After undergoing a major glow-up, the Waterloo Station Hotel is showing itself off by inviting Adelaide in for some food and drink specials.

Paralowie’s Waterloo Station Hotel has reopened following major renovations, and according to Australian Venue Co. state manager Rob Mitchell, the glow-up is “from top to bottom”.

“Everything’s had a makeover,” Rob says. “Plus, there’s the new extension, which is home to the beer garden that can hold 350 people.”

The much-loved northern suburbs pub is throwing a welcome weekend to celebrate, starting this Friday, with $18 pizzas all day, live music and a mega raffle.

On Saturday, there will be a pop-up happy hour and live music, while Sunday focusses on the little ones, with kids’ entertainment, face painting and a ‘kids eat free’ offer.

Rob expects the venue to be super busy across the welcome weekend, and recommends booking ahead to secure a table.

The makeover is in response to changing expectations of what a local pub should be and offer.

“Food is a big driver these days in hospitality,” Rob says.

“There is a swing where the motivation to go out is driven by food, rather than, ‘Come on, let’s go out for a drink’.”

The pub’s Roadhouse Grill has been replaced with a modern, family-friendly bistro, seating up to 200 patrons. The bistro’s focus is on value-led family meals, including delicious pizzas, pub classics, share plates and re-imaginings of locally loved combos. There is also a kids menu and welcome distractions for little ones nearby.

“Kids can go off and be self-entertained on the new playground or in the kids’ play rooms, while mum and dad can sit and have five minutes of quiet time to talk themselves and talk about their day at work, or what they’re planning for their next holiday,” Rob says.

Meanwhile, the new urban-inspired beer garden is a sprawling, sun-drenched space, decked out with versatile seating and generous umbrellas for shade – making it perfect for weekend catch-ups with friends or after-work drinks.

“We’ve got footy on the big screens and you can access our bistro and new drinks menu here,” he says.

The drinks menu includes a well-rounded selection of South Australian wines, the best Australian beers, RTDs and cocktail favourites. There are also zero-alcohol wines and a no-booze sparkling on offer.

With much greater capacity, Waterloo Station Hotel has grown its staff numbers, training up and employing locals to join the team – which is important to Rob.

“I grew up in Salisbury East, from day dot until I was 27. I’ve got a deep connection with the area,” he says.

Among the new team members is Rob’s goddaughter.

“I know a lot of people out this way,” he adds. “I still feel like I’m a local.”

Join in the celebrations at Waterloo Station Hotel’s welcome weekend, starting this Friday, 28 April.