You can now stay overnight at Sydney’s Oldest pub, The Fortune of War
Who says you can’t teach an old pub, new tricks? Sydney’s oldest pub, Fortune of War at The Rocks, is opening a boutique hotel.
Entertainment
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Who says you can’t teach an old pub, new tricks? Sydney’s oldest pub, Fortune of War at The Rocks, is set to open a boutique hotel.
Saturday Confidential can reveal that from May, not only will guests be able to stay at the historic building but it will also open a brand new, 60 seat restaurant called Bistro 1828.
The pub, built in 1828 by Samuel Terry, holds the record for being the oldest continuously licenced public hotel in Sydney.
The new direction is from husband and wife team, Steve “Speedy” Speed and Fiona, who, along with a group of investors, took over the leasehold of the pub in 2013.
They’ve done a careful renovation of the pub, which will see them open The Russell Boutique Hotel which has 28 rooms.
Although, being that the building was built in the 19th Century, and was originally a hospital, this isn’t your average accommodation. In fact, none of the rooms are in sequential order.
When it comes to the new bistro, Speed has brought on ex Bistro Moncur chef Mark Williamson to lead the kitchen. Which will now open for breakfasts as well. But that doesn’t mean classics, like beef and Guinness stew, have left the menu.
“We want this to be a true representation of a classic Aussie pub,” he says.
Speedy said the decision to overhaul the pub is to make sure more people can experience it.
“It’s a place steeped in history, and now more people than ever will be able to enjoy it, whether they’re sitting at the historic hamper bar, relaxing in the bistro, enjoying the alfresco dining area, staying at the new boutique hotel accommodation, or enjoying all four.”
The Fortune of War’s new offerings come at a time when The Rocks itself is having a renaissance. On Friday, Hunter St Hospitality opened their grand new dining precinct, The Collective, which has taken over The Argyle.
Join the conversation
All the Aussie looks and iconic moments from Coachella 2025
Some of Australia’s biggest influencers have been turning heads at this year’s Coachella. See all the best looks from days one and two at the iconic festival here.
Read more
The beauty pageant that lives on
The idea of becoming an Australian beauty queen once seemed “impossible” to one of the NSW finalists for Miss Universe Australia, but that dream could soon become reality.
Read more