Darlinghurst's East Village Pub Is Geared Up for a Revamp

Drinkers and diners of Darlinghurst, if you've been debating the future of the East Village Hotel, put your doubts to rest. The folks at Goodtime Hospitality Group have announced they're taking over, with a promise to revamp all four storeys of the much-adored, 100-year-old drinking spot.

Unfamiliar with the name? Chances are you haven't travelled to the inner west lately. Goodtime, which is co-owned by young entrepreneurs James Bodel and Locky Paech, rocked onto the Sydney hospitality scene in November 2015, with their purchase of Petersham's White Cockatoo Pub. Renaming it the West Village, they installed a fresh, organic menu and, within weeks, were attracting the local hungry hordes.

We're guessing the East Village will keep its current name. And Goodtime has told us they'll be hiring Nathan Holowell (ex-Catalina) as head chef, who's busy designing a modern Australian menu. Meanwhile, Alexander and Co. (Busby, The Village Inn, Surly's, Daniel San, The Morrison, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel) will be taking care of design matters, given that their job on the West Village was ace. We can't wait to see what they do with the pub's little known yet seriously appealing rooftop space.

"There's so much potential in the East Village and it's a great opportunity to revive this beloved pub," says Paech said. The makeover should be complete by September 2016 — just in time for spring.

Love a good pub revamp? Check out our favourites from 2015.