NSW Government serves up Sydney’s longest lunch

Sydneysiders and visitors will be able to take a seat on Friday, December 3 for the Sydney’s Open for Lunch event to enjoy our top culinary delights and entertainment.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the event, held at four locations including Parramatta and Sydney CBD, would be a celebration of the culinary capital of Australia, turbocharging the recovery of the city’s hospitality industry after a challenging period. 

“We’re signalling to the world that Sydney is open for business and that our world-renowned lifestyle is returning” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know the last few months have been tough, this event is a chance to revive the spirit of our city by bringing people together to enjoy some of our most talented chefs and performers.

“Our Government is throwing its support behind our hardworking hospitality industry - this is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get behind them.” 

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, today joined two of the event ambassadors, restaurateurs and chefs Luke Mangan and Kylie Kwong, to unveil the program of ticketed long lunch dining events on Sydney’s George Street and YCK Laneways, South Eveleigh and Parramatta Square.   

Mr Ayres said the event was set to boost economic activity by enticing Sydneysiders and visitors to dine out and would be a great opportunity for businesses to make the most of diners wanting to enjoy the best of the city.  

“This event will benefit the many businesses that were affected by COVID-19, as well as provide locals and visitors with new ways to reconnect and rediscover Sydney’s dining scene. This investment also aligns with the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and our ambition to provide world-leading food and wine experiences,” Mr Ayres said 

“Sydney’s Open For Lunch is about sending the strongest possible message that Sydney is open and it’s time to come back into heart of our cities. Its designed to inspire people to enjoy everything our renowned Harbour City has on offer this summer - from food and wine, shopping, live entertainment and outdoor experiences.”

Luke Mangan said he was excited to be part of the culinary celebration and called on locals to embrace Sydney’s rich hospitality offerings once more. 

"I can’t wait for Sydney's Open for Lunch to get our amazing city pumping again. We are so lucky to have incredibly talented chefs and restaurateurs with so many different offerings across Sydney involved in this event, so it’s time for Sydneysiders to show their support and appreciation for a scene that is sought after internationally,” Luke Mangan said. 

Kylie Kwong said this event was extremely important to provide locals with renewed optimism for the future. 

“After such a long period of lockdown, away from my community and daily collaborations, I really feel this event will be extremely healing and positive, offering an opportunity for all of us to reunite. There is no better way to reconnect with friends and loved ones, than over delicious food and drink, and great music,” Kylie Kwong said. 

The Sydney’s Open For Lunch event is part of the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program. 

For more information including the event schedule, visit: www.sydney.com/sydneys-open-for-lunch.  

Tickets can be purchased from 10am, 18 November 2021 via Ticketek.
 

Hero event highlights of Sydney’s Open for Lunch include: 

George Street, Sydney CBD 

• Taking place in the heart of Sydney’s CBD on George Street, outside the Hilton Hotel (between Market and Park Streets), George Street will feature a long table luncheon and a three-course plated lunch for 600 diners. 
• Entertainment to include live music by George Ellis Orchestra featuring Josh Pyke, George Maple, Brendan Maclean and Liyah Knight plus the Hot Potato Band, with onsite Airstream bars.  
• 12pm to 3pm, tickets $60. 

Parramatta 

• Parramatta’s newest food precinct, Parramatta Square, will be taken by 400 seated diners. 
• Ruse Bar & Brasserie, CicciaBella and LILYMU will serve a three-course plated meal curated by guest chef Andrew Levins with entertainment by renowned indie, RnB collective Winston Surfshirt (DJ set), genre defining RnB star Milan Ring and spoken word lyricist Nardean.  
• 12pm to 3pm, tickets $50. 

South Eveleigh 

• This inner-city precinct will become a food, drink and entertainment pop-up, celebrating the vibrant culture of the city’s inner west. 
• Kylie Kwong of Lucky Kwong will curate the menu, with Matt Whiley of Re designing the cocktails.  
• 12pm to 10pm, tickets $30. 

YCK Laneways(York, Clarence, Kent Streets in the Sydney CBD) 

• Experience the best of inner-city bar culture and take to the lanes in a celebration of Sydney.  
• Several events will be staged including a long table luncheon at Barrack Street featuring a Japanese inspired progressive lunch amongst other activations within YCK laneways and live music.  
• 12pm to 5:30pm, tickets range from $65-120.