Rick Stein on Opening a Restaurant in Coogee
Some celebrity chefs divide opinions or attract specific age groups, but Rick Stein is universally loved. This beloved UK chef and TV star has been a familiar face on Australia's east coast dining scene for over 15 years, visiting so frequently that he feels like an unofficial Aussie citizen.
New Venture in Sydney
This summer, Stein is ready to bring his unique style of simple yet spectacular seafood to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. He already owns two successful restaurants in New South Wales: Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, opened in 2009, and Bannisters Port Stephens, opened in 2018. After several years without plans for expansion, news surfaced earlier this year that Stein and his wife Sarah ("Sas") will open a new 224-seat restaurant, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, located in the new InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
Partnership with Salter Brothers
“The truth of it is that the two Bannisters hotels and my restaurants were taken over by [investment management group] Salter Brothers in October last year,” Stein says. “And that was a bit of a surprise. But actually starting to work with Salter Brothers, I realised how professional they were and how much I liked working with them.”
Looking Ahead
This partnership marked a turning point, inspiring Stein to expand his presence in Australia and continue delivering exceptional dining experiences to local audiences.
Summary: Rick Stein is expanding his Australian footprint with a new Coogee Beach restaurant, energized by a successful partnership with Salter Brothers that promises to enhance the local seafood scene.