I WON'T BE COMING BACK HERE AGAIN. I brought some friends here for our yearly catch-up after visiting the venue with my wife and children for my birthday a few weeks ago. I went to the bar for my round; we'd only had a few beers and were about to order dinner when we were told we had to leave. I was shocked and asked why. The girl behind the bar who claimed to be the Manager said that 'we have reason to believe that someone is intoxicated'. The previous round was purchased by a friend who had some mild impairments, and one of those being he is unable to count money. For the record we are a group of fathers in our late 30's, topics of discussion for the evening were interest rates, footy, the Sydney housing market and our children. Over the course of the very short evening - I doubt we reached 10 decibels (flies on the wall would have been put to sleep). Anyway, fortunately, my friend was at the bathroom when I was speaking to the Manager. She wouldn't give any explanation, apart someone being intoxicated as to why we had to leave. We could only come to the conclusion that it was our friend's mild impairment and slightly unorthodox mannerisms as the reason. Funnily enough, when we left, I went to their takeaway section and purchased a 4 pack of Cluster 8 (2.6 standard drinks * 4) from the same bar staff - go figure. They do have a great selection of craft beers - but I won't be back here again, ever. I shared my experience with another craft enthusiast who is a local. He was also asked to leave after 3 beers recently. This is even more ridiculous. One of his friends was purchasing a round of beers at the bar and asked him what he wanted. He was engrossed in a game of football and didn't respond. They claimed he was incoherent and the group all have to leave. Obviously the venue has clearly had some issues in the past. I've never written a review before and I don't plan on doing it again, but the kneejerk and unjustified reaction by the staff here was astonishing. My friend with the mild impairment fortunately didn't draw the same dots that we did - maybe the staff here can learn a thing or two about people with disabilities. I'd be more than happy to speak with the management about some of the demons he's had to battle in life to make them more aware of running a more inclusive venue. In the meantime, our 2022 catch-up will more than likely be at The Welcome Hotel or one of the breweries in Marrickville.

MISSY THE CAT RETURNS! Here's a stealth find, well worth a visit for a shandy on a quiet King-Street-shopping afternoon. Although it doesn't look like much from the street, The Union Hotel has a lot to offer once you're inside. Up front we have the old bar and a set-up for bands. A bit of the beer-soaked vibe that places like the old Annandale Hotel or the Dee Why Hotel once had (although much tidied up). Looks great for that sort of thing. Out the back, there's a nice restaurant and beer garden, fit for families and a bit more of an upmarket crowd during the calmer hours of day. In between, unfortunately, the two parts collide: the loos have been nicely outfitted (back bar style) but the junior vandal set (front bar style) seem resolved to wreck them. Ah, well, that's the Newtown we all have to live with, at least until the government brings back public floggings. Don't let that stop you. Just work out which part of the day suits your style, and get in there. ============== Missy The Cat Star Ratings: 5 - a place of rare genius that merits repeated return visits 4 - a strong effort with no major shortcomings 3 - a solid, worthy effort with perhaps one important thing to fix 2 - several important things wrong, but at least one important thing right 1 - can't be given a zero, doesn't deserve a dollar (as of review date)

Basically everything was great. I will rate it 5 stars when I've been back again if the service and atmosphere is always that good. I was very happy with the interactions with the staff. They were knowledgeable about the beers and friendly. They were happy to engage in a conversation to help you choose which of the excellent selection would best suit you. The quality and range of the beers on offer is great. The crowd (It was about 8pm on a Thursday) were all good natured and I felt safe. The pub ran a raffle and the patrons all seemed to enjoy the participation. I would totally recommend this place and use used their bottle shop and had similarly good experiences there too.

Great pub for a drink, time with friends or not. I was here for a Mountain Culture tap takeover. That was great, loads of great beer. Had some nibbles as well. Chicken wings and fried calamari. The wings were over cooked, and the sauce was very tasty. The calamari was great, very tender. Definitely a place to check out if you are in the area and fancy a drink. Check what's on, to make sure you are there for an event.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Spicy Chicken Wings

Beer selection is up there with the best of them. Plenty of local independent beers and the taps regularly update with new options and the bottle shop next door has an equally impressive selection and the best take-away bottle shop if any pub in Newtown The food is up there with the best pubs. It’s not fine dining but they have an awesome selection of great sandwiches, burgers and pub classics which are all pretty solid and come hot and fast. Free pool on Sundays in the air con or sit out in the big beer garden

I really enjoy this place. They are happy for you to have kids with you (as long as they don't run around) BEVERAGES • Huge selection of beers on tap. Looking forward to returning to try some more. FOOD • A great selection of burgers.. always a struggle to choose from the menu as they all sound so good. SERVICE • Just basic bar service, seemed friendly enough. PRICE • A little bit $$$ for pub food. But certainly taste better than regular pub food. Food looked so good I got excited and forgot to take a photo!

