
Highlights from the cocktail menu include Ringo Loves a Blueberry, blending milk-washed Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, blueberry liqueur, blueberry shrub, lavender, vermouth, frosted lemon sherbet and menthol pepper; and Bar Tilda’s take on a stirred-down Old Fashioned, the Presidential Visit, a mix of Mitcher’s Bourbon, Lagavulin Single Malt, root beer bitters, tonka bean and orange liqueur.
The food menu has been crafted by precinct Executive Chef Elliot Pinn, whose selection of snacks, share plates and comfort classics are designed to complement the leisurely, yet luxury atmosphere felt throughout the venue.
Standout dishes include cacio e pepe popcorn, raw tuna with green tomato, whipped cod roe, Tilda cheeseburger with fries and the Rangers Valley Black Onyx rump cap with peppercorn sauce.
The neighbouring Tilda restaurant tells a similar story of Australian luxury, echoing the elegant interiors found in Bar Tilda alongside an elevated food offering, guided by Pinn to showcase contemporary flavours with a nod to retro classics.
Justin Newton, House Made Hospitality Director, says: “We hope Tilda captures the essence of timeless contemporary Australian dining. The interiors echo the soft, earthy tones of the Australian landscape, the menu champions our finest growers and winemakers, and the service balances a polished approach with a genuine, welcoming warmth.”
Guests can experience a unique bread and butter service presented on a butler’s tray, alongside dishes like crab toast with seaweed butter, avocado and caviar, line-caught ruby snapper fillet, mixed grill and potato scallops.
Like the cocktail menu at Bar Tilda, Williams has incorporated native Australian ingredients into classics poured tableside, as well as another robust wine list by Sadler with 25 by-the-glass options.
Both venues will launch on the same day, with the opening of rooftop Wentworth Bar and Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant Delta Rue set to round out the new precinct later this month.
