Nundah's 135-Year-Old The Royal Is the Latest Historic Brisbane Pub That's Getting a Hefty Revamp

Since 1888, a pub has sat on Sandgate Road at Nundah, pouring brews for Brisbane's northsiders. The River City currently knows that watering hole as The Royal, but it was initially called Royal Hotel. Get used to that other moniker, beer lovers. Come July, it's making a comeback. And, when the venue reclaims its original name, it'll also show off a $1.1-million refurbishment.

The Royal is owned by Australian Venue Co, as part of the hospitality company's sizeable range of pubs, bars and eateries around Brisbane, Queensland and Australia. And, as AVC has been doing to spots all over town — The Wickham, the Cleveland Sands, Salisbury Hotel, the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche, Bribie Island Hotel and Capalaba's Koala Tavern, to name a few — The Royal is getting a makeover.

In a venue designed by the same architect as Crown Hotel, patrons can look forward to a new first-floor entertainment space, where live bands will take to the stage and comedians will stand behind the mic. It'll fit in 200 people, and also be available for private events.

The Royal's bistro and terrace is also scoring a revamp, complete with greenery aplenty, marble-look tables, checkerboard floors and wooden accents, giving the pub a 120-seater — and family-friendly — dining space. A new menu will tempt tastebuds, too, covering pub classics and seasonal dishes, with the exact culinary range still to be revealed.

And, the front bar and al fresco area are also receiving a new lease on life. Expect TV screens showing sports t0 80 folks, as part of a renovation overseen by architect Mel Porter Design.

"As an historic Nundah institution, we are focussed on staying true to the pub's unique heritage throughout the renovations. We have worked closely with the architects to ensure that, like with Crown Hotel, we are creating a modern pub that residents and families are proud to call their local," said Australian Venue Co's Chief Operating Officer Craig Ellison, announcing the renovations.

"The Royal Hotel is a very exciting project, creating more entertainment and social space for people to enjoy throughout the year."

"This renovation is part of a huge program of investments into pubs in Brisbane and throughout Queensland and we can't wait for it to be fully revealed later this year," continued Ellison.

The Royal remains open during its revamp; however, different sections will be closed at different time to undertake work. Starting on Wednesday, April 26, the bistro has shut its doors, but will reopen in mid-May. Next comes the sports bar, which'll be back up and running in mid-June.

The gaming room follows for a week, also in mid-June, after which the upstairs entertainment room will welcome its new look.

Find The Royal at 1259 Sandgate Road, Nundah, with the pub remaining open during renovations, but different sections closing in stages. The venue will relaunch as Royal Hotel in mid-July — we'll update you with an exact opening date when it is announced.

Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.