The Grand Hotel Bundaberg has reopened after a complete makeover of the 135-year-old building and is set to become a popular watering hole and family restaurant.
The heritage building on the corner of Targo and Bourbong Street oozes style as you walk in to one of the refurbished dining areas, before passages leading the way to new experiences at the family-friendly venue.
Project manager Neal Orpin said it was wonderful to finally be up and running, open for lunch and dinner, and he said the feedback from patrons in the first days of opening had been fantastic.
“We opened quietly on Thursday night and welcomed about 24 patrons, then on Friday we built on that initial trade which was another good night,” Neal said.
“We are having fun just ironing out some of the creases and getting everything polished, and we are loving the feedback we are getting from guest – including now adding a seniors menu and expanding on some of the items on the menu after being approached by some local producers.”
With fancy and clean-cut decor, the Grand Hotel refurbishment was 18 months in the making, giving a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to be enjoyed by young and old.
Duty manager Sean Oliver said he was thrilled the family-owned project had come to fruition, and he was keen to be behind the bar mixing drinks for locals.
“We’ve been waiting for a little while for it to open and we are all so excited and happy now that the time is here,” Sean said.
“It’s a lovely venue; a place where everyone can come in relax and enjoy their time together.”
Seating for 150 people at The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel Bundaberg seats 150 people with family dining throughout, a cocktail lounge, corporate and function areas, and a brand-new beer garden that will follow the opening – creating a relaxed green oasis, perfect for weekend long lunches with family and friends.
“We’ve opened with a fantastic menu that has all of the pub classics, the parmies, fish and chips, steaks and some really great salads, but it’s still evolving,” Neal said.
“The menu will evolve rapidly over the next two-to-four weeks as we get more feedback.”
Neal said the family-friendly beer garden would be styled, complete with children’s entertainment area, by next weekend ready for the beautiful spring weather in the Bundaberg Region.
“We are going to have more trees, vines and really set the tone for family-friendly beer garden,” he said.
“Then we will have the inflatable movies down the end to become the kid’s zone.”
Trainee duty manager Shania Kleidon said it was great for the Bundaberg Region to have somewhere new to take time out and relax with friends and family now the Grand Hotel Bundaberg had reopened.
“It’s really something new and exciting for Bundaberg,” she said.
“I think it’s been well received and a great place to come of a night-time for a meal.”
The Grand Hotel will now trade seven days, with the kitchen open from noon to 8pm, and available later on request, the bar will be open noon to 10pm Sunday through to Thursday, and noon to 12am Friday and Saturday.
Earlier stories:
- Sneak peek at Grand Hotel before grand reopening
- The Grand Hotel makeover and restoration under way
