Crown Hotel

Overview

Some venues feel like they've always been there, even if you haven't ever stepped inside. Perched in a prime location on Lutwyche Road in Brisbane's inner north, the Crown Hotel is one such spot. It's been part of Lutwyche since 1881, in fact — and if you need a reason to finally drop in, it's just had a $2.4 million makeover and reopened its doors.

Brisbanites can now check out the Crown's new beer garden and heritage pavilion — which seats 140 people — as well as its revamped main sports bar. Overall, the renovations are designed to keep the pub's heritage character, while completely overhauling the interiors.

So, design-wise, that means a sleek, warm and airy look and feel, especially if you're sat underneath the strung-up lighting in the beer garden or on the deck overlooking the outside space. The Crown's new colour scheme skews neutral with splashes of black, white and colour, too — as seen in the blue backdrop behind its towering outdoor mural.

In the sports bar, there's screens that'll play a range of different sports, brews on tap (obviously) and a counter menu that includes karaage chicken ($14), fried haloumi ($15), chicken parmigiana ($24) and three steak choices ($29–46). You'll find most of those dishes on the bistro lineup as well; however, Executive Chef Dylan Kemp and Head Chef Jamie Blake are also serving up everything from prawn rolls ($16) and confit duck leg ($32) to half Tasmanian salmon ($28), and both beef ($16) and beetroot ($14) tartare.

For something sweet, the dessert selection includes whipped baked cheesecake with strawberry and salted shortbread, vanilla bean crème brûlée, and a chocolate brownie with hokey pokey gelato and espresso caramel (all $14).

And whether you're looking to drop by for a bite or a beverage, the pub is also set to host weekly bistro specials, plus themed trivia nights, drag bingo, jazz and blues, and live comedy.

Images: Markus Ravik.