Sydney landmark The Oaks has unveiled the final stage in the biggest remake of its history, welcoming Alala’s garden conservatory and an innovative new takeaway offering to the 133-year-old pub.
In 1975 David ‘Taffy’ Thomas, son of Alala Thomas, bought the Hotel in Neutral Bay, continuing the traditions of his parents.
The family has always embraced a hands-on school of operations, and four decades on David is still a near-daily sight, with his son Andrew Thomas at the helm at virtually all times.
After extensive planning, which included two companies executing research interviews with many locals and existing patrons, a major multi-million-dollar upgrade to facilities began, with the aim of broadening the old pub’s demographic appeal and further modernising some of the long-held aspects of the business.
In September stage one of the renovation came online, ushering in a new sports bar-themed space fronting bustling Military Road. (See PubTIC’s feature on Taffy’s HERE)
This week the second and final stage is open to the public, being the female-friendly Alala’s, and retail concept, The Oaks Bottle Shop and Takeaway.
Alala’s is an unapologetic nod to the strong feminine lineage of The Oaks’ late matriarch, reminiscent of a country homestead, with a central cast iron oven wafting aromas of roasted vegetables, meats and baked bread.
Pale timber furniture complements a colour palette inspired by the dappled sunlight of the famous 80-year-old oak tree just outside, blurring the transition from indoor to out, beneath the foliage and Alala’s striped canvas awning.
Chef Julian Nikiel presents a menu designed for sharing that champions seasonality, with fresh, local produce.
Inspired by the idea of a 1940s milk bar, The Oaks Bottle Shop and Takeaway is suitably slanted toward artisan beers, even featuring a communal tasting table and ‘try before you buy’ options fresh from its own draught tap.
It also boasts a rotisserie that will serve hot roast rolls until 1am, and takeaway options including whole rotisserie chickens, homemade sauces and fresh salads.
The two new spaces are connected, facing Ben Boyd Road, and represent the completion of the 12-month mission to find The Oaks’ new growth markets.
“We’ve always been great at catering for blokes, but we needed to expand our offering and transform this space into something a little more elegant that will cater to a more discerning crowd,” explains Andrew Thomas.
“We therefore focused on details that really matter such as handcrafted cocktails, commissioned artwork, maximising the natural light within the venue and providing a visual connection to our beloved oak tree.”
