NEW ‘MET’ UNVEILED
IT’S been operating as a pub on the corner of Ruthven and Bowen Sts in the Toowoomba CBD for more than 150 years, and from today the Metropole Hotel begins its new life as the Met Hotel.
Bought and renovated by Toowoomba couple Jasmine and Kosta Theodosis over the past six months, the pub officially opens its doors at 11am. From a rundown old hotel with a mishmash of decor from various decades, the couple has transformed the Met into a modern pub that pays tribute to its heritage.
SPARED from demolition by chance and then bought by Jasmine and Kosta Theodosis last year, the Metropole Hotel reopens today after a six month renovation under the new name of the Met Hotel.
The historic hotel has served as the site of various public houses since 1864.
And the refurbishment has been a labour of love for the Theodosis’, who couldn’t be prouder of the finished product.
“We just started to fall more in love with it as we progressed and as we saw more and more potential,” Mr Theodosis said.
“We just couldn’t stop ourselves. We really wanted to make it the best place it could be … to build a place that we really wanted to come to.”
The renovation was done without the use of a big building company.
“We’ve had to think of every single thing ourselves – which came down to budget,” Mrs Theodosis said.
“It was everyone pitching in, our support network, which is just insane. It’s been really lovely.”
On Tuesday, Toowoomba cabinet maker/musician Jacques Van Lill was busy putting the finishing touches on various rooms.
“He was our main guy who helped us out, and he still is,” Mr Theodosis noted.
Entering through the front door, the revamped bar area includes a small stage for live music, and leads to the right to a quieter whiskey lounge.
Down to the left is the dining room/back bar, which will in the coming weeks include a huge mural across the back wall.
Also taking up pride of place here are two refurbished pinball machines.
Then there’s the Fitzgerald Room – named after Mr Theodosis’ friend Colin Fitzgerald who kindly donated the lounge’s original music posters and brochures designed during his time working at a tour promoter in the 70s.
Inspiration for the pub’s fit-out was drawn from Mr Theodosis’ favourite bars around the world, which he visited during his extensive career as a drummer.
“We want to be in this industry forever,” he said.
“Every day I get to talk to beer suppliers and I’m like: I can’t believe this is my job.
“I would love to be here 20 years from now, because we just love it – it’s something; the history of the building and just how run-down it was and how uncared for it was and now to see that it’s going to have so many people have a good time here every night.
The Met Hotel is open Thursday to Sunday, and will also offer an American-style food menu and regular live music.
Doors open at 11am.