Overview
Beloved Redfern pub The Woolpack has been given a revamp, led by an all-star team of Sydney hospitality mainstays. With The Good Atelier's Aaron Crinis at the helm, The Woolpack will boast a new menu of pub classics created by taco king Toby Wilson (Ricos Tacos, ex-Bad Hombres, ex-The George). Rounding out the team of experienced hospo names is Jamie Wirth (The George, The Duke, The Old Fitz) who will work with Crinis and The Good Atelier to shape the future of the venue.
Wilson has given your typical array of nostalgic pub classics a reserved, but fun, makeover. There are classics served straight down the middle like schnitzel with gravy, but a lot of the items bring a unique twist to the selection of eats.
The potato wedges are served with labne and fermented chilli, the chips are accompanied by French onion dip and a charred cauliflower steak is available with a black pepper tahini sauce.
There are also two exciting sambos on the menu. One packs beetroot jam and caramelised onion into a rissole sandwich, while the other is a potato scallop butty spruced up with a curry sauce.
"A great pub is an essential part of Australian culture, and the marker of a great neighbourhood," says Crinis. "While growing up working in pubs around Sydney, I have always looked on at The Woolpack as a true community pub."
The new custodians have been wary to change too much about the pub outside of the menu, giving it a fresh coat of paint and a spring clean, but not a full renovation. "We wanted the vibe to feel like a nod to the great Aussie and English pubs of yester-year," Wirth continues. "The decor brings in some history from the Redfern area, with some vintage odd-ball pieces too — some bits were found throughout the upper levels of the hotel, and some we created especially for the pub."
The al fresco dining has been expanded and a series of events including Tuesday trivia nights and weekend DJs have been introduced, with a Sunday roast and live jazz set to become a weekly end-of-week occurrence from next month.
The Woolpack is located at 229 Chalmers Street, Redfern. It's open from 12pm until late seven days a week.
Images: Jessica Nash