Beloved Central Coast hospitality icon the Sunken Monkey has recently closed for extensive renovations and a rebrand back to days of old.
The pub, which sits on the banks of Erina Creek, will now be known again as the Woodport Hotel, and is expected to reopen later this year.
In 2016, as the Sunken Monkey, it won both Entertainment Hotel of the Year and prestigious major award Hotel of the Year – Country, at the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.
In 2018 it was purchased from Brian Roy and family by newcomers Three Blokes and a Pub, which is Woodport GM and licensee Sean Wagstaff with brothers Rodney and Brett Matterson, who run building company TCQ Construction.
TCQ is known for its high-end hospitality builds and is heading up the pub’s renovation.
With works currently projected at $8 million, the full-scale transformation includes demolition and extension of existing structures, and a reimagining of the hotel’s bars, kitchen, function spaces and nightclub.
The vision for the hotel is to honour the pub’s heritage while embracing the future, offering a vibrant community hub promoting a strong sense of belonging and a friendly, social atmosphere, all within a modern, visually stunning space.
The multi-level venue will offer a new garden bar, a sleek and modern sports bar, a dry bar balcony and upmarket yet relaxed dining spaces alongside its wine bar and nightclub.
The new kitchen will be led by head chef Mark Ferraro while entertainment will range from international artists to down-to-earth, old-school hospitality.
Wagstaff says the owners have always considered the local pub a place of connection, no matter where they have lived.
“They believe pubs are more than venues.
“They’re neutral ground, places of social flexibility, and often the heartbeat of local communities”.
The reinvented Woodport Hotel has also hinted at a “surprise addition” for the second floor, yet to be revealed.
