Renowned restaurateur Neil Perry will close his large-scale Chinese restaurant Song Bird, replacing it with a new Italian dining concept at the same Double Bay address after determining the original venture was unsuitable for the local area.
The final service for the ambitious Cantonese restaurant, Song Bird, is scheduled for Sunday, August 3rd. Neil Perry stated that the concept of a three-level Chinese establishment in Double Bay had ultimately missed the mark. He also noted that the complexity of managing a venue of that size was a significant factor in the decision to change direction. The move is seen as a strategic pivot to better cater to the local community’s tastes and the operational realities of the site.
This change follows the earlier closure of Bobbie’s, a cocktail bar located in the same building, which was also part of a broader move by Perry to concentrate his focus on his main restaurant ventures in the precinct.
In its place, the Gaden House location will be transformed into an Italian eatery named Gran Torino. The new restaurant will draw on Perry’s extensive experience with Italian flavours and cooking. To ensure a successful launch, the kitchen will be guided by the senior team from Perry’s highly successful neighbouring restaurant, Margaret.
Margaret’s executive chef, Richard Purdue, and head chef, Ervin Mumujesi, will oversee the new Italian venture. This connection promises to bring a proven standard of quality and execution to Gran Torino, creating a complementary dining experience within Perry’s Double Bay portfolio.
The transition involves a key personnel change, with Song Bird’s head chef, Mark Lee, moving to the head chef position at Margaret. This keeps his culinary skills within the Perry group. The decision to close Song Bird comes after a challenging initial period for the restaurant, which opened ahead of schedule with an incomplete setup.
Perry had previously brought in designer Collette Dinnigan to improve the venue’s acoustics and expanded the menu beyond Cantonese cuisine in an effort to refine the offering. This latest move marks a definitive step towards creating a more cohesive and suitable collection of dining venues for the neighbourhood.
Margaret in Double Bay has helped cement Sydney’s standing as the leading steak city worldwide, with the restaurant ranked second on the 2025 list of the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants.
Sydney was declared the best steak city globally after 11 of its restaurants earned places on the 2025 World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list. This result saw Sydney surpass Buenos Aires, which had previously held the title. Margaret in Double Bay was the highest-ranked Sydney venue, taking second place on the list behind Buenos Aires’ Parrilla Don Julio.
Caption: Chef Neil Perry Photo Credit: Margaret/Instagram
Double Bay’s Role Through Margaret
Margaret in Double Bay has become a key player in Sydney’s steakhouse reputation. The restaurant showcases Australian beef using dry-ageing methods and wood-fired grilling.
Cuts from respected producers like CopperTree Farms and David Blackmore feature heavily on the menu, reflecting Neil Perry’s focus on provenance and quality. Margaret balances its meat offering with an emphasis on sustainable seafood, creating a produce-driven menu that highlights both land and sea.
Other Leading Sydney Steakhouses
Rockpool Bar & Grill in Sydney placed 12th on the list, known for its self-managed dry-ageing program and wood-charcoal grill. The Grill at The International came in 14th, noted for its oak-fired grill and premium Australian beef. Porteño at 20th, The Gidley at 32nd, AALIA at 36th, Shell House Dining Room & Terrace at 51st, The Cut Bar & Grill at 62nd, 20 Chapel at 93rd, and Bistecca at 99th further strengthened Sydney’s representation.
Photo Credit: Margaret/Instagram
What Set Sydney Apart
Sydney’s venues were recognised not just for the quality of their beef but for their commitment across service, wine expertise, ambience, and precise cooking techniques. CopperTree Farms, a key supplier, provides beef to 10 of the 11 Sydney restaurants on the list, contributing to a consistent standard.
With multiple steakhouses ranking among the world’s best, Sydney, led by Double Bay’s Margaret, has reinforced its place on the global culinary map. The city’s focus on diversity of beef products, skilled preparation and high-quality dining experiences continues to drive demand from local and international diners.
