Comedian Andy Lee teams up with Nick Stone to launch Aussie pub Old Mates in New York

The comedian, TV host and author is turning publican, teaming up with a former AFL player to launch an Australian-style pub in the Big Apple.

Andy Lee is bringing the Australian pub vibes to New York.

The comedian, TV host, author and podcaster is turning publican to get mates together in the Big Apple.

He’s opening a new bar called Old Mates which involves Nick Stone, the former AFL player turned founder of Bluestone Lane coffee empire, and Eddy Buckingham, who has introduced Chinese Tuxedo among other popular NYC venues.

Lee took to social media to announce the project while on the ground in New York.

“Super EXCITED for this!’’ Lee wrote.

“After the last Aussie bar in Manhattan closed down during Covid, a few pals and I thought it was important to build a new venue. Aussies in NYC need a place to have a crisp cold Australian beer, to watch the AFL & NRL Finals, to cheer on the Matildas and watch The Ashes.”

Lee added that the pub is in Seaport, will open in January, gave a first look inside the space and joked that he’d built it.

“It’s taken me three years to personally build this pub with my bare hands like Noah from ‘The Notebook’. If you don’t believe me, see the last picture where I’m clearly holding a drill*.

Andy Lee at his Old Mates pub in NYC. Picture: Instagram

The beer coasters are ready. Pic: Instagram

“Huge thanks to those who have brought this to life. Your new Australian pub that will be ready for beers and yarns and friendship on January 24th 2025. We hope to see you there.

“There’s a place like home.

“*I helped out zero with the build.”

Lee, who is in the US with his fiance Bec Harding, is also constructing at home with renovations taking place on the 150-year-old mansion he purchased for $8.5m in Hawthorn.

The couple is documenting the progress at Ravenswood on its own Instagram page.