Ex-Wallaby George Gregan eyes the Quay

Is there a hotter precinct for restaurant real estate right now than the Circular Quay end of the city? Restaurant and bar operators are clamouring to stake a claim; with George and Erica Gregan confirming they will open a new venue, Fred’s Bar, at the former site of Tony Bilson’s wine bar at 1 Alfred Street.

Hugo’s co-owner Dave Evans confirmed he’ll open a Hugo’s city branch in late March, in the Australia Square forecourt, and says he’s long wanted to expand into the CBD.

“The northern end is the best part of the city,” he says. Hugo’s will join the recently relocated Bentley and Rockpool restaurants in the area, with Buzo, MoVida and Toko all eyeing the precinct.

“I live in the city, it’s always busy,” Evans says.

He’ll morph his Melbourne burger concept with the traditional Hugo’s menu. The 80-seater Hugo’s will operate for 18 months before Australia Square embarks on a major food refurbishment.

“Obviously we’d like to think we’ll go back in there after that,” Evans says.