Following a multi-million-dollar transformation, Solotel is today relaunching the former Carousel Inn as The Woodstock, with a new look and features for the grand dame of Rooty Hill.
The family group bought the super-large-format pub, on 1.7-Ha, in 2021 for around $64 million.
It represented both Solotel’s first new property in some time and its first step into one of Sydney’s major growth regions, and they spoke of consulting the community before planning the venue’s direction.
Marking the group’s twenty-fifth venue, CEO Elliot Solomon declared they are “here for the long haul” in one of their biggest investments to date.
It’s portfolio primarily in Sydney’s CBD, eastern suburbs and inner west, Solotel has worked to forge partnerships with local sporting clubs and community groups as it developed plans for the old Inn – a product of KP Architects and Solotel’s in-house design team.
Adorned in lime-washed finishes, earthy terracotta tones and warm timbers, The Woodstock is intended as a one-stop destination, to be the new community heartbeat of Rooty Hill and Sydney’s northwest corridor.
It will host occasions ranging from family dinners and weekend drinks to milestone celebrations, with seating for up to 600 people.
The Sports Bar delivers big screen action, featuring high-top seating and a dedicated lounge. Outdoor spaces encircle the pub, providing attractive settings for after-work drinks and weekend catch-ups, and a sprawling kids playground.
The bistro is said to be based in “generosity, flavour and great value” and serves a menu headlined by Mediterranean-inspired pub classics, from woodfired pizzas and chargrilled meats to large-format sharing dishes, as well as a selection of hero desserts.
There is a dedicated kids’ menu, and all children’s meals come with a free soft drink or juice.
A purpose-built events space caters for up to 250 people, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual and designed to be versatile, to host a variety of events, from weddings and community gatherings to corporate functions.
Solotel aim to attract families for meals during the week, pack the beer garden on sunny afternoons, belt out the big games in the Sports Bar and bring all and sundry to the event space.
“We want this place buzzing,” says Woodstock GM Rhyan O’Halloran.
Solomon furthers that they have created a warm and welcoming space that is going to be “full of life” seven days a week.
“We’ve designed The Woodstock to be a true local, somewhere you can bring the kids for dinner on a Tuesday, meet your mates for beers in the Garden Bar on a Saturday over live music, or celebrate a milestone with the whole extended family.”
To celebrate the launch Soloman says they are “bringing the community together” for a weekend packed with fun, set to include Messy Makers kids’ workshops, a headline reptile show, giant jumping castle, a brand-new outdoor playground, and a special meet & greet with Bluey and Winton.
For the adults, there will be live music each day, and the footy finals live and loud. Doors open 9am Saturday and 10am Sunday.
“That sense of community is at the heart of everything we do at Solotel and the Woodstock is a fantastic example of this,” Solomon says.
