The Butcher's Apprentice to open in Wahroonga

Wahroonga's daytime venue The Butcher's Block is such a success its owners have created a moonlighting sibling. The Butcher's Apprentice will open next door, in the site of a former fruit shop, before Christmas.

''We're too busy here [at The Butcher's Block] to add another service," co-owner Anthony Karnasiotis says of the decision to open the 50-seater.

The plan is to tap the area's evening trade with a new eating option and a mix of small plate, wine concept as well as "dishes such as big roast pork bellies".

Karnasiotis has re-engaged Butcher's Block creators Giant Design to work on the project.

Giant director Ed Kenny says the two venues will have a visual link but their own identities.

"The look and feel is a refined rawness and move away from the rustic," he says.