Coming Soon: New Late-Night Haunt Billy the Pig Is Honouring Classic Aussie Public Bars with Counter Meals and Cocktails
Pay homage to the pubs of old with free-flowing drinks and live music until the early hours.
Launching in the first week of February, one of Bondi Junction's historic public bars is rediscovering its roots with the arrival of Billy the Pig. Taking up residence in the former Eastern Hotel for the next 17 months, punters can expect a lively late-night haunt where drinks flow into the early hours. Meanwhile, a revamped lineup of counter meals and pub classics is complemented by live bands and DJs gracing the stage from week to week.
Led by renowned restaurateur Maurice Terzini (Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Purple Pit), this reimagined space serves as a love letter to no-frills public bars. The veneration starts with the residency's name – a direct homage to when this spot was called Billy the Pig's in the '90s. That name itself was a reference to the pub's gruff original owner from the 1950s, who had a reputation for treating his customers a bit like swine.
Fortunately, when you cast your eyes over Terzini's latest incarnation, it's easy to see that the service has been given a little more thought. Here, classic Australian counter meals like chicken schnitzel, lasagne with beef ragù, and 250g minute steak are presented with a subtle Italian flair. Meanwhile, Terzini has also leant into nostalgia through enduring desserts like pavlova with banana cream, and golden syrup pudding with vanilla custard. There's also a tasty assortment of playful snacks adding to the sentimental theme, including party pies and Jatz with cheddar.
To drink, expect a mix of Australian draft beers and craft creations, with varying happy hours reviving the six o'clock swill. Terzini also puts his deep knowledge of modern and minimal intervention wines to good use through a hand-picked selection of Australian and Italian varieties. Finally, an inventive cocktail list offers plenty of choices, with four classic, four modern and four late-night options certain to spark your interest.
Made with high-end ingredients and no post mix, highlights include a lychee martini alongside a colada featuring three types of run. For a modern concoction, the No 207 combines Ketel One with Campari and ruby grapefruit, while you can level up the after-dark vibe with the fruit tingle's blend of Don Julio, blue curaçao, raspberry and lemonade. Whichever you choose, it's bound to pack a good punch.
The former Eastern Hotel, Katje Ford
With a license letting Billy the Pig run wild until 3am, Bondi's weekends and weeknights will get a boost thanks to top-notch creative programming, spanning live bands, local producers and even the occasional exhibition. Drawing on the area's immense history, Terzini's latest residency is proud to take cues from its predecessors, searching for ways to give back to the community and foster the same edge that made these public bars so special.
"This venue is an old deco pub with an incredible history as a pumping Eastern suburb venue," explains Terzini. "Residencies allow me the opportunity to explore less structured models … a bit like when I started my career more on gut feelings and creativity than budgets. I find this energy translates positively to my other projects, bringing a breath of fresh air."
The former Eastern Hotel, Katje Ford
The former Eastern Hotel, Katje Ford
The former Eastern Hotel, Katje Ford
Billy the Pig launches at 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction in February 2025.
Top image: Nikki To.
