By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
Following a comprehensive renovation over the past eight months, Riversdale’s big step into the Brisbane pub scene begins tonight.
The Australian Pub Fund and its operating arm Riversdale purchased the Elephant & Wheelbarrow last June for a massive sum upward of $26 million.
Now boasting “a renewed energy” and re-branded as ‘The Elephant’, the jumbo venue now enjoys an open-style layout, raw architecture and urban art displays. [continues below]
Riversdale CEO Patrick Coughlan described the group’s entry into the Brisbane pub market as “exciting times”.
“As with all the pubs we’ve purchased, we’ve tried to reinvent it and be innovative and market leaders, rather than followers,” Coughlan told TheShout.
“Hopefully, the reno at the Elephant will capture Brisbane’s imagination.
“Singo, Mark Carnegie and Geoff Dixon are all here, and we’re looking forward to a great night tonight.”
The pub’s new outdoor kitchen featuring a wood-fired pizza oven and charcoal rotisserie debuted on Australian Day, with a menu described as a “simple, yet eclectic mix of Australian pub food”.
The Elephant’s general manager, Shannon Jeschke, suggested the new format will help the venue “reach its full potential”.
“Most notably, we’ve transformed the upstairs backpacker hostel into a cool, modern bar and spacious deck that overlooks the new beer garden.
“Now patrons can enjoy the best of modern pub food without the price tag in a much sleeker-looking Elephant.”