By Erin Horrigan
It will be out with the vending machine and in with proper pub meals when the Murdoch Tavern unveils some major renovations including a brand new kitchen.
Thumbs up, tavern staff member, Gabrielle Fitzgerald is looking forward to having more food options.
Murdoch Student Guild and the City of Melville have sealed a deal for a kitchen to be built at the pub after years of pressure from patrons.
The tavern’s acting manager, Taylor Hatch, says the renovation project is the first step in restoring the pub to its former glory.
“The tavern was the place to be in 2007 to 2012. It was all about hitting the Tav, going to our parties and really living that uni life. It was awesome, we want to get back to awesome,” Ms Hatch says. The tavern will remain open through the renovations, which include a paint job, new furniture and TVs, possibly a stage, upgrades to the toilets and even a new logo.
“The tavern doesn’t want to become a restaurant or a café, we want to stick to that welcoming, easy-going student Tav feel,” Ms Hatch says.
“We get that people want more, so we are willing to give more, which doesn’t only mean food, but it’s definitely a start.’’
Insight: A map of the proposed changes to be the tavern.
Patrons can expect cheap food-and-drink deals when the kitchen opens.
Student Hannah Beattie usually goes to Curtin Tav parties and thinks the addition of food at the tavern will improve the campus social scene.
“If I was walking past the Tav and I saw a $10 food-and-pint deal and there were quite a few students in there, I would go in,” Ms Beattie said.
With only a vending machine, BYO food and the weekly arrival of a food truck on Fridays, the tavern is struggling to compete to with the bustling Student Ref, which serves a variety of cuisines.
Students go to the Murdoch Student Ref (here) instead of the tavern (above) to eat and socialise.
The renovations are expected to begin in July.
The Murdoch Student Guild would not comment about how much the upgrades were costing.