Following a 2.4-million renovation that has completely transformed the 140-year-old venue, the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche has reopened. Celebrated hospitality group Australian Venue Co. has given the beloved dining and drinking destination a new lease on life, which has seen the pub’s heritage and character levelled up with a fresh-faced design, new menus and a more modern offering. The new-look Crown Hotel boasts a sophisticated bistro, sleek sports bar and a breezy beer garden, with enough seating for up to 140 diners and drinkers to gather seven days a week. Sports fans can catch games live and loud with plenty of screens to take in all of the action, as well as dynamite specials and a top-notch line-up of frothy sips. Hungry folk can expect a tastebud-tempting menu of pub eats at the bistro, with starters like prawn rolls with spiced mayo, fried halloumi with strawberry, balsamic and cracked white pepper, and beef tartare with salt-and-vinegar chips, burnt shallots and pickles. For the main affair, diners can sate their senses with delicious dishes like confit duck leg with celeriac, green lentils and kipfler chips, chicken schnitzel with red cabbage and apple slaw, as well as a selection of steaks, topped with their choice of sauces and grilled prawns, salt-and-pepper calamari or half a Moreton Bay bug. Those with a sweet tooth can stick a spoon into a clutch of decadent desserts like whipped baked cheesecake with strawberry and salted shortbread, vanilla-bean creme brulee with Grand Marnier berries, and chocolate brownie with hokey-pokey gelato and espresso caramel.

Image credit: Markus Ravik