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- Sydney’s oldest pub undergoes bold transformation ahead of 2025 relaunch
- Fortune of War unveils Bistro 1828 and renovated boutique hotel
- Heritage meets hospitality in The Rocks’ vibrant new dining destination
- Refined Aussie pub classics now served daily by top-tier chef
- Historic charm preserved with modern touches and quirky hotel details
Sydney’s oldest pub is preparing to turn a new page in 2025 with a bold expansion that blends history and hospitality in a signature style. Located in The Rocks, the Fortune of War is set to unveil Bistro 1828, a 60-seat bistro named in honour of former convict Samuel Terry, and reopen its fully renovated boutique hotel upstairs.
After closing during Covid, The Russell Boutique Hotel has emerged from a complete refurbishment with 28 uniquely styled rooms, many offering glimpses of Sydney Harbour. Perfectly timed with the upcoming Vivid festival, the hotel promises a warm, homely experience with Australiana touches and quirky details, like its famously non-sequential room numbers.
Downstairs, the pub’s revamp includes new carpet, fresh paint, and a lovingly restored 100-year-old red oak bar. Owner Steve ‘Speedy’ Speed, who has led the restoration alongside wife Fiona and a group of investors, says the updates are about more than appearances.
“These updates will ensure the longevity of the building for decades to come, but the essence, heart and soul that makes the Fortune of War such a loved and historic place will remain the same,” he says.
A new open-plan kitchen and bar will now serve an expanded menu seven days a week. Pub staples like fish ‘n’ chips alongside beef and Guinness stew remain, but with a refined twist, thanks to Executive Chef Mark Williamson, formerly of Bistro Moncur.
“We want this to be a true representation of a classic Aussie pub,” Williamson says, noting that a new breakfast menu is also on the way.
Bistro 1828 occupies the heritage-listed spaces formerly home to The Push Bar and nearby retail outlets, further embedding the venue into the historical fabric of The Rocks. Yet, despite the facelift, Speed insists the venue stays grounded: “We’re a country pub in the heart of the city. Everything from the service to the style and character is reminiscent of what you’d find in a regional area.”
“It’s one of our core values, and when we open the hotel, it will operate in the same way – you’ll still be able to open the windows.”
While the main bar remains closed during the final stages of renovation, food, drinks, and live entertainment continue in the outdoor space and neighbouring Lock Up.
With a pint in hand and history in the air, Fortune of War will once again prove that heritage and hospitality go hand-in-hand.
