Together, chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt are one of Sydney’s most dynamic hospitality duos. Since opening Bentley to critical acclaim in 2006, they’ve produced a string of culinary hits. Each eatery brought something different to Sydney, from the seafood-forward stylings of Cirrus to the pioneering vegetarian and vegan degustations at fine diner Yellow.

Now they’re hoping to add a new dimension and sophistication to the CBD’s wine-bar scene by moving their Potts Point icon Monopole to new digs just off Hunter Street, overlooking Australia Square (and not too far from Bentley). The original venue on MacLeay Street will shut in September, Monopole will reopen in the city in October, and, excitingly, the duo will open a new concept in the MacLeay Street premises in November.

When it opened in Potts Point in 2012, Monopole was unlike other Sydney wine bars at the time. An equal focus on food and drink, clever bar snacks, plenty of wines by the glass and house-made charcuterie may not seem revolutionary now, but it wasn’t the norm back then. Monopole is one of the original wine-bar-slash-restaurant pioneers in Sydney, and its formula prompted many restaurants to up their drinks game, and many bars to pay more attention to their food menus.

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“We’ve been wanting to move Monopole to the CBD for a while,” said Hildebrandt in a statement. “When we first opened, we loved that locals would drop in regularly for a glass of wine and snacks. This is a big part of Monopole’s identity, which we look forward to introducing to the CBD.”

In fact, it’s something of a delayed homecoming: Monopole was originally supposed to open in the CBD, but when negotiations fell through it moved to Potts Point.

For food, expect classic bistro fare during the week to cater to the business-lunch set. The space will take on a livelier bar vibe as the day progresses. Classic Monopole dishes, such as the Moreton Bay Bug roll and the nicoise salad will still be available, plus a new range of bar snacks.

Monopole’s lengthy wines by-the-glass list will make the move too, but there’s a plan for a new wine program with an even more international remit. Hildebrandt says he wants to showcase undiscovered winemakers alongside some of the best-known vinos in the world.

Architect Pascale Gomes-McNabb, who frequently collaborates with Hildebrandt and Savage, will look after the fit-out – marble and blond timber will feature prominently throughout.

Monopole is slated to open on Hunter Street in October.