Big meal ideas for updated Cock N Bull pub

EXPECT a makeover of the food at The Grand Hotel (aka the Cock ‘n’ Bull), Bondi Junction in the same vein as has happened at the revamped Hunters Hill Hotel, the Clovelly Hotel and The Oxford, Drummoyne, says Iris Group MD Sam Arnaout.

Chef, Grant Croft at Clovelly Hotel, Clovelly. Picture: Craig Wilson

He says they will get feedback from locals, along with some market research, to work out what they want on offer at the Bondi Junction venue before making any changes.

“Naturally a food offering there, in it’s prime position in the centre of the Junction, will be very well received — no doubt about it,” Arnaout says.

“We’re only freshly in and we will probably spend the next six months getting some market knowledge about what the locals want to see there and then repositioning the venue in what is already a strong trading base but complementing it with that gastro pub feeling which I think will be very well received.”

Major revamps have already taken place at several Iris group pubs, including a huge new courtyard at the HHH, a Clovelly makeover, and rooftop terrace at The Oxford, with food taking a front seat. The group also own PJs Parramatta.

Grant Croft (ex The Cut, in The Rocks and Biota, Bowral) is leading the menu charge at Clovelly and Hunters Hills.

“We want to be able to catch the day trade that is working in the Junction as well as the weekend frequenters who want to come in and enjoy what is on offer in the Junction as well,” says Arnaout.

“Having come out of the same ownership for 35 years, I think the venue is ready for it.”

Source : The Daily Telegraph   December 16th 2014