An old north shore favourite has become a new local as the Belroy Hotel takes over and expands the former Gilroy’s Hotel of St Leonards.
For the past decade the site has been owned and operated by Garry McGrath’s Sonenco Hotels, which also holds the keys at Barangaroo pub The Sussex Hotel.
McGrath was looking to evolve Gilroy’s to deliver an even better experience and last week unveiled the result, envisioned by designer Emilie Delalande of Etic.
The major renovation includes expansion into the neighbouring building, doubling its size, while the new plan creates a venue with two contrasting yet connected spaces.
Behind the pub’s original amber façade is the ground floor Sports Bar, serving up televised sporting events and classic pub grub, amid a selection of draught beers featuring some of Sydney’s favourite breweries.
Patrons can venture upstairs into “an urban oasis” in the expansive, open plan Terrace Bar & Bistro. Adorned with highlight windows, lead-light glassed French doors and vast original pitched triangular skylight, the bright and airy conservatory-style space is flooded with natural light.
Blonde wood flooring and pale timber furniture complement terrazzo-topped long tables and sleek blue leather banquettes, beside an abundance of foliage and suitably forest green leather seats. The area is skirted by a huge wrap-around balcony and separate outdoor terrace, and features its own chicken rotisserie.
A selection of “playful” cocktails and a considered wine list complement the menu, served across both levels, providing share-style plates, gourmet burgers, and butcher’s choice steaks and crispy chicken schnitzel, as well as home-style dishes such as chicken and leek pie with mash and mushy peas, or the Belroy’s signature half or whole roast chicken, cooked on the French rotisserie.
“The Belroy Hotel is the ultimate urban city escape, with indoor and open-air spaces throughout its two levels, for you to enjoy drinking and dining across all seasons.”
77 Christie Street, St Leonards, NSW
