Latest news with #AndrewBecher
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Popular Sydney restaurant announces shock closure - but its replacement is likely to be the city's hottest new venue
Sydney 's shrinking restaurant scene has claimed another scalp - but this time, it's making way for a French-flavoured comeback. In the heart of Potts Point, one of the city's trendiest postcodes, the high-end, Catalan-inspired Parlar is officially closing its doors. In its place? A more laid-back, all-day dining venue called Le Frérot - and it's not shy about embracing its French roots. The name - literally meaning 'little brother' - is a nod to its sibling venue next door, the polished Franca Brasserie, and marks a major pivot by veteran restaurateur Andrew Becher. Once known for its two-hatted dishes that looked more like art installations than dinner - think anchovy churros and Joan Miró-inspired plating - Parlar catered to Sydney's elite. But in a sign of the times, Becher is moving away from degustation and drama to something that actually pays the bills: croissants, coffee, and classic bistro fare. 'At night, it'll be a bistro,' Becher told the Sydney Morning Herald. But during the day, the venue will have all-day breakfast, boulangerie items, charcuterie, even a cheese room. Le Frérot is expected to open in late July on Macleay Street, and it comes with a not-so-subtle redesign. Gone are the moody 1970s tapestries that defined Parlar. French artworks and a softer colour palette aimed at appealing to Potts Point's changing crowd will take their place - which, according to Becher, is now more mature and looking for daytime options. It's a savvy read of the room. With Bistrot 916 also shutting down recently, which was another beloved French eatery in Potts Point from the team behind CBD darlings Clam Bar and Neptune's Grotto, Le Frérot steps into a gap in the market - and it trades exclusivity for accessibility. But Becher isn't walking away from fine dining altogether. Head chef Jose Saulog, who helped Parlar earn its critical acclaim, will stay on as group executive chef. But Becher admits Parlar's European-style operating model - closed at lunch, frequent staff holidays, and irregular hours - had become tough to sustain. Becher also runs Armorica Grande Brasserie in Surry Hills and recently reopened Pelicano in the old Hugos Lounge space on Bayswater Road. But it's Le Frérot that he sees as a flexible, long-game concept. 'In a few years, it might be Roman,' he teased, 'We want to keep it fluid.' It's a move that mirrors Sydney's broader dining shift. As food costs soar, hospitality staff become harder to come by, and diners tighten their wallets, the city is seeing a steady rise in casual, all-day venues - and a steep fall in haute cuisine. Still, the elegance isn't gone altogether. French onion soup, gruyère soufflé, and mussels will feature on the dinner menu. And yes, there will be proper pastries in the morning.
The Age
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Upmarket Catalan restaurant Parlar shuts in Potts Point
Restaurateur Andrew Becher has closed chefs' hatted Catalan restaurant, Parlar, and will chase a shift in the Potts Point clientele, opening an all-day French food venue, Le Frerot, in its place. The French term for brother, or little brother, is a nod to Le Frerot's neighbour, Franca restaurant, which Becher also owns. While Franca is a brasserie with 'a sense of occasion', Le Frerot will be a more accessible everyday venue. The upmarket Parlar only traded at night, whereas when Le Frerot opens in late July, it will be an all-day operation. Becher points to changing demographics in Potts Point, with a more mature clientele in the area wanting more daytime options. 'At night, it'll be a bistro,' Becher said. The restaurateur explained Le Frerot would deliver freshly baked boulangerie items and an all-day breakfast, which would make way for a dinner menu of bistro favourites such as French onion soup, gruyere souffle and mussels. It will also include house-made charcuterie and a cheese room.
Sydney Morning Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Upmarket Catalan restaurant Parlar shuts in Potts Point
Restaurateur Andrew Becher has closed chefs' hatted Catalan restaurant, Parlar, and will chase a shift in the Potts Point clientele, opening an all-day French food venue, Le Frerot, in its place. The French term for brother, or little brother, is a nod to Le Frerot's neighbour, Franca restaurant, which Becher also owns. While Franca is a brasserie with 'a sense of occasion', Le Frerot will be a more accessible everyday venue. The upmarket Parlar only traded at night, whereas when Le Frerot opens in late July, it will be an all-day operation. Becher points to changing demographics in Potts Point, with a more mature clientele in the area wanting more daytime options. 'At night, it'll be a bistro,' Becher said. The restaurateur explained Le Frerot would deliver freshly baked boulangerie items and an all-day breakfast, which would make way for a dinner menu of bistro favourites such as French onion soup, gruyere souffle and mussels. It will also include house-made charcuterie and a cheese room.
