New European-style restaurant Palooka to open in Stratford

A fresh dining experience is coming to Stratford with the owners of two eateries bringing their love for food to a brand new venue. CHECK OUT THEIR PLANS

WHAT was once known as the iconic Stratford Deli is being transformed into a contemporary European-style restaurant named Palooka.

Palooka will be open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with the owners hoping to “fill the heart in Stratford”.

Owners Billie McDonnell, Davey O’Rourke and Sam Byrd currently own two other establishments together, Noa and Guerrilla in Edge Hill.

Mr O’Rourke said the trio were excited to be part of the Stratford community.

“We are really excited about making a meeting place this side of the hill that’s just genuine and serving the lovely community here,” he said.

The owners of Noa and Guerrilla restaurants have bought the old Stratford Deli site and are converting it into a contemporary modern European restaurant. Davey O'Rourke and Billie McDonnell are set to open Palooka restaurant early in September. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms McDonnell said the new site was starting from scratch.

“The whole business has been gutted and we are starting from scratch including building a new team from this week,” she said.

“Our breakfast will be classic Australian and our lunch and dinner menus will move into a modern European twist.

“We are going to keep the inside quite dark and intimate with the bar, open kitchen and lots of cosy corners to fill the big space.

“Stratford is missing hospitality and a dining experiences which is why we want to give the community something they want.”

Palooka is expected to open in September.

Originally published as New European-style restaurant Palooka to open in Stratford