Rick Stein, the beloved UK chef and TV personality, has been a familiar figure on Australia's east coast dining scene for over 15 years. His frequent visits have made him feel like an unofficial Aussie. Now, he is set to bring his signature style of simple yet spectacular seafood to Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs this summer.
Stein already operates two successful restaurants in NSW. He launched Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook in 2009, followed by Bannisters Port Stephens in 2018. For several years, there was little indication of any new projects in Australia—until early this year.
Earlier in 2025, it was announced that Rick Stein and his wife, Sarah ('Sas'), would open a new 224-seat restaurant, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, located within the new InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
“The truth of it is that the two Bannisters hotels and my restaurants were taken over by [investment management group] Salter Brothers in October last year,” Stein said. “And that was a bit of a surprise. But actually starting to work with Salter Brothers, I realised how professional they were and how much I liked working with them.”
Unlike some celebrity chefs who polarise audiences or cater to specific groups, Rick Stein enjoys widespread affection. His approachable style and dedication to quality seafood have earned him a broad fanbase in Australia.
Rick Stein expands his Australian presence with a large new restaurant in Coogee, building on years of local success and positive collaboration with new partners.
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