Andrew Thomas has unveiled the completed multi-million-dollar-renovation of The Winston, offering the Nor-West community a customised transformation designed for family socialising.
The Thomas family has held the hotel since 2010, and opted to execute what has become a highly anticipated makeover as the Sydney growth corridor continued to evolve.
This ushers in Cala – a Palm Springs-inspired bistro and cocktail bar – alongside Taffy’s, a retro sports bar inspired by David ‘Taffy’ Thomas, and an alfresco dining area.
Cala’s design is a nod to the likes of the Santa Monica Hotel and Palm Springs, featuring pitched ceilings, timber framing, bold retro graphic accents and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open onto the outdoor area. Guests have a choice of cozy private nooks through to cabanas for hosting gatherings.
The menu in Cala brings a fresh twist on local favourites, shaped by the tastes of the Nor-West community, featuring pub classics, weekly specials, steaks from the grill, and an impressive selection of wood-fired pizzas. Many of the dishes are designed to be shared.
Inspired by the peachy colours and curves of Palm Springs, the cocktail lounge is imbued with soft, pink hues and a reflective ceiling. It introduces a fresh and vibrant drinks menu, highlighted by items such as seasonal flavoured margaritas, and a cocktail trolley with a selection of fruity mojitos muddled at the table – all tastefully complemented by a selection of local craft beers and wines.
Following its successful inception at the family’s famous The Oaks, Taffy’s blends nostalgia with sport-loving comfort, featuring large TV screens, old-school memorabilia and a menu filled with crowd favourites.
Venturing outside, guests find a space enriched with natural materials, terracotta tones and lush greenery.
“We’ve carefully designed our indoor and outdoor bistro, Cala and sports bar, Taffy’s, to cater to every guest,” explains Andrew Thomas.
To solidify its status as a social hub in the Nor-West community, The Winston will be hosting a range of events heading into summer. Coming soon will be an evening with Four Pillars Gin, a celebration for Melbourne Cup, a Stone & Wood dinner, and a procession of bottomless brunches.
Thomas says they are proud of the curated new amenities and choice.
“The main purpose was to be relevant and meet the demands of the ever-changing demographic in the area,” he says.
“The Winson is now a place that truly feels like home for our community.”
