Faraone opens 23rd bar, Hello Sailor

Marco Faraone has opened 22 bars throughout the world; next week, he swings open the doors on his 23rd, probably his biggest challenge so far.

Faraone and business partner Luke Redington have chosen the old site of Rambutan, on Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, a strip that has proved a minefield for food and wine start-ups, to open Hello Sailor. Faraone, like many before him, argues Oxford Street is about to turn.

''I believe in Darlinghurst and the [activation] of Foley Street, the laneway behind us,'' he says.

It is difficult to argue with Faraone's assessment that the Sydney bar scene is soaring. There's a rash of new venues, and last week The Roosevelt, at Potts Point, was the only non-American venue nominated in the world's best restaurant/bar category in a prestigious international award. Bulletin Place, at Circular Quay, also earned a nomination, in the best new cocktail bar category.

Faraone argues Sydney now has a genuine bar culture to go with its new bars.

''A few years ago you didn't find anyone out early in the week; now, it's like nobody has a house,'' he says.

Hello Sailor's cocktail list will scour the world for inspiration, while the food will be Italian-focused.