Top Table
A Crown Street-facing bar stool for prime people-watching, or cosy up in one of the intimate banquettes. Head up to the rooftop in the evening for sundowners and skyline views.
Dress Code
Threads thrifted from one of Darlinghurst’s iconic vintage stores paired with sleek sunnies and silks to match your Parisian surroundings.
Hotel restaurant
The Strand’s beautiful Bistro – an intimate space serving modern French cuisine with seasonal local produce – is decked out with black and white tiling, dark wooden chairs and velvet banquettes. A spread of home-made pastries, granola pots and freshly squeezed juices are laid out every morning. For lunch or dinner, order Sydney rock oysters, steak frites, garlicky mussels or pumpkin and spiced yogurt salad. There’s duck served many ways, too: honey and sesame glazed wings, confit leg with kale, or even as a comforting duck pie. Pair with the extensive list of Australian and French wines, refined cocktails or a dram from the list of 50-odd whiskeys.
Hotel bar
‘What delightful [drinks]!’ declared Cruella. ‘I will buy them all.’ We’d advise the same strategy at the Strand’s rooftop bar – which, like the rest of the hotel, brings to mind Disney’s most stylish dog-napper thanks to its chic black-and-white decor. Favourites include a signature margarita (1800 Coconut, Del Maguey Vida and lime juice), sharp negroni and refreshing ginger mule. All are served with cut-above views of the city, plus sunshine galore thanks to the retractable roof. Weekends see DJ’s take to the decks, and there are plenty of bar snacks to try – we liked the corn and gruyère croquettes, elevated toasties and the rock oysters on ice.
Last orders
Breakfast is from 7.30am to 9.30am; lunch is noon until midnight Sunday to Thursday, extended to 3am on Friday and Saturday. Last orders are 10pm during the week, 11pm on weekends – after which you can order from a curated late-night menu.
Room service
Order tea and coffee without leaving your bed from 7am every morning. The Bistro menu is available for in-room dining between noon and 10pm.
