Momento’s momentous Oran Park Hotel officially opens this week, unveiling what is one of Australia’s largest and most ambitious hospitality and entertainment ‘mega-precincts’.
First to see the light is Jinja rooftop bar, beginning trading Thursday (3 April), atop the $50 million investment across 7,500sqm that aims to “redefine the leisure scene in south-west Sydney”.
Designed by Archibiosis Architects and built by Versatile Construction, works began in 2021, as Momento also revealed plans for a second pub in the area, the new Oran Park Tavern. Taking just over three years to complete, the Hotel is one of the largest hospitality developments in the country.
The group recognised the rapidly growing ‘burb and its need for a social hub.
“Oran Park has transformed into a thriving suburb with a strong sense of community, and we saw an opportunity to create a multi-level venue that brings people together,” Momento CEO David Clifton told PubTIC.
A worthy extension of the group’s award-winning venues, the new Oran Park Hotel spans three expansive levels. At centre stage is the Atrium, bathed in natural light and anchored by a striking bottle tree. Integrated bench seating, curved balconies and ambient lighting create intimate spaces, beneath an operable all-weather roof.
Areas of the Atrium can be exclusively hired or booked, making it suitable for private events or casual gatherings.
The array of offerings on the ground floor also includes the Bistro, open daily from 10am until late, donned in earthy tones, with a striking terracotta ceiling, custom terrazzo flooring and large windows overlooking the Atrium. Executive Chef Amilio Abouna, formerly of Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, serves a diverse menu ranging something for everyone, amid signature dishes such as the OP burger, herb-stuffed porchetta, and crispy fish tacos.
The Sports Bar shows multiple big TVs screening all the major Australian and global sporting events, as well as a games area featuring pool tables, darts, and pinball machines. Guests can choose from small bites and counter meals from the Bistro, available all day, and bar selections include beer tower specials. Outside, the Sports Terrace is an open-air space for watching the games, complete with a BBQ area and cozy fireplaces.
There is also live entertainment every week, counting Monday Poker and Tuesday Trivia, and live music on stage every Friday and Saturday, hosting local and national acts. The Entertainment Lounge is a further space for music, dancing, and games.
Papi’s Pizzeria & Bottle Shop, open 11am to 1am daily, serves house-made Italian-style pizzas topped with a mix of classic and inventive options, for takeaway or dining in a retro-inspired setting highlighted by bold reds and whites. Attached is the bottleshop, stocking a curated selection of approachable wines plus deli-style goods.
Stepping up to the first floor, there are two boutique cinemas, each seating up to 40 guests, making them ideal for private viewings, seminars and other small events. They will also host select events for the general public, such as sports screenings, retro films and kids’ movies.
Adjacent, is Crush Bar, inspired by the classic and elegant ‘crush rooms’ where cinema-goers sipped fancy beverages before and after shows. Patrons can choose from a rotating selection of exclusive wines by the glass and hand-crafted cocktails, surrounded by classic movie posters and iconic screen sirens.
Above it all is Jinja Rooftop Bar, with bold velvet seating, stylish rattan weaves, fire pits, a hanging swing chair and striking pink accents, offering panoramic views of Oran Park and an inspirational backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments. Open Thursday to Sunday, it features an Asian-inspired menu, for cocktails and dumplings.
For an even more intimate experience there is Jinja Private Dining, which is a secluded curtained-off space for up to 16 guests, intended for special gatherings and curated culinary experiences.
The Hotel also includes a dedicated indoor kids’ play area, and flexible event rooms catering to both private and corporate gatherings.
The Cellar Room is an exclusive space hidden behind a movable bookshelf, for intimate private dining; the Olive Dining Room is a sophisticated space for small gatherings; the Grand Dining Room caters to larger events; the Ballroom, complete with sculpted ceilings, pendant lighting and a crystal bar, suits formal events and grand celebrations; and the Macarthur Suites are an elegant setting for corporate functions and gala dinners.
Sustainability was a factor in the design, resulting in EV chargers, solar energy, green roofs and rainwater harvesting, helping to future-proof the structure.
And art plays a defining role in the venue’s character, led by a hand painted racing mural in the Sports Bar that celebrates Oran Park’s rich motorsport heritage, and installations by emerging local artists throughout the hotel.
In roughly the past decade Oran Park has evolved from farmland into one of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly growing areas, and Momento intends for the Hotel to be the ultimate destination for world-class hospitality and “unforgettable experiences” in the Macarthur Region.
“Oran Park Hotel is designed to be more than just a pub – it’s an entertainment and hospitality precinct where locals can connect, enjoy great food and entertainment, and experience a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the area,” says Clifton.
