Evolving from alternative music icon to public eyesore to extravaganza inspired by all corners of the globe, the legendary Leichhardt Hotel has reopened with a precinct-appropriate new offering.
Originally constructed in 1888, the Hotel became a haven for the alternative live arts scene in Sydney, developing a reputation as a cultural hub, hosting the likes of iconic Australian punk band The Saints.
The structure found its way onto the State heritage register, protecting both its exterior and interior, and stymied publican Peter Whitfield engaged architects to create a new cutting-edge hospitality space in a former car tyre workshop on Norton Street, less than a kilometre away, and in 2002 the Leichhardt moving to its new location.
But in 2014, citing financial stress, the pub shut its doors, and in the decade since it has come to be something of a blight on the streetscape.
Now, in the heart of Little Italy, Spicetown Leichhardt could be just what the slightly tired hospitality strip needs.
Following months of renovations, the new left-field concept ushers a large-format and technicolour venue adorned with a mix of themes, from mirrors and bourgeois Baroque to Bollywood movie posters.
No less than 21 stalls, in the style of Asian street markets, have been set up within the dormant Hotel, offering a sweeping array of international cuisine.
The grand opening took place Saturday, with accompanying family-friendly events, such as face painting, balloon artists and entertainment.
“The response so far has been fantastic. It was a very successful weekend,” Blairgrove Group’s Gina Liros told PubTIC.
Blairgrove P/L also operate the nearby Burwood Hotel, as well as Miss Mahjong’s, Burwood Chinatown, the Grand Shanghai Hotel, and Spicetown Sefton, and holding the Leichhardt site, determined to use it as the location for a sister venue to the Sefton venue.
The group wants the new iteration to be about “the experience beyond food” and deliberately aimed for its to be vibrant and ‘Instagrammable’. To this end there is also the very eclectic Cosmos bar, upstairs.
The revival has sparked plenty of interest, generating news and reviews.
Liros says they are “very glad” to have opened in time for Leichhardt’s Norton Street party, Festa, this weekend.
The reimagined hotel is directly in line with council’s plan to revitalise Leichhardt’s restaurant scene, and Norton Street in expected to receive Special Entertainment Precinct zoning, as seen in Marrickville and Balmain.
Initially trading Thursday to Sunday (4-10pm), Liros shares that the derelict pub wasn’t really “providing anything” for the area, but the future looks positive.
“We had a huge intake,” she says. “We’re looking forward to seeing what this weekend brings.”
Already slinging street food from Turkey, China and Afghanistan, fried squid and “cheeto” hot dogs, Liros says it would be great to get some Italian options, given the area.
“We’re proud of how it’s turned out. We hope to continue to mix it up, adding all sorts of various international cuisines.”
Spicetown is perhaps the ultimate indoor multi-cultural experience, where groups can sample the flavours of the world.
“That’s the concept,” adds Liros. “You can eat something different every night, or share, and every person eat something from somewhere different.”
Full list of the starting line-up of vendors:
Abangs Churros
Acai
Afghan Street Bites
Cane Juice Bar
Chips on a Stick
Egg Burger
Fried Dumplings
Fried Squid
Geprek in Sydney
Gozleme
Hakuna Patata
…In a Box
It’s Corn!
Korean Cheese Corn Dog
Loaded Strawberry
Pharaoh BBQ
Popcorn Fried Chicken
Savory Gal
Skewer House
Tanghulu
Vegetarian Pancake