Brothers Alex, Will and Andrew Cooney have taken on the beleaguered Phoenix Hotel – with plans to reinvent the baby of the Paddington pub scene.
With a new pared-back décor and trendy share-style menu more like that of a boutique small bar, the new look may offer a suitable contrast to the big-ticket gastro pubs of the area.
“Running a pub is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Will Cooney told PubTIC.
“But I couldn’t do it on my own – such a big venture. There’s so much more to it than just opening the doors and just letting people walk in.”
Will says his brother Alex is a builder, and played a large role in fitting out the Mediteranean-styled venue – as well as managing publicity around the opening, and bringing in plenty mates to help prop up the bar.
The Phoenix, located on Moncur Street, down the road from the famous Woolahra Hotel – home of Bistro Moncur – has suffered some failed incarnations in recent years, including a stint as a champagne bar and one attempt to convert the space into a trendy flower shop.
The freehold sold earlier this year for around 3 million, and the Cooney brothers have signed on for the leasehold.
While Will has worked in hospitality for some time, including a few years with the much-respected Ryans Hotels, this is their first hotel venture, and the brothers are conscious of the area’s iconic venues and gentrified locals. The kitchen will be run by chef Nick Alexeeff, formerly of Bondi’s Brown Sugar.
“We’re not a gastro pub,” continued Will. “We aren’t trying to be.
“We want the interior and menu to reflect our Greek heritage – with something of a Helenic twist on the food.
“The official launch will be soon, and we’re very excited.”
