By Clyde Mooney
After its first full month of trading the Metro Hospitality Group is reporting success at its new venue, the Yardhouse Brasserie in Sydney's Haymarket.
A major refurbishment has transformed the old Paddy McGuire's into a stylish, contemporary site seating 118, with hints of its heritage-style Palace Hotel lineage such as dark timbers, polished brass, intimate seating, mirrors and photographs of George St circa 1905.
"We are extremely delighted with the way the public has responded to the opening of Yardhouse," said George Bedwani, Metro Hospitality Group CEO. "Comments on the quality and value for money of the food have been very reassuring.
The new name was inspired by the pinnacle of beer receptacles, the yard glass, the pub and sports over 60 craft beers.
The front bar has been re-named the Palace Bar, now refurbished and partially re-constructed in its original location.
Capitalising on business from the Capitol Theatre next door, the pub positions itself as a meeting place for pre- and post-show theatre-goers as well as the traditional local business clientele.
There is a new menu, produced by new chef Daniel Collins, which features light meals for passing-through patrons, and heartier fare for the business regulars.
Downstairs has been dedicated to live music – reggae on Mondays and rock on the weekends – but on Tuesday and Thursday nights a large screen shows musical tributes to contemporary and past artists.