The Unicorn is a well-loved Paddington pub. Big-time. And it’s loved by a bunch of different Sydneysiders: locals coming in for a quiet mid-weeker. Groups playing pool or shooting darts under the glowing “No Creeps Allowed” sign. Beer garden smokers and big birthday bashes, then the descent of a younger crowd ready to shake it on the makeshift dancefloor. Personally I’m there for the wine list – it’s one of the best pubs in Sydney to get a good drop. But The Unicorn is changing hands.

The Mary’s team is packing up shop and calling final drinks on Sunday September 1. Here’s what we know about the team moving in – and the intel on whether that standout parmie is sticking around.

“We’re pretty excited about opening up and acquiring The Unicorn,” John Feros tells Broadsheet. “When I was young, the Fringe Bar was my go-to, so for me it’s a bit of an iconic place.” Feros is the director of JDA Hotels, the group that runs the General Gordon and Padstow Park Hotel – which has just acquired our Paddo darling.

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“Our aim is to keep that really cool pub vibe going. We will be putting some money into it, to freshen it up,” he says. “But our aim is to maintain what it was, and has been for so long: a cool, vibrant pub with pub food, a pool table, entertainment.”

The big question is whether that golden chook is going anywhere. “We’re talking with the guys who are exiting the venue. We will definitely be putting on a schnitty, and if the old guys are okay with it, [we’ll keep the parmie on] and pay homage to them. We actually have some pretty fussy executive chefs in our group, and they love that one.”

As for the refurb, the team won’t say much but assure it won’t be that white-washed Cali-style ‘fit we’ve seen play out. There’ll be a few layout changes upstairs – to increase capacity – but the brief to the architects and designers is to “maintain the character and charm”.

The building is heritage, which usually sees lengthy DA applications. “We’re [lodging] very soon, and we’re trying to expedite it – but we are in the hands of the council, and particularly their heritage architect.”

Will beers will be pouring by summer? “We’re hoping so.”

The Unicorn in its current state will close on Sunday September 1. More details on the reopening date coming soon.

@unicorn_hotel