Gemba recently supported St.George in the execution of the 2022 AHA Pub Design Tour, a travelling event which celebrated three iconic Sydney pubs whose recent architectural makeover has created a range of uniquely memorable interior spaces.

This year, special guests were invited to the Riley Hotel in Darlinghurst, the Woolly Bay Hotel in Woolloomooloo, and Shell House in Sydney’s CBD.

Attendees also enjoyed a taste of what each venue had to offer gastronomically – from the South American-inspired cocktail bar menu at the Riley Hotel, to the Mediterranean-style canapés served up by the Woolly Bay Hotel. Representatives from each venue also took part in a Q&A, discussing the inspiration and meaning behind the various interior design choices, the historical significance of the venues, and how heritage-listed elements impacted the process of renovations.

Speakers included industry specialists – such as Harris Kospetas, CEO of Universal Hotels; Arthur Laundy, owner of Laundy Hotels, alongside creative director Justine Laundy and Nick Tindall, operations manager of the venue renovations; and also Brett Robinson, CEO of the Point Group.