El Primo Sanchez to move into the Four Pillars Lab

Lion will transfer the lease on its Four Pillars Laboratory in Sydney’s Surry Hills to Maybe Group which will move El Primo Sanchez into the space.

The Lab, as it’s also known, opened on Crown Street in 2020, offering a premium hospitality experience focused on cocktails and gin.

The keys will be handed over on 19 September with El Primo Sanchez closing its Paddington venue to re-open in the space in mid-October.

Lion Australia Managing Director, James Brindley, paid tribute to the Four Pillars team.

“We want to sincerely thank Gabriel and the entire Lab team for their dedication, energy, and contribution over the years,” Brindley said.

“This is a significant and emotional moment, particularly for the team at The Lab, and we’re committed to working closely with them through this transition.

“I can’t think of a better partner to take over the lease of The Lab and continue the good times, great drinks and excellent hospitality had there, than the Maybe Group, we look forward to seeing how they bring their new space to life.”

The Four Pillars Lab team hinted on its website that something may be in the works going forward. 

“Stay tuned for what we have in store for the next few weeks,” they said.

“Here at Four Pillars, we’re as committed as ever to Sydney and the community we’ve built here. 

“This change allows us to re-direct some of our energy into the great bars, restaurants & pubs the city has to offer and we’ll see you out there for a G&T soon.”

The Lab venue will allow El Primo Sanchez to expand its offering by trading its taqueria vibe for something more elevated with a premium cocktail bar and Latin American street food on the side.

The kitchen may be smaller, but the menu will focus on a flavour-packed snack menu from Head Chef Diego Sotelo, according to Maybe Group CEO, Vince Lombardo.

“This is a big step up for us,” Lombardo said.

“Surry Hills gives El Primo Sanchez the foot traffic and community buzz it deserves, and the new space lets us really dial up the cocktail experience. 

“At the same time, launching the Maybe Sammy Cocktails Studio downstairs gives us the chance to connect with guests in a more meaningful, face-to-face way.”

The venue will stock the group’s bottled cocktail range, run cocktail making classes and continue to host DJs, dancing and karaoke.