We’ve combed Double Bay for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Kia K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bibo Wine Bar in Double Bay offers a fantastic vibe with warm, attentive service that makes you feel right at home. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, featuring some great local and international drops. Perfectly paired snacks round out the experience, making it a great spot for a relaxed yet refined evening. Highly recommend for wine lovers!
Peter C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Definitely a 5 star experience. Food was amazing. Staff were great. The small size of the restaurant and bar gives it an intimate feel. We were there early at 6:15pm and the vibe continued to build as the evening progressed. The octopus was perfectly cooked and absolutely melted away. Sorry the only dish that I didn’t take a photo 🙁
Joshua Q ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is a magical spot in Double Bay. We dined in a group setting, the set menu was perfect. Highly recommend. The ambience inside is warm and inviting. Perfect for a date spot too. Must try the duck.
Scott N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service was phenomenal from the staff. The atmosphere was great sitting in the outdoor alfresco area. However every dishes just tasted a bit too salty! Especially the prawn toasts and the pasta dish we had. Please cut back on the salt and everything will be just perfect.
Marcus L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bartiga is a hidden gem in Double Bay, offering some of the most explosive flavours I’ve come across. The fusion of Southeast Asian and European influences in the food was simply amazing, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The cocktail and wine list was equally impressive, and the service was excellent throughout the night. I’ll definitely be back to try more of their fantastic dishes!
Team Scoville S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The bottomless brunch here is Amazing. Place has been on my list for a while it was absolutely worth it. Delicious food, great cocktails, lovely atmosphere & attentive staff. Highly recommend!
Maria L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shaggys is a great place to go when your a local and fancy a meal out with a Freshly made Cocktail, Fantastic Food, Frozen Margarites are the best. Highly recommend this place, support our local Allambie shops with this new wine bar.. 🙂 Thanks Shaggy, we will be back soon.
Ashlee D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I absolutely love this coffee shop! The atmosphere is always welcoming, the drinks are consistently excellent, and the service is top-notch. Isabella is especially amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and always makes my coffee just right with the perfect amount of caramel. You can tell she genuinely cares about creating a great experience for every customer. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!
Tracey Z ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such delicious Mexican and family friendly. So reasonable – not many places in Northern Beaches you can get away for dinner for two with two drinks under $60!! Our go to when we don’t feel cooking.
Elise G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First time eating at Margaret and it was a great experience. We booked about 1 month in advance and the restaurant was fully booked on the Saturday evening. Food was delicious and the menu had so many lovely options. Mainly seafood and then a good selection of beef. The 3 mushroom pie deserves a special mention which is so yummy and freshly made (you have to wait 25 minutes).The sashimi tuna was one of the best I’ve ever tried.My husband had a great beef fillet which was perfectly cooked and just melted in your mouth. Wine and drinks menu was good too. Cocktails were delicious (wish they were bigger). Service was very attentive and friendly but not intrusive or pushy. I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend for a special occasion.
Sarah M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I really enjoyed my lunch here. Really fresh and good quality ingredients. We ordered entrees from the wildfire oven and for mains we got the red snapper and the fillet with green veggies. The veggies were beautiful as was the fish and meat. We will definitely be back. There are so many other dishes we wanted to try.
Bryan C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a great find! Top notch service from Bella and the rest of the team. Her excellent recommendations and a good knowledge of ingredients and provenance helped us create the perfect menu! Every mouthful was flavour packed and delicious. Will definitely be back!
Eniko F ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible food and drinks. The food every time is 10/10. My personal favourite the vodka rigatoni. The staff are always so friendly and attentive. Matteo is one of my favourite restaurants hence why we continue to come back. Highly recommended!! Best Italian food
Linda B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place came as a recommendation from the lovely Elisabeth at the Intercontinental Hotel at Double Bay, and wow! From the moment you arrive, you’re wrapped in warm welcome. Lovely and open area, tons of seating and attentive staff. We went twice during our weekend stay and will go again. The pizzas and appetizers were delicious and beautifully presented and the generous plates of other dishes we saw being delivered are calling me, even now. An amazing experience I can’t wait to repeat.
