Beloved Bulimba pub Oxford 152 lifts the lid on its $1.72-million refurbishment
A pillar of Oxford Street’s hospitality offering has scored a fresh makeover, with the team behind Oxford 152 giving locals a peek at its recent refurb. The pub now boasts a new-look front bar and bistro, as well as refreshed external facade. Take a peek inside …
Bulimba’s high street is in the midst of a renaissance period. In recent years, Oxford Street’s dining scene has grown tremendously, with the strip now considered one of the city’s top precincts thanks to venues like Il Molo, Melrose, Luckies Kitchen, Old Mr Rabbit, Medé Modern Mediterranean and Mexicali. Now, one of the street’s longest-running venues has been given a glow-up to match.
ALH Group has just pulled back the curtain on Oxford 152’s $1.72-million refurbishment – a substantial revitalisation that has looked to give the popular pub a new lease on life. Works undertaken on the venue, formerly known as the Bulimba Hotel and later the Balmoral, have sought to honour the pub’s storied legacy and maintain its standing within the community, while giving it a modern feel.
“We want to bring the spirit of Bulimba to life with a space that evolves with the community while remaining unmistakably local,” says ALH Group’s operations manager, Josh Bibby, in a statement. “Our goal is to blend polished hospitality with a playful edge, offering a space that is modern, yet always welcoming.”
Much of the work has gone into upgrading Oxford 152’s various amenities, with renovations transforming its open-plan main bar, bistro, sports vision area, external dining space and beer garden. The exterior of the building has also been given a makeover, with the crisp facade shining like a beacon to all comers.
The refurbishment has given the interior a chic design scheme boasting terracotta-hued tiles, blonde timber and chequered carpet – all of which juxtaposes slickly with the building’s exposed-brick walls. “We’re softening the venue’s aesthetic to appeal to a broader audience without losing the essence that has made us a local favourite,” says Josh.
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In addition to the upgrades, Oxford 152’s food menu has also been punched up. Over in the restaurant, guests can sit down to pub classics like Stone & Wood-battered hoki, pork and fennel sausages with giant Yorkshire pudding and mash, and panko-crumbed chicken schnitzels.
Those seeking something a little bit different can nosh on snacks such as char-grilled beef skewers with black-pepper mayo, shell scallops with cafe de Paris butter and chicken parmi spring rolls, or morsels from the grill like U8 Mooloolaba king prawns, Cajun-spiced half chicken, Barkers Creek pork cutlets and an array of succulent steaks. Oxford 152 is also slinging pizzas, burgers, salads and desserts – so there’s something for everyone.
As for the drinks, well, Oxford 152 has plenty to choose from. The main bar is where you’ll find the largest array of drops, from tap beers to wines. If crafted concoctions are more your thing, find a spot in the umbrella-shaded gin garden – a pet-friendly oasis where the cocktails flow.
Oxford 152 is open to the public – get more details over in The Directory.