Brothel set to reopen as tapas
The premises of former brothel Langtrees 181 is set to take a conventional turn, with plans for a restaurant and tapas bar on the boil.
Restaurateurs Andrew and Gail Alcock have applied for a restaurant licence from the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor and they are confident their application will receive approval.
The pair may have some reason for concern, however, after the Liquor Commission knocked back an application from Langtrees madam Mary-Anne Kenwor- thy last year on the basis she was not considered "a fit and proper person".
But plans for the new restaurant, dubbed Cecilia's on Hay, are in full swing, and Mrs Alcock is busy planning the menu.
"It's a dedicated tapas bar - small meals on a plate," she said.
"There will be things like filet mignon and patatas."
The owners will be looking to distance themselves from the venue's chequered past, installing a play pen for children and setting the scene for a family vibe.
Furniture has been shifted from the establishment to Ms Kenworthy's operational brothel in Canberra, with synthetic turf installed for the children and an alfresco area kitted out for the planned restaurant.
"We are distancing ourselves from the (brothel past) as much as possible," Mrs Alcock said.
"There is one sign in the bar that says Langtrees.
"It has always been Langtrees and it always will be, but the things that are appropriate we will leave up."
The expected opening date for Cecilia's on Hay is June 3.
