It’s been written that the historical figure Pope Joan had an illegitimate son who became the Bishop of Ostia. Back then it had to be hushed up, but now the Bishop proudly sits next to his mum on Nicholson Street in East Brunswick.

The Bishop of Ostia is a bar that not only stands on its own two feet, but complements the cafe Pope Joan. Co-owners Ben Foster and chef Matt Wilkinson have had the Bishop in their sights since opening Joan then but the time wasn’t right until almost a year and half later.

The interior of the Bishop – designed by architect Matt Rawlins of Figure & Ground and built by East Brunswick-based CBD assets – is angular and minimal with warm touches, such as the wooden finishes courtesy of Orio Randi and his team at Arteveneta. Artwork in the back of the room by Josef Marzi sees an photograph of cherry blossoms pixilated and stretched to create a stunning enveloping image. The outdoor space is shared with Pope Joan and when the Pope closes in the afternoon, the Bishop opens.

The food is like a collection of Wilkinson’s greatest hits, but it’s more about the drinks here – premium products and a focus on making something special.

Expect simple yet striking bar food – smoked garlic bagna cauda with vegetables, deep-fried bug tails and pigs ear sandwiches with salsa verde – and a drinks list, by Pope Joan sommelier Lori Smith with only Victorian wines, craft beers and cocktails built around an interesting selection of obscure gins from around the world.

This Bishop is more legitimate than its namesake. We like what we see, and sip.

The Bishop of Ostia

77-79 Nicholson Street Brunswick East

(03) 9388 8858

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