The old Metropole Hotel on Keen Street is about to become the New Metropole Hotel again - thanks to new owners Nick Lake and his wife.

Now, the former nightclub (known as The Hub prior to the 2017 floods), is being transformed into a pub with an upstairs open air wine bar – with a view to the street below.

Nick said workmen are now stripping out the insides of the building - which has been inactive since the floods - to bring his vision to life.

Part of Nick’s vision for the venue is to bring back the live music scene.

“I’ve been in town for 15 years and feel like we need another venue for live music and local musicians,” he said.

Nick said the new venue will utilise the existing spaces in the building.

“Downstairs, we’ll have a main public front bar, a darker lounge space and dance floor - and we are currently applying for street-front seating,” he said.

“There’s a great alfresco dining area near the kitchen a large car park area out the back when I envision music, food and beer festivals.” 

Upstairs will be a rooftop wine bar, open to the sky - with cocktails and some craft beer.

“It’s gorgeous up there on the open patio, overlooking Keen Street, the Gollan and Mary G’s,” Nick said.

Solar powered pub

Nick and his wife moved to Lismore 15 years ago and started up the alternative energy company, Nickel Energy.

So, it’s no surprise that Nick intends to power the new pub with solar energy.

“I’m really excited to open this new venue, Nick said. “I’ve had a passion for live music and good venues since I was in my 20s – this is a great opportunity.”

He hopes to open the new venue before Christmas.

Staff wanted

Nick is looking for some good chefs to work with him and help create a new menu – as well as hospitality staff to work in the venue that he hopes to have open seven days a week, through lunch and dinner times.

“We have been locals here for years and we are keen to respect local pricing for food too,” Nick said.

If you are interested in working for Nick as a chef or hospitality staff, contact him via email at njlake@gmail.com 

Hotel history

The New Hotel Metropole was originally opened in 1903 by the licensee, Mr. T. Graham Tile.

At the time, it was the largest NSW hotel north of Newcastle. The contractors for the building were Messrs. Brown and Jolly.