Modern luxury meets history in Maitland’s iconic Art Deco hotel
Since relaunching Maitland’s Metropolitan Hotel in November 2023, owners, and brothers Nick and Elliot Pogonoski have undertaken a gradual, yet dramatic transformation, and are now excited to re-introduce the community to this classic Maitland pub.
Owners: Elliot and Nick Pogonoski
Officially handed the keys in August 2023, what Elliot and Nick inherited was a pub that had seen better days—but rather than strip away the venue's soul, they decided to breathe new life into it, blending warmth with a modern touch, while maintaining its original charm and unique characteristics.
If you’d visited the Metropolitan Hotel prior to the renos, one of the major changes you’ll notice as you enter is the removal of all the tiles and dark dingy tones, as Nick explains,
“There was no carpet in the original hotel, it was tiles, tiles, tiles and a black ceiling which gave it a very cold feeling, kind of felt like you were having a beer in a bathroom.
“We’ve added a lot of timber throughout the venue to soften the edges, and invested a lot in quality chairs and bar stools. The copper panel in the front bar has become a standout feature, and has helped to make that area of the hotel feel more comfortable and welcoming.”
Despite the significant renovations, Nick and Elliot have been careful not to erase the venue’s history, instead ensuring the venue's "pub" essence has been kept intact.
The Metropolitan Hotel has a fascinating backstory, dating back to 1872, and has always managed to turn heads, thanks to its stunning exterior and those striking curves and intricate tiles, the result of an art deco renovation back in the 40s. Today, the hotel manages to blend its heritage with modernity in a way that few venues can lay claim to.
“There's a lot of pubs that are all just white and silver, square and shiny and neon, which is the pokey-ification of pubs, and because of that, they lose their character and their soul. We didn’t want that to happen.
“We’ve kept many of the pub's original features, including the beige/yellow tiles, to some people they may look like ugly yellow tiles, but for us they’re important as they tell the story of the pub, and hold onto the pub's character.”
The layout has also been reimagined. Originally, the pub featured a massive pool table that left little room for seating. To remedy this, the space was redesigned to allow more people to enjoy the venue without compromising its vibe.
The back of the pub has also been opened up, resulting in a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere and the right balance of rustic and modern touches.
What sets the Metropolitan apart from other pubs is its decision not to include pokies which Nick speaks passionately about—something that has become almost standard in Australian venues. By avoiding pokies, the owners have managed to preserve a more community-focused environment, a hotel where people can gather, enjoy good food, have meaningful conversations, and connect with their neighbors without the distraction of flashing machines.
The food at the Metropolitan is another standout. The menu has cleverly struck a balance between classic pub fare and dishes with a difference. Classics like the Metro Cheesie hamburger, Bangers + Mash and House Crumbed Chicken Schnitzel are challenged by the Irish Spice Bag, Grilled Jerk Chicken Sandwich, and French Tacos.
There’s also plenty of share options that are all packed with flavour, and some with a bit of a bite like the Dynamite Prawns and its bang bang sauce, Bowl of Wings, Jalapeño Cheese Bites and the trusty ol’ Pork Belly Bites.
Nick and Elliot have placed an emphasis on quality, sourcing ingredients locally, working with as many local suppliers as they can, and ensuring that dishes are made from scratch. This approach, coupled with a welcoming atmosphere, has made the venue a local foodie favorite.
For Nick and Elliot, their goal was to create a pub that embodies community spirit and conversation is at the core. It's a place that brings people together, offering a warm atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Whether you’re coming in for a cocktail, Friday arvo beers, a meal with your family, or to watch your favourite football team, the Metropolitan Hotel provides a space for everyone, even your furry four footed friends, for all occasions.
