Australia-The Burwood Inn is situated in Newcastle's beach side suburb of Merewether.It was established in 1876 and is the oldest continually operating hotel in the region.Although it has been a popular destination for famous sports people,musicians and other celebrities to visit for"a quiet one while in town",locally the Burwood was known as a very'blokey'pub.
When the current owner's purchased the Burwood approximately four years ago,it was intended from the start to gut the original hotel and refurbish to suit a business model based on hotels around the Balmain,Surry Hills and Paddington areas of Sydney.
This would see a mix of great food,acoustic based live music,lounge DJs and a relaxed atmosphere primarily aimed at the 20 to 30 something market.After operating the pub for 12 months while making plans it was decided that the Burwood had a character and a history that would be a shame to ruin.
It was decided to keep the'blokey'feel to the main bar incorporating bigger,better TAB and sport viewing facilities.Your Vision Sound Solutions flew a 64"plasma at one end of the room and framed it with a pair of JBL Control 29AV speakers and a JBL SB210 sub.This has been very successful in creating a'Sports Theatre'feel in the front bar,making it a popular destination for major sporting events.
At the other end of the main bar,YVSS were responsible for constructing the TAB area from scratch,recessing the display panels and betting facilities into the purpose built wall.JBL 8128 ceiling speakers were used for Sky Racing's audio.
Behind the bar is a dedicated computer that runs BSS'London Architect to allow staff to control the hotel's audio system via a BSS BLU-100 processor.The computer also runs iTunes for background music.
The lounge area was the middle third of the hotel and apart from some pokies was a bit of a no man's land between the main bar and the restaurant.The pokies were relocated to the front of the hotel and this area was transformed into a lounge bar area that can also be used for casual dining,entertainment and informal functions.
The ceilings and finish made discrete speakers all but impossible so an in your face approach was used instead.The JBL Control 29AV speakers have a very dominant presence as you pass them on the way to the restaurant.They have been described by patrons as'letting you know that this place will rock later'.
