Doors open to bill’s Bar and Grill: Sleek modern look bids Dollys goodbye

Darwin’s northern suburbs has a brand spanking new bar and grill. Find out where it is.

Hibiscus Tavern has opened the doors to bills Bar and Grill at Leayner. Thanks to a $2m refurb bills Bar and Grill has replaced Dollys. Picture Gary Shipway

Goodbye Dolly and hello Bill…Darwin’s northern suburbs has a brand spanking new bar and grill.

Hibiscus Tavern has opened the doors to bills Bar and Grill and the new modern sleek look has gone down a treat.

Hibiscus owner Paul Palmer and wife Sarah have just completed a $2 million refurbishment that closes an era and starts a new one.

Previously owned by Paul’s father Bill, the Irish-themed bar Dollys is no more.

In it’s place is Paul’s tribute to his father, bill’s Bar and Grill.

Director of Hibiscus Tavern Pty Ltd and President of Hospitality NT Paul Palmer and wife Sarah. Hibiscus Tavern has opened the doors to bills Bar and Grill at Leayner. Thanks to a $2m refurb bills Bar and Grill has replaced Dollys. Picture Gary Shipway

Dad Bill bought the Hibiscus Tavern in 1981 and the opening of bill’s Bar and Grill is just that more poignant for Paul with the anniversary of his dad’s 2018 passing on Sunday.

“He would be very happy with what we have done,” Paul said.

“It’s different, it’s bigger and the amenities are much better.”

With the significant renovation bill’s Bar and Grill brings a fresh new vibe.

Hibiscus Tavern has opened the doors to bills Bar and Grill at Leayner. Along with the sleek modern look the immediately noticeable change is the size. Picture Gary Shipway

Along with the new modern look, the immediately noticeable change is the increase in size.

There is significantly increased capacity for patrons, to have a meal, a drink are a flutter at keno, enjoy some entertainment or just have a catch up with family or mates.

The brand new purpose-built kitchen puts out a good sized menu that offers you the usual good quality family meals and some super quality steaks. Paul’s pride and you joy is a new glass enclosed wine cellar with a choice of quality reds.

Director of Hibiscus Tavern Pty Ltd Paul Palmer in bill’s Bar and Grill’s new wine room. Picture Gary Shipway

“We are known for our quality steaks and the new wine cellar will offer a good choice to go with them,” Paul said.

He said he wanted bills Bar and Grill to look bright and fresh, which indeed it does.

“It’s family, it’s modern, its comfortable and more spacious,” Paul said.

“The northern suburbs people have been good to us and it is about having a place they will enjoy.

Sleek, modern and spacious... bills Bar and Grill at Leayner. Picture Gary Shipway

“We are very much a local Tavern. We don’t have a lot of tourists come out this way.

“We’ve always had a good reputation for steak and now we have the wine room, with some premium red wines. If you want a parmi you can get that, if you want a dry-aged steak you can get that.

“Triva is back on Wednesdays, open microphone night Thursday and karaoke Friday night.

“The reaction to the new look has been amazing.

“What makes me happy is seeing the regulars coming in and loving what we’ve done.”

Originally published as Doors open to bill’s Bar and Grill: Sleek modern look bids Dollys goodbye