The Glebe Hotel

Overview

The inner western suburb of Glebe has a new(ish) player in the pub game thanks to the relaunch of the Australian Youth Hotel. After seven months of renovations, the 157-year-old pub has reopened with a new look and a new name: The Glebe Hotel.

The Bay Street venue now has a new British pub menu, a lush courtyard and a luxe private space. And, thanks to it's new moniker, it'll no longer be confused for hostel housing weary globe-trotting teens.

The Victorian terrace digs date back to 1862 and the massive refurb spans interior and exterior works. Sydney design firm Alexander & Co (The Imperial, Bon Pavilion, The Morrison) is behind the fit-out, which features several distinct spaces — starting with the public bar, which nods to the pub's history with chesterfield sofas, a fireplace and archival photos of the space. Upstairs, inside the venue's former brothel, is an ornate private function space with chandeliers, baroque sofas, vintage art and a snooker table.

Move along and you'll find The Stables Bar & Grill, a bright and airy restaurant with exposed brick walls, cream timber tables and vintage tiling, plus a featured jacaranda mural by Sydney artist Indigo Jo. Just outside The Stables is a dog-friendly courtyard with bright yellow furnishings, red-and-white umbrellas and lush surrounds — including a 100-year-old fig tree.

British chef Ben Allcock is in the kitchen preparing UK-style pub eats, such as steak and Guinness pie, chargrilled spatchcock and Sunday roasts. House specialties include the handmade gnocchi with roast butternut pumpkin and goat's curd, Berkshire pork chop served atop caramelised fennel and slow-cooked lamb shoulder ragu pappardelle.

From the bar, expect a mix of local craft and mainstream brews on tap, along with a four-strong spritz menu — including the Bombay, with elderflower and cucumber, and the Strawberry, a mix of Poor Toms strawberry gin, wild strawberry liqueur and prosecco.

Though the revamp has a big hospitality group written all over it, we're happy to report that The Glebe Hotel remains family owned by the Nissen brothers.

Images: Guy Davies.