Port Stephen's go-to seafood restaurants reopens!
Crafting a career out of traversing the globe discovering some of the world’s most flavoursome destinations, Rick Stein is recognised as being one of the world’s most well-respected, and much loved, chefs.
Together with his restaurant empire, ever-growing number of book titles and a guest list that includes the likes of French and UK presidents and even royalty, Rick Stein doesn’t appear to be hanging up the chef's hat anytime soon.
Starting his career in 1975 with The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall the UK, it was here that Rick Stein established his reputation as a seafood master serving only the finest fish and shellfish.
Fast forward to 2009, the year that Rick and Sarah launched their first Australian restaurant in the seaside town of Mollymook on the NSW South Coast. Rick Stein Mollymook has now become the go-to for Sydneysiders, Canberrans and International guests eager to indulge in some fine seafood flavours and soak up the slowed-down pace of coastal life.
Keen to expand their footprint within Australia, Rick and Sarah in September of this year opened their second restaurant, and luckily for us it's just 45 mins up the road.
Taking over the former Salamander Shores property, it has been a monumental task to renovate and refresh the property with the trademark whites and breezy blue tones that Bannisters is so well known for. Situated cliffside Rick Stein at Bannisters is located within the 4.5 star hotel that features 80 rooms, including luxury suites and penthouses, and is an incredible addition to the Port Stephens tourism scene.
A new addition to the existing property, as you enter the restaurant space you can't help but stop for a moment, take a breath, and absorb the expansive space that is a perfect combination of contemporary industrial design and luxe lounge vibes. The menu is predominately seafood-focused, as you would expect, which seems the natural selection when combined with those stunning coastal views, ensuring a feast for all the senses. Speaking with General Manager Peter Bacon, Peter explained,
'When we first saw the old Salamander Shores, we thought ''Wow, this is going to be an interesting project!'' However, after spending time in the Port Stephens area, it didn't take us long to see the potential of the location, and we soon got to work.'
Created in collaboration with Head Chef Mitchell Turner, the menu is a varied collection of seafood flavours that has you deciding between locally sourced oysters, a Classic Fish Pie, the freshest of Sashimi and that glorious Singapore Chilli Blue Swimmer Crab. For the non-seafood lovers you haven't been forgotten with the Chargrilled Black Angus Rib Eye Steak being difficult to overlook.
Whether you decide to visit for the day or stay overnight, Bannisters Port Stephens is the perfect place to escape when in need of a little indulging and some serious unwinding.