It's been classed as an Irish Pub for the past 25 years, but Shenanigans at the Imperial is about to be given a brand new lease on life thanks to a million-dollar renovation.
From Monday, the well-known Irish-themed hotel will begin to take on a brand-new look as renovations start to take place.
Hotel licensee Clayton Barrett, said he and the venue's four additional owners Sean Barrett, Cameron Clydsdale, Manny Wade and Matthew Parkinson together decided to change the look and feel of the pub to fill a gap in the local market.
"We just feel the Irish theme has had its run. It's been like it since 1994 and the pub has had virtually nothing done to it since. The Irish theme was popular back then, but it was more like a chain brand than anything authentic or traditional," he said.
"The entire place will be gutted from the inside and a brand-new fit out installed to create a bright, light and open feel that focuses on a modern take on art deco with exposed brick, timber feature walls, light colours and a more industrial boutique style overall. There's nothing quite like that in Maitland and we think it's what the area needs."
"The entire place will be gutted from the inside and brand new fit out installed to create a bright, light and open feel that focuses on modern take on art deco with exposed brick, timber feature walls, light colours and a more industrial boutique style overall..."
Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, 14 January, but the hotel will remain open for business throughout the entire renovation.
"We will be closing at 6pm on Sunday, 13th January, but aside from that it's business as usual for us. Work will begin at the back end of the venue and we will be trading right through. People will be able to start seeing changes every week, but our bar, restaurant and entertainment will be ongoing."
With St Patrick's Day looming, Clayton said revellers will still be able to celebrate the day in Irish style at the Imperial, despite it's new look and feel.
"We'll still be celebrating. We'll still be serving Guinness and running the day like we have every other year so there's no need for anyone to worry about that," he said.
"We will be closing at 6pm on Sunday, 13th January but aside from that it's business as usual for us. Work will begin at the back end of the venue and we will be trading right through. People will be able to start seeing changes every week, but our bar, restaurant and entertainment will be ongoing..."
Clayton said the renovation will also provide an opportunity for the hotel to potentially provide a more varied entertainment offering.
"At present we usually have soloists and duos, but once we open up the back section and level it all out I imagine there will be more room for bands to play."
Works are expected to be complete by the end of March 2019.
For more information contact the hotel on (02) 4933 6566 or visit them online at imperialmaitland.com.au