You can almost hear the collective gasp of inner west locals as they enter The Newtown Hotel ‘oowing’ and ‘ahhing’ over its new facelift. Shaking off 130 years of boozy battery and subsequent war stains, Newtown’s iconic hotel is back, better than ever.

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