By James Atkinson
Bondi Junction publicans Colin Parras and Andrew Lazarus last night unveiled their newly refurbished hotel, The Eastern, which comprises several distinct drinking and dining concepts across four floors.
Parras told TheShout the venue's bold new offering was the result of extensive market research into "what the gastropub of today is going to evolve to".
In addition to the El Topo Mexican rooftop restaurant & bar on the fourth floor, The Eastern now has Greek-inspired restaurant Anatoli on the first floor and Chimmi's, the third floor South American-themed bar. [continued below]
L-R: Tina and Colin Parras, Paul Nicolaou, TV chef Justine Schofield, Andrew and Denise Lazarus
On the ground floor is The Publican, "Bondi Junction's new local pub", which offers more than 100 craft beers and ciders and a gourmet jaffle menu.
A contingent of media, celebrities and industry figures at last night's event included Australian Hotels Association (NSW) boss Paul Nicolaou, who paid tribute to Parras and Lazarus's forward-thinking approach.
"It just shows you how the players in the industry are becoming more innovative in the way they do business," Nicolaou told TheShout.
"A lot of hoteliers are moving away from gaming and looking at other ways to really entice people to come into their establishments – that's what Colin and Andrew have done here at The Eastern."