Your first look inside the new Knightsbridge Penthouse
Posted on
It’s been a long time between rounds for Knightsbridge Penthouse but now we can reveal its new location—which is set to open very soon.
It’s always an interesting time when a beloved establishment moves or reinvents themselves.
Whether it’s due to desire or necessity, these reinventions offer an insight into how the venue perceives themselves and their audience. What will they change? What will stay the same?
But step inside Knightbridge Penthouse‘s new location—which will ideally open within the next six weeks—and you’d be forgiven for getting déjà vu.
For starters, the entry doors are the same imposing silver panels found at their former location on 34 Mort Street and when opened, you find yourself in an entry hall with the same cut-outs in the wall opposite.
Pop around the corner and there’s the same piano that serves as the DJ deck, as well as a familiar array of vintage leather couches and upholstered chairs.
Across the room, the very same solid steel bar stands in front of the same bar shelves, the same pendant lights with Edison bulbs, all re-purposed from the old venue. It’s more than a little nostalgia-inducing—in the best way.
The other reason for a familiarity might be that the new location is only about five doors down from the old, at 26 Mort Street, near Gather Cafe.
For Knightsbridge owner Troy, it’s been a long 15 months, however, given that the last 15 months contained a city-wide shutdown of hospitality venues, he admits it was perhaps a little fortuitous.
As for the almost exact replication of the old Knighty, Troy says it’s all about creating a familiar space for their loyal customers.
“It’s good to bring back this piece of history—that feeling of home,” says Troy. “With the old place, you walked in and you felt at home. It was comfortable, you know where everything is.”
“So while it’s good to have new places, it’s also good to walk in and be at ease and be comfortable.”
And familiar and comfortable it is—right down to the colourful posters from past Knighty events that paper the bathroom hallway. Even the footprint is almost the same—around 200sqm—although sadly there wasn’t the option for an outdoor area.
For Troy, keeping Knighty in Braddon was non-negotiable, but he says the Mort Street location was just good luck.
It’s a strange time for hospitality, with the threat of another lockdown always looming in the background. But Troy is confident that the new Knightsbridge can provide the same unique vibe in these strange times.
“The hours will be the same and we’ll be open from Tuesdays onwards for after-work drinks and cocktails,” says Troy, adding that naturally, mid-week Knighty will be a bit quieter than the weekends.
“There will be DJs on Friday and Saturday nights with familiar faces and familiar sounds.”
As for the drinks, Knighty fans will be pleased to hear Troy also plans to replicate Knighty’s old menu, adding that while they’ll probably “keep things simple” as staff learn the new venue, they’ll be shaking things up soon enough.
Visitors can also look forward to the return of Knighty’s signature events and theme nights as well as renting the venue for private functions.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Knightsbridge Penthouse
When: Opening soon
Where: 26 Mort Street, Braddon
Facebook: facebook.com/knightsbridgepenthouse
Feature image courtesy of Knightsbridge Penthouse
