Just Open: Barrel Bar and Dining, Cremorne

When three sommeliers open a bar-restaurant together you expect many things, but not BYO. Barrel Bar and Dining opens today next to the Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne, co-owner Stephen Thompson says the Sunday to Thursday BYO option was included after consultation with locals.

"Obviously there are some great cellars on the lower north shore, but everyone around here has grown up with it so we felt we needed to offer BYO [$10 a bottle] during the week. And we'll happily suggest matches with the wine they bring," he says.

When customers eventually tune in to Barrel's wine list, they'll discover a collaborative work.

"Luckily we have similar palates," says Thompson [ex Public Dining Room] of partners Tony Binning [ex Aqua Dining] and Alex Searle [ex Public Dining Room].

Chefs Zac Stenning and Luke Davenport pump out a wine-friendly menu with small plates and more substantial dishes including sesame crusted swordfish, persimmon, pomegranate glaze, as well as a pressed pork belly with poached pears.