Lion has announced it will transfer the lease on its Four Pillars Laboratory venue (The Lab) to the Maybe Group, with Mexican bar El Primo Sanchez moving into the space.
The Lab opened in June 2020 on Crown Street, Surry Hills, with a small-scale gin still and Eileen’s Bar – a place for lovers of Four Pillars to experience an array of cocktails.
Lion Australia Managing Director James Brindley said: “We want to sincerely thank Gabriel and the entire Lab team for their dedication, energy, and contribution over the years.
“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.”
Four Pillars said: “Today we’re sharing some bittersweet news… we’re handing over the keys (and the lease) of our Sydney Laboratory to our friends at El Primo Sanchez.
“We opened the Lab in June 2020 (right in the middle of lockdowns, as you do) as a place to experiment, educate and serve bloody great gin drinks, and over the past five years, we’ve done just that. If you’ve been in to see us once or 20 times, thank you!
“Good times, great drinks and excellent hospitality is what we’ve always been about, and that’s exactly why El Primo Sanchez is the perfect crew to carry on the spirit of the space. If you’ve experienced a night out at El Primo Sanchez, or any of the Maybe Group’s other bars, you’ll know they’re the best of the best and we can’t wait to see what they do here. It’s going to be the same lively Mexican bar you know and love, just a little more grown-up (and yes, they’re bringing their karaoke room!).
“So what now?! Well, we don’t officially hand over the keys until Friday 19 September so there’s still plenty of time for you to get to the Lab and enjoy one (or two) last Tanlines at Eileen’s Bar. Stay tuned for what we have in store for the next few weeks.
“Once the El Primo Sanchez team are in, they’ll take a few weeks to add their touch and doors will re-open early October. And 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.
“We can’t wrap this up without a final note to our legendary team who have made the Lab what is – you’re world class. Thank you.”
Maybe Group reveals plans for The Lab space
After nearly two and a half years of tacos, tequila and karaoke-fuelled fiestas, El Primo Sanchez will close its Paddington doors on 20 September, ahead of reopening in its new Surry Hills home in mid-October.
The relocation marks the end of the Oxford Street chapter-with the Paddington lease coming to a close-and the start of a new era.
The new site brings double the opportunity. Upstairs, where Eileen’s Bar once stood, El Primo Sanchez will trade its taqueria vibe for something more elevated—less sit-down dinner, more premium cocktail bar with Latin-American street food on the side.
The kitchen may be smaller, but the Maybe Group promises the offering will be sharper: a compact, flavour-packed snack menu from Head Chef Diego Sotelo.
And yes, the karaoke room is coming too—it was far too popular to leave behind.
The space itself will retain its moody charm, now layered with art sourced from Mexico, warm lighting, soft textures and all the energy and character El Primo Sanchez is known for.
On the ground level, taking over the former gin still space, the Maybe Group will unveil the Maybe Sammy Cocktails Studio—the first-ever retail space for their award-winning bottled cocktail range. Equal parts shop, tasting room and workshop space, the Studio will let guests pick up bottles for home, gift expertly crafted cocktails, or join cocktail-making classes led by the Maybe Sammy team.
Behind the bar, general manager Eduardo Conde will launch a new cocktail menu of simplified drinks—think coconut margaritas, agave highballs and playful house favourites like the Tropicana and Horchata Colada.
There’ll still be DJs, dancing and tequila-soaked fun—just with a little more finesse.
Maybe Group co-owner Vince Lombardo said: “This is a big step up for us. 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. It feels like a natural evolution.”