Maurice Terzini takes over The Dolphin

Maurice Terzini was instrumental in Melbourne's pub revolution and now the veteran restaurateur is looking to do the same in Sydney after key stakeholders at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar snapped up The Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills. "Yes, it's our group and the guys from Hotel Harry," Terzini says. "I'll be creative director and partner." Expect a major reboot down the track with short-term plans to open a fun, temporary operation featuring a "dining room, wine room and public bar".

Apollo restaurant designer George Livissianis will craft The Dolphin's interior and Terzini confirmed he'll stick with his trademark Italian leanings. He will also tap some of the intel he picked up 20 years ago operating The Melbourne Wine Room. "A lot of people don't realise how important the Wine Room was to the evolution of hotels. We'll use some of it for inspiration, like the incredible wine list," he explains.

Terzini has a busy 12 months ahead, opening an osteria-style bar in Bali and a restaurant-bar in the Sydney CBD. "Once I get those out of the way I can really focus on the long-term plans for the hotel," he says. "It's a little bit forgotten; we want to bring it back from the dead. But we won't be changing the name; everyone knows The Dolphin."