Multi-million dollar renovation under way.
Landmark Brunswick pub Sarah Sands Hotel will re-open in May 2021, following a renovation that will revitalise the shuttered venue and return it to the local community. Sarah Sands Hotel has a long history in Melbourne, dating back to 1854. In 2021, the Brunswick institution will return to its original name and purpose: a proper local’s pub.
Melbourne-based pub group Australian Venue Co is breathing new life into the historic hotel, working with architects Studio Y. on the renovation. The project, which has a budget in excess of $2million, will deliver a new pub dining room, kitchen and bar inside the two-storey venue.
The hotel, previously trading as Irish-themed bar Bridie O’Reilly’s, has been closed since 2017. AVC acquired the leasehold in October 2019 and construction is currently underway for a May 2021 re-opening.
“This pub has great bones, and a long history in the community. Finding ways to revitalise heritage venues and update them to meet the needs of locals is something we take so much pride in at Australian Venue Co. We can’t wait to get the neighbours in for a first look!” said Australian Venue Co Chief Executive Officer Paul Waterson.
“Opening a venue that has been closed for a long period of time is always rewarding – we love bringing beautiful old pubs back to life,” he said.
Executive Chef Telina Menzies is writing a menu anchored by high-quality pub classics, with hearty vegetarian versions of pub favourites also available.
Australian Venue Co is looking to hire locally for the re-opening, with both front-of-house and back-of-house opportunities available.
Australian Venue Co operates a number of historic pubs across Melbourne and takes pride in preserving the heritage and character of these local institutions. Other historic venues in Melbourne include The Duke of Wellington in Melbourne’s CBD, which is Melbourne’s oldest licensed pub; O’Connell’s in South Melbourne; Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn; and Middle Park Hotel in Middle Park.
Sarah Sands Hotel is slated to re-open in May 2021.
Sarah Sands Hotel
29 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
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