Australian Venue Co. (AVC), has reopened the Leichhardt Hotel after completely rebuilding the Central Queensland pub.
Leichhardt Hotel, in the centre of Rockhampton, reopened on Wednesday 13 August after a full rebuild.
Inspired by Rockhampton’s status as the beef capital of Australia, Leichhardt Hotel embraces a uniquely Aussie take on cowboy grit, blending country charm and classic pub spirit, with a focus on live music.
The significant street frontage on Denham Street has retained heritage arches, while also layering vintage signage on an industrial-meets-country exterior. The pub offering is also a mixture of indoor and outdoor facilities and has flexibility and transformation front of mind as part of its design.
“It’s a tale of two halves at Leichhardt Hotel,” says venue manager Natasha Ainsley.
“There’s the all-new Beer Garden, plus the indoor space that offers the bistro and sports bar by day but has the versatility to transform into a late-night entertainment venue. The furniture can roll away when the stage lights switch on! We are so excited to bring a taste of country to Rocky and to offer everything from a laid-back brew-style pub to a late-night music destination.”
Inside the Leichhardt Hotel is a rustic-meets-modern mix of concrete textures, recycled timbers, plush leather, moody lighting and nods to classic Aussie outback and cowboy culture. By day, guests can enjoy casual dining and drinking in the bistro and beyond the divider screen, the sports bar will feature a 4.2m LED screen wall for sports viewing.
The space has the ability to transform at night into the ultimate entertainment destination with dining becoming dancefloor, complete with dedicated stage. The pub will host live music, comedy and other ticketed events.
Upcoming ticketed shows include:
- 22 August – Drag Bingo with Gayleen Tuckwood and special guest Evalyn Eatdith
- 29 August – Country Club Night (DJs spinning country tunes)
- 4 September – Pacific Avenue (with a new album to play)
- 7 September – Daniel Champagne
- 10 September – Kylie Fisher – one piano, one voice
- 22 October – Ben Night, The Parent Teacher Night – two comedy shows that are already sold out
- 4 December – Thundamentals, For The Love Tour
Outside, the 695 sqm beer garden has a dedicated bar, picnic tables, barrel seating, kids’ playground, a 4m LED screen, and plenty of undercover space.
Continuing with its country roots, the Leichhardt Hotel’s menu is inspired by Rockhampton’s beef industry with a standout grill section, showcasing top-quality Queensland beef. The menu also serves up share-style starters and country takes on pub classics, including Smoked BBQ Pork Riblets with bourbon BBQ cowboy candy; and a White Buffalo Southern Fried Chicken Burger dipped in Franks hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles and blue cheese sauce.
In keeping with the needs of its community, $1 from every parmy sold on a Wednesday at Leichhardt Hotel will be donated to Farm Angels, which responds to the needs of primary producers impacted by prolonged drought.
This is the latest hotel reopening from AVC, who have in recent months completed some significant reopening and renewal projects, including: the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane, with a renewed focus on live music; Hickens Hotel in Melbourne with the first Carlton Draught lounge; and new-build Quarterhouse, also in Melbourne’s CBD.
The Leichhardt Hotel’s rebuild and reopening is also the first completed works to be announced since AVC announced they had secured CVC as a new major private equity partner. The CVC partnership is expected to fund a more ambitious growth strategy for Australia’s second-largest pub group.
The Leichhardt Hotel takes up significant frontage on Denham Street, Rockhampton. Images: AVC. 
The divider screen and stage easily transforms from a sports viewing experience during the day to live music and a dancefloor at night. 
Nods to Aussie cowboy culture can be found throughout the venue. 
The beer garden covers 695 sqm. 
The menu centres around beef and country takes on pub classics.