Australian Venue Co has been investing heavily into Queensland, shelling out millions on redesigns at some of its Brisbane pubs.
The Crown Hotel in Lutwyche will soon re-open after a $2.4 million renovation to the historic venue, boasting a stylish new bistro, sleek sports bar and picturesque new beer garden.
The Crown’s bistro features an open-air area that flows onto the showstopping new beer garden and heritage pavilion, with seating for 140 patrons.
AVC invited local residents and business owners to preview the menu and to get feedback on the food and drinks, and what they would like to see when the Hotel re-opened. Their comments were taken on board, inspiring menus and a “cracking line-up of activity” such as comedy and themed trivia.
The bistro menu is the creation of executive chef Dylan Kemp and head chef Jamie Blake, offering a balance of high-quality pub classics as well as on-trend casual dining options.
The Sports Bar also had a major makeover, aiming to be the ultimate Lutwyche destination to watch games live and loud.
Built 1881, the 140-year-old pub was earmarked for special treatment.
“Lutwyche needed something a bit special, and we’re happy to create that for locals,” says Australian Venue Co COO Craig Ellison.
“It brings the drinking and dining experience you’d expect at a trendy pub in the city, but without losing the casual charm of a neighbourhood hangout.”
Crown Hotel’s polish follows that of the Beenleigh Tavern, in Logan, which reopened recently after its $1.45 million renovation, overhauling its Sports Bar, bistro and gaming room.
The new-look Tavern offers hearty meals, no-fuss drinks and live entertainment. Aiming to cater to all ages, the bistro brings a new menu serving pub classics, share plates, a Kids menu and good value. There are low tables, comfortable banquettes and greenery, a bistro bar and a kids’ play area.
The classic parmy has been ramped up, now including the Outback Parmy, with maple bacon, fried egg, onion rings and BBQ sauce, the French Parmy, with shaved ham, brie, bearnaise and avocado, and the Vego Parmy, made with a whole roasted eggplant.
Beenleigh Tavern has a long history as a live music venue, and the new Sports Bar will aim to be one of the best live music destinations in Logan. Sporting an industrial look, with exposed brick and wood panelled walls, it features high tables and a stage that will host frequent, big-ticket live music gigs and events.
Major acts scheduled or playing in the first few months have included The Black Sorrows, Diesel, Made In The 80s and Shannon Noll.
Weekly Specials are an ongoing focus. Kids eat free Monday to Thursday, a Seniors Lunch is on offer every day, as is Happy Hour, from 4-6pm.
The sports bar hosts “Thursday Night Live”, bringing open mic nights, karaoke, musical bingo and ‘wild west’ karaoke. Friday nights rock DJs and local artists, while Saturdays will feature local bands and major touring acts.
Australian Venue Co (AVC) operates around 170 pubs around Australia, and a number of Brisbane’s most popular, including Regatta Hotel, Riverland and Friday’s.
It has conducted major renovations in its Queensland sites this year, counting Bonny View Hotel in Bald Hills, Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, and King’s Beach Tavern on the Sunshine Coast.
