The Richmond Hotel’s balcony became a somewhat iconic image following the flood. It was a popular backdrop for tv news interviews, as it represented the complete devastation that had occurred in our town.

There was a sense of excitement last week as scaffolding was seen being put up around the site.

The Waratah Hotel Group, who are the current owners of Mary G's, purchased The Richmond Hotel last April. The Lismore App caught up with Manager Cath Simes, to get an update on both iconic pubs.

MARY G’S

“It is hoped the whole venue will be finished and opened by the end of April, which is very exciting.”

“The front bar, beer garden and cocktail bar are fully open now, and we’re back doing cocktails every night.”

“I’m just waiting on the new booths for the cocktail room and for down the bottom, and also some new lighting and mood lighting.”

The front section of the pub is the final piece of the puzzle for the venue to be fully reopened. It was used to host the Sky News show, Paul Murray Live, in the weeks following the disaster.

“I’m hoping to wallpaper the whole side of the room, there’ll be no ceiling like before, new black paint, and pendant lights.”

“It will finally bring some sunshine back into the business too.”

Mary G’s reopened in May last year, originally just the top section – formally ‘The One Bar & Nightclub.’ – Cath says it will stay similar to the current set-up.

“At this point, we want to keep entertainment up here, musical bingo, DJ’s and bands. It has been a very good space.”

THE RICHMOND HOTEL

Structural repairs have started on the balcony and the building, but there is a big job ahead to get the pub open.

“Once I have Mary G’s all open and done, then we have to start planning and sorting the Richmond.”

“As far as I know it will be the same as it was before the flood, so hopefully we can get builders starting soon.”

“I would have loved to get it all finished before the festival the other week, but it won’t take too long hopefully.”