Upper Ross Hotel targets young families with its massive $3m transformation

A dramatic $3m transformation of a long-running Townsville pub has delivered a new outdoor terrace, kids room, menu and plenty of natural lighting. Take a sneak peek.

A better, brighter Upper Ross Hotel is ready to welcome back patrons. Picture: Supplied.

In more ways than one, the future looks bright for Townsville’s Upper Ross Hotel which has been dramatically transformed by $3 million in renovations, delivering more natural lighting and a host of fresh features just in time for Father’s Day.

Built on Riverway Drive in Rasmussen in 1973, the popular watering hole was well and truly ready for a refresh by its owner, ALH Group, when construction works kicked off in mid-April.

AHL Group North Queensland Operations Manager Jamie Robinson said the hotel’s “repositioning” reflected a pivot towards being “family focused venue”, in response to the suburb’s growing number of young families.

“We tried to create a really good local venue, that the community can come in and create some memories together,” Mr Robinson said.

“(We) moved the bar areas and the food area all around, (and) knocked some walls out, and opened up space, so we’ve got a really good blended food and beverage space now.

Upper Ross Hotel. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“(There’s a) new kids room and a nice outdoor terrace, which created some really good space for functions outside as well.”

He said they had adopted a modern finish and really “softened the space” with furnishing featuring timber and warmer colours.

“With creating the outdoor terrace, we’ve got lots of glass doors along the front of the venue that open up onto the terrace, so it’s really brightened the whole venue up,” he said.

Upper Ross Hotel. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Upper Ross Hotel, Pauline Reynolds, venue manager and Jodie Nicholson, bar supervisor. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Families will be excited to check out the new kid’s entertainment room at the rear of the bar and bistro area, which features TVs, wall-mounted sensory play stations, toys, and retro video game consoles for older children.

A re-imagined new menu has also been deployed, showcasing a new addition to their kitchen – a smoker – which will lift dishes like smoked brisket tacos, chicken wings, and ribs to the next level.

Upper Ross Hotel Bistro supervisor Ville Sailes. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Upper Ross Hotel. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We’re focused on the locals and families with the menu, creating some really good, elevated pub classics, along with some new and fresh suggestions,” he said.

“(There’s) a great new kids menu concept with a lot of fresh and healthy options on there … like carrot sticks … as well as the pub classics the kids love as well.”

On the menu at Upper Ross Hotel. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Upper Ross Hotel. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Excited to officially reintroduce the pub to the community this Sunday on Father’s Day, Mr Robinson said they had a great menu prepared which includes “lots of classics, as well as some great stuff out of the smoker” along with plenty of fun activities for the kids.

“Hopefully all the community come out and come in and have a look,” he said.

For more information, visit: www.upperrosshotel.com.au

Originally published as Upper Ross Hotel targets young families with its massive $3m transformation