WELCOME TO MARRAKESH
With international travel restrictions in place, we decided to bring a taste of adventure to Sydney … no passport required!
Inspired by the colours and flavours of Marrakesh, The Grounds of Alexandria has transformed into an urban oasis, with bright, bold features hidden around every corner. A delight for all the senses, this experience is a food-lover’s paradise with new Moroccan-inspired dishes added to the menu regularly and opulent private dining events for guests to enjoy.
It’s here until 18 April, so book a table in The Cafe or The Potting Shed to come and explore our latest creation.
As you step through the gate, you’ll be transported to a different land. Welcome to Marrakesh – a city that excites the imagination and evokes a sense of wonder.
Lush green plants line the laneways, filling the space with life and perfectly blending the natural beauty of the outdoors with old world charm.
As you round the corner, a rainbow of light guides you towards a beautiful arrangement of lanterns where brightly coloured creations swing gently in the breeze.
The sunlight illuminates displays of expertly woven baskets and exotic wares which line the bustling laneway, providing the perfect background for a selfie or two!
Events and Private Dining
Breakfast Banquet
Start your day in the best possible way, with a Moroccan-inspired breakfast banquet for 6-10 people at The Grounds of Alexandria.
High Tea
Settle in to enjoy a decadent high tea amongst a sea of brightly coloured cushions, hanging drapes and exotic furnishings.
Dinner Feast
Reserve your own, private space at The Grounds of Alexandria to share a lavish Moroccan feast with your family and friends.
Moroccan Woodfire
Fri, 11:30am – 3:30pm
Sat & Sun, 10am – 3:30pm
We’re opening the windows & flaming up the Moroccan woodfire oven for a new menu and experience in our garden this weekend!
Be the first to try this sizzling new Moroccan-inspired menu from our executive chef Paul McGrath in our luscious garden setting.
Limited Edition Menu
Available in The Grounds of Alexandria Cafe …
Beghrir
Available until 11:30am
Your tastebuds will be transported when you try these semolina pancakes with orange syrup, pistachio, pomegranate and almonds!
Ma’Qooda
Available until 11:30am
These delicious potato cakes with fried eggs, harissa, coriander and salsa are the perfect breakfast treat.
Almond Couscous
Available after 11:30am
Almond and pomegranate couscous with heirloom tomatoes, mint, olives, aubergine, courgette, preserved lemon and mint yoghurt.
Fire-Roasted Spatchcock
Available after 11:30am
These fire-roasted spatchcock pieces with preserved lemon, olives and a chickpea salad are zesty, bold and incredibly tasty.
Moroccan Hazelnut Slice
Available Daily
Hazelnut, fig and almond mousse, layered with hazelnut macaron sponge, fig jelly, almond marzipan mousse and topped with fresh figs.
Moroccan Pavlova
Available Daily
Orange blossom mascarpone cream with orange segments, mandarin, pomegranate and roast fig, topped with crushed pistachio, orange blossom fairy floss and served with mandarin coulis.
Terracotta Tower
Serves 2-3 | Available Daily
This pistachio, pomegranate and rosewater sponge cake with rosewater syrup, rosewater cream cheese frosting, pomegranate curd, fresh pomegranate and raspberries is topped with buttercream, crushed pistachio and dried rose petals is a real treat for the eyes … and the stomach!
Available in The Potting Shed …
Moroccan Dessert Board
Serves 2-3 | Available Daily
Treat yourself to assortment of sweet treats including:
- Almond, orange blossom and cinnamon m’hencha.
- Pistachio and hazelnut briouat, served with rosewater syrup.
- Almond and chocolate ghriba.
- Pistachio ice cream.
- Spiced Moroccan fruit salad containing orange, mandarin, pomegranate and fresh mint.
- Moroccan orange cake served with lemon syrup and mandarin marmalade.
Moroccan Iced Tea
Available Daily
Sit back, relax and enjoy The Grounds’ own Moroccan Gunpowder Green Tea brewed with fresh mint, pomegranate and lemon, garnished with fresh mint, and orange wheel and beautiful rose petals.
Share to Win
We love seeing your photos of The Grounds! Share a photo of your favourite moment from amongst our ‘Welcome to Marrakesh’ experience on Facebook or Instagram, tagging @thegrounds and using the hashtag #TravelToTheGrounds for the chance to win a $200 Grounds voucher.
Visiting The Grounds
Day
We’re open daily for brekkie, brunch or lunch in The Cafe or The Garden! Tables are limited and bookings are essential.
Night
Join us in The Potting Shed for lunch and dinner. Seats are limited, so book early to make sure you don’t miss out!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the ‘Welcome to Marrakesh’ experience be at The Grounds?
Sadly, all good things must come to an end! Visit The Grounds of Alexandria before Sunday, 18 April 2021 to explore our vibrant new experience before it all disappears.
What inspired the Moroccan theme?
We posted a Facebook poll to determine the theme of our next installation and Morocco was the clear winner – you asked and we listened!
Influenced by her trip to Morocco in 2019, The Grounds’ Creative Developer, Therese Moussa was really excited to work with local suppliers to bring this experience to life, paying tribute to a land that has provided so much inspiration.
Can I visit The Grounds after hours?
After-hours access is reserved for patrons who dine in The Potting Shed, event guests or people with tickets for a private dining experience. Alternatively, before 10pm, you can purchase an after-hours pass from our friendly staff at The Bourke Street gate (card payments only), for $5 per person (kids under 10 years free). A portion of your contribution will be used to cover our staff and cleaning costs, while the remaining money will be donated to charity.
To control venue capacity and keep everyone safe, you may be asked to wait until a space in the laneways becomes available, but we’ll do our best to ensure that everyone can move through the space in a timely manner.
Please note that there will be no access to the space after 10pm.
What are The Grounds doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
While we’ve always had strict hygiene practices and cleaning standards in place at The Grounds, we’ve taken additional steps to reduce the risks and protect our staff, guests and the wider community. Learn more here.
How can I book a table at The Grounds of Alexandria?
For the time being, to help us adhere to the current regulations and to limit the number of people waiting in queues, tables must be pre-booked online. Make a booking for breakfast or lunch in The Cafe or The Garden here or reserve a table in The Potting Shed here.
Do I need a booking to visit The Grounds?
No – you can also visit The Grounds to order takeaway or pick-up your catering or ready-meal order.
Please be aware that the ‘Welcome to Marrakesh’ experience has been created for our restaurant guests to enjoy. We love new content for the ‘gram as much as the next person, but please don’t stop by to take photos if you don’t intend to dine at The Grounds. We know that the experience is beautiful, but the safety of our guests, staff and the wider community is our top priority.
Is there parking available at The Grounds?
Limited parking is available at The Grounds of Alexandria and entry to the car park is via Huntley Street. While we can’t guarantee parking onsite, we will always try to prioritise the elderly, people with disabilities, parents with prams and young children, and those who carpool with 3 or more people, where we can. Learn more here.
How can I travel to The Grounds via public transport?
Getting to The Grounds of Alexandria is easy with public transport! We suggest downloading the Trip View app from your app store, as it provides helpful information about public transport and will be able to help you locate your stop. Learn more here.