Museum of Sydney: The Governors Table est. 1788

Rebecca Varidel
18th Nov 2014

Museum of Sydney

On the corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets stands nine pillars representing the first nine governors of the colony of New South Wales. It's a historic site, where the first Government House was built on the ancient land of the Gadigal people.

"In the evening a Ball and Supper were given at Government House, to the most numerous assemblage of Ladies and Gentlemen that ever graced a public festival in this Colony... About eleven o'clock the party... sat down to a superb and elegant repast: after which they resumed that sprightly dance, and continued... to a late hour in the morning." Sydney Gazette, describing a ball held at Government House for the Queen's birthday, 1818.

Today the Museum of Sydney (opened in 1995) protects the fragile remains of this deeply significant and symbolic site and tells ongoing stories of Sydney and its people starting with the indigenous clans and the visionaries.

There are changing exhibitions, the latest of which is about architect Harry Seidler.

And in the museum courtyard, Fresh Catering has just completed a restaurant upgrade deserving of the historic site.

The Governors Table Bar & Dining

Head Chef Andrew Barkham celebrates the historic and the contemporary in the redesigned indoor outdoor area, showcasing incredible local NSW produce with nods to both the history of colonial cuisine and to his British background.

In a superb menu - which features mains such as Roast lamb back strap and belly, peas, shallot, mint lettuce; Cep scented pork cutlet, butternut squash and caramelised endive; Potato gnocchi, wild mushroom, soft radicchio, rocket pecorino - Barkham lends a deft touch that upholds his pedigree: Michelin Star Rhodes Twenty Four, Lombard Street, City Rhodes - London; The Bridge Room, Selah - Sydney; The Point - Melbourne. He counts retaining the Michelin Star at Rhodes Twenty Four as Head Chef as one of his most fulfilling achievements during his time in London. The Governors Table menu is traditional yet with a modern and individual uptake, and it is strong across start to finish. His exquisite food is complimented by the wine list of Sommelier Samantha Payne and keen attention to service from the rest of the front of house team.

We are excited to see the MoS (Museum of Sydney) café get this makeover and upgrade. And for more than the quality of day to night dining we can now enjoy. We heard a whisper that The Governors Table Bar & Dining not only offer great cocktails, but they're also doing a great High Tea - (watch this space.)

PS as a last note on the historic significance of the location, wink at the oh so cheeky choice of phone number for The Governors Table. And call it to make a reservation.

Loading Map....
Corner Bridge Street and Phillip Street
Sydney
+61 2 9241 1788

Mon – Fri 7.30am – late

Sat 8.30am – late

Sun 9.30am – 5pm

http://www.thegovernorstable.com.au