An iconic Kensington venue has finally completed its month-long, $2 million renovation in what’s a significant feat for the much-loved Kensi Hotel.
With a revitalised restaurant, a new dedicated Wine Bar, and a lantern ceiling flooding the restaurant space with natural light, some may say it’s a completely different atmosphere, but one we’re sure to love.
Hotel Manager Chris Eitzen said the change breathes new life into the iconic hotel without taking away from the history of the venue that has made it so popular with locals.
“This renovation has been about elevating the guest experience while keeping the relaxed hospitality people know and love about the Kensi,” Chris said.
“We wanted to create a space that feels lighter, more welcoming and more versatile, whether guests are joining us for dinner, a glass of wine, a casual catch-up or a special event.”
And for regulars who haven’t visited in a while, Chris says the difference will be noticeable as soon as they walk through the doors.
“Honestly, I think it’s how much lighter and more open the whole place feels. We’ve put a lantern ceiling in over the Restaurant that floods it with natural daylight, and then in the Alfresco and the new Wine Bar we’ve gone with these big expansive windows, so with spring on the way, that whole front section is going to feel really open and inviting.”
Other new features include updated function spaces and a fully weatherproof alfresco area, creating more spots for long lunches, after-work drinks and milestone celebrations.
The renovations to the historic hotel were designed to bring the familiar warmth The Kensi does so well, blending existing jarrah timber with new oak finishes and natural light, without losing the original heritage character.
The Kensi has been a pub for locals since 1840, and preserving that history became an important part of the renovation.
“The Kensi has been a pub for the locals since 1840, so there’s a lot of heritage to respect here,” Chris said.
“One of my favourite moments in the whole build was uncovering the original stone exterior wall. We made the call to expose it and keep it as a feature behind the bar.”
That original heritage stone wall, uncovered during the refurbishment, is now one of the venue’s most striking features and forms the backdrop behind the bar.
“That warm, country-style hospitality is what people have always come to the Kensi for. We’ve added new spaces, the Wine Bar being one, that elevate the experience and open it up to a wider range of people, but we’ve kept the traditional heart of the place too, the Corner Bar included.”
Perhaps ones of the more exciting additions is the hotel’s brand new wine bar, with three big booths, all offering a space for what we best; socialising.
The drink list features an extensive wine and cocktail menu, and on opening night a delicious margarita and whiskey sour was the cherry on top.
The bar also has an exclusive food menu, with share plates becoming the hero. Think beef carpaccio with parmesan and fried capers, spiced cauliflower florets with chickpea cream and chilli oil, and prosciutto wrapped jalapeno peppers.
Locals will also have the opportunity to try different South Australian wines, with the Wine Bar
offering a rotating monthly special, featuring two glasses of wine and a paired shared plate for
$40.
Functions Manager, Emma Pisani, talked about how the updated function spaces are going to be able to host better and bigger parties.
“The new Watson Room gives us a beautiful private dining option, while the revitalised Regent
and Kings Rooms offer flexible spaces for everything from corporate gatherings to milestone
celebrations,” Emma said.
Everybody has a favourite local pub, and the Kensington crowd just got there’s back.
Kensington Hotel
Where: 23 Regent Street, Kensington
When: open seven days a week
For more details, click here
