The Winston hotel renovations for cocktail lounge, bar revealed

As icy weather grips the city, a western Sydney watering hole is poised to begin a $5m beach-inspired renovation that will have patrons sipping cocktails in time for summer.

A cosy fireplace is also planned for The Winston’s major makeover.

As icy weather grips the city, a western Sydney watering hole is poised to begin a Palm Beach and Santa Monica-inspired renovation that will have its patrons sipping cocktails amid plush new digs in time for summer.

The Winston at Winston Hills has released a series of images that reveal how the Caroline Chisholm Drive hotel will transform during its most significant refurbishment in 52 years.

“I think it’s a bit more of a Palm Springs, Mediterranean-type of feel,’’ publican Andrew Thomas said.

“We’re chasing the female market and families. It’s going to be bright and a great vibe, with some great music with great food.’’

For a fun experience, patrons can expect to be treated to cocktails on carts with mojitos and chilli margaritas shaken and stirred tableside.

Andrew Thomas and his father David at The Oaks, which was sold in 2022.

“We’re finding people are drinking less but they’re drinking better,’’ Thomas said.

Those wanting to expand their intel on liquor will also be invited to cocktail and whiskey masterclasses in November and December.

Renovations begin this month.

The new bistro will be anointed Cala.

Thomas said The Winston’s menu would “up the ante” without going “too left field’’.

Mouth-watering newbies include fried burrata with provencal sauce, large pots of mussels, whole grilled sole with sage butter.

They will be served in an eclectic bistro and cocktail lounge to be called Cala, an alfresco dining area and its retro sports bar, Taffy’s, which recently reopened to attract a more female-friendly crowd.

Along with the brighter decor, booths with mini screens were added for each table.

“We really wanted to encourage a lot more female patrons to come into the sports bar,’’ Thomas said.

“Women are really focusing on sport and loving sport where the old sports bar was really male-dominated.’’

The venue seats 750 patrons.

Cala will feature Palm Springs-style mid-century furniture, new timber framing, pitched ceilings and classic retro graphic details.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls will open to an elevated outdoor dining area with private, cosy nooks and cabanas for private celebrations.

The lush cocktail lounge is set to be as aesthetically pleasing with curved finishes, a reflective ceiling and powdered blush pink hues throughout.

One of the private nooks for gatherings.

Thomas said loyal locals were invited to share their preferences on food and beverages on social media.

“We’ve listened to the northwest community and our renovation is a testament to our dedication to our patrons,’’ he said.

Artist's impressions of the new The Winston Hotel at Winston Hills.

The breezy bar area.

“While we have created two distinct spaces, whether you’re dining at Cala, relaxing outdoors or enjoying a drink in our cocktail lounge, we want The Winston to be at the heart of our community – a space where everyone is welcome.’’

The renovations will roll out in phases in a bid to cause little disruption to patrons.

Work on the indoor bistro and cocktail lounge renovations will begin in June and is slated to be completed in August, while the outdoor dining is scheduled to be ready in early spring.

Capacity won’t change at the venue, with the bistro to continue seating 500 while Taffy’s has capacity for 250.

The renovations are the first major project at The Winston since 2013 and come 15 years after the Thomas family added the venue to its portfolio of venues including The Oaks at Neutral Bay, which it sold in 2023.