SIGNIFICANT renovations to The Brisbane Hotel commence next month that, by spring, should turn the pub into what its owners hope will be a destination venue.
New owner Geoff Hayward and business partner Stephen Scaffidi have decided on final plans for the pub that include a 55-foot bar and large beer garden.
“I want it to be a destination place,” Mr Hayward said.
Creating destination places is something he has been able to do with his nightclub Luxe, a venue that has been a success story for the Cino to Go creator.
“I had an offer [from someone wanting] to buy Luxe but I like it so much that I said no,” Mr Hayward said.
He said the plans he had in store for The Brisbane should prove popular.
The car park will be consumed by a large outdoor beer garden complete with two water features. That plan has received council approval.
Inside, a 55-foot bar will be the showpiece of the newly-renovated surrounds.
The new look will be refreshing in a familiar way, Mr Hayward said.
“It’s about being cutting edge but not scaring people with design. I want it to be a destination place but I want it to be the local,” he said.
“In France in Italy you have the same coffee bar you go to in the morning. You have a coffee and a cigarette and you do that every morning and you know everyone’s name. I’m trying to do that but with a pub.”
Plans for the upstairs space, once leased to Effie Crump Theatre, are not as concrete.
“I think it would be good for a comedy club. I’m looking for an operator,” Mr Hayward said.
