Chef Neil Perry has enlisted designer Collette Dinnigan to revitalise his Double Bay restaurant, Song Bird, after a challenging opening phase.
Rocky Start for Song Bird in Double Bay
Neil Perry launched Song Bird in August 2024. It is part of his $12 million Double Bay hospitality precinct. The 240-seat Cantonese restaurant, positioned next to his successful venue Margaret, struggled to find its footing initially.
Mr Perry explained that budget overruns forced him to open the restaurant earlier than planned, resulting in untrained staff and incomplete facilities, including a malfunctioning dumbwaiter. He described the first three months as extremely difficult, acknowledging the decision to open prematurely was a significant error despite his extensive industry experience.
Addressing Design Challenges with Collette Dinnigan
To improve the restaurant’s atmosphere, Mr Perry turned to long-time friend and acclaimed designer Collette Dinnigan. Known for her work in fashion and interior design, Ms Dinnigan was tasked with addressing the acoustic issues caused by the restaurant’s hard surfaces.
Ms Dinnigan introduced acoustic foam to soften the soundscape and contributed decorative elements such as antique birdcages, enhanced column designs, and carefully curated artwork to transform the venue’s interior. Mr Perry and Ms Dinnigan’s professional relationship dates back over 30 years, including collaborations during Ms Dinnigan’s fashion shows.
Expanding the Culinary Direction
Alongside the interior redesign, Mr Perry expanded Song Bird’s culinary offerings. Moving beyond a purely Cantonese focus, the refreshed menu now includes influences from Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. These changes draw inspiration from Mr Perry’s earlier ventures, Wokpool and Spice Temple.
Mr Perry stated that after nearly seven months of operational improvements, Song Bird now offers a markedly different and enhanced dining experience.
Early Community Response to Changes
Recent bookings and reviews suggest the Double Bay community has responded positively to the changes at Song Bird. The refreshed atmosphere and broader menu are seen as contributing factors to the restaurant’s turnaround.
Looking Ahead for Song Bird in Double Bay
With Collette Dinnigan’s design influence and an expanded menu, Song Bird is positioning itself for greater success within Double Bay’s competitive dining scene. Perry’s adjustments highlight his continued commitment to evolving the restaurant to meet both his standards and diners’ expectations.
Published 27-Apr-2025
