Hotels are elevating food and beverage experiences like never before to draw guests and locals alike. Here is a selection of recent venue openings that are making an impression when it comes to style and service.
Luma, Playford Hotel
Adelaide’s iconic Playford Hotel – a member of the MGallery Collection by Accor – has introduced Luma Restaurant and Bar as part of its multi-million-dollar upgrade.
The centerpiece of this Art Nouveau-style venue is an 800-metre handcrafted lighting sculpture which weaves around its massive columns, brightening the booths below.
Luma’s restaurant is overseen by award-winning Executive Chef Kevin Martel, who introduces a menu inspired by European dining with bold flavours, colours and locally sourced organic ingredients. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Luma’s dishes are prepared using both classic techniques and interpretive cooking methods.
“I am genuinely excited by Luma and the culinary journey we have in store for our guests which will showcase the best of South Australian produce,” said Martel.
“The Luma experience will be something special and unforgettably distinctive, energetic and inspiring.”
The bar will be managed by celebrated mixologist Gregory Perrot, noted for once having created a $2,000 cocktail.
T’ang Court, The Langham Gold Coast
Langham Hospitality Group has introduced the first Australian iteration of its internationally renowned Michelin-starred Cantonese fine dining restaurant, T’ang Court, at The Langham Gold Coast.
A nod to the Tang Dynasty – regarded as China’s golden age – T’ang Court, Gold Coast celebrates authentic Cantonese flavours using quality local produce.
“Our first Australian T’ang Court restaurant marks a significant leap forward for the local dining landscape,” said Langham Hospitality Group Director of Chinese Cuisine, Howard Lam.
“Authentic, traditional Cantonese fine dining is comparatively rare in Australia, so we’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to life for locals and travellers, from other states and even internationally.”
Modern luxury meets traditional authenticity in the 80-seat indoor restaurant, which features luxe furnishings, contemporary designs and abstract artworks by Australian-Chinese artist, Lindi Li.
The Gold Coast restaurant joins a small family of famous fine dining restaurants across Asia, including T’ang Court, Hong Kong which has been three Michelin-starred for seven consecutive years since 2016.
“Diners at T’ang Court on the Gold Coast will be able to indulge in the same golden age Cantonese flavours that have earned T’ang Court at The Langham, Hong Kong three Michelin stars and seen its many other award-winning sister restaurants across the world become highly-sought-after dining destinations,” Lam said.
“T’ang Court Diners can expect a true gastronomic affair with some of the best Cantonese flavours and an array of traditional masterpieces.”
Bar Albert, Voco Auckland City Centre
Voco Auckland City Centre has opened its rooftop food and beverage venue, Bar Albert – believed to be the highest rooftop bar in the country.
Located on the 38th floor of the hotel, the Bar Albert features Art-Deco inspired decor, open-air deck, private event space and sky-high views of the city.
The food and beverage offering is inspired by the locality with signature gins and cocktails designed around Auckland Street names, including Eden Crescent, Napier Street, Chancery Street and Market Place.
Bar Albert champions locally-produced wine – from within a 50km distance – including Waiheke’s Man O War or Kumeu River Wines, as well as other New Zealand and international varieties. The bar also offers Matakana’s Sawmill Brewery on tap, and alcohol-free drinks by East Imperial Tonics.
The food menu centres around small, sharing plates including pizzas, antipasto platter, pickled vegetables, artisan breads, dip and olives, small plates, and cheeses.
A joint partnership between Pro-invest Hotels and IHG Hotels and Resorts, voco Auckland City Centre opened in May and marked the brand’s entry into the New Zealand market.
Jana, QT Newcastle
Newcastle’s latest luxury hotel, QT Newcastle, is home to a signature food and beverage experience that heroes local produce.
Restaurant, Jana, and rooftop bar, Rooftop at QT, are led by acclaimed Chef Massimo Speroni, from multi-award-winning Brisbane restaurant, Bacchus.
Having worked at two-Michelin-starred restaurant San Domenico in Imola, Italy, and one-Michelin-starred restaurant Café le Paillotes in Pescara, Speroni brings a wealth of experience in premium dining.
“True to the QT philosophy, QT Newcastle will offer a highly inventive food and beverage experience, highlighting local provenance,” said Speroni.
“QT is a champion for providing extraordinary experiences with a touch of luxury and quirk, from design to signature service. I’m excited to showcase and champion the beautiful Hunter Valley and surrounding regions.”
Brought to life by the QT design team and collaborator, Nic Graham, Jana is a modern Australian bar and grill, complete with open kitchen and private dining room.
The menu centres around premium, local produce such as premium lamb sourced from the nearby Little Hill Farm and Pukara extra virgin olive oil from 90 minutes away.
Rooftop at QT is Newcastle’s highest open-air rooftop, offering views across the harbour.
Patrons can enjoy a variety of QT’s famed cocktails, local wine, and a Japanese-inspired spirit collection to complement the Japanese cuisine on the menu.