The Alex, a Blue Mountains Pub That's Been Welcoming Holidaymakers for 120 Years, Just Got a $1 Million Makeover
Leura's only licensed hotel is entering a new era, with a $1 million revival restoring its heritage features and refreshing its mountain-view grounds.
For over 120 years, holidays in the Blue Mountains often wound up at the Alexandra Hotel. Now, Leura's only licensed hotel is looking more attractive than ever, with a $1 million revival giving the venue named after Queen Alexandra its most regal restoration yet. All told, The Alex now has refreshed interiors and gardens, a brand-new playground and a family-friendly focus.
While Leura's charming mountain village has undergone some modern changes in recent times — the arrival of Little Sista's Med-inspired sandwiches and vinyl setup is one example — revamping the Alexandra Hotel has been all about re-establishing its old-world warmth and character for the next generation to appreciate.
"When we took over The Alex, it was clear the building needed significant work to restore it to its former glory," says Griffin Property Group general manager Mitchell Ward, with the group also behind Balmain's Cat & Fiddle Hotel. "Preserving pubs like this is incredibly important to us — they're part of the history of the communities they belong to, and we want future generations to be able to enjoy them in the same way generations before them have."
Those familiar with the pub will know the rear balcony is one of its defining features, perched above the beer garden with valley vistas. Now rebuilt using original materials and design elements in consultation with Blue Mountains City Council, the 26-metre balcony has been returned to its authentic specification, strengthening the connection between the hotel's historic accommodation and surrounding grounds.
The pub's outside areas have also received considerable attention. The leafy terrace beer garden offers expansive views across the Blue Mountains, while the heritage-listed gardens have been completely renewed. Framing the scenic mountain landscape, a striking cherry blossom tree bursts to life in spring. Also, a brand-new playground has been added to the grounds, giving little guests their own dedicated space to play while parents settle in nearby.
Inside, the Front Bar and Redfern Bistro offers new carpet, fresh paint and updated furnishings sprucing up the interiors. And in the kitchen, The Alex keeps the food seasonal and rustic, with a focus on local produce. Think elevated mains alongside pub classics, like steaks, parmis and wood-fired pizzas. By the roaring fireside or outside in the sun, The Alex is ready for another century of mountainside hospitality.
Find the revamped Alexandra Hotel at 62 Great Western Highway, Leura. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Kitti Gould.
