The iconic pub with the classic facade is set to become a destination location in the burgeoning entertainment and dining precinct of central Maitland.

Located on High Street in close proximity to the revitalised Levee area, the new management are bringing live music back, building on the pub’s reputation for great eating in a relaxed and family friendly atmosphere.

“The pub has a long and proud history of live music,” general manager Clayton Barrett said.

“We’re going to re-ignite the place as a live music venue because that’s all we’ve been hearing from our patrons since we have taken over.”

The focus will be on solo and duo acts, which align perfectly with the intimate surrounds of the pub.

Music will kick off around 7pm every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and every second Saturday night. 

As part of the  live-music vibe, the pub holds an open mic music session every second Thursday which has always been popular with Maitland’s music savvy punters. 

“The more people we talk to, the more we know they like the nature of the pub, the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere,” Clayton said.

”Live music syncs in perfectly and makes us a little  different to the other pubs in town. We’re aiming to build on that laid-back exclusivity and establish the place as a destination for live music.”

Apart from  savouring tasty live music, patrons will also get a chance to savour great food.

Head chef Anton Stephenson is taking the menu to a new level, building on the crowd favourites, such as the classic “Imperial Chicken”.

”The 'Impy Chicken' will stay, along with all the other standards our patrons love,” Clayton said.  “But there will be subtle changes here and there based on customer feedback.”

Families and kids are welcome for lunch and dinner. The menu has been updated with children’s specials and management will introduce half-price kids meal deals for Sunday lunch and dinner.

Shenanigans also caters to the hungry lunchtime midweek masses with online ordering available for snappy in-out orders.

Guaranteed opening hours  are another feature of the  Shenanigans committment. Patrons can rely on doors opening Monday to Friday   10am and closing 11.30pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am and Sunday 11am to 11pm.

Hotel management passionately believes Shenanigans at The Imperial has a major role to play in the revitalisation of The Levee area.

“We  see ourselves as part of this fantastic dining and entertainment precinct that’s building here in the centre of Maitland and we want to be a live music, dining destination,” Clayton said.