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Euro inspired neighbourhood bar and bistro heading to Cammeray with Michelin-trained chef.

Published On: October 11, 2023

Lachy Sturrock, Sam Smith and Chef “Ace” Espiritu will launch Folly’s in Cammeray this November.

By ANNA USHER

Hot on the heels of Don’t Tell Uncle, one of Sydney’s hottest Indian restaurants in Cammeray, comes an elevated bistro dining experience in the former home of a much-loved local pub.

Folly’s, located in the spot recently occupied by The Public (and before that, the Belgian Beer Café), is set to open in November after a major renovation that will reinvent the site as a go-to for lower north shore locals.

The elevated bar and bistro will be located in the space once occupied by The Public (and before that) the Belgian Beer Cafe.

Ex-Applejack Hospitality Group Bars Manager Lachy Sturrock has teamed up with long-time mate and licensee of Camperdown’s Alfred Hotel, Sam Smith, to open the neighbourhood bar, with Antonio “Ace” Espiritu (ex-Fauna, Icebergs) in the kitchen.

Sturrock and Smith have fond memories of the establishment in its heyday, having both frequented the Miller Street address after they met more than a decade ago working at Alberts Tavern in North Sydney.

“We’re looking to bring back the cosiness and great energetic buzz the space used to have, and recreate that neighbourhood feel where locals happily come in a few times a week, always finding something new to try and experience,” Sturrock says.

Sturrock and Smith say they plan to bring back the “great energy” the Miller St space used to have.

Named after nearby Folly Point, the Bistro will balance relaxed bar-service drinks in the front, with a more elevated dining experience with table service tucked in towards the back, along with a private dining room for 30 people.

An all-day, Euro-Med-inspired menu will be available during opening hours.

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Espiritu has joined the team following the successful opening of Fauna in Surry Hills as head chef, after a stint at Amare and Icebergs Dining Room & Bar.

He was apprenticed at France’s three Michelin-starred L’Oustau de Baumaniere.

Espíritu has left his post at Surry Hills hot spot “Fauna” to take on the new role at Folly’s.

Behind the interiors will be Kathryn Thompson/Five Foot One Design.

Warm tones of mustard, maroon and grape are planned for Folly’s.

The original timber flooring and chequered tiles of Epoque will be paired with a custom-built terrazzo bar, leather banquette seating, cork cladding, vintage rugs and lamps, while warm tones of mustard, maroon and grape, quirky artworks and wine bottles will adorn the walls.

Sturrock and Smith took over the space – which was operating as The Public until 1 October – in May, with business partners and stalwart Sydney publicans, Bill Smith and Lee Dillon.

Folly’s will be open from 3pm until late Tuesday to Thursday, and from 12pm until late Friday to Sunday.