Former Aria executive chef set to take on exciting new challenge

Joel Bickford has been appointed the new culinary director for two of Sydney’s new restaurant projects, Fort Denison and Shell House Dining Room and Sky Bar. 

Bickford comes highly regarded, having been the executive chef at Matt Moran’s two hatted, Circular Quay fine diner, Aria.

Shell House is Bickford’s first post Aria assignment and is set to open in October.

This four-in-one venue is located behind Wynyard Station and has three levels, with bar and bistro on the ground floor and terrace dining and a cocktail bar on the rooftop inside the building’s clock tower.

Brett Robinson, chief executive of Point Group, the Sydney-based hospitality company behind these projects, said  "We've been working on this for a long time, talking to the best chefs in Australia.

"Joel just seemed to really understand what we wanted to achieve and was looking for a new challenge." 

Point Group has a number of high-level hospitality ventures under its wing including Bondi Beach Public Bar, Surrey Hills Dolphin Hotel and Hotel Harry. 

The Point’s second new project, Fort Denison Bar and Restaurant is set to open in late 2022. 

Matt Moran has nothing but good wishes for Bickford. 

"Joel has certainly played an integral role in the development of Aria, leading the venue as one of the most lauded restaurants in the country," Moran said. 

"It's been a pleasure to work with him and we wish him nothing but the best in his next endeavour, while welcoming in a new and exciting phase for the venue." 

Moran is yet to say who will replace Bickford, but said his replacement will bring an new edge and have a major role to play in Aria’s new wine bar and snack style menu. 

Irit Jackson, 10^th August 2021