The new-and-improved Duke of Enmore may only be a few months old, but that hasn’t stopped its owners from already moving on to a second pub purchase. The team behind the Enmore drinking hole –  James Wirth and Michael Delany of the International Worldwide hospitality group, alongside Toby Wilson of Ghostboy Cantina and Joel Amos of DRNKS – are the proud-as-punch new owners of Waterloo’s The George Hotel.

While the venue has no-doubt seen better days, the inner-city public house is set to see a rebirth of sorts courtesy of its new leaders. Re-opening in early April, the new George will integrate three separate offerings under its single roof, courtesy of each owner’s individual talents; think a pub, a natural wine store, and a taco-focused eatery.

A physical renovation isn’t on the cards, with the owners eager to  maintain the pub’s original charm, but it’s a different story when it comes to the food and booze on offer. The new space will be a devoted “lunchtime to late-night pub,” explains Amos. “There will be Taco King diner out the back and a DRNKS bottle shop on the side.” Food will by Mexican-themed, and come courtesy of Toby Wilson of Ghostboy Cantina, with new venture Taco King. “Taco King is based on taqueria culture of Mexico City,” says Amos. “It will feature classic tacos such as Al Pastor, lamb barbecoa and Ensenada-style fried fish tacos. All served on freshly pressed tortillas with house-made salsa.”

Considering Amos’ involvement in the natural wine scene (he is the owner of drnks and founder of Wet Dreams after all), there will of course be a bevy of natural booze available, including takeaway. “[It will be a] fully functioning stand-alone bottle shop that you can access from the street and the pub,” says Amos of the integrated bottle-o. “There will be a walk-in cool room with cartons of beer. Basically the 400ish bottle DRNKS range of wines, rare spirits, beer and saké. Add $20 to any of the wines and you can drink them in the pub, even out the front in the sun, with a couple of tacos or a torta.”

The George Waterloo
760 Elizabeth Street, Waterloo
thegeorgewaterloo.com.au