One of Australia’s oldest pubs, The Royal Richmond Hotel, has unveiled its multi-million dollar renovation, with a new gastro pub bistro and cocktail bar at its heart.
The transformation marks the completion of part one of a huge overhaul of the 170-year-old pub by Peter Wynne and Karen Anderson, previous owners of Martin Place Bar in Sydney’s CBD. Stage two renovations, to be completed in 2022, will see the outdoor marquee area transformed into an all-weather beer garden that will become the hub of the venue’s music and entertainment program.
The pub’s new bistro is the highlight of this renovation, with a glass atrium-style roof, original Oregon timber beams, American Oak parquetry flooring, recycled brick walls, banquette seating and oversized family-style dining tables made from elm and locally reclaimed timbers.
Next door the new cocktail bar offers a space with deep green walls, timber-clad fireplaces, brass light fittings, striking rich tartan carpet, heritage wood panelled bar as well as a striking brass bottle display and window seating overlooking Richmond Park.
Throughout both spaces, the walls are adorned with framed archival images of the pub over its many years, along with historic photos sharing stories and memories from the local community of Richmond.
Both the bistro and cocktail bar celebrate small-scale local farmers, fishermen, producers and distilleries including gin from Karu Distillery in Grose Vale.
The Royal Richmond Hotel is also producing charcuterie in-house, and carefully sourcing a selection of pasture- and grain-fed meats for the bistro’s dry-aging cabinets, with a particular focus on collaborating with the Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus farm management program.
Since purchasing the pub, Wynne and Anderson have focused on celebrating the history and community spirit of the Hawkesbury, offering a dining and drinking experience which locals are proud of and visitors will travel for.
“The Royal Richmond Hotel has played an incredibly important role in the community and history of Richmond, and Sydney more broadly, for more than 170 years – as one of the oldest continuously operating pubs in the country,” said publican Wynne.
“The pub is loved by the locals and has a rich and colourful history. We’re thrilled to be able to continue this tradition, while creating something special for locals to enjoy – whether it’s a quiet bite and casual beer or a special occasion celebration.”
Working with Berry-based interior designer Victoria Hampshire and Sydney-based architect David Herron of Axil Architects, the renovation included a refurbishment to the pub’s original cosy sports bar established in 1848.
The Royal Richmond Hotel is located on the main street of historic Richmond town, a 50-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD and it is flanked by charming circa 1800s houses and boutiques, directly across from Richmond Park with its heritage-listed cricket stand.