Historical Brisbane pub The Royal closes for major redevelopment

A beloved pub in a busy inner-north dining-out precinct has closed its doors as the owners begin a huge makeover. SEE THE PLANS

General view of Royal Hotel, Nundah, Saturday, January 20, 2018 (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

A beloved pub in north Brisbane has closed as it undergoes a $1.1 million makeover.

The Royal in Nundah, closed on Anzac Day to allow workers to start the transformation.

“With over a century of service under her belt, its time for new era for The Royal Nundah,” the business posted on Facebook.

Street view of the Royal at Nundah. Picture: Supplied

“Please bear with us as we patch, fix and restore your favourite local pub to her full glory.

“Our gaming room will remain open and ticketed events will continue throughout our renovation.

“We can’t wait for you to experience your new local pub – bringing a new dining, drinking and entertainment hub to the town of Nundah.’’

The refurbished venue is scheduled reopen later this year, according to the Facebook post.

The Royal Hotel, now known as The Royal, on Sandgate Road in Nundah, north of Brisbane, originally opened in 1880. Picture: Facebook/The Royal Nundah.

The historical pub is in the heart of Nundah Village, at 1259 Sandgate Rd, an area that has enjoyed a retail and dining renaissance in recent years.

Architects from Mel Porter Design have included significant renovations, with a new first-floor entertainment space which will be able to accommodate up to 200 people and be used to host live bands and comedians.

The new room would also be available for private events, parties and other gatherings.

A facelift is also planned for the existing bistro and terrace area, which seats 120 customers, and will include new checkerboard floors, timber and landscaping planter boxes.

The Royal in Nundah is undergoing a $1.1 million makeover. Picture: Supplied

The front bar and al fresco areas are also scheduled to be upgraded to include a sports bar for up to 80 people and new big television screens.

Australian Venue Co Chief Operating Officer, Craig Ellison, said the hotel would still retain its historic character.

He said the company, which owns the pub, had been working closely with architects to ensure the design respected the building’s past while also becoming a modern and comfortable space for patrons.

The Royal Nundah is undergoing a $1.1 million makeover. Picture: Supplied

“As a historic Nundah institution, we are focused on staying true to the pub’s unique heritage throughout the renovations,” Mr Ellison said.

“We have worked closely with the architects to ensure that, like with Crown Hotel, we are creating a modern pub that residents and families are proud to call their local.

“The Royal Hotel is a very exciting project, creating more entertainment and social space for people to enjoy throughout the year.

The Royal Nundah is undergoing a $1.1 million makeover. Picture: Supplied

“This renovation is part of a huge program of investments into pubs in Brisbane and throughout Queensland and we can’t wait for it to be fully revealed later this year.”

The Royal’s bistro is scheduled to reopen in mid-May with a fresh new look and revamped menu, while the sports bar and gaming room are expected to open in mid-June.

The final reopening date has not yet been announced.

Plans for the Royal Nundah redevelopment. Picture: Supplied