Neil Perry prioritises Bobbie's Bar amid ARCA departure
Neil Perry will relinquish his position as chair of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association (ARCA), the industry body he co-founded last May. Perry cited a need to concentrate on his various business interests, including the future of his recently established Double Bay jazz bar, Bobbie’s.
The eight-month-old bar, located beneath Perry’s Song Bird restaurant and launched in collaboration with New York bar expert Linden Pride of Dante, is currently on the market. Perry confirmed interest from prominent Sydney bar operators, attributing the potential sale to issues concerning the landlord. He stated his willingness to sell if the price is suitable.
However, achieving the desired price may prove challenging, with unnamed potential buyers reportedly expressing concerns regarding the rental costs.
Should a sale not eventuate, Perry indicated he would consider integrating Bobbie’s more closely with Song Bird. This alternative plan involves a potential rebranding to "Little Bird," a revised concept with an Asian-influenced menu supplied by Song Bird, and the possibility of Pride’s involvement lessening due to his existing commitments in the United States.
There have been several recent changes at Song Bird, where Perry expanded the Cantonese-focused menu in April to include Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes. The chef explained this shift as a desire for greater culinary flexibility and an opportunity to revisit classic dishes from his earlier restaurants.
Earlier this month, Perry also announced that Song Bird would now host functions featuring dishes from his other Double Bay establishment, Margaret, as well as Italian cuisine from his former restaurant, Rosetta.
Perry significantly invested in Double Bay's hospitality scene last year with the openings of Song Bird and Bobbie’s, his first standalone bar, situated near his other ventures, Margaret, Next Door, and Baker Bleu. Reports indicated a $13 million investment in the Bay Street development, with $3 million allocated to Bobbie’s, which Perry acknowledged experienced a problematic launch due to a prolonged leak repair.
Perry will remain a member of ARCA and a new chair will be elected at the next board meeting scheduled for the end of May.
Jonathan Jackson, 20th May 2025
