Strand Hotel to receive massive makeover

After being left empty and abandoned for 18 months, this famous Ipswich hotel is set to burst back to life, with a stunning new look and new offering.

After being left empty and abandoned for 18 months, North Ipswich’s famous Strand Hotel is set to burst back to life, with a stunning new look and new offering.

The pub along The Terrace has been leased by brother and sister Jamie Baker and Kimberley Baker-Schaefer, who are overhauling the 99-year-old building, creating a coffee shop and cafe in one side and a sports bar in the other.

Opening first will be the coffee shop and cafe, Baker St Coffee Co, targeting a September 18 launch, with the space completely transformed in keeping with the building’s art deco heritage. The fit-out will include high ceilings, chandeliers and black and white framed movie posters.

Diners can expect everything from sandwiches, salads and wraps to pies and sausage rolls all from local suppliers initially, before a chef commences later in the year who will introduce classic brekky fare like eggs Benedict and big breakfasts.

There will also be a range of cakes and sweets, including healthier desserts, from Laidley baker Baked By Brooke.

New cafe Baker Street Coffee Co will open inside The Strand Hotel in North Ipswich.

Coffee will be from Seven Miles, with their Bear & The Beard blend used for espresso, while former army vet Mr Baker has chosen locally made Aussie Veterans Coffee Co., which supports veteran employment and social programs, for the eatery’s cold drip and batch brew offerings.

Adjacent to the coffee shop will sit an industrial-look sports bar, which will take on an American theme serving the likes of tacos, chicken wings, sliders and wedges.

With capacity for roughly 200, the sports bar will feature more than 12 TVs, showing everything from local footy to American grid iron and Main Event clashes.

Baker Street Coffee Co will sell a range of sweet treats including brownies from local business Baked by Brooke.

“We want to play a huge range of sport, including American sport, and no matter where you are in the venue you can see a TV,” said Mrs Baker-Schaefer,

Beer will also be a focus across 12 taps, honing in on local craft by offering small brewers the chance to showcase their drops to a new audience through weekly or monthly specials, alongside big players like XXXX.

The sports bar, which will also feature an adjoining courtyard, is pushing for a December launch.