The Old Clare Hotel, part of the Unlisted Collection, has opened in two heritage-listed buildings in Sydney: The former Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries Administration Building.
The two buildings have been joined by a glass link-way, creating a 62-key hotel with high ceilings, large original framed windows, heritage timber panelling and original exposed walls. Highlights include the heritage C.U.B. Suite, with separate sleeping quarters, ample meeting, living and dining space with an eight-seater table and an anteroom with library. The Mary O’ Suite - named after Chippendale character, Mary O’Shea, also known as Pig Mary - has a separate entertaining and dining area for up to eight guests, a wet bar and sleeping quarters overlooking Kensington Street. The Chippendale Lofts have a private bedroom with open white marble bathroom and sitting area over two levels.
Furnishings focus on quirky, vintage objects, including .PSLAB pendant lights, custom tote bags and cushions inspired by Australian fauna and flora created by Eloise Rapp. There are 62 custom-made desk lamps fashioned from transformed vintage machinery of decades past by Paul Firbank a.k.a. The Rag and Bone Man, while New Zealand brand Triumph & Disaster offers specialised amenity sets in each room.
Downstairs, The Clare bar adjoins the hotel reception. Upstairs, a Rooftop Pool and Bar offers panoramic views of the surrounding district, plus the opportunity for a sunrise or sunset yoga session.
Additional amenities at The Old Clare Hotel include a private gym and a heritage meeting space. A day spa will launch in early 2016. Outside of The Old Clare Hotel, guests can explore the Chippendale neighbourhood by custom-made bicycle.
Three independent restaurants, offering different dining experiences, will also open as part of The Old Clare Hotel. Automata, Clayton Wells’ first solo restaurant, seating 60 guests and serving a constantly changing five-course menu, has opened on Kensington Street. Silvereye, on level two of the hotel, is by former Noma chef Sam Miller, and will offer two tasting menus. Silvereye will open from September 22. Kensington Street Social, the 100 seat all-day venue from long-term Unlisted Collection partner Jason Atherton, will round out the restaurant openings.