The Pub on Palmer reopens after extensive renovations and name change

The Pub on Palmer, formerly known as the Shamrock, has begun an exciting new chapter after reopening. See how it has been transformed.

The Pub on Palmer's staff, Kianna Bravy, Linda Moyle, Natalie Goodwin, Jone Nicolay and Mari Garcia are celebrating after reopening the historic pub. Picture: Supplied.

Cold beverages are quenching thirst once again at the historic Townsville pub formerly known as the Shamrock, which has been rebranded to The Pub on Palmer and continues to undergo extensive renovations.

Located at 31 Palmer St, South Townsville, The Pub on Palmer’s building was first constructed in 1889, before being closed in September 2023 to begin preparations for its next chapter.

An announcement on social media revealed that the first phase of the pub’s reopening would take place last Friday, just in time for knock off drinks.

Venue manager Linda Moyle was excited to welcome back patrons and to discuss the pub’s transformation, where its main bar now features an open plan layout to include dining, TAB, and a sports bar with 10 large-screen TVs and 18 taps pouring a variety of beers.

“It’s nice, spacious and accommodating for everyone that pops in. The old beer garden has been transformed into the gaming room housing 35 machines. It’s beautifully decorated with its own bar as well,” Ms Moyle said.

The Pub on Palmer's staff are excited to reopen after renovations. Picture: Supplied.

The Pub on Palmer has a modern look following renovations. Picture: Supplied.

“The cold room for the venue, spanning the width of the bar, is centrally located and nice and large to accommodate the (18 tap) beverages on demand for everyone.

“Upstairs has been converted into a beautiful, big function room with the balcony skirting it around the sides. It’s got its own bar up there, and a couple of nice large, 75 inch TVs.”

The Shamrock Hotel after Cyclone Althea in 1971. Picture: CITYLIBRARIES

The Pub on Palmer underwent extensive renovations over the past year. Picture: Supplied.

She anticipated that the kitchen, which will serve pub classics and a range of parmies, would reopen in September, while the function room would still need “quite a few weeks” to complete.

“The aspiration for the pub is that classic, good style, consistent pub atmosphere, great service and hospitality to elevate the street itself as well,” she said.

Exterior view of the updated The Pub on Palmer. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Exterior view of the updated The Pub on Palmer. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“We’re looking forward to blowing everyone out of the water with their experience when they come in. 99 per cent (of the feedback) has been great. They’ve really loved the look of it.

“A lot of them couldn’t believe how much room there was in the front area … and (have been) doing a little bit of reminiscing.”

Cold beers are on standby to greet visitors to the reopened The Pub on Palmer. Picture: Supplied.

The property’s name change comes after it was purchased for $1.5m in 2021 by Star Group – Queensland’s largest independently owned and operated pub and liquor retail group.

The Star Group also owns the nearby The Palmer Collective and Rydges Southbank Townsville, as well as the massive Twin City Hotel, which is being progressively opened at the former Sunland Plaza shopping centre site in Thuringowa Central.

For more information, visit: pubonpalmer.com.au.

Originally published as The Pub on Palmer reopens after extensive renovations and name change