Set high above Chippendale in one of Sydney’s most distinctive rooftop settings, The Old Clare Hotel will bring winter to a spectacular close with Flame & Feast, an immersive culinary experience combining live-fire cooking, premium Australian produce and engaging storytelling on Friday, 28 August 2026.
A landmark heritage hotel and cornerstone of Sydney’s creative inner-city precinct, The Old Clare Hotel, part of ODE Hotels, is renowned for blending character-rich architecture, contemporary hospitality and unique guest experiences. Its iconic rooftop pool has become one of Sydney’s most recognisable urban destinations, and for one night only, will transform into the stage for an unforgettable live-fire dining spectacle.
This collaboration has been years in the making with television personality and storyteller Arrnott Olssen joining forces with acclaimed chef Jason Roberts for the first time in a public dining event. Together, they will host an intimate gathering of just 80 guests, creating an evening that blends exceptional food with meaningful conversation, provenance and connection.
The centrepiece of the event will be a dramatic live cooking stage positioned above the hotel’s iconic rooftop pool, providing a theatrical backdrop as dishes are prepared over flames throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy a multi-course shared feast showcasing Australia’s finest seasonal ingredients, celebrating the farmers, producers and regions that define the country’s food culture.
The menu will hero premium Australian produce, including much-loved ingredients such as Humpty Doo Barramundi and Spencer Gulf Kingfish alongside other carefully sourced seasonal products selected for their quality, sustainability and flavour
Throughout the evening, Arrnott Olssen will guide guests with stories behind the food, offering insights into Australian producers, regional communities and the people who bring exceptional ingredients to the table. Paired wines, a signature arrival cocktail and communal long-table dining will further enhance the immersive experience.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the event and the role food plays in bringing people together, Chef Arrnott Olssen said: “I’ve always believed the best meals are the ones that leave you with more than a full stomach, they leave you with a story. Growing up in Fiji taught me that food is so much more than what’s on the plate; it’s culture, community, generosity and a way of bringing people together.
“That’s the spirit we’re bringing to Flame & Feast. Together with my great friend Jason Roberts, we’ll celebrate some of Australia’s finest producers and seasonal ingredients, cooking over live fire while sharing the stories behind every dish. It’s a privilege to shine a light on the farmers and producers who make our food possible, and I hope every guest leaves feeling inspired, connected and well fed.”
Ahead of this unique one-night celebration of fire, storytelling and Australian produce, Chef Jason Roberts shared, “There’s something timeless about gathering around a fire. It reminds us that more than cleverness, we need gentleness, kindness and the courage to share our stories. Returning to the fire has reignited something in me…it has helped navigate some of the harder stories and brought me back to what food has always meant: connection. To celebrate Australia’s extraordinary produce in this way is a privilege, but even more special is creating a table where people leave feeling nourished not only by the meal, but by each other.”
For Joel Gordon, Group General Manager of ODE Hotels, Flame & Feast is a natural expression of The Old Clare Hotel’s commitment to creating memorable, experience-led hospitality, commenting,“Flame & Feast captures exactly what The Old Clare Hotel does best, bringing together memorable hospitality, incredible food and a setting that feels unmistakably Sydney. Our rooftop has always been one of the hotel’s most iconic spaces, and to see it transformed through live-fire cooking, storytelling and some of Australia’s finest produce is a perfect expression of the experiences we want to create for our guests.”
More than a dining event, Flame & Feast represents The Old Clare Hotel’s commitment to creating unique experiences that connect guests through food, culture and storytelling. As the final chapter of the Fire & Frost series, the event brings together the warmth of fire, the richness of Australian produce and the shared joy of gathering around the table.
Tickets for The Old Clare Hotel’s Flame & Feast are available now via Eventbrite, with Early Bird pricing from $199 per person.
