Twenty-Seven Beloved Inner West Pubs Are Set to Be Heritage Listed and Receive Permanent Protection

Inner West residents, your favourite local drinking holes are here to stay.
Ben Hansen
October 28, 2022

A heap of Sydney stalwarts are set to receive permanent protection, with the Inner West Council voting unanimously to begin the process of heritage listing 27 of the area's pubs. Known for its pub culture, the Inner West is home to some of the city's most beloved drinking spots, with 31 of its venues already heritage listed. Now, that number is set to nearly double, with longstanding venues across Balmain, Leichardt, Newtown, Petersham, Marrickville, Rozelle, Annandale, Enmore and Lewisham all earmarked for the same designation.

"Our pubs are community institutions, many of which have been serving local patrons for more than a century," Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said in a statement.

"It's time for new heritage protections to make sure that our Inner West pub culture is still here for another 100 years to come."

Now that the council has voted to commence the project, it will conduct community engagement with pub owners, patrons and other locals to work towards the heritage listings. If that's successful, the buildings will be granted a range of privileges, including protecting their facades and interiors, and preventing bars from being removed. It does not, however, prevent the premises from being converted for non-pub uses, as long as those heritage elements are maintained.

Each pub was chosen based on its architectural, historical and social significance. The 27 buildings include two Annandale venues, six in Balmain, two in Marrickville, four in Newtown, six in Rozelle, three in Enmore, and one in each of Balmain East, Leichardt, Petersham and Lewisham. You can view the full list at the Inner West Council website, but popular spots include Cricketers Arms Hotel, Vic on the Park, Kelly's on King, Carlisle Castle Hotel, Bridge Hotel, 3 Weeds, Warren View Hotel, Duke of Enmore and Websters Bar.

They will join the previously heritage-listed sites across the Inner West like Courthouse Hotel, The Henson, Salisbury Hotel and White Cockatoo Hotel.

"It's important that we protect these pubs which contribute to the famous pub culture of the area," said Councillor Jessica D'Arienzo.

Vic on the Park's beer garden

For further details about the process of adding these Inner West pubs to the heritage list, head to the Inner West Council website.

Published on October 28, 2022 by Ben Hansen
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