Restoration of Emu Hall is almost complete, with the new-look venue set to open to the public in a matter of weeks.
Construction to transform the historic river-front homestead into a cafe with adjoining restaurant and bar began about 18 months ago, after Roky Gorgees snapped up the heritage-listed site.
Perched high on the banks of the Nepean River between the Victoria Bridge and Punt Road, Emu Plains, Emu Hall was originally built in 1852 by Toby Ryan, a vibrant local character and jack-of-all-trades who ended up representing Nepean in the Legislative Assembly.
Manager Cristian Gorgees said the countdown to the highly-anticipated opening was well and truly on.
“We are very close to finishing,” he said.
“We are looking at, if everything goes well, mid-October, but I’d like to say the end of October to early November as many moving pieces have to fall into place to get the place up and running.”
XS Espresso, which has several venues across Sydney and offers ‘Instagram-worthy’ eats, will occupy the main heritage building and make it its flagship store.
All areas, including the new restaurant, bar and beer garden will offer stunning views across the river, Victoria Bridge and Yandhai Nepean Crossing.
“We are really excited to get this place up and running,” Mr Gorgees said.
Alena Higgins
Alena Higgins is the Weekender's Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.