With the project won on the promise of not to wankerfy [sic] one of the Inner Wests oldests pubs (the old Sando for those in he know, infamous for launching many a bands career) and as long term Newtown residents, Matt Woods knew the importance of creating a fresh aesthetic for the iconic pub which was both conscious of the long history of the hotel, yet managed to make bold new inroads, setting the foundations to attract & retain a new breed of patron.

The aesthetic direction began with stripping the pub to it’s bare and utilitarian bones, exposing original brick work, art deco tiling, increased ceiling heights and decorative cornices. The exaggerated and deconstructed elements of the freshly exposed yet original front bar space are juxtaposed with crisp new elements such as the poured in-place concrete bar top, matte black tiled walls and floors, and blackened steel shelves, footrests and coat hangers. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) plywood is used intelligently to create warmth within the space and is expressed via, bar cladding and is also used extensively in the new dining space. The FSC ply is also the primary material used within the custom designed tables, and benches placed throughout the venue.

A new series of bifold doors open the dining space up to the small rear courtyard and in an attempt to further enhance the indoor air quality, acoustic properties and create a general outdoor feeling, an expansive wall garden has been installed. In signature Matt Woods design fashion lighting takes from via bare bulbs with the utilisation of warm white dimmable LED’s employed to do the heavy lifting. Also featured are the Mance Lighting designed Slim Remote CFC ballasts which are located between skylights over the bar.

Sadly some initial licensing concerns and council complications have determined that for the immediate future the venue will be unable to offer live music performances. As the venue is brought to you by the folks behind the Melbourne institutions the Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, it is guaranteed that live music offerings are the ultimate goal. As such the stage 2 Band Room is already in development, and brings with it the promise to breathe some fresh air back into the flailing Sydney music scene… Watch this space!