Bistro George, the contemporary bistro within the multi-level Jacksons on George, is ushering in spring with a new menu and the launch of a curated happy hour.
The new spring menu and happy hour mark the venue’s return to Gallagher Hotels, owned by one of Sydney’s most experienced publican families. The Gallaghers originally operated Jacksons on George from 2014–2018 before its rebuild as part of Lendlease’s Sydney Place precinct, and in March 2025 proudly returned to steward the influential venue in the heart of the city. Alongside head chef Steven Sinclair, the family is shaping an exciting new chapter for the bistro.
“Introducing a happy hour to the offering at Bistro George felt like a natural next step for the restaurant,” says Steven Sinclair. “Bistro George is an ideal spot to perch for afternoon cocktails and snacks. I can’t think of anything better than settling in with a negroni in one hand and a potato hash in the other.”
“I love experimenting with new dishes and flavours, and spring is the perfect season to bring them to life. The freshness and vibrancy of seasonal ingredients have inspired our new menu, and I’m excited to see these dishes on tables at Bistro George,” Sinclair continued.
The new happy hour menu, available Monday to Saturday from 4pm-6pm, offers guests a selection of small plates paired with cocktails and wines. Designed for an after work drink or a pre dinner bite, the menu includes; Alto misto olives ($5); Sydney Rock oysters with Champagne mignonette ($6); grilled intercostal skewer with salsa verde ($13); whipped ricotta, Malfoy’s wild honey and crispbread ($12); and Westholme wagyu tartare crostini, cured yolk, brioche ($13). Bistro George will also offer a range of their cocktails at happy hour prices, including spritz for $10, negronis for $11, a rotating signature cocktail for $12, as well as wines from $9 and tap beer for $7.
Austin Gallagher, licensee of Jacksons on George says: “For us, the Bistro is all about excellent drinks, great food and creating an easy place to drop in after work or before dinner. Alongside the new spring menu, we’re refreshing our beverage program by championing great Aussie spirits and local produce, with a hint of summer and European influence. You’ll see this come through in our happy hour program spritzes, negronis and signature cocktails.”
Austin Gallagher, licensee of Jacksons on George says: “For us, the Bistro is all about excellent drinks, great food and championing fresh, local produce. Alongside the new menu, we’re refreshing our beverage program by showcasing great Aussie spirits, with a hint of summer and European influence. You’ll see this come through in our happy hour program spritzes and negronis.”
Sinclair’s signature style of European-influenced bistro dishes with classic Australian fare is reflected across the new spring menu. New dishes include; grilled Fremantle octopus salad, caponata, stracciatella, aged balsamic ($28); malfadine, pork and fennel sausage ragu with broccoli leaf and salted ricotta ($26/$35), Northern Rivers veal cutlet 300g, agrodolce, bequinho peppers, oregano ($54); an 800g Westholme bistecca alla Fiorentina ($169); and charred broccoli, sesame and yuzu dressing, crisp shallots ($18).
The beverage program focuses on classic producers and vintages, alongside new, cult and up-and-coming producers. The wine list includes selections from Australia, New Zealand, France and Europe, with noted local producers including Tollpuddle, Cloudburst, Angus Vinden and Josh Cooper of Josh Cooper Wines – Halliday’s Best New Winery for 2024. The 120-bottle wine list offers 16 wines by the glass. Signature cocktails include: Millionario Margarita (Don Julio Reposado/1942, peach, lemon, cucumber, raspberry & lemon thyme agave, bitters), Classico Sgroppino (Ketel One Vodka, Prosecco, lemon sorbet) and Australian Negroni (4 Pillars Rare Dry, Okar Bitter, Regal Rogue Rose).
Jacksons on George bridges old and new – honouring its history while firmly embracing the future. The venue has a strong focus on generous hospitality, thoughtful design, and a quality food and beverage offering that heroes premium produce.
The new happy hour and spring menu will be available at Bistro George from Wednesday 17 September 2025. Bistro George is open Monday to Friday 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – late, Saturday from 5pm and closed on Sunday.
Jacksons on George, 176 George Street, Sydney
www.jacksonsongeorge.com.au
Instagram: @jacksons_on_george | Facebook: @jacksonsongeorge