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Maurice Terzini and interior architect George Livissianis pictured at the new look Dolphin
Credit: Tom Ferguson, courtesy of The Dolphin

If Christo, Martin Margiela and Keith Haring decided to open a bar in 2016, then surely it would look exactly like The Dolphin does now.

Once a stronghold of pokies – albeit one with a convenient takeaway – the iconic Surry Hills pub has undergone a striking transformation courtesy of Sydney’s eminent hospitality baron Maurice Terzini and interior architect George Livissianis, who has fashioned a pared back, bleached out interior for the Escher-esque Crown Street establishment. Open fires, distressed and exposed brick and bare lighting fixtures combined with pieces made by artists-in-residence have created a space that’s sparse but not cold, thanks to the addition of natural materials like timber and marble.

Terzini, the restauranteur behind Sydney institution Icebergs Dining Room and Bar and Bondi-goth ready-to-wear label Ten Pieces, has breathed new life into the once moribund Surry Hills institution, dividing the labyrinthine space into three distinct drinking and dining precincts: a Public Bar, a Dining Room and a Wine Room. The Public Bar will reopen this coming long weekend, and prides itself on being the first public bar in Australia with a range of house spirits not paired with post-mix beverages.

Executive Chef Monty Koludrovic will deliver a fusion of comforting Italian and Australian pub classics; ex-Icebergs and Bayswater Brasserie mixologist Lenny Opai has crafted a cocktail menu that includes a special Aussie-Negroni that’ll be served this weekend in occasion of the Wallabies v England clash; and James Hird, recipient of the 2015 Sommelier of the Year award, has sourced a wine and beer list that focuses on accessibility.

Opening dates for the Dining and Wine Rooms are still to be announced, however the Public Bar celebrates its reopening from 5pm on Friday June 10. You can find out more information here.

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Credit: Tom Ferguson

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Credit:Tom Ferguson

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Credit: Tom Ferguson

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Credit: Tom Ferguson

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Credit: Tom Ferguson

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Credit: Tom Ferguson
Tile and cover photo: Tom Ferguson, all photos supplied courtesy of The Dolphin