Australian Venue Co. has announced a new addition to its portfolio with purchase of Brunswick’s historic, newfound Sarah Sands Hotel.
Located in Melbourne’s eclectic north-side neighbourhood, the Georgian-style Sarah Sands has stood sentry on the corner of Brunswick and Sydney Roads since establishment in 1854.
Its moniker comes from the legendary steamship Sarah Sands, which traversed the globe from 1846 to 1869, and as well as passaging parcels between continents and troops to the Crimean war, she is believed to have brought the Hotel’s original licensee, Robert Barry, to Australia.
The pub served many incarnations over the decades, doing time as an adult club in the 80s, then developing a reputation for live music; in the mid-90s it was transformed and rebranded into what would be a long-standing Irish institution, Bridie O’Reilly’s.
Beginning a new chapter, the building is being recreated in collaboration with architects Jackson Clements Burrows, the once hidden facade restored to “her original beauty” and set to offer 31 new bespoke residences next door, as well as unique work spaces and dining destinations.
AVC has taken on the operation, planning to restore and re-imagine Sarah Sands to her full glory, providing a contemporary but relaxed establishment for locals of all ages to socialise over quality food and drink.
It will provide both restaurant and bar areas over two levels, in what is planned to be a sleek and stylish yet warm and familiar atmosphere.
A natural gastro-pub, the menu will be updated seasonally and see the “usual pub suspects” such as chicken parmas and burgers alongside premium meat and seafood.
Drinks will reportedly include both classic and innovative takes on cocktails, alongside the obligatory extensive wine and beer lists.
AVC operates over 150 venues across all mainland states, including Melbourne institutions The Provincial Hotel in Fitzroy and Imperial Bourke Street in the CBD.
Brunswick is one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs and a mash-up of old-school meets new cool. The group intends for the historic Hotel’s new fit-out to pay homage to its long heritage whilst providing a modern solution for the precinct.
The extensive renovation is slated for completion toward the end of 2020.
“The addition of Sarah Sands allows us to grow our pub footprint in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, whilst filling a gap in the Brunswick market as a pub for all,” says AVC CEO Paul Waterson.
“She was infamous for her hospitality of previous generations and we hope to carry this forward and re-imagine the Sarah Sands experience as a new local favourite for north-siders.”
