Solotel has unveiled a new look and concept for The Strand Hotel in Darlinghurst, after taking over the management of the inner-Sydney pub in late 2024.
Solotel has relaunched The Strand Hotel with a new direction and a streamlined menu centred entirely on burgers. Developed by Toby Wilson (Ricos Tacos, The Norfolk) alongside Solotel’s executive chef Hamish Ingham, the refreshed offer features six burgers, including a smashed beef burger, fried chicken ‘Hot Bird’ and crumbed ling fish.
Highlighting the influence behind the new offering, Wilson stated: “We’ve looked at what everyone else is doing and realised what the neighbourhood was missing – a seriously good burger. Between Hamish and I we’ve come up with six cracking burgers that cater to a few tastes – we’ve got the falafel burger, the classic smash burger, the fish burger and my personal favourite, the smashed prawn burger with shredded fennel slaw, jalapeno pickle and tartare.
“We’re celebrating the new menu launch [Wednesday 20 August] with $5 burgers for five days only – our way of inviting the neighbours, regulars, and anyone passing through to come in and road test the lot – the perfect excuse to grab a mate and work your way through the menu without breaking the bank.”
A four-strong cocktail list has also been introduced to the bar, alongside a selection of Australian, New Zealand and French wines. Highlights from the cocktail menu include the Aloe Sour (gin, mango wine, aloe vera, lemon and whites) and Bulls on Parade (pisco, macadamia, passionflower, lime and paprika oil).
In addition to the new-look menu, the interiors have also been given a makeover. Carpets have been removed to make way for the original marble tiled floors, with a new colour palette and reupholstered booths elevating the space. Other heritage features include the fireplace which was been reinstated and made a feature of the venue.
The Strand Hotel last underwent a renovation in 2022 at the hands of Public Hospitality, which transformed the venue into a multi-concept dining and hotel precinct complete with French-inspired bistro The Strand, rooftop bar Kasbah, and a boutique accommodation offering.
However, after a turbulent year for Public Hospitality, The Strand Hotel was put up for sale by the receivers and administrators of the group’s portfolio in October 2024, alongside four other Sydney assets. At the time, Solotel also snapped up the operations of The Norfolk in Redfern, Oxford House in Paddington and the Camelia Grove Hotel in Alexandria. While Solotel has continued to operate most of the venues as they are, the group reopened The Norfolk in April after revitalising the ground floor public bar.
Check out the The Strand Hotel’s new look below:
