The Brunswick pub formerly known as Bridie O'Reilly's will be pouring the pints and slinging the parmas again this weekend, reopening as the Sarah Sands Hotel following a four-year hiatus, and an extensive three million dollar renovation under new owners, Australian Venue Co.

The Sarah Sands Hotel was originally established in 1854, and has undergone several owners and name changes since. Now it's back, under its original name and purpose: as a good old fashioned pub (albeit it with a super slick new fit out).

Architects Studio Y went for the 'character and heritage with shiny new features' aesthetic. Punters can choose from several areas over two floors to suit most moods and occasions. On the ground floor: a public bar with brass details and traditional timber panelling, a cosy 38-seat dining room and a private dining room that seats 20. The second floor has a second bar and a light-filled atrium, a Melbourne-weather-friendly enclosed courtyard and second private dining room that seats 16.

Like all good pubs, it'll have a classic line-up of weekly pub specials: Parma Nights, Sunday Roasts (with vegie options) and a 'Meat Raffle' reinvented as a farm-fresh box of fruit and veg every Friday (because Brunswick and 2021).

After more than 15 years working in pubs, executive chef Telina Menzies knows how to please a punter, creating a menu that's both nostalgic and modern. Classic counter meals include pies, parmas and eight varieties of pizza, while snacks include scorched padron peppers, buttermilk fried chicken, and calamari with native ingredient flourishes.

The re-opening will be celebrated with a "Welcome Weekend" from June 25-27. Patrons will receive complimentary snacks with their first drink purchase from 5-7pm and every dinner reservation for four or or more will receive complimentary desserts. Hello banana Split, oozy choccy pud and 3-milk flan.

Sarah Sands Hotel will trade for lunch & dinner, 7 days a week. Doors open 5pm, Saturday 12th June.

29 Sydney Road, Brunswick sarahsandshotel.com.au