The Union is an old pub with an excellent range of craft beers and a great assortment of seating areas, whether your looking for a traditional style pub experience or a modern bistro style seating at the back. My only gripe was that the food needs improving as I was served semi frozen peas with my pie, which then got nuked into oblivion. My friends said their burgers were average with luke warm fries. Great place to drink and catch up with friends but very average food for Newtown.

Lovely staff. Closer to St Peters station than Newtown train station as a heads up. The food is very average with a limited variety of options for the gluten/lactose free people. Parking can be very very difficult...be warned! Meals average $15-20 or so for dinner and the hotel is renown by locals for its live music scene. Would recommend if you're in the area. It does get very loud but there's also a great outdoor seating area too which is great.

This is an excellent pub for craft beer, that has managed to maintain its local feel despite a couple of upgrades. Pool tables and regular local bands add to the appeal, along with some excellent food options (check service times though). Only drawback is that the entire beer garden is now a smoking zone, meaning things is another inner west pub where you have to accept passive smoking to sit outdoors, which sucks, especially for those with kids.

If you're inclined to book a table online-don't. They won't reply to your online request and a phone call, follow-up won't secure your table either. Their pricest menu option ($30 steak) isn't as described online nor will it arrive with everything the menu says it will (no jus)..just potato and beans. Forget the sticky date desert with ice-cream unless you like paying $10 for a bit of Sara-lee cake with icy, no-name "vanilla" ice-cream

This pub daytime is good for a quiet beer and chill - dunno about the food but it looks good to me for relaxed group chow down with plenty of space for drinks and food on the tables.
Price per person
$20–40
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Parking is unavailable
Parking
Hey, it's inner west Newtown so everyone I know that hangs there walks there.

Cracking place to meet up because it has ample space, a decent pool table, and I specifically enjoy the diverse range of beers on tap. The food covers all spectrums of taste. And on probably a moot point, they frustratingly, won't swap the fries out for anything else on the main meals. I have raised this with them without response. While not a deal breaker, I'd be interested to hear if someone can explain why this can't be done.

Great selection of craft beers and spirits. You can get a great tasting paddle here! The staff have a good knowledge of the products too. They can give you a description of anything that they have on offer, and you can ask for a tatse of any beer that you're interested in, before you buy it. Decent bistro too. And they have pool tables and sports on the telly. Good all-round pub. They have a little beer garden out the back too.

I like this hub. It has a great outdoors space, comfortable lounges and nice indoor seats. The staff are friendly and professional. The menu is extensive and vegan-friendly which makes it a fashion-forward venue. It is nice and bright, definitely my go-to place for after work drinks but also on special date nights as well. I have been there on few work events and I like that its corporate friendly but also very warm and cosy.

Wouldn't bother if you're not "from the area". Myself and a group of 5 had 2 drinks and were told to leave, much like others accounts some bar person that claims to be the manager claimed we were all intoxicated. When the next person that claimed to be manager appeared they said, quote, you and your group aren't drinking enough then scurried off to get security. So RSA only applies when you're not passing money away then

This has long been a bastion of craft beer in Newtown, but every time I've been here recently the tap selection AND the bottle shop selection have been mediocre at best. It seems to me that the person in charge of buying is not interested in the culture, and is listening to reps more than the market, or to the desires of customers. Sort out your beers guys, put a beer person in charge of it. Also the nachos is embarrassing.

Best pub in the area for craft beer, constantly rotating range on tap. Excellent friendly staff, and pretty good food options too. Beer garden is dog friendly during the day (no dogs allowed after sunset).
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Beer Sampler, Fries, Fish Tacos, Burger
Vegetarian options
Multiple vegetarian options on the menu

I guess this wasn't what I was expecting, my fault not theirs. But 6pm on a Saturday and the front bar was soooo dark and noisy. Our table was reserved ok, but had to ask about menus. Food was good pub grub, large serving of fish & chips (could have shared) Annoying that ladies toilets are down steps.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2
Recommended dishes
Burger

Union hotel is comfortably accessible from Newtown/St.Peters train station. Located on the bustling King street, this place offers a great seating capacity and some fine brewed beverages. Their food is strictly pub food with burgers, pizzas etc which is presented well and tastes good. It's suitable for people of all ages. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, you definitely need a booking to get in - walkins are difficult!

