Mikey Enright and Julian Train (The Barber Shop) have announced they will open The Duke of Clarence on Sydney’s Clarence Street in November.
The venue will be offer a quintessentially British experience and is inspired by a 19th century English tavern.
The Duke of Clarence has been designed in collaboration with UK set designer Sara Mathews (Moulin Rouge, Ned Kelly).
The team scoured the UK for furniture to ensure the experience is authentic as possible, finding many original pub items more than 100 years old. The building materials have been sourced from across the globe and the floorboards date back to the 1850s.
Nestled in the hidden alleyway next to The Barbershop, the space will feature a 12-metre-long timber bar with oak wood panelling and stained glass, library corner and a fireplace.
“Everyone asks me what I miss most about England, and my answer is always ‘a proper pub’,” says Enright, who hails from Liverpool.
“This is everything I’ve ever wanted in a pub; a real English boozer where reading the paper over a pint is as welcome as a round of extra dirty martinis. It’s going to have great tunes, perfect lighting and enough spirits to keep the most distinguished ladies and gents satisfied”.
The Duke of Clarence will offer a comprehensive drinks selection, including a 500 spirits from the British Isles and beer will be served from ornate beer taps sourced from England.
The venue will serve classic pub cuisine with a clear British sensibility. The team have engaged consultant and fellow Liverpudlian David O’Brien (ex Merivale) to create the menu, drawing on his cherished memories growing up around pubs in Northern England.
Image credit: Australian Bartender
