FAREWELL Fanny’s, hello The Argyle House. The colourful nightclub on Wharf Road that went out with a bang on New Year’s Eve will reopen next Wednesday with a name that draws on its historical roots.
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Built about 1857, heritage-listed Argyle House is an amalgamation of seven buildings that served as the headquarters of the Australian Agricultural Company for close to a century until it was sold in the late 1960s.
A.A. Co had a monopoly on mining in the Lower Hunter for a lengthy period and drove development and infrastructure in Newcastle.
It is understood the new nightclub – the latest venture of mates and entrepreneurs Russell Richardson and Greg Matthew, who also run the King Street Hotel – will feature one room that will be cheekily dubbed the AA room.
The new development will feature five bars and six rooms with different themes, four of which will be available for functions.
Some of the original features of the building have been restored, including brickwork and windows and the external timber decking.
Two new outdoor lounge and smoking areas will also deter patrons spilling onto the street, where occasional violence has flared.
The premise’s capacity of 780 people will remain unchanged, however The Argyle House will open only two days – Wednesday and Saturday – with Fridays reserved for occasional special events.
At the time of the announcement of Fanny’s closure, Mr Richardson said the nightclub was long overdue for an overhaul to bring it up to speed with other developments in the vicinity.
The club’s new website: theargylehouse.com.au
