Connollys takeover transforms the former The Local site on Bay Street
Connollys has announced it is taking over the Bay Street venue formerly known as The Local, marking a significant shift in the suburb’s hospitality landscape. The move introduces a full transformation of the larger, multi-level site. As a result, the Connollys team will expand into a reimagined space designed as a modern local.
The venue is undergoing a complete redesign to balance a sleek, vibrant aesthetic with the welcoming character associated with Connollys. Management confirmed the overhaul will retain the brand’s established identity while adapting to the scale of the new premises.
Entertainment will form a central pillar of the redevelopment. The program will feature Duelling Pianos as a headline attraction. In addition, the venue will host live acoustic sessions for weekend afternoons and curated DJ sets alongside live bands for evening trade.
Open mic nights will also provide a platform for local performers. Consequently, the programming aims to deliver varied experiences across different trading periods. Management indicated the lineup has been curated to accommodate both daytime and late-night audiences.
Beyond live entertainment, the new layout will introduce a dedicated darts and pool space. The area will provide a designated zone for social gaming and competitive play. Therefore, the venue will offer an alternative experience alongside traditional food and beverage service.
The redesign focuses on versatility across multiple occasions. From weekend lunches through to evening sessions, the space has been structured to accommodate casual visits, group gatherings and private functions. Furthermore, the expanded footprint allows for increased seating and circulation.
The food offering will centre on pub classics done properly, supported by an extensive drinks selection. Management stated the refreshed menu aligns with the broader repositioning of the venue. As a result, the culinary direction will reflect a traditional pub format within an updated environment.
“Taking over such a prominent spot on Bay Street is a huge milestone for us,” the management team said. “We’re keeping the same Connollys heart, but we’re building something bigger and better. Whether you’re coming in for the pool, the pianos, or just a great meal, we want every local to feel like this is their space.”
The takeover represents a structural and operational change rather than a simple relocation. Accordingly, the site will operate under the Connollys brand within a reconfigured setting. The transformation positions the venue as a modern pub designed to combine contemporary design with the established atmosphere of a traditional local.
