Rick Stein on Opening a Restaurant in Coogee and His View of Aussie Diners
Some celebrity chefs divide opinion, while others appeal only to certain audiences or age groups. Rick Stein, however, seems universally admired. The acclaimed British chef and television personality has been a familiar presence on Australia’s east coast dining scene for over 15 years, visiting so often that he’s almost considered an honorary Australian.
This summer, Stein is set to add new flavor to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, introducing his signature approach to seafood — simple yet extraordinary. He already operates two well-known NSW restaurants: Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, opened in 2009, and Bannisters Port Stephens, which followed in 2018.
For several years, there was little indication Stein would open another Australian venue. That changed recently when he and his wife Sarah (“Sas”) announced plans for a new 224-seat restaurant, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, located within the new InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
“The truth of it is that the two Bannisters hotels and my restaurants were taken over by [investment management group] Salter Brothers in October last year,” Stein says. “And that was a bit of a surprise. But actually starting to work with Salter Brothers, I realised how professional they were and how much I liked working with them.”
Summary
Rick Stein expands his iconic seafood brand to Sydney’s Coogee Beach, reflecting on unexpected ownership changes and his enduring bond with Australian diners.