The Bank

Overview

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 the front bar to the beer garden. It's a rite of passage and an essential experience of the Inner West after-hours bingo card.

The enormous pub meets club meets live music venue meets people-watching spot has a 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").

The expansive garden bar is frequently the breezy meeting point for afternoon drinks and a pub feed before the night begins — and it's also scored a refreshed makeover. Opt for a taste of its Mediterranean-leaning menu and you'll find a selection of share-focused dishes, from flame-grilled cuts of barramundi and scotch fillet to the familiar chicken parma and a creamy prawn and spanner crab linguine.

The other space carved out within The Bank is Waywards, a top-level venue that hosts side-splitting comedy nights and self-proclaimed best live music in the suburb.

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.