So who do we have to thank for bringing this old gal back to life? Well, that’d be The Keystone Group – the cool kids who brought us The Winery, Gazebo and Cargo Bar – and boy have they given it a good nudge! Nine months of renovations have materialised into a not-too-polished pub vibe (in true Newtown fashion) where exposed brick and an awesome reconstructed federation-style balcony meet new touches like neon lighting and a fab beer garden.
Now to the booze. The bars are long and wide, and suitably hectic. They’re stocked well with plenty to choose from including a decent selection of internationals from the likes of Japan and Greece, plus house wines on tap! Yep, you read right – don’t knock ‘til you try it.
What’s a pub without good grub, we hear you say? They’ve got this sorted too. Head upstairs to The Animal for a tasty Greek inspired menu with share plates like braised octopus with baby onions, red wine and cinnamon and Executive Head Chef George Diamond’s Mum’s dolmades with dill yoghurt. Or get a protein hit with meat from the charcoal and wood spit.
If all of this isn’t enough to keep you entertained, there’s a pool table, pinball machines, scattered music paraphernalia, live music and a solid dose of people watching to boot.
The inner west’s hotspot just got hotter.
The Newtown Hotel
174 King Street, Newtown 2042
Open Monday – Saturday, 10am-Midnight; Sunday, 10am – 10pm; lunch and dinner available 7 days