Queen Building transforms with two new late-night dining venues

Opening in March 2019, Reign at the QVB and Esquire Drink + Dine are set to shake up ’s CBD social scene

Sydney, – 7 March, 2019 – March 2019 marks a new era at Sydney’s iconic Building, with the arrival of two decadent venues opening the building up for late-night drinking and dining experiences for the first time in its 120-year history.

Champagne parlour and bar, Reign at the QVB, and bar and dining room, Esquire Drink + Dine open on 15 March and 22 March respectively, putting the sparkle back into Sydney’s nightlife. Both venues are open seven days for lunch and dinner and until 2am from Thursday to Sunday, serving deliciously risqué combinations until close.

Reign at the QVB – the new queen of Sydney nightlife, opening 15 March Located in the former ABC store on level one of the QVB, Reign serves up over 150 Champagnes and sparkling wines alongside an array of light, share-plates fit for a queen (or king). Set amongst lush marble, brass and soft musk tones, and framed by a Romanesque window overlooking Town Hall, guests can enjoy a tasting flight through France’s Champagne region, or sip on an artisan cocktail. Savour a serve (or two!) of king brown mushroom and pork fried rice. Or devour a thyme and honey ice-cream sandwich with plums. Open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and brunch through to dinner on weekends, Reign is the perfect spot to escape the daily grind and enjoy a quick bite, a longer lunch or extravagant dinner. Let the late-night Reign begin! reignatqvb.com.au

Esquire Drink + Dine – a new gentleman’s haven in the CBD, opening 22 March A bar and dining room located on level two of the QVB, Esquire offers reimagined modern-Australian comfort classics, alongside an array of the world’s best spirits and hand-crafted cocktails. Relish in Esquire’s old-world glamour and sink into a soft leather armchair as you dine with gusto and drink into the darkness. With a dark, oak bar framed by beautiful heritage architecture, and parquetry flooring, and sensuous low , Esquire offers a mysterious yet alluring setting for a long lunch, date night with an S.O. (that’s significant other, darling), or a tipple post-show. Start at the bar and whet your appetite with one of the 100-plus wines, whiskeys and cocktails on the menu. Then tuck into crumbed sweetbreads, a gooey yet crunchy gruyere jaffle, a two-course whole roast chicken for two or a 250g Grainge Signature MB3+ Rump Cap straight from the grill. The kitchen features a domed oven to add a sizzle to the menu. Or have a taste of everything with the Chef’s Table Menu. The choice falls to the gentleman, or gentlewoman, of the house. esquireatqvb.com.au

Led by Trippas White Group, Reign and Esquire are the result of a coming-together of a collective of Sydney hospitality heavyweights, befitting the iconic location.

Hailing from Modena, Italy and previously of Sokyo at The Star and Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room, sommelier Fabio Nistrio has brought his passion for Champagne and wine to life through bespoke drink menus for each venue that showcase drops from the big houses next to smaller, lesser-known producers. While Executive Chef Damien Worthington, previously of QT Hotels and The Winery, has pulled his hatted restaurant experience through the menus at both venues, perfectly crafting each bite to match Nistrio’s Champagnes and wines.

Matthew Beaumont, Group General Manager of Beverage, formerly of The Star, Sydney and Merivale, has led the charge across the creation and curation of both venues and their drink and dining offering. Patricia Salomo, previously of Haru in New York City and Merivale and The Star in Sydney, will head up both venues as General Manager.

“We’re honoured to launch Reign and Esquire in the QVB. From market, to art school, to one of the city’s best shopping spots, and now a late-night dining venue, the opening of Reign and Esquire will be a true renaissance of this historic building,” said Matthew Beaumont, Group General Manager of Beverage.

“Both venues are intended to excite guests with a bespoke, world-class drinking and dining experience. While the QVB has recently focused on café, high tea and quicker dining options, the opening of Reign and Esquire will turn it into a destination where locals can enjoy a Champagne tasting at Reign or a long sit- down dinner from Esquire’s grill – or both. At 1pm or 1am - whenever the mood strikes.”

ENDS

Notes to editor:

Reign at the QVB: Level One, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney (Druitt Street entrance) Open weekdays from 11am and weekends from 10am for brunch. Till midnight Monday – Wednesday; 2am Thursday – Sunday reignatqvb.com.au @reignattheqvb

Esquire Drink + Dine: Level Two, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney (Market Street entrance) Open every day from midday. Till midnight Monday – Wednesday; 2am Thursday – Sunday. esquireatqvb.com.au @esquireattheqvb

Click here for the Reign and Esquire media kit, including fact sheets on each venue, team biographies and imagery.

Matthew Beaumont, Damien Worthington and Fabio Nistrio available for interviews upon request.

Media contacts: GTI Tourism on behalf of Trippas White Group: Abbey Sands – [email protected] // 02 8077 3550 Thalia Aconley-Jones – [email protected] // 02 8077 3543

About Trippas White Group: Trippas White Group is a leader in the Australian hospitality industry, managing a diverse portfolio of iconic restaurant, café and event spaces across Australia. The company’s premium venues include – Portside Restaurant, Samsung Lounge, Theatre Bars & Events, Dining; Botanic Gardens Restaurant; The Pavilion on the Domain; The Calyx; Centennial Homestead; ; Australian War Memorial; Australian Institute of Sport; Proud Mary Brisbane Powerhouse. To find out about Trippas White Group’s premium hospitality offering visit www.trippaswhitegroup.com.au