SA on the menu as Hamish Blake and Andy Lee open Old Mates Aussie pub in New York

Punters drank the bar dry at New York’s only Aussie pub this week – and a slew of iconic South Aussie drops were used to give New Yorkers a taste of true-blue hospitality.

Comedians and TV hosts Hamish Blake and Andy Lee have cracked a cold one in Manhattan – and used iconic South Aussie products to give New Yorkers a taste of true-blue hospitality.

On Friday the duo – joined by hospo veterans Eddy Buckingham, Nick Stone and a handful of celebrity investors – threw open the doors of Old Mates, a sprawling three-storey Australian-themed pub, for a special preview night.

And within hours, the bar – stacked with a slew of brew and wines sourced from South Australia – had been drunk dry, forcing the venue to close early.

Comedians and TV hosts Hamish Blake and Andy Lee have cracked a cold one in Manhattan. From left to right: Andy Lee, Eddy Buckingham, Nick Stone, Hamish Blake. Picture: Matt Davies

Word had got out among New York’s reported 34,000 Australians eager to say “G’day” to Manhattan’s only Aussie pub, where Coopers Pale Ale was rapidly being sunk.

“We had just shy of 3000 beers in stock and we ran out by 9.30pm and ended up closing the bar at 10pm,” part-owner Eddy Buckingham told news.com.au.

The doors had only opened at 4pm.

“We had people rolling up until 1am and I was sorry for those guys. But outside of that it was a dream first night.”

The Aussie-themed pub has been dubbed the “unofficial Australian embassy” on social media.

Iconic South Aussie product, Coopers Pale Ale, was used to give New Yorkers a taste of true-blue hospitality. Picture: Supplied

Coopers director of global accounts and sixth-generation family member, Andrew Cooper said Old Mates is the only place in the United States to offer the beer on tap.

“After a call with the Old Mates team, we understood their vision and moved quickly to help, making Coopers Original Pale Ale kegs available to serve thirsty punters in New York, all under our iconic green roundel,” he said.

“Coopers is pleased to be working with the Old Mates team – our new mates – to bring South Australian beer and a taste of home to the many Australians living in New York.”

Images also showed wines from Penfolds and Pikes were on the menu.

Pikes managing director Jamie Pike told the Advertiser he was “thrilled” to see their Clare Valley riesling on the wine list.

“At Pikes we pride ourselves on the availability of our wines throughout the pubs of Australia, so it’s awesome see that extended to New York at Old Mates,” he said.

“We thank them for their support of our business in choosing Pikes for their wine list, and wish them the best of luck.”

Jamie Pike was “thrilled” to see Pikes Clare Valley riesling on Old Mate’s wine list. Picture: Supplied.

The winery’s riesling is synonymous with the Clare Valley. Picture: Supplied.

In terms of tucker, the menu at Old Mates will give New York a taste of the pub grub culinary experience.

The menu has chicken parmis, steak and chips and Sunday roasts.

Punters can also expect AFL, NRL and cricket on TV, with the venue securing a coveted 4am liquor licence to accommodate for the time difference.

New York has been missing an Aussie pub for five years, when The Australian was converted to an Irish pub – but the drought’s almost over.

The official grand opening of the pub is expected next month.

Originally published as SA on the menu as Hamish Blake and Andy Lee open Old Mates Aussie pub in New York