In a seamless fusion of world-class dining and elite tennis, Brisbane-based hospitality group St Albans is returning to the AO Reserve program for the second consecutive year in 2026. With the unveiling of The Bistro by SK Steak & Oyster and the highly anticipated return of Sushi Room’s On Court by Piper-Heidsieck, the Australian Open is once again redefining event hospitality with an offering that is as refined as it is exclusive.
As the official premium dining arm of the Australian Open, AO Reserve is a groundbreaking initiative that reimagines Grand Slam hospitality. Designed to bring fans closer to the action while delivering elevated experiences, AO Reserve exemplifies the Australian Open’s commitment to innovation. And at the centre of this curated program sits St Albans — the powerhouse behind Brisbane’s most acclaimed venues including Hellenika, Sushi Room, SK Steak & Oyster, and Sunshine.
A New Culinary Chapter: The Bistro by SK Steak & Oyster
Making its AO Reserve debut in January 2026, The Bistro by SK Steak & Oyster marks the group’s latest contribution to Melbourne Park’s elite dining landscape. Positioned within the heart of the AO precinct just steps from Rod Laver Arena, this refined venue merges the electric atmosphere of Grand Slam tennis with SK’s celebrated approach to service and culinary excellence.
Curated by head chef Charlie Roche, the three-course set menu will feature a selection of SK’s most iconic dishes, elevated by a five-hour premium beverage package. Diners can expect indulgent flavours and polished execution, culminating in an exclusive AO Reserve-only creation — SK’s renowned sweet corn agnolotti. This immersive experience is further enhanced by reserved seating in the lower bowl of Rod Laver Arena, offering unmatched proximity to the tournament’s most thrilling moments.
A Return to the Pinnacle: Sushi Room’s On Court by Piper-Heidsieck
Returning after a sold-out 2025 season, Sushi Room’s On Court by Piper-Heidsieck resumes its place as AO Reserve’s most coveted culinary experience. Hidden within a discreetly transformed player change room beneath Rod Laver Arena, this omakase encounter is the very definition of exclusivity.
Under the artistry of head chef and sushi master Shimpei Raikuni, guests are guided through a 12–15 course omakase experience that celebrates purity, trust, and precision. Raikuni’s reputation as one of Australia’s most respected Japanese culinary minds is on full display as each dish is meticulously prepared in front of guests, with the menu centring around the finest seasonal produce.
Accompanied by Piper-Heidsieck champagne, a premium wine selection, private chauffeur service, and coveted courtside seats, On Court invites diners to transcend traditional hospitality. The journey includes a walk through the player’s tunnel and down the Walk of Champions — a moment reserved only for those experiencing this ultra-premium package.
“The On-Court experience for Sushi Room is unrivalled,” says St Albans owner Simon Gloftis. “To get to the courtside seats, which are quite literally on the court, you walk through the player’s tunnel, down the Walk of Champions. The Sushi Room experience is the only way you can do that. It’s surreal.”
The inclusion of both SK Steak & Oyster and Sushi Room in AO Reserve signals more than a culinary expansion — it’s a proud moment for Queensland hospitality. As the only restaurant group from Queensland to be part of AO Reserve, St Albans brings with it a standard of excellence that blends great food, impeccable service, and warm hospitality.
“I’m honoured to be partnering with the AO again for Australia’s most premium event,” Gloftis shares. “To be the only restaurant group from Queensland, it’s really special. The enormity of it is not lost on me.”
This commitment to authenticity extends beyond the plate. “For the AO to send their design team up to Brisbane, it’s next level. It really shows the depth of care in replicating not only the look, but more importantly the feel of our venues on site at Rod Laver Arena.”
The AO Reserve Experience
AO Reserve tickets are now on sale for day and night sessions across the tournament, running from Sunday 18 January to Sunday 1 February 2026. With demand expected to mirror the sold-out success of 2025, the return of Sushi Room and the debut of The Bistro by SK promise to elevate the AO Reserve offering even further.
Whether it’s the intimacy and artistry of On Court or the relaxed sophistication of The Bistro, St Albans continues to raise the bar for Australian dining on the international stage — serving excellence, one unforgettable moment at a time.
