Hotel Morris & Bar Morris to open with culinary star Rosy Scatigna as Head Chef
One of Australia’s first Handwritten Collection hotels is the iconic Sydney property that originally opened in 1929 & was Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years
Housed within a striking Italian renaissance building, Hotel Morris – Handwritten Collection will open June 14 as an 82-bedroom boutique hotel and evocative bar, where Italian influences intertwine with Australian heritage.
The iconic Sydney property originally opened in 1929 and was Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. It is a rare example of the renowned Inter-War Palazzo style by notable architect, Virgil Dante Cizzio.
The charming, privately owned property is set to be operated by Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, and will be one of Australia’s first Handwritten Collection hotels. The new global portfolio of bespoke Handwritten Collection hotels is distinctively unique, design-led properties with strong local relevance.
Each property is different and showcases the personality, warmth and passions of the independent hoteliers who look after them. Experience heart-warming and personal touches including a welcome beverage on check-in, Bar Morris bill ritual – end the evening by rolling the dice for a chance at a complimentary Amaro nightcap, and a deck of SCOPA playing cards placed in-room.
Bar Morris is the hotel’s intimate and indulgent 40-seat art deco-inspired wine bar – a hotel bar reimagined. The day-to-night menu focuses on simple, seasonal produce, infused with Italian influences, set to a hotel-curated soundtrack of funk and soul music.
Newly appointed Head Chef Rosy Scatigna is a young culinary star on the rise.
At just 30, Rosy still brings with her a wealth of experience from renowned and respected restaurants. Born in Southern Italy and studying at the famous Alma, International School of Italian Cuisine, she went on to work at numerous Michelin-star restaurants across Italy and the UK.
Most recently, Rosy was Senior Sous Chef at two hatted Shell House. Now in her first Head Chef role, Rosy brings her authentic Italian heritage, extensive culinary expertise, and passionate offbeat personality to Bar Morris. The Italian-inspired share menu is fun and dynamic, focusing on simple and convivial dishes.
Highlights of the menu include reinvented Italian classics, such as Panfocaccia (a blend of bread and Italian focaccia) which is house made with spelt flour and garlic, from an heirloom recipe that has been passed down through the generations. A juicy cut of flank steak is served with Café de Morris butter, made with salmoriglio, an ancient Italian sauce. Nduja madeleine, is one of the more eye-catching snacks on the menu; a cheesy savoury sponge, enriched with silky guanciale and ‘nduja emulsion. Desserts include a warm frangipane pear tart, with bitter chocolate sorbet and luscious amarene cherries syrup.
The wine list is driven by local Australian heroes, Italian drops, and a concise selection of natural wines. One of the more esteemed offerings at Bar Morris is their selection of Foradori wines. Elisabetta Foradori is considered one of the most influential female winemakers in the world, and her cult artisanal wines are scarce and highly sought after. Amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, is a unique focus of the bar. Tom Bulmer from The Social Spirits (Margaret, Intercontinental Double Bay) has curated the cocktail menu, incorporating Australian and Italian ingredients, and bringing local producers and sustainability to the heart of the drinks. Signature cocktails are classics with a Morris twist, such as Ocean’s Depth Martini with house-spiced brine, and Negroni Speziato with Chinese five-spice infused gin with a touch of amaro.
For the design of Bar Morris, brazen rich red tones contrast with reflective brass and tiling finishes which bounce light throughout. The striking marble bar is a softer feminine peach, further lightening the primordial space. Textures of velvet for banquet and booth seating, leather-clad walls, and tile and natural wood flooring, create an elegant but earthy ambience.
Surprises lie in wait throughout the venue to delight guests. The stairwell to the bathrooms has been carefully designed with striking burgundy marble, white Venetian plaster, and custom red pendant lighting, creating a provocative glowing space. Commissioned ceramic hands appear to reach out from the wall beside the bar, a play on Handwritten Collection and referencing Italian’s expressive hand gesturing, highlighting the hotel’s playful yet refined personality. A selection of commissioned and limited-edition art pieces by local artists such as Nick Herd, Gabrielle Jones and Marcus Piper complement the decadent venue.
Ascend above and discover the 82 beautifully appointed art deco style guest rooms, with six ensuite varieties. The Australiana-influenced rooms have exuberant golden mustard tones and Jarrah wood accents which add warmth.
Custom furniture, the use of Calacatta and blue Roma marble, brass detailing and bold amber onyx stone finishes provide a sense of opulence and reference the rich detailing of the exterior of the building and Bar Morris.
Located in the heart of the city on Pitt Street, near Central Station, Capital Theatre and World Square, Hotel Morris is a beautifully restored heritage hotel, and a unique piece of Sydney’s history.
Bar Morris will launch June 14 as part of Vivid’s new Chef Series for a 4-night collaboration (June 14 to 17).
Fresh from winning 2022 Hospitality Pioneer at the World’s 50 Best for her Cape Town restaurant Emazulwini, Mmabatho Molefe will be joining forces with Bar Morris Head Chef Rosy Scatigna, of the highly anticipated yet-to-be-launched Bar Morris, for a series of ground-breaking collaborative dinners. Bar Morris will then be open to the public as normal from Tuesday, June 20.
Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.
