‘Directors of Chaos’, a focus on local Hunter Valley wines and a large Japanese whisky collection are all features of the QT Newcastle’s hospitality offering.
The QT Newcastle, the first regional hotel from the QT Hotel and Resorts group, opened to the public on June 9.
The hotel, which is located in Newcastle’s regenerated East End, is housed within the heritage-listed Scotts Limited and David Jones building Hunter Mall, which is some 113 years old.
Upon entering the hotel guests will be greeted by the Directors of Chaos, the QT Group’s distinctive take on the classic door-person or host. These Directors have a bold look, featuring bright and ornate uniforms, and are ‘armed with insider knowledge for guests to navigate the coastal surrounds and elevate their stay,’ according to a QT Newcastle statement.
The QT Newcastle features both Jana, a restaurant led by Michelin star chef Massimo Speroni, and a rooftop bar, aptly named Rooftop at QT.
Bars and Clubs spoke to Chris Morrison, Director of Beverage for the QT Hotels & Resorts Group, and QT Newcastle’s Bar Manager, Natalie McAlary, to hear more about the rooftop bar’s drinks menu, and Jana’s partnership with local winemakers.
“We love local so our wine offers champions wines of Hunter Valley and New South Wales and Australia.”
“Tyrrell’s is our featured local producer and they occupy a special place in our wine list. You will see new grapes and wine styles and rare and historic wines going back more than a quarter of a century,” Chris explains.
Chris also hinted that producers from Tyrrell’s may well be on-hand to showcase their wares at the restaurant in the future.
“You might spy their winemakers in Jana pouring their latest releases or working with our chef to create seasonal menus. We are super excited to be working with a such a legendary local wine family.”
Nevertheless, it’s not all about Tyrrell’s, with the restaurant’s wine list showcasing the full scope of the Hunter.
“We also love the energy of a new generation of wine growers blending with the wisdom of previous generations. So we mash up icons like Tyrrell’s and Mount Pleasant with startups like Mercer Wine, Vinden Estate, M&J Becker and Usher Tinkler,” Chris adds.
“There is a new Hunter Valley today, and it blends classical and contemporary wine philosophies.”
And Chris hopes that the wine list at Jana will present these wines in an accessible and straightforward manner for the consumer.
“Our list is easy to navigate. It’s full of tips and hacks to help you find the right wine – every time.”
But the QT’s drinks proposition doesn’t end with Jana, as the Hotel’s Rooftop Bar provides signature cocktails, alongside Japanese spirits, and “uninterrupted views across the harbour,” according to QT Hotels & Resorts Group General Manager, Callum Kennedy.
Natalie explains how the bar went about sourcing Japanese spirits – which are well-known for being both elusive and expensive.
“We have a great relationship with Four Pillars and Vanguard Luxury Brands, so we had a head-start with access to Four Pillars Yuzu gin and Fuji Whisky,” Natalie says.
“I contacted a well-known Japanese food and drink importer (Daiwa) in Sydney – from here, we sourced a variety of Japanese beverages (sake, umeshu, whisky).”
The bar will also feature signature cocktails, described by Natalie as “Japanese-inspired.” These include the Harajuku Highball, a recipe for which can be found here.
Natalie concluded by outlining QT’s ambitions for the two venues at the Newcastle location, saying that QT wants to “deliver a highly inventive food and drink experience, highlighting local provenance.”
“QT is a champion for providing extraordinary experiences with a touch of luxury and quirk, from design to signature service. We are so excited to add value and a new experience to Newcastle, that will showcase and champion our surrounding regions.”
Callum contextualized the new opening both within the QT stable, and within the city of Newcastle.
“QT Newcastle is the latest evolution in the QT collection, and we’re thrilled to open the doors. QT Newcastle will live and breathe the same vibrancy and energy guests love from the world of QT, championing luxurious quirk and exciting collaborations in the Newcastle community.”
The QT Newcastle features 104 guest rooms and suites, and is located at 185 Hunter Street.
Jana Restaurant and Bar is open Tuesday – Wednesday: Dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Thursday – Friday: Lunch 12pm – 2:30pm & Dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Saturday: Dinner 5:30pm – 9:30pm.
Rooftop at QT is open Monday – Friday: 4pm – 10pm, Saturday: 12pm – 10pm, Sunday: 12pm – 9pm.
