Le Foote kicks off bar and restaurant resurgence at The Rocks

Swillhouse, the young and hungry hospitality group behind Restaurant Hubert and Alberto's Lounge, has nabbed the historic Phillip's Foote site at The Rocks, with plans to transform it into a Euro-inspired wine bar.

Located opposite the Museum of Contemporary Art, the George Street building, once a stable and a customs agent before it was rebirthed as Phillip's Foote in 1975, will receive a makeover before opening next year as Le Foote.

Sydneysiders will be able to get an early taste of the venue, a pop-up opening there November 1 and running through to February, when construction begins.

If you're looking for the new go-to precinct as Sydney's hospitality scene bounces back, keep your eye on The Rocks.

Late 2021 is going to be a party in the historic area. On October 22, gin and cocktail bar Frank Mac's opens at 83 George Street, believed to be the longest continually operated row of shopfronts in the country.

Frank Mac's is the latest venue from the team behind nearby whisky bar The Doss House. It takes its inspiration from the general stores in Ireland that double as local bars. But with a little more luxe, given the light orange velvet armchairs, vintage leather banquettes and adventurous cocktail list.

Next month it will be joined by Hickson House Distilling Co, which will take up residence in the former carpark of advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi. An exhaustive and luxe fitout is being undertaken its owners, Mikey Enright and Julian Train, the duo behind The Barber Shop and The Duke of Clarence, and distiller Tim Stones.

And philanthropist Luke Hepworth has jumped in at the former home of David Thompson's Sailors Thai. A rum bar, The Keel, has just opened at the site, profits from the bar and event space shared between charities.