Coming Soon: Longstanding Sydney Pub Fortune of War Is Launching a New Bistro, Refreshed Accommodation and More
Set to welcome a new 60-seat bistro and boutique rooms, this storied pub hasn't lost any of its historic charm.
The Fortune of War has pumped out pints for almost 200 years in The Rocks, but it looks better than ever as its significant refurbishment reaches completion. At Sydney's oldest pub, visitors can now expect a 60-seat bistro, while its boutique accommodation will also reopen with a refreshed sense of comfort and hospitality. While there's no shortage of heritage pubs that have undergone somewhat drab modern makeovers, the Fortune of War's owners prioritised the essence of the venue's old-world look and feel.
At the same time, they've raised the standards with several quality-of-life improvements that put the pub in good stead for the future. "We're very much a food and beverage pub, but due to the small size of the kitchen, we haven't been able to provide our dream dining experience for guests, until now," says WDS Hotels owner Steve Speed, who took over the leasehold with his wife Fiona and a group of investors in 2013.
Leading the revamped kitchen is Executive Chef Mark Williamson (Bistro Moncur). He's been hard at work shaping a new menu brimming with elevated Aussie pub classics. However, regulars will be happy to know the pub's signature dishes – namely, its fish and chips, and beef and Guinness stew – aren't going anywhere. Also on the agenda is a brand-new breakfast offering, served daily from 7am.
With the venue expected to fully reopen in May, visitors can still enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment in an expansive alfresco area or the neighbouring Fortune of War Lock Up. As for the rest of the revival, the century-old red oak bar will look better than ever following a careful restoration, while a fresh coat of paint and new carpet give the space a necessary lift. The soul of the venue still firmly in place, the Fortunate of War remains much the same, with its updates ensuring the building's longevity.
"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," he explains. "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."
Accompanying the relaunched pub is the Russell Boutique Hotel. Situated upstairs, warmly decorated rooms offer a timeless charm and even a partial view of Sydney Harbour, if you're lucky. Yet a few quirks still remain. With the 19th-century building once used as a hospital, none of the rooms are in sequential order. Says Speed: "I've been here almost 13 years and I still get confused as to where each one is, but it's those little authentic things that enhance someone's stay."
The newly renovated Fortune of War Hotel is expected to reopen in May 2025 at 137 George Street, The Rocks. Head to the website for more information.
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