The Union has one of the best beer selections in the country, methinks. They are always adventurous with their brew lineup, and always supportive of the local-crafted product. Awesome bands, always free, what's not to like... :) Also, compliments to the kitchen staff for the delicious spinach and ricotta dumplings. They were quite compact, almost like home-made gnocchi, but so savoury and tasty.

I love this place. One of the best craft beer pubs in Sydney. I am just sooo tired of snooty teenager service. Please spend some time training young staff about being nice to customers. We actually contribute to paying their wage. It's not hard, and I'm not a 'challenging' customer. Quite the opposite. And I do write reviews, as do many. Happy to talk to anyone regarding my experience.

Just got myself a cheeseburger with added bacon, and have to say that was the best burger I've had in ages! Fresh ingredients, delicious patty. The whole thing, as well as the fries and side of mayo I got, were a great size. Staff were friendly and wait wasn't long either. Honestly have nothing to criticise, super happy with everything and will definitely be back!

Excellent quality food and friendly staff! The Super Fresh triple IPA was so delicious and fun at 10% alcohol. The Wham Bam Lamb Roll was so good; the roll was fresh and sweet like brioche. The Chicken Leek Pie was perfect. The only criticisms were no outdoor dining area, and some indoor eating areas were too dark. Also, the menus were old and awful to handle.

Great New Town Pub with atmosphere and good beer. Old school, just as it should be. Not gentrified into some theme pub. Good choice of icy cold non alcoholic beer. Friendly bar staff. All ages. Bands were playing. The Toothpicks and Hide Tide. Good music with people dancing. Friendly bouncers.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

I haven't been here in years but the atmosphere was really nice, full but not packed ambience in an early Saturday evening. The food was nice, especially the dips which were fresh and generous. I liked the range of on tap beers and ciders. Nice place for a chat, but book a table if you want to bring a group to the bistro.

1st time visit random Monday night walk in, and i was impressed with the interior. Outside pretty standard but really impressed with indoor areas, seating, bar, 2 pool tables(free Monday's) and the dinner area along with outdoor courtyard it's pretty cool, very nicely done. $12 cheese burger definitely worth the buck!

Possibly the best selection of beers in Sydney...though the staff are just so surly / unfriendly that it pretty much ruins the experience. Often shutting a couple of hours before the advertised closing time without calling last drinks is making it less appealing to drop into what used to be one of my favorite pubs.

The union is a great spot to catch up with mates over a few bevies. They have a great selection of tap and bottled beers, and an awesome selection of wines. The food is fantastic too, and if you are able to get in there when the live music is on, it just adds to the experience. This place is definitely a favourite.

Great pub for locals and visitors. Diverse beer choice on tap and quality house wines. Then there's the bistro. Quality food at reasonable prices. Great for families or friends for a night out. Kids are usually gone by about 18:30, if that's a concern. Front bar has live music and a trivia night. …

I came here for a few drinks after attending a gig at New Theatre, just a few doors up the road. They had a great choice of beer on tap, and the staff were really friendly. We sat in the area out the back which shut quite early, so had to move into the front bar. It has everything you need from your local pub.

Awesome place, go there often. Good staff, good beer, good people, good atmosphere. Just so you know, kitchen doesn't stay open all night, so make sure your belly is full by 10. FYI Mac and cheese, meatball sub, and Nintendo Tuesdays are the staple of this pub! And if you dont like that, you're a communist...

Not just really good food but great service as well. I had the kangaroo and it was cooked perfectly. Oir meals came quickly even though it was a busy Saturday night. Bar staff didn't charge me for soda waters as I was the designated driver. I'll definitely be going back next time I visit family in Sydney.

Good atmosphere. Did not order meal but they looked good and seemed to be coming out quickly considering the size of my group most of whom had ordered. However I did not find any of the beers which I normally drink so ordered a pilsener which I did not know if I would like. It was OK but not outstanding.

If you like craft beer, this is the pub for you! Different beers constantly being tapped and they provide tasting paddles, so you can try as many as possible. They also frequently have tap take over events from local breweries. Good food, great whisky & gin selection, friendly staff, highly recommend!

Friday night with friends. Food exceptional. Huge crowd but not overcrowded. Enormous racket of people enjoying themselves. More happy customers than the population of Maclean!
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Fish

Food was amazing! We got the kangaroo (which was soooooo tender it melted in my mouth) and the jalapeno burger (which was huge and juicy). We left satisfied from the quality of the food and with the wide variety of beer available on tap. Awesome place and i can't wait to come again …

Great food and drinks! Same wines as the rose and a lot better priced! Also lovely service, went to watch sport when we had three sports on at the same time. They were very willing to try and get the right sports on so we could see all three! Will definitely go back for another Ruben!

