Old favourite into new local, with The Belroy Hotel to open in November

With a huge wrap-around balcony, in-house French chicken rotisserie and rooftop atrium bar and bistro, The Belroy Hotel is a new St Leonards local pub rising out of an old favourite (Gilroy’s Hotel), opening on 22 November.

Following a major renovation and expansion into the neighbouring building, making it two times the size of its prior incarnation, The Belroy Hotel is a cosy corner pub with a difference, to enjoy across all seasons.

The vision for The Belroy Hotel by French-born designer Emilie Delalande of Etic (Barangaroo House, Martinez, Easy Tiger) was to create a venue with two contrasting yet connected spaces. Behind the striking original amber façade, the ground floor Sports Bar is the go-to for major sporting events, classic pub grub and tap beers from some of Sydney’s favourite breweries.

In contrast, upstairs an urban oasis awaits at the Terrace Bar & Bistro, a stunningly bright and airy conservatory-style space. Natural light floods the expansive open plan bistro and bar, streaming through highlight windows and the vast original pitched triangular skylight of the pub.

French doors, that retain the original lead light windows, open onto one of the North Shore’s largest wrap-around balconies and separate outdoor terrace, perfect for enjoying summer spritzes and share plates elevated above the surrounding streets. Blonde wood flooring and light timber furniture complement terrazzo-topped long tables and sleek blue leather banquettes. Forest green leather seats, and foliage add to the sense of the outside being brought inside.

The menu is served across both levels of the pub, and perfectly complements the beers on tap, playful cocktails and considered wine list.

Pub classics include gourmet burgers, butcher’s choice steaks and crispy chicken schnitzel, best paired with a chilled schooner. Comforting home-style dishes such as chicken and leek pie with creamy mash and mushy peas, tender lamb ragu pappardelle and The Belroy Hotel’s signature half or whole roast chicken cooked to perfection on the in-house French rotisserie are hero to the new menu, perfect with a glass of your favourite wine.

Share style plates such as tacos, burrata and antipasti are best served with one of their signature cocktails. Summer highlights include Northside (gin, fresh lime juice, raspberry, and mint), Rhubi Spritz (rhubarb liqueur, grapefruit, and a splash of soda) and Lemon Sherbet Spritz (Absolut Citron, Limoncello and lemon).

Garry McGrath of Sonenco Hotels (whose portfolio includes the popular Barangaroo pub The Sussex Hotel) has been the owner and proprietor of the pub for the past decade. He wanted to evolve the venue to deliver an even better pub experience, across two levels.