Two Noble turning heads at historical site

GEELONG’s historical culinary haven, the Saywers Arms Tavern has heralded a new era and opened an exciting fine dining experience just a short tip toe upstairs.

Nestled on the top floor of the 173-year-old Newtown pub, Two Noble specialises in Southeast Asian cuisine with a particular modern Australian flair that champions local food and wine producers.

The venue, which opened just over a fortnight ago, is the latest masterstroke of successful publican Paul Upham, who previously transformed the Lorne Hotel into the popular Movida and Coda restaurants, before selling to Merivale.

 

Mr Upham has attracted an all-star team to help him head up his exciting new venture, including Coda alumni in executive chef Mario Tambajong and restaurant manager Adam Zelley as well as prestigious local chef Jackson Hunt, who has recently transformed the Sawyers Arms Tavern menu downstairs.

The venue’s refined interiors have been made to complement the daringly delicious menu, with a selection of organic materials, suspended lanterns, and curated artworks by local designer Pip Johnson exuding warmth and vibrant comfort.

 

After selling out most of its dining slots over the past fortnight, Mr Upham said he feels as if Two Noble is certainly going to be a winner in the Geelong region.

“Two Noble complements Sawyers Arms Tavern with a differentiated restaurant experience under the one roof.

“It has grown out of our love of Asian food and the desire to share it with everyone else.

“We want to offer a really social, approachable fine dining experience and believe it’s the next level up from what’s on offer in Geelong.

“I want people to sit down with friends and family with the confidence it’s going to be relaxed, but also at the highest standard. Food, wine and service – just a really good experience.

“We’ve got the band back together and created a team we’re confident can deliver something really special in this space.”

Mr Upham said his move into the hotelier space has been shaped with plenty of wisdom imparted from his father and prestigious hotelier John Upham.

Over a 53-year career, Paul’s father had stints owning the Barwon Club, the Cremorne Hotel, a reception centre at Sladen House and then purchased the Lorne Hotel.

Eight years ago, having been inspired by his father’s work, Paul threw in the papers to his marketing and banking career and joined him at Lorne to follow in his footsteps.

 

“Dad was a publican for 53 years and had various venues in Geelong during his time.

“I always had a passion for good food but had chosen to go down a different path early on.

“Eight years ago, I switched it all out, decided to join my dad down at Lorne, buy into it and its where I guess it all took off.

“I was really lucky to work with some great people in Frank and Andy at Movida and Kate and Michael from Coda to capatalise on the space down there.

“We helped to transform Lorne, sold it in 2021 and then purchased Sawyers in September last year.

“The start at Lorne really gave me some great contacts in the industry, which I’m very thankful for.

“I’m just absolutely loving being back around restaurants and am just so excited for the future.”

 

Mr Upham says he has given executive chef Mario Tamajong full reign of the kitchen and said the plaudits for his work have been coming in fast.

His menu has a particular emphasis on diverse textures, flavours and shared dining.

Signature dishes like the roasted duck with Cointreau hoisin, crunch on crispy Barangarook pork, strip

loin steak and the kingfish have all been hot off the plate lately.

The grilled prawn betel leaves and the Asian-style oyster kilpatrick with Chinese black vinegar and cured Chinese sausage and pork belly have also been popular choices.

“Mario is a bit of a genius in terms of doing what he does,” Mr Upham said.

Everything he does has a modern twist, and is made inside the venue which is very impressive.

“I don’t think there’s anything like the Two Noble experience in Geelong, and its the feedback we’ve been getting thus far.”

 

Guests who head into the restaurant can expect a varied and unique wine list which changes on a weekly basis.

Two Noble also feature a sweet selection of Southeast Asian inspired cocktails, with their vibrant flavours echoing those of the kitchen.

 

Mr Upham says he has high aspirations for the venue and hopes the team’s hard work can help to make it a top-notch world-class venue for dining and drinking.

“We hope Two Noble can be a one stop shop for everyone to bring them together to have a good time.

“We’ve used a crane bird as our logo, and its because when it isn’t breeding, it likes to flock and eat with its family.

“Essentially, the crane bird is the perfect symbolism of what we are trying to achieve here.

“Whether it’s a Friday business lunch or a friends and family dinner on a Saturday, we’ve got something for everyone and want to share the love.”

Two Noble is located at 2 Noble Street, Newtown, Geelong.

Book now at twonoble.com.au