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Just Open: Foy's Kirribilli, Sydney Flying Squadron, Kirribilli

Emma Brancatisano

The modern interior of Foy's Kirribilli is a step-up from the club's former "1950s RSL" feel.
The modern interior of Foy's Kirribilli is a step-up from the club's former "1950s RSL" feel. Supplied

Standing firmly in its original harbour setting at Kirribilli, The Sydney Flying Squadron is the city's oldest sailing club. From stories of merchant sailing boats in WWI to their accompanying veteran sailors, its history is eye-opening.

But years later, the club's richness was dwindling. And so were its lunch options.

Enter Foy's Kirribilli, the Sydney Flying Squadron's new restaurant and bar, opened this month and named after the club's founding member.

Foy's at The Sydney Flying Squadron, Kirribilli
Foy's at The Sydney Flying Squadron, KirribilliSamantha Halpern for JettyBlue P
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"The club wasn't reinventing itself in any way, and I saw that history being lost," says caterer and new owner, Adam Marshall.

"My vision was to celebrate the 125 years of the club's history. Kirribilli is an emerging place for young professionals and I wanted to instil some of this into the minds of these younger members."

Proposing a "sympathetic rejuvenation," Marshall led a significant revamp of the site. The result? A fresh, modern restaurant complete with high ceilings and sanded-back original floors.

In the kitchen, the focus is fresh seafood, prepared simply and consistently. Along with the usual club specialties – think lightly-battered fish with rosemary sea-salt chips– chef Fernando Sanchez is whipping up a range of seafood share plates featuring whole lemon sole, scallop ceviche and barbecued octopus that are leaving the club's oldest members wide-eyed.

"This is not what they are used to – you can see the surprise on their faces!" laughs Marshall. "But the response has been positive and we've been so busy since we opened. It's the kind of place you could eat at each week – nothing complicated. Just your traditional Australian favourites done consistently well."

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Whether you're looking for a new family local or a weekend drink on the harbour, Foy's may be just the ticket.

76 McDougall St Kirribilli NSW, 02 9955 8350, sydneyflyingsquadron.com.au

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