Anthony I ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service was phenomenal, waiters kept on coming back to check on the food or if we need need anything. Woodfire pizza was delicious and it should be It’s a bit loud in there but overall very fun atmosphere and the music is on point Highly recommend for dinner, drinks and casual night out
Lough Playing Fields in Double Bay is a historic park catering to sports such as netball, softball, cricket, and rugby and soccer training. It is also a popular site for walking and jogging. The site was once part of the Cooper family’s Point Piper Estate before being set aside for sporting activities in 1927.
Currently, the facilities include a grassed netball court and two junior synthetic cricket pitches, with dog access permitted under specific conditions.
Woollahra Council’s $690,000 proposal involves upgrading the existing grass netball fields at Lough Park into acrylic and concrete courts. The proposal includes installing four floodlights, each 10 metres tall, to allow the courts to be used beyond daylight hours and throughout winter.
Planning documents highlight that the development would address unmet demand for informal recreation and training. However, several concerns have been raised, including the impact of hard surface infrastructure, potential increases in weeknight noise from whistles and bouncing balls, intrusive lighting, flood risks, and traffic congestion.
The courts would be available for community use but could also be booked commercially by private companies, leading to further concerns about increased usage and reduced passive space.
Comparison and Alternatives: Existing Infrastructure
Opponents argue that there are already over 72 courts available in or near Woollahra, with more planned. Save Lough Park, one of the action groups, stresses that additional courts should not come at the cost of one of the eastern suburbs’ remaining passive green spaces.
Advocates for field sports also point out that girls increasingly participate in field-based activities such as soccer, AFL, and hockey, challenging the notion that hard courts are the only facilities needed to support female athletes.
Community Sentiment: Divided Views
Community groups such as Save Lough Park and Friends of Lough Park have voiced strong opposition, gathering over 800 petition signatures. They emphasise the environmental, noise, and traffic impacts of the proposal, while stating their support for girls’ sport in principle but questioning the chosen location.
Conversely, supporters, including some councillors and community members, argue that infrastructure for girls’ sports has historically lagged behind that of boys’ sports and that new facilities are essential to rectify the imbalance.
Woollahra Council has voted to move the Lough Park proposal forward to community consultation. A meeting is scheduled for 28 April, offering the community an opportunity to voice feedback before a final decision is made.
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.
Photo Credit: Song Bird/Instagram
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.
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.
A $23.9 million redevelopment has been proposed for Krissy Marsh’s Double Bay residence, with plans lodged to transform the historic six-bedroom property into a multi-level home featuring wellness and entertainment facilities.
A major renovation is underway for a luxury property in Double Bay owned by Real Housewives of Sydney cast member Krissy Marsh and her husband Johnny Marsh. Documents lodged with Woollahra Council reveal plans for a $23.9-million redevelopment aimed at aligning the property with the couple’s current needs and lifestyle requirements.
The Marshes purchased the property in 2022 for approximately $30 million. Located in one of Sydney’s most high-profile suburbs, the house is set to undergo significant changes, with the scale of proposed works placing it among the largest developments ever undertaken in the Woollahra Council area.
Planned Features and Scope
The application outlines the addition of a wellness retreat including a sauna, ice bathroom, treatment rooms, and a gymnasium. Further inclusions are a cinema room, outdoor bars, a swimming pool, a cabana, a cellar, a herb garden, a commercial kitchen, and a new basement level with extra parking. New bedrooms are also planned as part of the redevelopment.
The build will reportedly require around 2,000 cubic metres of excavation, roughly equivalent to the volume of an Olympic swimming pool.
Photo Credit: Home Beautiful/Instagram
Community Reaction
While the owners intend the property to be their long-term residence, the scale of the redevelopment has drawn criticism. The Double Bay Residents Association has formally objected, describing the project as a “gross overdevelopment.” Planning documents argue the impact on neighbouring properties would be minimal.
