The Lady Hampshire

Overview

Longstanding Parramatta Road stalwart The Lady Hampshire has been saved. Dating back to the 1800s, the Camperdown pub has entered a new chapter in its storied history. Originally called the Old Hampshire Hotel, the Camperdown venue sat vacant for years before being given a makeover and reopening as The Lady Hampshire in 2016 under the guidance of Sydney publican Paddy Coughlan.

This new-look iteration lasted about five years before closing during the pandemic without reopening. But now, in 2023, it's back in a big way, with Public Hospitality Group (Oxford House, The Strand Hotel, El Primo Sanchez) coming to the table to revive it with a new Head Chef and a massive live music program.

Aesthetically, things have been kept relatively the same. You'll still find the memorable Scott Marsh mural of Australian icons like Steve Irwin and Kath and Kim on the wall as you head out to the beer garden. And said beer garden remains a no-frills al fresco area calling out for sun-soaked beers and afternoon feeds.

In the kitchen, you'll find Brendan King (ex-Baba's Place, FISH SHOP) whipping up top-notch pub feeds that highlight locally sourced produce. The chicken schnitzel ($24) is sizeable and comes with your choice of mash or chips. There are plenty of burger options (all $21), from the house-special smashed cheeseburger to the simple crumbed barramundi burger topped with American cheese, iceberg lettuce, tartare sauce and pickles.

And snacks are also plenftiful on King's new menu, including salt and pepper wings ($14), salted cod croquettes ($13) and kofta served with hummus and chilli ($14).

Beer does the heavy lifting on the drinks menu, with affordable tinnies, the refreshing house Lady Hampshire larger and a hefty happy hour making the Hampshire a home run for after-work drinks. But hops aside, you'll find a considered wine list and plenty of house cocktails to appease non-beer drinkers. Give the Elizabeth ($19) a try, which combines Hayman's Sloe Gin, lychee liqueur, lemon and aquafaba.

Then there's the big drawcard of the venue. At the end of the narrow dining room, you'll find the live music area, locked and loaded to host a genre-spanning program of acts. On the opening lineup, you'll find pop, punk, reggae, indie rock and electronica all gracing the Hampshire stage, signposting things to come as the historic venue ramps back up under its new owners.