The suburb on the lower north shore is not only home to harbour views, but a rather iconic pub sitting within its borders. And while The Woolwich Pier Hotel may have been around since 1885 it certainly looks a little different these days; the venue undertook a major refurbishment recently, which saw it relaunch last weekend after a makeover of both space and menu. But regulars need not fret at this news, the waterside venue still boasts views of the iconic harbour and its rather beloved terrace balcony, albeit in a slightly more chic setting.

The Pier’s owners Laundy Hotels joined forces with architects Alexander & Co. for the revamp, the team behind Watson’s Bay Hotel, East Village Hotel and Stanton&Co. The result is a whole venue transformation that maintains the historic shell of the pub, while bringing its interiors a decidedly more contemporary feel. Justine Laundy led the transformation of the venue, and is excited to show the community the results. “Woolwich Pier is steeped in history which became obvious as we peeled back it’s layers,” explains. “We revitalised the best aesthetic elements of this heritage and combined it with a fresh, eclectic mix of European and LA style – with comfort emerging. It’s not uncommon for four generations to meet in this hotel, so we needed a modern style with a nod to nostalgia. I believe we’ve achieved this.”

A soft pink and grey palette is at the heart of The Pier’s redesign, and incorporated across the venue’s multiple seating areas. The dining room is now a European-style brasserie dubbed The Eatery, accented with plenty of marble. There’s also the 70-seat balcony which wraps around the exterior of the pub, offering views of neighbouring Cockatoo Island. And finally, there’s the more informal Parlour Bar, which now boasts marble tables, leather booths, velvet armchairs, and an accompanying outdoor courtyard in which to bask under the summer sun.“Our intention was to make the venue more functional and open, whilst also refreshing the interiors,” says Alexander&Co Principal Jeremy Bull. “The Pier offers its visitors a variety of dining experiences and we’ve designed a space within the venue that caters for all types of gatherings.”

That’s also undergone a revamp courtesy of Woolwich Pier Hotel’s award-winning Head Chef Glenn Tabudlo. A brasserie-inspired menu has arrived, heavily influenced by classic French flavours and a touch of contemporary Japanese. “We achieved so much with our previous menu offering and I’m excited to bring the locals of Woolwich something new. he relaunch will once again give us the opportunity to explore another culinary endeavour with the introduction of a modern European brasserie style menu with a Japanese collaboration atmosphere,” says Tabudlo. Think small plates of sashimi-grade tuna, a fillet mignon ‘surf and turf’ with yamba prawns, and a crispy skin miso salmon. Locals will be glad to hear that a number of The Pier’s pub classics will remain, the famous chicken pot pie included.

Woolwich Pier Hotel is open from 11.00am seven days a week. 2 Gale Street, Woolwich; woolwichpierhotel.com.au.