Meet The Publican, Bondi Junction’s new local pub. What was known as the Eastern Hotel has been re-branded and revitalised into a new breed of pubs designed to lure a new generation of patrons. The Publican is part of the redevelopment of The Eastern which will soon have four destinations within one venue (Anatoli Restaurant, Chimmi’s and El Topo Mexican).
The Publican, Bondi Junction
Step through the entrance on Oxford Street, and you’ll notice a warm and welcoming feel to this 1930s inspired pub with the odd modern pieces. You’ll find a coveted chaise longue at the front, a semi-circular banquette lining up the rear of the venue, a faux fireplace with a wall of vintage postcards, an old red telephone box, hanging tapestry and a stag’s head.
Banquettes
The marble top wrap-around bar keeps it very Bondi with a Sydney Brewery canoe and vintage suitcases that give a nod to the suburb’s influx of visitors.
The Bar
The Publican specialises in craft beer and jaffles, supporting the local craft beer and cider industry with some 60 strong list (soon to be 100) by the bottle and 12 on tap which will be on rotation. If you’re a newbie to craft beer or like to experiment, they offer “Tasters” in small glasses such as the excellent Feral Brewing Co IPA.
Tasters
Perched high near the telephone box, a Jaffle Bar offers a choice of savoury and sweet jaffles. Each comes served with CCs and a pickle.
Jaffle Bar
The baked beans and cheddar jaffle ($5) is warming and comforting just like you had when growing up and the slow-braised beef brisket and mushrooms ($9) is tasty and moreish.
Jaffles
Sweet jaffles ($6) include salted chocolate and walnut brownie and banana, butterscotch sauce and white chocolate served with vanilla cream.
Bar Manager Mark Langdon
The Public offers a modest cocktail list but shines in the range of Boiler Makers with a choice of eight combinations.
Islay Boiler Maker
Tempting options include the Oaxacan Boiler Maker with Mezcal Vida and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and the sensational Islay Boiler Maker with Ardbeg and Feral Smoked Porter is, a warming combination of a rich chocolate Porter with a smoky finish – the perfect companion to the peated Ardbeg whisky.
With the popularity of Sydney bars, many pubs such as The Balmain Hotel and The Oaks are reinventing themselves and attacting a new breed of patrons. Bondi’s new local is doing it rather well, and in true Bondi style.
The Publican opened on Friday 5 July, 2013.
The Publican
Ground Floor, 500 Oxford St
Bondi Junction, NSW 2026
Open daily from 10 am till late.
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