The William Inglis Hotel is part of the A$140 million Riverside Stables precinct, developed by thoroughbred horse sales company and fifth generation family business, William Inglis & Son. It is the first MGallery by Sofitel high-end boutique hotel to be built in Western Sydney.
Located on Governor Macquarie Drive, the eight-level hotel celebrates William Inglis and his family’s racing and thoroughbred history. Each of its 144 guestrooms are named after a championship racehorse sold through Inglis’ sales rings; with the Presidential Suite bestowed the title of legendary mare Black Caviar.
A blurb on each horse is placed at the entrance of the rooms, with an artist’s impression of the steed inside.
High-quality cream, beige and tan furnishings create a homey, country feel; while the leather accessories, racehorse imprinted carpets and horseshoe trinkets continue the equine theme. Guests even get the chance to wake up to a view of horses being trained right next to the hotel.
For elegant paddock-to-plate dining, step into the Newmarket Room restaurant – named after William Inglis & Son’s original business location in Newmarket, Randwick. The restaurant is headed by well-known Sydney chef Samuel Bull, whose previous experience includes North Bondi Italian and Bondi Icebergs. Its floor to ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of the Warwick Farm track and one of its walls holds a dazzling display of Group 1 winner plaques.
The hotel’s 1867 Lounge – a nod to the year William Inglis & Son was built – is on the mezzanine level and serves an extensive range of high-end whisky, wine and cocktails. Be sure to try the Espresso Martini while you marvel at the original photographs from the Inglis family’s private collection dotted throughout the bar.
To finish the day, head upstairs to the hotel’s pièce de résistance: the Chiltern Pool Deck & Bar. Named after the Inglis’ Chiltern Stables in Newmarket (and complete with the original Chiltern Stables signage) the deck features a luxurious infinity pool overlooking the racecourse. It’s a chance to wind down after a relaxing day, with an option to sit in one of the cabanas or languish in the sun loungers.
And for those looking to host a high-end yet country-style function, why not try the nearby ‘Big Barn’? This classy venue is modelled on the heritage listed ‘Big Stable’ in Newmarket. Able to seat 200 guests, it incorporates timber slats from the original Inglis stables in Randwick.
Not a bad way to keep Australia’s horse-loving tradition alive.
