Unassuming and pokey from the outside; warm, cosy and inviting on the inside: The Glebe Hotel in Sydney has an atmosphere all its own that has locals going nuts for it once again. And it’s easy to see why.
Over the last seven months, the hotel has undergone a massive reno, turning it from the regular local it used to be into something worth a dedicated trip for.
Since 1862, the Glebe Hotel has had many names and been many things to many locals and visitors, having served labourers from the surrounding wharves in its earlier days and more contemporary fine foodie hunters lately.
It’s still a family owned establishment that has maintained its traditional features, full of quirk, character and charm. A clever re-design breathes new life into the venue whilst remaining reminiscent of its ancestral past. The bulk of its main dining room is reformed stables for example, which includes a mezzanine loft (originally the hotel stables).
It’s a beautiful, light and airy dining space with exposed brickwork, wooden tables and bar that have been lovingly revived with the addition of a bespoke jacaranda mural by Sydney artist, Indigo Jo. Adjacent to the restaurant is a leafy and sunny courtyard featuring a majestic centenary fig tree, wooden bunketts and high tables, where dogs are also welcome.
But it’s the food that sets the pub apart from regular ones. Its menu’s been created by head chef Ben Allcock and focuses on gastro-pub fare with sophisticated dishes and comforting favourites using fresh seasonal produce.
Think small plates of seared scallops and cloudy bay clams, handmade gnocchi with roast butternut pumpkin and goats curd, chargrilled spatchcock, lamb rump & twice cooked lamb belly and slow cooked pork shoulder ragu.
Mains on the menu consist of some pretty flooring pub favourites like beef pies, handmade pastas, pork cumberland sausage and ale battered fish and chips. And heaps more. See the whole menu here.
The Glebe Hotel is as much a nice night out as it is a decent place for a chill weekday meal. Find it at 63 Bay Street, Glebe.
