Australian Venue Co. (AVC) has reopened the Mansfield Tavern following an extensive renovation designed to amplify its position as a venue for live music and entertainment.
While the pub has been a cornerstone of Brisbane’s local music scene for more than 50 years, AVC felt it was time to revitalise the space, enhancing its dedicated entertainment space and programming, and updating the sports offering.
Claire Maskill, venue manager at the Mansfield Tavern says she is thrilled to be welcoming the community back to their new-look local.
“We’ve completely spruced up the pub and modernised it, it feels like a whole new chapter,” she stated.
With AVC committed to investing $30m in entertainment in the next year, a significant component of the project has been the refurbishment of The Arena, formerly known as Rock Arena. Since the 1970s, the celebrated entertainment space has welcomed local and international live music acts, with the modern makeover allowing for a more dynamic offering, including family entertainment and live sports.
The Arena will continue to showcase local and international talent, with several performances already lined up for the initial opening weeks, including ARIA Award-winning band 1972; family favourite Emma Memma; tribute bands Fleetwood Revival and Creedence Clearwater Revival; and Australian comedian Frenchy.
Patrons can also look forward to an enhanced sports offering at the new-look Sports Bar, a casual space screening all major sporting events.
“The Sports Bar has had a complete refresh, with all the upgrades you can think of, from new furniture, pool tables, and feature 6m-wide LED screen wall for the ultimate viewing and more,” says Maskill.
In a move to better serve the local community, AVC has also unveiled an expansive bistro and an open-air beer garden.
Catering to families, the bistro menu features a mixture of pub classics, comfort foods and modern dishes. Highlights include cheesy corn cob loaf, the Mansfield smash burger, chicken and vegan parmigianas, and dedicated kids and seniors menus.
Floor to ceiling glass doors fill the bistro with natural light, leading into a courtyard complete with refreshed landscaping and a children’s playground. Between the bistro and Sports Bar is an open-air beer garden featuring casual seating and festoon lighting.
The renovation of the Mansfield Tavern is one of several transformations undertaken by AVC in the last 12 months, including the recent reopening of the Crafty Squire Pub as Hickens Hotel, the three-storey Quarterhouse and The Gardiner Hotel, all located in Melbourne.
Hear about the crucial role of entertainment at the Pub Leaders Summit!
In his six years at AVC, national entertainment manager Ian Smith has overseen the entertainment strategy for more than 250 venues. At the Pub Leaders Summit on Monday 21 July, Smith will discuss the role of entertainment in the pub landscape and how to curate a signature entertainment offer.