Applejack Hospitality has unveiled the extensive $1.5m renovation of Forrester’s in Surry Hills, comprising three drinking and dining spaces within one venue – Phylli’s restaurant, a public bar and an upstairs entertainment and dining space.
The pub, which is now open to the public, was established in 1921 and has been proudly serving the Surry Hills neighbourhood for almost 100 years. Applejack took ownership of Forrester’s earlier this year with a vision of creating a community-centric watering hole with an Applejack twist.
Applejack Director Ben Carroll told The Shout: “Like many Sydney siders Forrester’s is one of Hamish and my favourite pubs so when the opportunity came up we had to jump on it. Whilst it is risky to be starting a new hospitality business in a pandemic it did give us the opportunity to diversify and create more jobs.
“The 100 year history of the pub shows Forresters importance in the Surry Hills community, we only want to grow this and breath fresh life into the loved venue.
“The back bone of the venue will be Applejack through and through, a great product delivered by an incredibly talented team that love what they do. There is truly something for everyone, long lunches in Phylli’s, comedy and trivia upstairs and an incredible but still casual public bar with the usually suspects of Happy Hours and $10 steak nights.”
The group drew inspiration from the building’s century-old history and original ‘bones’ incorporating natural timbers and a classic, neutral colour palette with pastel furnishings. The three spaces are tied together by Applejack’s signature love of greenery and high-variety dining experiences.
The Phylli’s restaurant dining room is filled with natural light, lush greenery, and lux timber finishes. The menu features shared styled dishes along with some classic solo-dining options. Drinkers will be able to book in for Bottomless Lunches at Phylli’s from 14 November from $79 per person.
Opting to restore and highlight the pub’s original historic features, Applejack has kept the Public Bar’s exposed Oregon beams, hardwood floors and tri-folding timber sash windows. Adding a bespoke timber back bar to complement period feature lighting, and natural materials such as leather to create a ‘lived-in’ feel.
Upstairs at Forrester’s has been designed with entertainment in mind and incorporates comfortable booth seats and a separate bar in its dining space.
See the new look Forrester’s below: