If you're driving by the iconic black and white What's On at The Stag sign on the corner of Maitland Road and Hanbury Street at Mayfield, you might be a bit bewildered. There's no live music listed until the debut album launch of local outfit Magpie Diaries on Thursday, 31 January.
As any live music lover knows, The Stag & Hunter Hotel is synonymous with live music, in fact it's a haven original acts music, showcasing local and touring bands every week.
So what's the go?
"We are currently undergoing renovations across the entire hotel and at the moment the main bar, or band room, is closed while we make it even better for music lovers," hotelier Mick Starkey said.
"As part of the works, we are adjusting the position of the bar and also replacing infrastructure to allow more people to view the bands from in front of the stage and to also improve the serviceability of the bar.
"We are also extending the size of the stage to improve the artist's experience. New curtains levelled to the floor and new toilets in the band room will all make performing at The Stag even better."
"We are currently undergoing renovations across the entire hotel and at the moment the main bar, or band room, is closed while we make it even better for music lovers..."
So why invest so much in the live music experience? According to Mick, the answer is simple. He's a fan.
"I have personally always been a fan of live and original music," he said.
"The Stag has given me the opportunity to basically operate a venue I would definitely be a patron of. Live music is an art that effects everyone no matter what the genre. Its not particularly age specific and allows our pub to morph into something different with every show.
"I have enjoyed and continue to appreciate the people and community I have met and become a part of. I see music no different to sport, where pubs and clubs sponsor teams to foster talent in their chosen field . Well at the Stag, we see music as the same thing allowing original artist to hone their craft in the hope they out grow our venue and move on to bigger things."
"The Stag has given me the opportunity to basically operate a venue I would definitely be a patron of. Live music is an art that effects everyone no matter what the genre..."
The renovation works will also include a new bar in the hotel's gaming area, new TAB, a new back bar and pizza kitchen along with unseen improvements like plumbing and electrical.
The Stag is still open for business throughout the renovation works, which are expected to be complete by the end of January 2019.
For more information you can contact the hotel on (02) 4968 1205 or visit them online at stagandhunter.com.au
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