A Sunshine Coast couple are bringing live music back to a much-loved venue in a high-profile location.
Conor O’Leary and Hannah Holland opened The Architect on Ocean Street, Maroochydore, in late August. It was formerly The Nautical and, before that, The Piano Bar.
“We want our venue to be your one-stop experience where you can be sure that you will enjoy the great atmosphere we’ve created,” Mr O’Leary said.
“We are offering a range of tasty menu options, a fantastic drinks list with delicious cocktails and then amazing live music until late.”
Mr O’Leary has a background in project management and civil engineering, while Ms Holland has been a GP and skin cancer specialist.
They said they were excited to build a community environment.
“The goal is to be a destination for live music and social gatherings, fostering a community-centred environment where people feel at home,” Mr O’Leary said.
The venue has undergone major renovations.
“We have put a lot of thought and effort into our renovation and fitout to make the venue really comfortable and classy,” Mr O’Leary said.
“We loved The Piano Bar and used to frequent it a lot. It was a fantastic live music venue where you were guaranteed to meet some nice people and have a great night.
“We wanted bring this type of experience back to the Sunshine Coast and create a venue with amazing live music, great entertainment and great food and drink at its core.
“The venue has undergone a complete renovation, transitioning from its previously bright, seafood-restaurant style to a darker, more intimate setting with art deco influences.
“We’ve got high-chair seating and bar ledges inside to encourage socialising, and the outdoor area has plenty of seating and has a more relaxed beer garden vibe.
“We also completed all the renovations ourselves in four weeks, with only a few days from an electrician as the only outside trade.”
Both Mr O’Leary and Ms Holland said the venue had been welcomed since opening.
“We believe a venue like ours is needed in Maroochydore and we have done everything we can to bring this to life,” Mr O’Leary said.
“We’re looking forward to meeting lots of new people so please come and visit to help support us and in turn support the local live music industry.”
The Architect has opened with a staff of experienced bartenders, four mixologists and chefs and floor staff.
“We’ve created a sophisticated drinks menu featuring cocktails, wines and craft beers. We invest in the best ingredients and products to ensure a high-quality end product,” Mr O’Leary said.
The live music offerings will change during the week.
“Our lineup currently is live music Thursday through to Sunday, including three- and four-piece bands Friday and Saturday nights, a DJ Saturday afternoons, a pro musicians jam every other Thursday night and solo sets Sunday and alternating Thursdays,” Mr O’Leary said.
“The live music is the best on the Coast and we are really proud to be working with such talented artists.”
The Architect is at 22-24 Ocean Street, Maroochydore.
Kelsey Reid is a journalism intern with Sunshine Coast News.
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