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What do Madonna, Queen Elizabeth II and Anna Wintour have in common? They’ve all been served by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Jeff Schroeter. Soon, you join that list when his latest venture opens in Glebe – on a site he’s very familiar with. Set to open on February 4, 2026, Darling Glebe will occupy the historic Darling Mills site on Glebe Point Road, where Schroeter co-founded restaurant Beckett’s in 2021. This new iteration of the subterranean space will feature a French omakase chef’s table, a Martini bar, a private dining room and a private cellar event space.
The talent collaborating with Schroeter is equally impressive: Charlie Ainbsury (2016 Diageo Reserve World Class Australian Bartender of the Year) is curating the Martini bar; while Sarah Biswas, whose CV includes stints at Odd Culture Group, Restaurant Hubert and Banksii, will serve as venue manager.
Originally from the Riverina region of NSW, Schroeter has run kitchens and owned restaurants from Sydney to Brisbane, London, Switzerland and New York City, including The Savoy London, Royalton Hotel New Year, Sydney fave Bistro Moncur and the former Bayswater Brasserie.
He’ll be personally serving guests at the chef’s table in a French omakase, a “leave it to the chef” dining experience available for exclusive use. “You can drink and dine based on your own mood, the venue lets people have that type of freedom,” Schroeter says.
The design honours the building’s heritage, retaining the original convict-chipped sandstone, vaulted ceilings and tables hewn from a single native Coachwood tree.
“[This space has] always been one-of-a-kind and we’re proud to be its new custodians," he adds. "We want to honour it for what it is – a culinary icon of the city’s hospitality industry – and in doing so, welcome back those who loved it then, and invite a new generation to fall in love with its spirit now.”
In a thoughtful nod to the site’s history, Schroeder will source produce from the founding Adey family’s Mills Farm, occasionally dipping into their 35-year-old original cookbook for inspiration. “This room has always told me what it wants me to serve,” he says. “I’m just here to listen.”
After a successful three years operating Beckett’s, which he’d co-founded in 2021, Schroeter had left to pursue other interests. He’d still held an affinity for the site, so when it became available again, he jumped at the chance to return.
Darling Glebe will be open for dinner Wednesdays to Sundays, with lunch available on Fridays. The Martini bar will operate from late afternoon to midnight.
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