Fassnidge changes Terminus Hotel

Celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge has rejuvenated the old-style Terminus Hotel, revamping its menu after just six weeks of operation.

The hotel, established in 1841, is located in a Federation-style two-storey structure built in the early 1900s.

It became known as the Terminus Hotel in 1917 because of its location at the end of the old tram line and was known for its topless barmaids serving up drinks.

The tired old pub was closed in 1986 after Isaac and Susan Wakil purchased it.

The doors remained shut until 2015 when they sold the property to a developer to build luxury terraces in its large car park. Subsequently the pub itself was listed for sale in March 2016 and was purchased by David Mathlin and Binu Katari for close to $5 million.

They spent another $2 million refurbishing it.

The pub now has pressed metal ceilings, glossy tiles and on-trend finishes and so far, there have been glowing reports about the interiors.

The venue has been reinvented and the pair reopened it for the first time in 32 years in February.

The Terminus now has its brand, sporting its own beer, Terminus Lager, and a Mediterranean menu.

The owners also enlisted business partners Colin Fassnidge and Clayton Reis to create a new direction in food.

Fassnidge plans to replace the Mediterranean menu with pub classics.

"Yes, I'm in there with [business partner] Clayton Reis. Our menu will be up in about two weeks," Fassnidge told goodfood.com.au.

"There'll be beef cheeks, shared plates for two. We'll make our own pies and sausage rolls.”

He says the redesigned hotel is just right and fit for purpose.

"It's not like we've taken over [the kitchen] at some shitty pub. The fitout is great," Fassnidge told goodfood.com.au.

Fassnidge say he wants to create a match between the food and the project.

"It's their gig. We're just in there for six months to get it on the right path,” he told goodfood.com.au.

Leon Gettler - 18 April 2018