Paying homage to its history, a historic post office in Summer Hill has been transformed into One Penny Red, making its mark with contemporary European plates and weekend brunch.

Heading up the kitchen is co-owner RJ Lines (formerly of Neutral Bay Diner), serving up roast king prawns with bisque butter and fried capers, seasonal king brown mushrooms with chestnuts, braised eschallot and vincotto, one of many rotating dishes on the “Trust the Chef” banquet menu. Available for two or more, this four-course menu also features roasted Holmbrae chicken with braised eschallot and raisins, and banana and salted caramel beignet soufflé with chocolate fudge sauce.

Designed by Rebecca Wood, the room offers metallic touches and a handsome, handmade zinc bar. Brass handles, blackbutt timbers and bay windows feature downstairs in the dining room, while some original features have been restored, such as the original stairwell and the hoist hanging above the wine bar upstairs.

With brunch on weekends and small bites upstairs like lamb-panadas alongside biodynamic wines, there are plenty of reasons to return.