The renos are complete and the new-look Hamilton Hotel has re-opened
Sitting strong on Hamilton’s Beaumont St since 1880, a quick drive-by glance reveals little of the happenings inside, only the gold scribed signage at the entry way offers a hint of something new.
All becomes clear on entering with 9 month's worth of building and renovations transforming the hotel into a multiple purpose venue that literally caters to everyone.
Starting in the Public Bar, the space has undergone a layout shuffle now offering more room to enjoy your afternoon wine or beers in. Make your way up to level one where you'll find The Kitchen, a draw card all of its own. Speaking with General Manager Gareth Rattley he explains the dining concept.
“The menu is Italian inspired but you will also find all of your classic bistro style meals as well."
“A major focus of The Kitchen has been placed on using quality ingredients, and everything is made fresh on-site from the pizza dough to the pasta which is rolled and cut in the kitchen.”
Whilst The Kitchen has a dedicated bistro area to enjoy your meal in, you can dine in any area of the hotel, including on the wrap-around balcony, ideal as the warmer months move in.
It’s here that the design and interiors team need a mention starting with lead architect Richard Waterson of EJE Architecture, Construction Manager Rob Cordwell from Club Projects and Hannah Brady of Studio Brady who literally travelled the globe to gather up the styling pieces.
From The Kitchen make your way into Swill Bar for some sultry cocktail lounge vibes and DJs til 3am every Friday and Saturday night. The dark moody tones, classic interiors, and a quality drink menu has been designed with lovers of fine cocktails in mind. Crafted by hospitality legend and award-winning mixologist Brent Tozer, you're easily tempted to settle in for the afternoon and evening.
Entertainment will be a big focus for the hotel also, with local musos happening every Friday and Saturday night, bands returning as soon as possible along with live performances, with Gareth adding,
“We've partnered with Timberlina for our Sunday Service which start on the balcony at 3pm and then moves inside for DJs and drag shows from 6pm."
"I was involved with the Beresford in Sydney, which has a big following with the LBGTQI community, and I did a lot of work around gay pride and laneway festivals, so I am excited to see what we do with Timberlina and what we can create for the local community.”
From Swill Bar make your way down the wooden staircase to the Sports Bar which comes complete with a ginormous screen and auditorium, Live at the X. Gareth explains the multilayered concept behind the hotel,
“We wanted to move away from being a purely late night drinking venue, there will be a lot of things going on under the one roof, and there’s something for everyone."
Sports lovers will be in heavan with the big screen showcasing everything live and loud from UFC to NRL to race days, along with a TAB area being installed with multiple screens. So whether you're looking for a quiet for cocktail, dinner and drinks or a night of entertainment The Exchange has an experience for everyone.