Attention Hills District

There’s a new pub in town and it’s quite literally unmissable. The Vicar has just landed in Dural, a drinking den that’s not short on space by any means. The 2249 square metre venue comes courtesy of Whitehouse Properties Group who hope to grant locals and visitors alike a multi-purpose venue in which to socialise, dine, drink and unwind. Owner, Scott Whitehouse expresses “The Vicar is here to give The Hills district a dedicated, world class, approachable drinking and dining destination,” says owner Scott Whitehouse. “From The Northside Brisket Bar, Mrs. Goldsmith’s Wine Bar, Wakefield’s Dining, a dedicated weddings and event space and everything in between, The Vicar is designed to have every occasion covered.”

The design

A design team consisting of Hamish Gutherie of Hecker Gutherie, interior designers Jonas Allen, Mike Hanna and Don Cameron and architect Hugh Slatyer took care of The Vicar’s build. The resulting venue has embraced an array of light wood, blackcopper light finishings, and a palette of green, brown and charcoal hues throughout the space. Natural light was also paramount, with floor to ceiling windows and open doors interwoven within the industrial-style building.

The fare

A number of different venues will sit within The Vicar, each concept crafted by Executive chef Leigh McDivitt and Food Consultant Dave O’Brien (both ex-Merivale), paired with a drinks list from award-winning mixologist Tim Philips. Casual bites can be enjoyed in the North Side (which is already open), where guests can tuck into pub classics at the high tables of the Sports Bar or linger outside in the Outdoor Terrace, where there’s an array of lounge seating (and retractable umbrellas) to choose from. Dishes themselves range from The Vicar Caesar to a classic Cheese Burger. Carnivores will also find solace in the Outdoor Terrace’s own barbecue dubbed The Northside Brisket Bar.

Still to open

In time the more refined South Side of The Vicar will welcome guests. There you’ll find Wakefield’s Dining Restaurant on December 3, and Mrs. Goldsmith’s Wine Bar shortly after. Wakefield’s has been created with relaxed family style dining in mind, equipped with a menu of share-style plates and rotisserie dishes. (a succulent leg ham in maple, cinnamon and star anise included). For those after a tipple and a small bite to eat, Mrs. Goldsmith’s is your go to. The European-inspired wine bar boasts its own kitchen and sundeck, and serves a slightly more refined selection of plates, such as Roast King Prawns with Guancialle, Romesco, Pomegranate and Lime and Triple Crème Brie, Gorgonzola Picante, Manchego, Fig Jam and Toasts. In due course The Vicar will also introduce a drive-through bottle shop, a gaming room, and private 24-room accommodation to host those attending events at the space.