Originally published in AV.technology.
The Leumeah Hotel refurb is a total transformation — nothing remains untouched, from the branding, signage, back of house, bathrooms, gaming, TAB, bars and more.
It has turned the pub from a tired-old, locals-only tavern into a vibrant destination for families, punters, diners and groups of friends to spend a night out.
Leumeah Hotel may now be far more open and engaging to everyone in the community but the core market remains blokes who like a drink, a punt and the big game, so the pub has invested heavily in keeping faith with the men of Leumeah.
Key new ‘quintessential pub’ developments include:
- The indoor/outdoor TAB area is large, comfortable and sophisticated — a premium entertainment experience, you might say
- A new bar with an even greater range of tap beer (including the Carlton Draft unpasteurised Tank Beer)
- Brand new gaming lounge, including outdoor gaming, with a larger footprint, new dedicated bathrooms, bar and separate entrance
- Vastly improved sports viewing options, including two giant screens
- A much improved casual food offering, for an ytime dining
Interior designer, Bianca Fraser, from the Unlisted Collective, was the creative eye behind the Leumeah redevelopment. The colour scheme was inspired by nature, such as blues and tans, while honest materials such as timber and brick have been introduced for not only their practical qualities, but for their textures that add warmth and a divers pallete to the spaces.
The old pub’s cramped ceiling heights have made way for skylights and more glazing, bringing the natural light streaming in.
Big Screen Game Time
Leumeah Hotel has a bunch of conventional LCD screens dotted about the venue, but wanted something special for its sports bar.
Increasingly hotel operators are turning to LED displays to super-size their viewing options.
LED sizes exceed the largest of LCD displays while LCD video walls can be very expensive.
Meanwhile, large-format LED is increasingly affordable and can be easy to install.
One of the advantages of a big LED screen like the Leumeah Hotel’s is the high brightness. Even with sunlight streaming into the space, the Aurora LED display’s brightness really punches through.
The screen is hi-def and can be easily viewed from anywhere in the room, and for big events, such as the rugby State of Origin, have been a real focal point, and a great reason to get out of the house and enjoy the game with friends in a friendly party atmosphere.
