ALH Hotels has continued its focus on venue renewals, with pubs in Queensland and Victoria recently unveiling refreshed looks and offers.
In Queensland, The Pub Mooloolaba has undergone a $2.3m renovation to transition the venue from a sports-bar focused offering to a more traditional whole-of-community pub. In Victoria, Cherry Hill Hotel has reopened after a $1.7m renovation to modernise the venue’s aesthetic.
The Pub Mooloolaba
Located in the heart of Mooloolaba Central and just a short stroll from the esplanade, The Pub Mooloolaba has moved beyond its roots as a sports-focused venue, and now caters to a broader range of social occasions for locals and visitors.
Led by architects and designers Cayas & Ward and built by McCormick, the transformation combines the bistro and sports bar into a unified food and beverage hub, and elevates the sports viewing experience. The renovation introduces a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, appealing to millennials looking for a laid-back spot to unwind.
Venue manager Brad Blennerhassett says the renewal reflects the evolving way people socialise and connect in Mooloolaba.
“We wanted The Pub Mooloolaba to feel like the go-to place for everyone, not just sports fans. Whether you’re grabbing a bite with friends, catching a game, or enjoying fresh local seafood, the new space is designed to bring people together in one communal venue.”
The new menu, crafted by Sunshine Coast local Zachary Pavitt, celebrates the region’s fresh produce, with a focus on locally-inspired dishes and seafood. Guests can enjoy favourites like freshly sourced prawns, fish, and oysters, alongside classic pub offerings..
“The Pub Mooloolaba has always been a cornerstone of this community, and now we’re proud to bring a fresh perspective to what a local pub can be. This isn’t just a place to watch sports anymore, it’s a vibrant space to eat, drink, and connect,” stated Blennerhassett.
Cherry Hill Hotel
Cherry Hill Hotel, in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Doncaster East, has reopened its doors. With sweeping views of Warrandyte’s rolling hills from its terrace, the revamped Cherry Hill Hotel is designed to cater to locals, millennial families, young tradies, and professionals.
Led by BSPN Architects, the renewal focused on creating a harmonious blend of modern and timeless design. The upgrades include relocating the gaming room into the sports bar, and combining the bistro and sports bar into a single food and beverage zone. The external façade is also undergoing enhancements, set to finish by late June, ensuring the venue’s outside matches its fresh new interior.
Venue manager Alexis Melissa shares his excitement about the relaunch, highlighting the vision behind the renewal.
“Cherry Hill Hotel has always been part of the fabric of Doncaster East, but this transformation allows us to offer something truly special to the community. The new design is modern yet classic, with subtle touches inspired by the beautiful Warrandyte hills that surround us. Whether you’re here for a family meal, after-work drinks, or a relaxed weekend outing, there’s a space for everyone to enjoy,” says Melissa.
With a bistro capacity of 200 and a sports bar seating 140, the venue is well-suited for everything from intimate dinners to larger group gatherings.
“Cherry Hill Hotel is about creating a space where the community can connect, celebrate, and relax,” stated Melissa.
“The transformation is a reflection of our dedication to providing an elevated experience, while still staying true to our local roots.”
Renewals continue to be a significant focus for ALH Hotels, with these two venue projects being announced shortly after the $1.6m update of Crows Nest Hotel in Sydney’s north. In 2024, as part of the national renewal strategy the pub group completed significant renewal projects for The Morris in Perth, The Ramsgate in Adelaide, and the Manly Hotel and the Gap Tavern in Brisbane.
Hear from ALH Hotel’s MD at the Pub Leaders Summit!
Paul Carew, ALH Hotels’ new managing director, will be participating in a one-on-one interview at the Pub Leaders Summit on Monday 21 July at Eatons Hill Hotel. Carew will discuss his priorities for the nation’s largest pub group.