Following the acquisition, Schwartz intends to rename the Empire Lounge the Sydney Seaplane Lounge. The venue is located over the water at Rose Bay in Sydney’s east.
The venue, which also acts as a kind of museum for historic “flying boats”, can host events for up to 160 people, with indoor and undercover outdoor space available. There is also a smaller meeting room which can host groups of 12. Events at the venue can be booked throughout the day and in the evening.
Events can also be combined with seaplane rides through Sydney Seaplanes, which take off and land from outside the lounge.
Sydney Seaplanes offers trips to destinations north of Sydney, including restaurants, accommodation and a pearl farm on the Hawkesbury River.
The venue has recently taken on a new head chef, Natali Mikailoğlu, who comes with previous experience at Rockpool and Merivale. She has developed modern Australian menus for both the restaurant and its event offering, prioritising seasonal and local produce, particularly seafood.
Through his family’s company, Schwartz also owns – amongst other hospitality offerings – the Fairmont Blue Mountains, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Blue Sky Airways, an air charter company in the Hunter Valley.
