Newbies revive pub with grub
A Sydney duo is revamping a favourite Leichhardt haunt with a new lick of paint and some fresh ideas.
Norton’s on Norton will now be managed by brother-and-sister team, Phil and Vicki Webster, who are known for their work with Richard’s On The Park, at Canley Vale. The duo has commenced an over haul of the pub, including the establishment of a new restaurant in the bar, HUX @ Nortons.
Mr Webster said the development of the restaurant is important as the days are over when a pub could get away with only serving alcohol.
“Food will be the back bone of the change,” he said. “Food is the mainstay of pubs nowadays.” The head chef, Jay Huxley, is a former contestant on MasterChef who reached the later rounds.
He said they will be avoiding Italian food, for which Norton St is renowned. “We’re not going to be Italian. To take those guys head on would be a silly move.”
Mr Huxley said the menu will include a diversity of foods from tapas to seafood, with a focus on what is in season. Changes will also be made to the bar’s events, which will now include a monthly drag show and, potentially, a monthly cooking lesson with Huxley. Cocktails will feature on the menu and they may be installing ping pong tables.
These changes are all part of developing a clientele beyond the usual tradespeople Norton’s on Norton is known for.
A bartender at another pub on Norton St, Chris Curcuruto, described Norton’s on Norton as “a real pub-pub”.
“You get those tradies, the fluoro wearers,” he said. “Maybe because of that pub pub feel.”
Mr Webster said he wants it to become a more family friendly place where you can come grab a drink with your girlfriend and not worry about getting in trouble.
The Websters said there would be a degree of experimentation to see what works for a pub that has recently been struggling. The couple said that a combination of health issues for the previous managers, the general economic slowdown and the problem of parking have all had an effect.
“You go out for a nice meal, it costs you an extra$100 for the parking ticket,” said Mr Webster.
The new restaurant will host its soft-opening on February 1, with a limited menu.
The venue officially opens on February 24 and has invited special guests including MasterChef contestants.
