The Guildford Hotel’s long-awaited relaunch happened over the weekend, coinciding celebrations with the Back to Guildford Street Festival.
Cumberland City Council ran the free, family-friendly street festival to launch the upgrade of Guildford Laneway, built to be a safer environment for women as part of the Safer Cities: Her Way program.
The multi-celebration event kicked off with an acknowledgement of country by respected indigenous elder Uncle Col, who has connections to the local Bidjigal community.
Following this was the official re-opening of the 98-year-old Guildford Hotel by Mayor Lisa Lake, crowing its extensive $5 million renovation.
Street festival entertainment included an Arabic drummer performance along with a lion dance by Sydney Yun Yee Tong Dragon and Lion Dancing group, who blessed the hotel with success.
“This [festival] aligns perfectly with our strategy of making our new venue a place welcoming for everyone,” said Chris Farnon, spokesperson for the Hotel.
While festivities continued outside, locals were invited to have a look around the venue and admire its new mural by Nico Nicoson depicting local history and the diverse cultures within the area.
The hotel has a space for every occasion, including a relaxed lounge, separate cocktail bar, a family-friendly bistro area, alfresco dining and a dedicated kids’ area, while its new state-of-the-art sports bar boasts an enormous four-metre screen for live sports.
Guests were also invited to experience the hotel’s new food and drink menus, getting the first taste of the revamped kitchen’s Moroccan-inspired grills, alongside regular pub fare, while the inclusive drinks menu has been carefully curated to include a wide selection of non-alcoholic mocktails, beers, wines and spirits.
True to its community-focused ideals, the pub is also a major sponsor of the Guildford County Soccer Club.
Former Sydney Lord Mayor Nelson Meers’ operation, with its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all, aims to be a beacon of community pride and cultural appreciation, enriching the fabric of Guildford and surrounds for generations to come.
