No cost was spared in 1885 when the Grand Hotel was originally added to the stately pile of buildings on the corner of Targo and Bourbong Streets.
Now 135 years later, the magnificent historic building is receiving the same attention to detail before its reopening next week.
Project manager Neal Orpin said the family-focused, non-gaming hotel would have a vibrant atmosphere with special attention given to food, beverages, functions, and events.
Collaborating with local trades and What’s On Projects to create a new vibrant space, Neal said the team’s intention was to open up and pare back the building to its original form, while paying homage by keeping the original brickwork and highlighting the traditional high ceilings and original features throughout the hotel.
Neal said in one of the first news articles written about The Grand Hotel, published in the Bundaberg Mount Perry Mail on Tuesday, June 30, 1885 stated the venture of constructing a hotel of such grandeur was a testament to the owner’s desire to give the community a fine establishment and with no cost spared.
The Grand Hotel is modern with heritage
Lavish chandeliers adorn the ceiling to help draw the attention to the original detail, while around every corner inside the large historic building is a new nook and cranny, providing multiple modern experiences under the one roof.
“We have a really strong community focus within the hotel. With no gaming, all of our energy has been focused on the bars, the bistros and the dining,” Neal said.
“We are a child-friendly environment for families to come and enjoy long lunches, with a dedicated menu for group bookings and events within the beer garden and all bistro areas.”
Neal said all the typical pub favourites, from parmies to steaks, would be available on the menu, and they are working with local producers to keep the menu current and home grown.
“Hospitality is about being hospitable; a public house is welcoming people into your home and throughout this renovation we have put all of our energy in to creating a space that is like home.”
Family dining, cocktails and functions at Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel Bundaberg will seat 150 people, encouraging family dining throughout, with a cocktail lounge, corporate and function areas and a brand-new beer garden following the opening, creating a relaxed green oasis, perfect for weekend long lunches with family and friends.
Neal said there would be 24 beer taps, with a selection of craft, local and mainstream beers, along with a couple of tap cocktails for good measure.
“We have a full food and beverage offering for everyone to enjoy,” Neal said.
“It’s hard to put into words how exciting it is to reach this stage in the renovations – to be within a week of opening. When our guests come in for the first time, I think they will be pleasantly surprised”
“This process has been under way for two or three years now, and now we are finally there, so we are very excited to have the opportunity to open the doors and welcome everybody in.
“What else can I say, I think everyone loves a great pub!”
Neal said bookings were now open for next week’s dining and can be reserved by calling 4304 8510 or email hotel@grandbundaberg.com.au.
- Earlier story: The Grand Hotel makeover and restoration under way
