Chef Darryl Martin has departed Watermans, citing a combination of personal and professional reasons. In a statement, Martin said his decision was influenced by his wife’s recent diagnosis of a neurological disorder, which has left her unable to work, drive or be left alone safely. He said the situation had placed financial pressure on his family, requiring him to explore additional revenue streams.
Martin also noted “different perspectives on direction and vision at Watermans” as a contributing factor, though he expressed respect for everyone involved and said he looks back on his time there positively.
The restaurant’s website now describes Watermans as a modern Greek dining venue, with a menu to match. Martin’s signature eastern Mediterranean dishes, which he developed at the now-closed Marrickville restaurant Barzaari before being recruited to lead the high-profile Barangaroo venue, have been removed.
Bentley Restaurant Group launched Watermans earlier this year as a broadly eastern Mediterranean concept. The restaurant holds two hats in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.