Woollahra Council is assessing the proposal as part of its standard development application process. The project’s timeline and final approval remain subject to council review.
The NSW government introduced new planning laws on 28 February as part of a broader strategy to address the state’s housing shortage. These laws apply to areas located within 800 metres of 171 designated train stations or shopping centres across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and the Central Coast.
Under the new framework, buildings of six to eight storeys can be constructed within 400 metres of key hubs, while development of up to three storeys is permitted between 400 and 800 metres. Changes to floor space ratios and dual occupancy rules are also increasing development capacity across multiple lots.
Double Bay is among the suburbs impacted by the planning reforms. While the changes are intended to improve housing supply, local real estate agents anticipate that three-bedroom apartments in new developments around Double Bay may be priced between $5 million and $6 million—and even higher if properties offer views. This has raised questions about whether the policy will enhance housing affordability in high-end areas.
Developers are now targeting eligible locations for redevelopment, including amalgamated sites. In other parts of Sydney, some property owners have doubled their sale price by consolidating adjoining lots for larger-scale projects.
Wider Movement Across Sydney
Similar activity is unfolding in other eastern suburbs including Rose Bay, Edgecliff, Bondi Junction, and Maroubra. In Rose Bay alone, 28 homeowners have combined their properties, with at least 60 amalgamations reported in one three-block radius.
In Gordon, developers are securing options on homes near train stations, with some properties reaching prices of up to $12 million. Meanwhile, in Mosman, concerns have been raised over six-storey buildings being planned in low-rise areas near Balmoral Beach.
Mixed Sentiments Among Property Owners
While some owners welcome the financial benefits, others are facing limitations. In Gordon, heritage-listed homes are excluded from redevelopment despite being located in newly eligible zones. Affected residents have raised concerns about loss of privacy, overshadowing, and future property values.
Local councils, including Mosman, have indicated that developments meeting the new planning criteria cannot be rejected on the basis of height or density. However, objections may still be submitted on other grounds—such as view obstruction or privacy impacts—though how they will be assessed remains unclear.
The new planning rules mark a major shift in development controls as the state government seeks to ease housing pressures. In areas like Double Bay, the reforms have triggered immediate developer activity and multi-million-dollar transactions. However, uncertainty remains around affordability outcomes, the inclusion of heritage properties, and long-term impacts on urban character.
With a cosy atmosphere, inventive dishes, and a carefully crafted drinks menu, RUMA delivers a dining experience that feels both exciting and familiar.
A Name That Feels Like Home
RUMA means “home” in Malay, and the restaurant truly lives up to its name. From the moment you step inside, the space feels warm and inviting, striking the perfect balance between casual comfort and modern elegance.
Chef Faheem Noor, the talent behind RUMA’s menu, draws inspiration from Sydney’s diverse food culture. He creates dishes that feel both comforting and exciting, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to bring each plate to life.
RUMA’s interior combines earthy textures and native floral arrangements creating an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere. The design takes cues from traditional Malay homes but with a contemporary twist.
A Menu That Surprises and Delights
RUMA’s menu reflects Noor’s creative take on classic flavours, bringing together unexpected combinations and bold, fresh ingredients.
A Breakfast Spread with a Twist
RUMA turns morning staples into something special. The Kimchi and scallion hash browns offer a crispy, flavour-packed start to the day, while the Thai-style sausage McMuffin adds a fun, spicy kick.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Strawberry Sando is a light and airy treat. If you prefer savoury, the house favourite Australian scrambled eggs with Sambal Matah is for you.
A great meal deserves a great drink, and RUMA’s cocktail menu delivers. Created by Alex Raclet and Alex Cameron (Table Manners Bronte), the drinks list focuses on fresh ingredients and layered flavours.
