Marrickville Tavern revamps with major sports focus

Written by Feb 5, 2025Australian Hotelier

Sydney’s inner-west Marrickville Tavern unveiled its new look after undergoing renovations, embracing a modern sports bar feel to continue the venue’ s legacy, preserve its rich history and champion sporting experiences for its patrons.

The pub underwent a complete transformation which included interior refurbishments with new furniture, carpets, ceilings, screens, and releveled floorings throughout the venue.

A spokesperson from Sonnel Hospitality told Australian Hotelier that the latest renovations go beyond just a cosmetic touch up. With sporting at the heart of Marrickville Tavern’s history, the venue has placed an emphasis on sports viewing and experiences. The spokesperson said that the focus was to capture a new market and create a lively space for its patrons and visiting sport enthusiasts.

“We saw a gap in the inner-west market for sports fans to go – there are lots of restaurants and bars in the area and we didn’t want to be just another one and compete – rather we want to fill the gap with sports, a place to drink before people head out for dinner or the late night drink to cap off their night,” they said.

“Pubs are typically made up of a sports bar, bistro, lounge bar and accommodation. We decided that we would focus in on the sports bar element as it appeals to a broader market.” 

A nod to the community

The venue has placed local pride front and centre with a mural dedicated to Marrickville-born boxing legend Jeff Fenech, known as the ‘Marrickville Mauler’. Created by artists Lara Allport, founder of The Drawing Arm Illustration Agency, and Miguel Gonzalez, founder of M-LON Art and Design, the mural chronicles Fenech’s career from local athlete to boxing champion.

Jeff Fenech and his mural. Image: Marrickville Tavern

The mural is just one of the ways Marrickville Tavern celebrates its community roots. The walls are also adorned with sports memorabilia including an IBF World Championship belt signed by Kostya Tzsyu. With 10 screens showcasing a wide range of sports throughout the venue, and a full-size pool table anchored beneath its three-metre LED screens and Bose sound systems, the pub delivers a holistic viewing experience for all sport fans.

The latest developments, including a new membership program, have been well received by patrons, visitors and sporting enthusiasts. Sonnel Hospitality’s spokesperson said its transformation has brought a new demographic of patrons to the venue.

“We have seen our customer base grow. Our regulars are proud of their new venue, and we have seen a whole new drinking crowd. We have introduced our group-wide loyalty program PubPass which has had a great take-up is reporting a high re-visitation rate,” they said.

In its commitment to the local community and sport, Marrickville Tavern provides activities like free pool on Tuesdays as well as affordable options across its drinks and food menu.

The venue’s ‘Pies, Pints, and Punting’ motto is reflected in the menu filled with options like pepper steak pies, red wine lamb shank pies, and chicken leek mushroom pies.

Renowned beverage consultant, Brendan Hill is responsible for curating the venue’s selection of cocktails including expresso martinis, old fashioned and MT palomas.

Championing women in sport

As part of Marrickville Tavern’s focus on sports-viewing, womens’ sports will take priority as part of Sonnel Hospitality’s Her Sport, Her Bar initiative to drive inclusion and visibility for women’s sport. Justine Baker, ex-CEO of Solotel and consultant to Sonnel Hospitality, has been instrumental in the venue’s redevelopment, ensuring that Marrickville Tavern is both a female-friendly and welcoming environment for all visitors.

The Her Sport, Her Bar initiative has been well received across Sonnel Hospitality venues, attracting over 700 fans to experience their favourite sports across five female-led sporting events and watch parties. Marrickville Tavern will continue to offer a range of sports and televise women sporting matches across the venue to promote diversity in the industry and throughout the Marrickville community.

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