Back in June, Sydney hospitality empire Merivale launched the much loved Bottoms Up special. 49% off all drinks was offered at the group’s bevy of bars and eateries, but unfortunately recent purchase The Royal in Bondi missed out. But that slight is about to be rectified with The Royal launching Bottoms Up Bondi with the start of October. Prepare to see your drinks prices slashed in two on all cocktails, spirits, beer, wine and champagne between the hours of 5.00-7.00pm.

“Bottoms Up was our way of saying thank you to Sydney, encouraging people to get out and experience everything this amazing city has to offer. The Royal just missed out on being open in time for the campaign, so we wanted to do something special for Bondi. The pub means a lot to the area and we’re really excited to join the neighbourhood,” explains Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes.

The campaign will also be a way to celebrate the relaunch of The Royal, which was purchased by Merivale last year. The iconic pub has been a fixture on the Sydney drinking scene since 1907 and was only recently reopened after minor refurbishment.

Don’t fret Royal fans, the pub’s charm remains intact; it’s still the ideal place to grab a quick drink or enjoy a game of pool, it now just has some fresh carpet. The drinks list has also seen a revamp, which Group Bars Manager Sam Egerton describes as; “high quality drinks in a low-fi environment.” There’s daiquiris, margaritas, boilermakers, bottled negronis, espresso martini on tap and a vending machine packed with ice-cold beer.

The Bottle Shop at The Royal has also reopened, now featuring a more extensive array of wines for every budget, picked by Group Sommelier Franck Moreau. On shelves you’ll find a selection of Australian and international producers alike, with a focus on rose, organic and intervention wines. “We want to have a great selection for everyone – whether you’re looking for a classic beer, or a more unusual release from a craft producer,” Moreau explains. “You can get a $10 wine, or choose a top variety from Australia, France or Italy.”

As for the food, we’ve been promised that The Royal’s restaurant and courtyard will be reopened in due course with a pop-up food concept over the summer. But as to just what exactly will entail, only time will tell.

The Royal
283 Bondi Road, Bondi
merivale.com/bondi49