For something bright and tropical, try the ‘Ruma’, featuring vodka, passionfruit, ginger, orange blossom, orange juice and lime. If you love a margarita, the ‘Kumquat Margy’ featuring patron blanco that brings a citrusy twist with kumquat and calamansi. Whisky fans should go for the ‘Manuka Old Fashioned,’ a honey-infused rye whiskey with maple, indian tonic, and orange bitters. For wine lovers, you’ll love ‘Stone Fruit Bellini,’ a sparkling wine with a mix of mirabelle plum, mango, and allspice.
Woollahra Library is a shining example of how libraries have evolved to meet the needs of today’s communities in Double Bay. Once in a historic harbourside mansion, it moved into a larger, purpose-built space above a shopping centre. The shift was made to accommodate the growing number of visitors and provide better facilities.
Woollahra Library is much more than a place to borrow books. It’s designed for learning, creativity, and connection. Visitors can access a huge range of resources, including:
Books
E-books
Audiobooks
Films
Journals
Digital databases
The library also runs many community programs, such as author talks, tech workshops, baby rhyme time, and storytelling sessions. Its flexible spaces for study, work, and social gatherings make it a popular venue for events and meetings.
Getting to the library is simple. Visitors can park for one hour free in the Kiaora Place car park, with extra parking available nearby. Public transport is also convenient, with bus routes 323, 324, 325, and 326 stopping close by, and Edgecliff Station within easy reach.
The library is designed to be accessible to everyone. Facilities include:
Wheelchair access and accessible toilets
Baby change rooms and a welcoming space for breastfeeding
Lifts from New South Head Road and Kiaora Place arcade
Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil
For those needing a quiet space or a place to collaborate, the library offers:
Paid Spaces:
Event Space (up to 100 people)
Tech Room (up to 13 people)
Free Spaces:
Study Rooms (up to 8 people)
Quiet Pod (up to 2 people)
For bookings, a library membership is needed.
A Green and Welcoming Space
One of the library’s standout features is its use of greenery. A lush green wall at the entrance and cascading ivy help soften the modern design. Natural light, timber-slatted ceilings, and organic elements create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This focus on nature reflects the suburb’s commitment to sustainability.
Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil
The Junior section is especially fun for children, featuring:
An interactive iPad treehouse
A slide leading into a colourful reading cave
A storytelling space with floor projections
Photo Credit: WoollahraMunicipalCouncil
Opening Hours and Contact Details
Woollahra Library at Double Bay is open every day:
The club, known for its exciting 18ft skiff races on Sydney Harbour, has a rich history of innovation, community engagement, and sporting excellence.
A History of Innovation and Community Spirit
The League was formed in 1935 by James J. Giltinan, who saw the potential for a new type of 18ft skiff racing. Giltinan’s entrepreneurial spirit led to early success, with large crowds drawn to the spectacle of the races. The club also strongly committed to the community, raising significant funds for the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children through its ‘Queen of the Waves’ competition.
In the late 1950s, the League secured its current clubhouse in Double Bay thanks to the generosity of skipper Alf Beashel. The 1970s marked a ‘Golden Era’ for the sport, with advancements in design and construction pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.
From Sydney Harbour to the World Stage
The Australian 18-footers League has consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport. In 1985, it staged a unique ocean-going race, ‘The Ocean Challenge,’ which saw skiffs racing from Palm Beach down the coast and into Sydney Harbour. More recently, the League has embraced technology, livestreaming its races with commentary to a global audience.
Over the years, the League has also played a key role in expanding the sport internationally. The Giltinan World Championship, held in 1938, now attracts competitors from over 20 countries.
To mark its 90th anniversary, the League is hosting a weekend of events on February 1st and 2nd. Saturday will feature the ‘Skiff Sydney Harbour Marathon,’ with all skiff classes invited to compete.
Sunday will see the traditional ‘Queen of the Harbour’ race, in which current fleet skippers compete for a special anniversary trophy. The club also invites all past Club Championship-winning skippers to join the celebrations.
