El Patron, Gregory Hills: Swanky new bar to come to life after a year in the making

After more than a year in the making a tapas and cocktail bar is finally going to open after lockdown forced its closure, bringing signature cocktails, mariachi bands and Brazilian dancers to Macarthur.

A glamorous 18+ venue is set to change the nightlife in the Macarthur region within days with exotic tapas, delicious cocktails and live entertainment.

More than a year in the making, El Patron is set to open at The Hub in Gregory Hills on October 21 with operations manager Nicholas Cakovski excited to give the area something it has never seen before.

“So much hard work has gone into creating this brand,” he told the Macarthur Chronicle.

More than a year in the making, El Patron is set to open at The Hub in Gregory Hills on October 21.

With tiles imported from Italy and a handpainted mural in the bathroom courtesy of an artist from Mount Annan, Mr Cakovski and his team have gone the extra step to ensure every detail is authentic.

Not only is he focusing on bringing a unique experience to the customers, Mr Cakovski has also made a point to hire experiencesd kitchen and bar staff from the Macarthur region.

“Everything is local, we really want to bring the community together because this is something that has never been seen in this area,” he said.

The team made the decision to have El Patron has an 18+ only venue that operates from Thursday to Sunday nights.

Mr Cakovski said excitement about the new venue and focus on the experience has seen the bar amass a following of more than 7000 followers online already.

Not only is he focusing on bringing a unique experience to the customers, Mr Cakovski has also made a point to hire experienced kitchen and bar staff from the Macarthur region.

Despite Covid restrictions, El Patron is already completely booked out on Friday and Saturday nights in the coming weeks.

“No one around here has ever done anything like this before,” he said.

The multimillion-dollar fit-out includes a high-end entertainment set up with a large screen, DJ system and lighting. Customers will be able to book private booths for a more intimate experience or hire out the outdoor deck for large parties.

An exciting element to the venue is live entertainment with Fuego Night on Thursdays, with live music in the form of mariachi bands and Brazilian dancers entertaining crowds.

An exciting element to the venue is live entertainment with Fuego Night on Thursdays.

There will be a more laid-back style on Sundays.

Friday and Saturdays will consist of DJs and RnB music, while Sundays will cater to more laid-back sessions with live bands to finish the weekend on a high.

The Spanish-inspired menu has also been refined over the past year and will have something for everyone but a focus on share plates.

“Even if you get a steak, you just put it on the table and everyone just shares it,” Mr Cakovski said.

El Patron will offer delicious share plates to Gregory Hills.

Every detail has been refined over the past year, including signature cocktails which have been thoughtfully created by mixologists.

“Every glass is also kind of different … we’ve thought about everything,” the manager said.

“We have been investing a lot of money and time in our team to create the experience … we want regular customers who get to know the team here.”

Mr Cakovsi described El Patron as a “unique, posh venue where people can come and be comfortable and enjoy themselves”.

The team promises to make the opening a big one, celebrating its impressive fit-out and premium sound system with big names, giveaways and even bigger performances.