Many Paddington locals were taken by surprise when they found out that longstanding Given Terrace venue, Iceworks, had closed down. Fears of Paddington’s dining scene suffering were quickly allayed by the news that the spot would be overhauled and re-opened as a brand new venue, Darling & Co. Boasting charm, sophistication and impeccable taste, Darling & Co is the brainchild of owner-operator Jacqueline Madden, who has enlisted Angus Munro of Marc & Co architects to redesign the space and fit it out in two stages. As of November 2015, Darling & Co has unveiled stage one of the changes, with a new dining area boasting an open seating plan and plenty of natural light flooding in from the street front windows. Stage two of the Darling & Co transformation will see the bar repositioned to provide an even greater sense of space, set to be completed in early 2016.

The food offering at Darling & Co includes a plethora of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a selection of bar bites. Head chef Guiliano Melluso (formerly of Bucci) has helped put together dishes that are clean, fresh, simply presented and easy to eat. Using locally sourced ingredients through Graeme Twine at Suncoast Fresh, produce is collected from Noosa down to Byron Bay, and seemingly plated as if direct from the farm. Breakfast eaters can enjoy dishes such as green breakfast bowls with spinach, kale, wild rice, grilled haloumi and soft boiled eggs or the Woodsman’s Breakfast containing sautéed forest mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, house labneh and toasted sourdough. The lunch and dinner menu features starters, small plates, pizzas and mains, with highlights including banh mi sliders, roasted spatchcock, cone Bay barramundi, steak frites and 12 hour low and slow Milly Hill lamb shoulder. The bar serves up a range of local and craft beers, boutique Australian and international wines plus a selection of Australian and international spirits and classic cocktails. Darling & Co is quickly establishing itself as an approachable and fresh spot to enjoy top-notch nosh, a pre-rugby tipple or a casual Sunday get together. For opening hours and contact details, head to the Stumble Guide.