The Times Australia
Google AI
The Times Real Estate

.

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade



The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week.

Led by respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven track record for breathing new life into pubs — with a sharp focus on elevated hospitality, quality food and beverage, and genuine community engagement.

“We’re proud to bring the Duke of Dural into our portfolio,” said Azar. “It’s a venue with great bones and a strong local following — but one that’s been under-utilised and in need of fresh energy. Our team is here to change that.”

Plans for the Duke are already in motion, including the introduction of a rooftop bar, upgrades to the existing spaces, and a full review of the food and beverage offering.

Azar said the Duke will undergo a staged but significant revitalisation, with a focus on delivering a more vibrant, welcoming experience for locals.

“The Duke deserves to be a true destination in the Hills District,” he said. “It’s in a growing area, but we think it’s only just scratched the surface of what it can be. We’re not here to tinker around the edges”.

Patrons can expect a progressive transformation across the venue in the standard of service, food, atmosphere, expanded bar areas, and a renewed community centric approach.

The Good Beer Company focuses on restoring pride in venues — a philosophy that has seen its other pubs across Sydney flourish.

“We believe in pubs that are accessible, unpretentious, and proudly local,” Azar added. “The Duke of Dural is the kind of venue that, with the right care and investment, can certainly make its mark. Immediate changes will be subtle, but plans are already in motion for bigger improvements,” he said. “The rooftop bar will be a major feature – giving locals a whole new way to enjoy the space.”

Azar emphasised the Good Beer Company’s attention to delivering the best possible experience at an affordable price.

“We know what makes a pub great – and we see that opportunity here in Dural. The Duke is ready for its next chapter and with our experience in running thriving pubs we’re excited to lead that journey.

Property Times

Understanding Kerbside Valuation: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

When it comes to property transactions, not every situation requires a full, detailed valuation. In many cases, lenders, investors, or homeowners simply need a quick, efficient assessment of a property’s approximate market value. This is where a ke...

Why the Prevailing RBA Mortgage Interest Rates Are Not to Blame for the Continuing Rise in Residential Dwelling Prices

Australia’s housing market remains one of the most debated economic issues of the decade. Despite successive Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) interest rate hikes aimed at cooling demand, residential dwelling prices across most capital cities and man...

How Real Estate Agent Commissions Work in Australian States and Territories

When buying or selling property in Australia, one of the biggest costs—beyond the property price itself—comes from real estate agent commissions. These commissions are the fees agents charge for marketing, negotiating, and finalising the sale of ...

Understanding Centrelink Investment Property Valuation: A Guide for Australian Property Owners

Introduction Owning an investment property in Australia can bring financial stability — but it also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to Centrelink assessments. Whether you’re applying for age pensions, disability benefits, or ...

Times Magazine

Australia’s electric vehicle surge — EVs and hybrids hit record levels

Australians are increasingly embracing electric and hybrid cars, with 2025 shaping up as the str...

Tim Ayres on the AI rollout’s looming ‘bumps and glitches’

The federal government released its National AI Strategy[1] this week, confirming it has dropped...

Seven in Ten Australian Workers Say Employers Are Failing to Prepare Them for AI Future

As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates across industries, a growing number of Australian work...

Mapping for Trucks: More Than Directions, It’s Optimisation

Daniel Antonello, General Manager Oceania, HERE Technologies At the end of June this year, Hampden ...

Can bigger-is-better ‘scaling laws’ keep AI improving forever? History says we can’t be too sure

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman – perhaps the most prominent face of the artificial intellig...

A backlash against AI imagery in ads may have begun as brands promote ‘human-made’

In a wave of new ads, brands like Heineken, Polaroid and Cadbury have started hating on artifici...

The Times Features

Worried after sunscreen recalls? Here’s how to choose a safe one

Most of us know sunscreen is a key way[1] to protect areas of our skin not easily covered by c...

Buying a property soon? What predictions are out there for mortgage interest rates?

As Australians eye the property market, one of the biggest questions is where mortgage interest ...

Last-Minute Christmas Holiday Ideas for Sydney Families

Perfect escapes you can still book — without blowing the budget or travelling too far Christmas...

98 Lygon St Melbourne’s New Mediterranean Hideaway

Brunswick East has just picked up a serious summer upgrade. Neighbourhood favourite 98 Lygon St B...

How Australians can stay healthier for longer

Australians face a decade of poor health unless they close the gap between living longer and sta...

The Origin of Human Life — Is Intelligent Design Worth Taking Seriously?

For more than a century, the debate about how human life began has been framed as a binary: evol...

The way Australia produces food is unique. Our updated dietary guidelines have to recognise this

You might know Australia’s dietary guidelines[1] from the famous infographics[2] showing the typ...

Why a Holiday or Short Break in the Noosa Region Is an Ideal Getaway

Few Australian destinations capture the imagination quite like Noosa. With its calm turquoise ba...

How Dynamic Pricing in Accommodation — From Caravan Parks to Hotels — Affects Holiday Affordability

Dynamic pricing has quietly become one of the most influential forces shaping the cost of an Aus...