The Redfern pub isn’t known for being the most charming spot for a drink. But everyone knows the place. It sits boldly on the corner of Cleveland and South Dowling and, until recently, it was frequented by tradies and those flocking from Moore Park for a post-sport coldie. But the keys are in new, well-seasoned hospo hands – 10, specifically. Zac Godbolt (Doom Juice), Dan McBride and Dynn Szmulewicz (Enmore Country Club, The Sunshine Inn, The Little Guy, ex-Golden Gully), Cameron Votano (Lowkey, BTB Kirribilli) and Rachael Paul (former manager of The Sunshine Inn, Golden Gully) have taken on the pub.

“Everyone’s got a story about The Bat & Ball,” Godbolt tells Broadsheet. “It’s been pretty cool just how many people know about it and how much rich history it has, all the way down the line – people as old as my grandparents, they’re aware of this pub.”

The team of friends is a tried and tested winner. Paul’s a long-time manager of McBride and Szmulewicz’s venues, Godbolt’s a part-owner of Enmore Country Club, and there’ve been cross-venue pop-ups aplenty. Collectively, there’s kitchen, bar, branding and publican experience.

Join Broadsheet Access for exclusive invites to new venue openings in your city, plus other hot–ticket events. Membership starts at just $12 a month for an annual membership.

Join Now

“We’re embellishing on all the old beauty, rather than trying to enforce something new,” McBride says on The Bat & Ball’s incoming fit-out. “When we got the keys we were really excited to retrofit and bring back the old gem.” The floors are remaining the same, while the walls (inside and out) will get a lick of paint and there’ll be a new look for the bar.

The kitchen, captained by Votano, will pump out both favourites and more “exciting fare”. “I know it’s cliche, but we really are trying to provide something for everyone,” McBride says. “At its heart it’ll be a classic Aussie pub. You’ve got your mainstays on tap, your chicken schnitzel, but then elevating that slightly by providing some nice wine and streamlined cocktails.”

The pub boasts a 2am licence, sure to take the late-night pressure off nearby Bar Cleveland – but there’ll be “really good, long happy hours” earlier, too. The nitty gritty’s still being worked out, but Friday and Saturday nights will be powered by vinyl DJs. “I’m really excited for that aspect, cos we’re in such a great area for hospitality around here,” Godbolt says. “The fact that we can be a part of that community and add our own touch, offer that late night while still having that classic pub trade, I think it’s going to be really fun.”

Tellies screening sport will stay, but the pokies are already long gone. The accommodation offering upstairs is in line for a refresh too, once the pub is up and running.

The Bat & Ball is due to reopen by early August.

@thebatandballhotel