St.George Bank recently hosted its fourth annual Pub Design Tour, treating hoteliers to a night of insights into some on-trend renovations in Sydney pubs.
The evening began with coaches transporting a posse of publicans to Public House Group and the Fallon brothers’ exquisite The Buena, and its instalment of gastropub institution Bistro Moncur.
Designers SJB Interiors and Tess Regan were commissioned to create something to appeal to patrons of all generations at the Buena, and spoke of incorporating the curves seen at the front of the Hotel throughout, in arch windows, furniture and table tops.
The only pub in the heart of Mosman, it boasts three sections – the Sports Bar, the Vista Bar upstairs, and the Bistro Moncur restaurant, necessitating a modern well-equipped kitchen, made open-plan for customer theatre.
The Tour then moved on to the Firehouse Hotel, in North Sydney. This pub was the result of owner Mark Barry’s lease in Berry St ending, leading to his purchase of the former fire station in Walker St in 2001.
A renovation of the ground floor was completed three years ago, and as a new 39-storey office tower is constructed next door and the new Channel 9 headquarters are occupied to the rear, the second storey has been reinvented as an elegant and functional versatile space, with a variety of zones and table settings including generous booths.
Barry has a background in building and played a hands-on role in the project, with design consultant Edge Design Studios. Barry spoke of the care taken with subtle features to honour the building’s heritage, such as hydraulic fittings for light fixtures.
The St.George team spoke of the continuing high standard of “innovative and eye-catching venues” being rewarded with success.
“The standard of offer to customers is a real reflection of the effort, energy and capital hotel owners are putting into their venues – the phenomenon that is driving the growth and outperformance of the sector,” offered Paul Hilder, St.George’s executive manager hospitality & accommodation.