Overview
Balmain's historic Town Hall Hotel has reopened to the public, after being snapped up by the Balmain Pub Group and given a refurb across both levels — with a new outdoor 'Treehouse' space.
"We wanted to completely change it from what it was," said Warren Livingstone, who co-owns the pub with Nick Wills. "We wanted to make it a bright, sunny open venue, which would be attractive during the day as well as night, and we wanted to have a completely different vibe to every pub in Balmain."
On ground level, you'll notice the much-loved island bar hasn't gone anywhere. If you're looking to catch a match, settle in front of one of the big screens. And, there's a pool table, too.
Head upstairs for a cosy fireplace and quiet chats in the balcony Treehouse area. It's been revamped, with input from designer Will Dangar, so you can expect bright colours, cane furniture and dashes of greenery. Plans are in the works for a rooftop bar, overlooking the city.
Meanwhile, Balmain Pub Group's executive chef and former AHA Chef of the Year Brad Sloane has come up with a brand new menu. Sliding in somewhere between classic pub fare and the high-end, dishes include seared tuna salad with green beans and chick peas, naked burgers, lamb cutlets and fish tacos.
"[Brad] has been an institution in the Balmain area for years, from when the Riverview Hotel was part of the group," Warren said. "The menu is light and clean, with an emphasis on fresh fish, salads and shared plates."
Find Balmain's Town Hall Hotel at 366 Darling Street, Balmain.