Popular Redfern pub The Norfolk restored and set to reopen
The doors of a popular Redfern pub will swing back open at the end of April with a revamped interior and fresh menu.
NSW
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The doors of Redfern pub The Norfolk are to swing open on April 23, after they closed with the downfall of the Public Hospitality company.
In November, Solotel, one of Sydney’s biggest hospitality groups, took charge of the pub which was previously operated by the Jon Adgemis-run Public Hospitality.
Alongside this, Solotel also bought three other of the company’s venues: The Camelia Grove in Alexandria, Oxford House in Paddington and The Strand in Darlinghurst.
Under Public Hospitality, which was hit by severe financial troubles, The Norfolk (pictured left) traded as Rico’s Tacos and Spanish restaurant La Salut. But under Solotel, The Norfolk will be restored as a pub.
Solotel runs iconic Sydney venues like Opera Bar and The Golden Sheaf in Double Bay. Solotel CEO Elliot Solomon said The Norfolk is the first of the three venues Solotel has put its touch on.
‘It’s a special place in a lot of people’s hearts, including my own,” he said.
The vision is to make The Norfolk a great neighbourhood pub once again. He’s brought in Toby Wilson, from Rico’s Tacos, to be the Executive Chef.
While Wilson will still operate his famed taco restaurant within the venue, he’s also designed a pub venue that aims to serve up classic pub food with a fun twist.
There are pork and fennel sausage rolls sold by the inch, beef and VB party pies, and an Aussie rissole burger.
“I’ve known Toby for so long and tried several times to have him come work for us, so I’m chuffed he is now,” said Solomon.
“He’s the taco king, but he’s also a really good chef. He makes great food but doesn’t take himself too seriously.”
They’ve collaborated with Good Ways Deli to provide the daily-baked focaccia for The Norfolk’s French onion dip and also a lamington ice cream sandwich (with Ciccone and Sons also helping out).
Solotel’s Master of Wine, Annette Lacey, has designed the wine menu.
On the purchase of the Public pubs, Solomon said they made business sense to him.
In fact, in 2019 he had been in discussions to buy The Camelia Grove, one of his favourite pubs. But at the last minute, Public Hospitality stepped in with a significantly higher offer.
“All the [Public] venues are a good product and a good concept. It’s just with everything [Public] had going on last year, they couldn’t maintain the experience,” he said.
“Our job is to repair and rebuild the experience for the guest and give those local inner city pubs back to the community.”
Originally published as Popular Redfern pub The Norfolk restored and set to reopen
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