Why NSW has a soft spot for a historic watering hole

NSW has a soft spot for a historic watering hole. Here are five of our favourite country pubs across the state.

NSW has a soft spot for a historic watering hole.

NSW has a soft spot for a historic watering hole, whether quenching a thirst or satisfying your tastebuds with pub classics or more modern cuisine.

The Eltham Hotel

Eltham

The Eltham Hotel. Picture: Peggy Voir

This Byron hinterland treasure is a prime example of a pub revamp done right. The Eltham was built in the early 1900s, and given a new lease on life in 2019 by the Mosey On Inn crew (Matt Rabbidge, Luke Sullivan and, more recently, chef Matt Stone, who also man You Beauty and Ciao, Mate!). The Eltham retains plenty of its original charm (and memorabilia), but now boasts a more modern menu – think kangaroo hot dogs alongside pub classics like the chicken parmy. Plus a few eclectically dressed hotel rooms are upstairs, should you sink a few too many pints.

441 Eltham Rd, Eltham

Hotel Brunswick

Brunswick Heads

Hotel Brunswick.

Northern Rivers icon “The Bruns” buzzes with action all week-through (not just on weekends). The long-time riverside fixture in Brunswick Heads is fast becoming one of the region’s most popular live music venues, hosting a line-up of local and international acts from The Preatures to DJ Fred Again. But it’s just as welcoming if you’re only keen to stop by for a beer and a bite, post-swim at the neighbouring beach. The Three Blue Ducks team has just taken over the kitchen, serving plates of fresh, Cali-inspired cuisine alongside pub classics like burgers, pizzas and fish ‘n’ chips from lunch daily.

4 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads

The Rockley Pub

Rockley

The Rockley Pub. Picture: Destination NSW

Matt Moran is no stranger to a decent venue, so it’s no surprise that his pub out in the Central Tablelands is a bit of a regional gem. The chef became a publican in 2021 with the purchase of The Rockley Pub in his hometown, and has spent the past few years taking a “gently does it” approach to its renovation. Physically, much of the old charmer remains the same, but now the 1872 venue plays host to an increasingly localised menu featuring pub classics and next level chef’s offerings, with pork, lamb and beef coming from Moran’s own farm.

2 Budden St, Rockley

Wollombi Tavern

Wollombi

Wollombi Tavern.

On your way to the Hunter Valley, you’ll come to greet the colonial town of Wollombi and its timber-clad pub on the banks of the Wollombi Brook. Simple in name and in nature, the Wollombi Tavern is not a suave rendition of a pub, but rather a refreshingly true-blue drinking den from 1868, with charm in spades. Quench your thirst with one of its concise collection of beers, or enjoy a local wine from the surrounding vine-rich region. This place is also the proud home of the infamous fortified wine blend, Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice, if you fancy a sample.

2994 Great North Rd, Wollombi

Briars Inn

Bowral

Briars Inn.

The Southern Highlands is ripe with eateries, with plenty of pubs among them. One of the region’s best is Briars, a bistro, beer garden, bar and hotel in one seriously quaint space. Tucked between Bowral and Moss Vale, Briars is housed in an idyllic 1845 inn which has undergone an elegant makeover to cater to today’s guests, with up-market pub grub dominating the menu. Grab a plate of the bistro’s signature beef cheek pie and follow it up with a luscious sticky date pudding before you enjoy a whisky (or specialty English ale) by the fire at the adjoining Throsby’s Bar.

653 Moss Vale Rd, Burradoo

Originally published as Why NSW has a soft spot for a historic watering hole