Hotels in Balmain (Sydney), New South Wales

Belgian Beer Café

Formerly the Commercial Hotel was established in 1875 and is now the nearest hotel to the Balmain Ferry Wharf.

Name change from the Commercial Hotel sometime early 2000's. Belgian Beers on Tap - update courtesy Bob McKenzie, Many Thanks

Classic Bar, Entertainment and Functions.

Established in 1930 as the Star Hotel, the Cat and Fiddle Hotel is the second last hotel to be built in Balmain, the licence being transferred from the old Star Hotel in Mort Street.

A new awning had just been erected when the photograph was taken. The name Cat and Fiddle was adopted in the mid 1970's' possibly due to the pubs association with jazz bands.

Recommended reading:"Called To The Bar" 150 years of pubs in the Balmain-Rozelle area of Sydney NSW. The book is published by the Balmain Association Inc., PO Box 57, Balmain NSW 2041 Tele/fax 02 9818 4954 (Cost 2003 A$13 plus A$2.50 post/packing). It is one of the best pub books and is highly recommended by Jon.

Dick's Hotel

Called the Peoples Pub and has been "Keeping it real since 1874"

Outdoor dining and friendly atmosphere.

The Dry Dock Hotel was established in 1867 as the Dock Inn, name changed to Dry Dock Inn in 1874. As with other hotels, the verandahs were removed in the 1920's.

Balmain's iconic Exchange Hotel re-opened in July 2005 after a $2 million dollar makeover, with thanks to the decision of its new owners Joe and Peter Polifroni and licensee Simon Trippe.

The refurbishment has preserved the historical elegance and nature of the hotel's origin, whilst at the same time emphasizing different styles and periods to reflect the sensual, eclectic and bohemian spirit of Balmain. Carefully restored over 6 months,

The Exchange Hotel now boasts the new Zettal Room restaurant, 4 bars including the famous Safari Bar, 2 function rooms, live entertainment and of course the magnificent heritage verandah.

The London Hotel was established in 1870 as the Golden Eagle Hotel, then the name was changed to the Circular Saw and finally the London Hotel.

In 1903 the extension of the tram line to the Darling Street Wharf made it necessary to realign the road resulting in the drop in street level.

Established in 1872 as the Cricketer's Arms Hotel. The Hotel was renovated in 1996 and renamed the Monkey Bar Hotel.

The New Unity Hall Hotel was established on this site in 1875 when the licence was moved from the first Unity Hall Hotel in East Balmain.

A popular jazz venue, especially on Friday nights.

The Riverview Hotel was established in 1880. Dawn Fraser was the publican from 1978 until 1983.

13/11/09 "Thought you might like to know that the Riverview renovation has been completed, and the pub has re-opened for
business. It's has been a very thorough renovation, and, internally, you wouldn't know it was the same place. And as you'll see from the attached photo, the exterior has had a facelift too. Cheers, John Leplaw" - Thanks John, great news.

• Bars
  
• Lounge Bar
  
• Dining Lunch and Dinner
  
• Functions
  

The Riverview Hotel, Balmain was closed in 2008. I hope the information about the closure is helpful in keeping G'day Pubs up to date.

"Extensively renovated internally and externally with new restaurant, open kitchen, and classy function areas." (2010) - Andrew Squires

The Royal Oak Hotel was established in 1878 as Hollis's Hotel and was known as the Clifford Family, Coates Family and finally as the Royal Oak Hotel.

It is believed that the hotel is one of the few pubs built without a verandah. The awning was most probably added in the 1930's

The Sir William Wallace Hotel established in 1879 and is the only hotel in the area in its original state.

Established in 1879 as the Town Hall Hotel. The original verandah was scrapped when the Town Hall Hotel was renovated in 1930.

The original verandah disappeared when the hotel was substantially rebuilt at a
cost of (Pounds) 10,160 following its purchase by Tooths Brewery in 1930. The licencee in 1887 was a George Miller.