Newtown’s pub culture is pulling in the big names

The colourful characters you can expect in the thriving suburb of Newtown. Brent Thorpe as Brenda Trolloppe, typifies the colourful entertainment at The Imperial at Erskineville.

It’s a growing food destination, adorned with street art, quirky characters and a vibe like no other in Sydney.

There’s plenty of things that make this little inner-west suburb attractive, also part of the reason why key hospitality players want to be part of its growing success and community spirit.

Just a suburb away, bar baron Justin Hemmes added the Queen Victoria Hotel in Enmore to his Merivale empire.

The Queen Victoria Hotel in Enmore has been nabbed by Merivale.

 

Justin Hemmes.

But rest assured, he said he’s not going to make any major changes before learning more about the neighbourhood.

He wants to see The Queen Vic as a one-stop-shop for locals to enjoy quality Hong-Kong street food at reasonable prices.

“Enmore has got its own little vibe going on — it’s got a great energy and a village feel,” Hemmes said.

“I want it to feel like a local to pop into, where you grab a bite to eat on your own or with a group of friends,” Hemmes said.

Then you’ve got the Keystone Group, who are behind Cargo Bar, The Winery and the inner west’s Newtown Hotel.

Known for its annual Cider Fair, showcasing more than 20 producers from around the world, Newtown Hotel has quickly become a local favourite.

It’s got a buzzing atmosphere which can be credited to its live music scene and a diversified food offering that goes beyond the traditional pub grub.

L to R: Sam Fuss, Richard Adamson and Dan Hampton from Young Henrys Cider brewers in the Cider Yard at Newtown Hotel.

Similarly, when they took over in 2010, with their first instalment, Freaky Tiki, they spent the time getting to know the area.

Newtown Hotel general manager Andy Condon said they worked with the community to find out what they would like in their local pub.

“Newtown is still going through a period of rapid growth and we love to see the venue as a bit of a blank canvas, where we can look at how locals use the venue and adapt accordingly,” he said.

John Singleton enjoying a beer at his Marlborough Hotel in Newtown.

Sydney hotelier Bruce Solomon and his Solotel Group are behind two Newtown venues: The Courthouse and The Bank Hotel and, as of January this year, The Newington in Petersham.

Joining the big names is popular city dance venue the Spice Cellar who packed their bags from the CBD about a month ago and moved into the Newtown precinct of Erskineville.

They’re now inside the basement of the Imperial Hotel and conveniently located just ­outside the lockout area. Australian entrepreneur John Singleton has got five inner west pubs and clubs in his stable, including Tokyo Sing Song, Miss Peaches and The Marlborough Hotel — all in the thriving suburb of Newtown.

Even Coldplay loved the area, filming their video clip for A Sky Full of Stars in the streets of Newtown. Picture: Toby Zerna

 

 

Source:  News Local - 23rd April 2015