Australian Venue Co has breathed new life into a loyal local landmark, investing $2.5 million in a makeover of Dunwoody’s Hotel, in Cairns North.
The pub re-opened this week following a renovation introducing a completely revamped bistro, sports bar and gaming room, and a new beer garden.
The beer garden offers access to an indoor-outdoor bar and shaded dining – to keep patrons comfortable – and two drinking and dining zones plus a kids play area, catering for social crowds as well as family groups.
There is seating for 150 guests in the renovated bistro, serving a new menu by executive chef Dylan Kemp that offers pub classics alongside fresh, high-quality dishes – championed by the Grill, ranging six steaks, from the new, in-house dry ager.
The wider menu includes snacks and starters designed to share, salads, burgers and sandwiches, mains and desserts.
There is also a new stage in the bistro, set to offer entertainment throughout the week including weekly trivia and bingo, party bands on Friday nights, soloists and duos on Saturdays, and jazz and blues on Sundays to round out the weekend.
Each month Dunwoody’s will host Drag Trivia, starting 26 May, and the pub proudly supports the Young Animal Protection Society, courtesy of a weekly donation of $1 from every parmi sold every Wednesday.
“Dunwoody’s is a locals’ pub,” proclaims venue manager Jason Finlayson.
“With a complete transformation of the venue, we’re excited to meet more of our local community and to welcome back familiar faces as well.
“I think the beer garden is going to be a hit with local families.”
Dunwoody’s has proudly served the North Cairns community for 30 years and AVC sees the renovation as money spent wisely.
“We’ve invested heavily in Dunwoody’s because it’s a landmark pub and our community deserves the best experience when they go out with their family and friends,” says AVC COO Craig Ellison.
A Welcome Weekend will be held 3-5 June, dishing up 200 free Wagyu beef burgers across the three days, Sports Bar Party with Tradie Club BBQ and live music on the Friday, “all-day celebrations” and live music on Saturday, and free kids’ meals and entertainment plus jazz and blues from 2pm on Sunday.
