Redfern’s 104-year-old landmark The Norfolk will reopen later this month, after its closure last year when previous owners Public Hospitality Group fell into administration.
New custodians Solotel, who acquired The Norfolk along with Oxford House in Paddington, and Camelia Grove Hotel in Alexandria last December, will reopen The Norfolk on 23 April with an ‘Everyone’s Welcome party’.
Elliot Solomon, Solotel CEO, said the group’s role is now to rebuild and repair the relationship with the locals, to give back to the community.
To achieve this, the pub has been given a fresh redesign, celebrating its Art Deco features while adding some contemporary updates.
Solotel general manager Marcella Guilfoyle is leading the challenge, backed by executive chef Toby Wilson, who operates the venue’s taco restaurant Rico’s Tacos, and will now oversee the pub menu as well.
Solomon said he had been aiming to have Wilson work with Solotel for quite some time.
“He’s the taco king, but he’s also a really good chef. He makes great food but doesn’t take himself too seriously.” Solomon told the Daily Telegraph.
The pub menu will feature classics with a twist, such as a house-made pork and fennel sausage roll sold by the inch, and a crumbed fish sandwich with cabbage, green chilli and preserved lemon mayonnaise.
Focusing on supporting locals, nearby Good Ways Deli will provide fresh-baked focaccia daily as well as a lamington ice cream sandwich, a collaboration with local gelateria Ciccone & Sons.
Local brewer Yulli’s Brews have also collaborated with The Norfolk to offer a dark lager exclusive to the venue, promising to “capture the spirit of Redfern in a schooner”.
Guilfoyle says the group is glad to be part of revitalising the old pub.
“We’re proud to be bringing The Norfolk back to life – celebrating Redfern, embracing our neighbours and collaborating with some of the neighbourhood’s greatest success stories, and creating a space where everyone’s welcome.”
The ‘Everyone’s Welcome party’ kicks off at 6pm, 23 April 2025 at 305 Cleveland Street, Redfern.
