The name is a misnomer - this pub is thoroughly Irish. Thirsty patrons can get a bit of Irish into them with Guinness on tap while swaying to the live music.
Less New Sydney than New Dublin (or thereabouts), this pub has adopted an Irish personality and, while stopping short of shamrocks and tiddley-tee tunes, it embraces this image with gusto.
The hotel has been serving a steady stream of thirsty patrons since 1835. These venerable walls, which have seen generations of Hobartians amble in for their nightly pint, are swathed in a mish-mash of licence plates, Guinness posters and signs helpfully indicating the way to Donegal.
As many a hopeful Irish backpacker has pointed out, surely everyone wants a bit of Irish in 'em, and this is readily accomplished here with the like of Guinness and Kilkenny flowing from the taps, along with 11 other brews. Contrary to popular belief, the black brew is not a meal in itself, but thankfully the bistro has a ready supply of good, honest pub grub.
The New Sydney shuns such common pub accessories as TVs, jukeboxes and pool tables, instead entertaining the crowds with live music at least four nights a week. Tuesday might see a blues soloist crooning, while a jazz trio livens up every Sunday. Friday and Saturday nights pump to blasting rock covers.
Other popular monthly events include a quiz night on the first Monday (bookings are essential) and a comedy night on the last Wednesday.
Shelley Tustin
