The 170-Year-Old Royal Richmond Hotel Now Boasts a Sunlit Bistro and Timber-Clad Cocktail Bar

It has seen plenty in its almost two centuries of life, but The Royal Richmond Hotel has just enjoyed one of its biggest shake-ups yet. Located in the heart of Richmond, at the foot of the Blue Mountains in the Hawkesbury region, the 170-year-old pub has unveiled an extensive makeover at the hands of new Peter Wynne and Karen Anderson (Martin Place Bar).

A major revamp has transformed the long-standing boozer, giving it a new bistro complete with an open kitchen and light-filled atrium-style dining room — and a dapper cocktail lounge and refurbished sports bar. The spaces give a firm nod to eras past, thanks to original Oregon timber beams, walls of recycled brick, generous tables crafted from reclaimed timber and plenty of historic photos.

Headed up by General Manager Todd Garratt (Fish Butchery, Wine Library, Balcon by Tapavino), the bistro offering champions local Hawkesbury produce and ingredients wherever possible, while also delivering a strong focus on an in-house program of charcuterie and dry-aged meats. On the menu, you'll find a lineup of classic pizzas and share snacks — think: twice-cooked chicken wings and a country-style pork terrine — alongside pasta dishes like a braised lamb bolognese pappardelle. There are burgers, a share-friendly rotisserie lamb shoulder and dry-aged steaks aplenty. House-made pork snags are teamed with mash and a cider gravy, while a hero dish of cauliflower is cooked on the rotisserie and finished with almonds, currants and a red pepper sauce.

With its tartan carpet, double fireplaces and premium spirits lineup, the new cocktail lounge is set to become a favourite winter haunt. And the new-look front bar proves a cosy spot to enjoy pints and some big-screen footy action, matched to the likes of a ploughman's platter, potato skins or a serve of the kitchen's cheeseburger spring rolls.

There's more to come, too, with The Royal Richmond's second stage of renovations set to deliver a roomy, all-weather beer garden that'll play host to a program of music and other live entertainment. That's on track to be completed some time next year.

Find The Royal Richmond Hotel at 163 Windsor Street, Richmond. It's open 10am–3am Monday to Saturday, and 10am–12am Sunday.