If you've ever had a large late evening out in Newtown, there is a high likelihood that at some point you've found yourself traversing the sprawling confines of The Bank Hotel, irrigating benevolent punters with splashes of the four drinks you juggled while making the journey from front bar to beer garden. It's a rite of passage and essential experience of the Inner West after-hours bingo card.
The enormous pub meets club meets live music venue meets people-watching spot has prime position on King Street, a few doors down from Newtown train station and is a galvanising hub of the suburb. Since forever it has been proudly operating as a safe space where all are welcome with strong ties to Sydney's queer community which is celebrated at ongoing event series like Wednesday night's Birdcage ("Newtown's only weekly les and queer party") and Woody's Social on Thursdays at which the hirsute gay gentlemen of Sydney gather.
The expansive beer garden out the back is frequently the meeting point for afternoon drinks and a pub feed before the night begins. Other spaces carved out within The Bank include Waywards — the top-level venue for live music and comedy nights, and the outdoor Terrace Bar.
But late night gallivanting will always be a linchpin of The Bank's appeal. Open until 2am on Monday and Tuesdays, and 4am Wednesday to Saturday, it's one of the few meeting places along King Street that is open after midnight (pro tip: The Marly is also open to 4am most nights) so see you there for the kick on.