By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
Goodtime Hospitality is set to open East Village Sydney in October, just under a year after opening its first venue, West Village, in the inner west suburb of Petersham.
Goodtime Hospitality operators James Bodel and Locky Paech purchased the hotel in April, which has had many reinventions over the last 100 years, including as the infamous Tradesman’s Arms in the 1920s, also known as The Bloodhouse.
Leaving behind its colourful past, Bodel and Paech have redeveloped the pub with the help of Alexander & Co, who worked on Goodtime Hospitality’s first venue, West Village. East Village Sydney, is a three-level pub that has bespoke offerings on each floor, namely the Public Bar, Athletic Club and Terrace.
The ground floor public bar has already been dubbed the ‘wine-pub’ as the bar will have a focus on local and international wines, with a changing daily list wine by the glass to complement counter meals.
The second-floor Athletic Club is Goodtime Hospitality’s take on the traditional sports bar, by way of old-world cigar dens. There will be a focus on beer and whisk(e)y lists, along with old-fashioned and boilermaker menus. Memberships to the Athetic Club will also be offered to patrons, which will allow them access to exclusive features on that level.
To finish off the re-envisioned hotel, the Terrace rooftop, is a 100 sqm space with views of the city skyline. The more casual offering will include a menu based on grazing dishes, along with a semi-private room for up to 20 people.
Paech says their approach to the three levels is to ensure that all tastes and demographics are catered for.
"This venue is a real icon to Darlinghurst and Sydney and evokes a lot of positive nostalgia in many people. It seems like almost everyone I talk to about the venue has a fond memory or two from a 21st, engagement or other private function on the top floors.
"They remember the venue for the memories of the good times had with loved ones, but not much else! Our approach is to activate all the levels with unique experiences and quality food and beverage offerings to make it a regular haunt for all, rather than a one-off function space."
Along with the new offering comes new staff, and Goodtime Hospitality have recruited some experienced bartenders and chefs to bring the entire offering together. Lee Potter Cavanagh and Reece Griffiths – who worked together at The Victoria Room – will work as general manager and bar manager, respectively.
The kitchen will be led by Graham Johns (ex-Quay, Welcome Hotel), under the direction of Goodtime Hospitality’s new executive group chef Tom Kime (ex-Ceru, Fish & Co).
Paech and Bodel look forward to opening East Village Sydney to the public next month.