3 days ago
Hotel Woolstore 1988 Sydney: Stunning hotel with mind-blowing tapas restaurant
As one of the most popular cities in Australia to visit, Sydney guests are really spoiled for choice when it comes to places to dine and stay.
Whether you're looking for five-star dining, family-friendly amenities, proximity to beaches, shopping, tourist attractions, night-life, or a specific cuisine – Sydney offers something for everyone.
But there's one thing arguably in short supply in the thriving foodie capital, and that's tapas.
A recently opened restaurant, set against sandstone walls and centuries old wooden beams, and nestled inside the stunning Hotel Woolstore 1888 in Pyrmont, has set out to change all that.
Percy, which opened its doors in December, is a Spanish-inspired wine bar with Executive Chef Eli Lozada and chef Rosy Scatigna behind the grill. Drawing inspiration from Barcelona's lively and infamous tapas bars, Percy is about as close to Spain as you can get, without actually leaving the city.
Scatigna, an Italian-born Australian-based chef, even spent time in San Sebastian, tasting the flavours, sipping the wine and soaking in the atmosphere, before landing on her approach to the cosy and charming wine bar, hidden in an unassuming pocket of the city.
The laid-back, yet refined space is the perfect for a cosy date on a rainy night, or an intimate catch up with friends.
The menu
Menu highlights include small plates perfect for sharing, such as grilled octopus with thinly sliced kipfler potatoes, slow-cooked smoked chorizo, with sweet peppers, paprika and butter beans, and deep-fried roasted cauliflower.
Larger dishes include succulent striploin, chargrilled pork chops, pan-roasted Blue Mackerel fillet, and of course, Paella. Desserts options on the menu include lemon sorbet, sponge cake served with cheese and white chocolate custard, Spanish custard made with caramelised white chocolate, and a cheese platter served with quince and dried muscat grapes.
With wine bottle candlesticks on each table, dark red walls lined with bottles of Spanish wine, and dimmed lighting, the whole vibe inside the 50-seat venue embodies true Spanish style.
I was lucky enough to dine at Percy with my sister, a rare night out together without small children, where we tucked into a handful of tapas, gobbled up Paella and shoestring fries, and washed it down with a few signature cocktails each.
For a couple of hours, we were kid-free, carefree, and if we squinted our eyes while sipping on our second Spanish martini each, you could almost hear the waves lapping from the beachside promenade in San Sebastian.
Stay
If you're looking for somewhere to stay in or around Pyrmont – close to The Star, Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium, IMAX, Cockle Bay dining, and walking distance to the Sydney International Convention Centre, the Lyric Theatre, the QVB and Pitt st – Hotel Woolstore 1888 needs to be on your radar.
As the third Handwritten Collection property in Australia, the hotel's storied history as a century-old Sydney landmark is what sets it apart.
The unique Sydney property is part of Accor's global portfolio of 17 boutique hotels within Handwritten Collection, following its purchase by the new owners, Shakespeare Property Group.
The restored wool store, originally built in 1888, is the fourth-oldest of the 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney. The four-level sandstone and brick building features industrial interiors such as ironbark beams and exposed brick, with flourishes of pop art throughout. The intention of the hotel's recent transition was to respect the building's rich heritage and historical character, while enhancing it with contemporary touches.
With 90 guestrooms, including four suites with panoramic views and penthouse options, each room type has been renamed to honour historical sheep breeds and pastoral culture. In a nod to the hotel's original character, the breakfast menu even features the Sheepherder's breakfast, a hearty meal of baked eggs and potatoes.
'We are confident that our enhancements of Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney will position the hotel as a leading destination for discerning travellers. We invite guests to come and experience where history and bespoke service intertwine for an unforgettable stay,' General Manager Roya l'Anson said.
