Boozy late night spot Jacksons on George in Sydney has re-opened as a high-end bar with a gourmet restaurant and swanky rooftop

An iconic Sydney venue once seen as one of the city’s sleaziest ‘boozy dive bars’ is making a chic comeback in the form of a three-storey luxury eatery.

Jacksons about George was an old favorite among Sydneysiders before it was demolished in 2018 and will reopen this time with a Michelin star chef on board and a fresh new look.

The old watering hole will open on Monday, September 11 and will now be spread over three levels on the newly developed Sydney Place on George Street in the CBD with a gastro-pub, restaurant and sunny rooftop bar.

In the kitchen is chef Steven Sinclair, who has worked at Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar in Bondi and at the three-Michelin star restaurant L’Enclume in Britain.

The chic new decor and menu are a departure from the number of Sydneysiders who remember the original boozer.

Now: Sydney’s iconic Jacksons on George venue, once a dive bar, has undergone a chic transformation. The new and improved Jacksons on George will open on September 11th

Next: The high-quality new decor and menu is a departure from the number of Sydneysiders who remember the old watering hole

Next: The high-quality new decor and menu is a departure from the number of Sydneysiders who remember the old watering hole

News of the Sydney institute’s renewal has made those who visited at the time nostalgic and eager to visit.

“I had my first pash at Jacksons on George about a thousand years ago,” one woman recalls.

“Will the floor still be sticky?” joked for a moment.

“Jacksons on George! What a blast from the past…!’ a third added.

“What happened to Jackson’s on George? That’s a world away from our nights there, someone laughed.

The old Jacksons on George was demolished five years ago to make way for the Sydney Place development, with shops, restaurants and a huge 55-storey tower that will become the capital’s tallest office building.

Previously: News of the Sydney institute's renewal has left those who used to visit nostalgic and eager to visit

Previously: News of the Sydney institute’s renewal has left those who used to visit nostalgic and eager to visit

After: The old watering hole will now be spread over three levels at the newly developed Sydney Place on George Street in the CBD with a gastro pub, restaurant and sunny rooftop bar

After: The old watering hole will now be spread over three levels at the newly developed Sydney Place on George Street in the CBD with a gastro pub, restaurant and sunny rooftop bar

On the ground floor there will be an informal bar with pub classics with a modern twist, cocktails and local beer.

On the first floor is Bistro George with a ‘lively’ menu of contemporary dishes that will transform into a live music venue later in the evening.

The rooftop features an open-air pub, where guests are surrounded by lush greenery and can enjoy Sydney’s urban environment and summer weather.

Sinclair said guests can expect “a collection of dishes inspired by European bistros, both modern and classic, with a touch of Australian influence.”

“We want to take the framework of a classic bistro dish and reimagine it without taking the soul out of it,” he added.

“I’ve been developing this menu for a long time, so I’m excited to get into the kitchen, cook for people and create unforgettable dining experiences.”

Jacksons on George is already taking bookings for the three bars ahead of their opening next week.

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