KB Hotel rebirthed as 30-tap Keg & Brew

By James Atkinson

The team behind Surry Hills pub Dove & Olive, has announced its takeover of local treasure, the KB Hotel, which will reopen with a fresh new look this October as the Keg & Brew.

The Foveaux Street stalwart will be transformed into a "Southern American haven of bourbon, beer and bites" that will boast one of Sydney’s largest collections of bourbon and craft beers on tap. 

A rotating selection of 30 taps will feature a huge range of Australian craft beers, cider and six Golden Oldies including Australia’s favourite classics VB and Carlton. There will also be a number of hand pumped beers. More than 30 different types of bourbon will be on offer.

Many of the original heritage features of the pub will remain, including the wall tiles and grand central bar, with the addition of some tongue-in-cheek Southern style including cowboy-inspired wallpaper, soft brown leather banquettes, cowhide panels and stuffed animal heads. Even the gaming room is getting a cheeky new look and name – the Lucky Lounge – with horseshoe fabric chairs, cactuses and a mural on the back wall.

Food will be provided by head chef Devendra Sherchan, formerly sous chef at the Dove & Olive, who will be bringing his much-loved traditional pub food to the venue with a Southern American twist. 

As with sister venue the Dove & Olive, the Keg & Brew will also be known for its daily meal deals, including $9 KB burgers, steaks and schnitties and a $17 Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

Simon Kraegen, licensee at the Keg & Brew and craft beer guru said the venue is all about the love of good beer. 

"We want to give people a chance to try the excellent new brewers of Australia, while also offering the old classics, some tasty bourbon and honest pub food at a great price. We're not here to be wanky about beer, we just love it and think others will too."