Somw over head music would have been nice but the service was awesome and dood wa fantastic!!!!
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Chicken Schnitzel
Kid-friendliness
Highchairs were easily accessible

One of the first pubs I visited since moving into St Peters and was made to feel welcome instantly. So many craft beers on tap - lots of live music - good food in the bistro and my favourite: Pool comp nights on Tuesday. Just a great place to unwind and have a drink with mates.

Possibly the best craft beer in Sydney. The decor is a little so so but the chairs are comfy, plenty of space and the bar team super friendly. Their tap list is extremely fresh with some of the most hype beers in Australia reguarly appearing, with very fair prices to match.

Great halloumi burger and wonderful customer service. The girl behind the drinks bar made a remarkable gin tasting tray for me and didn't call me a Karen (I was being a borderline Karen honestly). Good atmosphere and a different vibe in whatever room you happen to be in.

*amazing* beer selection, definitely get a flight and try a range you don’t normally see on tap. As for the food, stay away from the ‘southern fried chicken wings’. Nothing southern about them, they’re under seasoned and bland and the sauce they give with it is *weird*

My favorite local to sample the best of inner west to international beers. Great kitchen and an amazing beer and whiskey selection. Plenty of seating and great staff. Check out the beer paddles to get a sample of up to five beers. The Union is always a great venue.

Nice selection of craft beers and a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere. The menu is average and a little pricey. Pool table and lounges and an outdoor smoking area. Medium sized gaming lounge. Overall decent pub to chill with friends or have a quiet drink.

A great venue that continually surprises with new types of beer. Tonight is Oat Cream night and I’m ok with them. The one thing I truly wish that the Union would fix is the women’s toilets. Please get proper toilets and seats that affix to one another.

I adore this pub for several reasons : 1) great live bands 2) everyone is welcome (diverse crowd, no frills) and 3) great food and drink 4) great service (no wait at the bar). Saw 2 amazing bands here (Lazy Colts and Pony Face) - no cover, total blast.

I wouldn’t really know what it’s like as it’s one of the few pubs in the inner west that doesn’t allow dogs, even though they have a beer garden! I won’t leave my dog at home for anyone. I’ve heard the food is good though but will never know.

Good place to come by for a meal with a group or a yourself. Nice big dining room. I had the rump steak, it was full of grisly stuff and not much meat definitely not value for money. The chicken schnitzel was excellent and much better value.

Visiting a friend for an hour or so and decided to nip into the Union Hotel for a couple of cold beers and an early lunch. Situated in a busy hub of inner city activity. Loads of traffic but off street parking away from the Main Street and

We met a client here through the week and she really loved it! A regular for us, it has a great variety of beers on tap. The booths are comfy and cosy. The union is just a nice all round local pub that is what it is. A reliable place to go.

The beef burger was the most delicious burger I have ever eaten. Head to the beer garden out the back for a laid back awesome atmosphere, then later on head inside to play pool and chill to your fave songs you can put on the jukebox - the

Fantastic venue with an impressive range of craft beers on tap. Staff friendly and helpful. Food yum as well. Good access by public transport so ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Ate a the chicken schnitzel here a little over a month or two ago. Was the worst chicken schnitzel I have ever had, and also the most expensive. To be completely honest Im not even sure if It was chicken, it tasted like plastic and must

Awesome authentic Newtownian pub, down the South End of King St (the good end). An extensive tap list of ambitious craft beers — even displayed on a large telly so you can see from everywhere. Still doing tasting paddles if you wish to

I challenge anyone to fund a place with a larger variety of on tap craft beers. The variety is superb and they let you have a taste before purchasing. Have had a meal here which I enjoyed also. Probably one of the best pubs in Sydney.

Had such fun on trivia night! Questions were quite tricky especially for people in there 20's lots of 60's, 70's and 80's questions but it was still really fun and the quiz master made sure it was a good time! Definitely coming back!

My favourite Newtown local. They’ve always got a new selection of craft beers on tap. Staff are super friendly and happy to offer opinions on their favourite beer of the week. Typical range of decent pub fare if you fancy a feed.

Only came in for beers but had to give them points for having a surprisingly large number of taps. The beer selection is focused on local offerings. Good vibe, cool live music in the pool hall but we sat outside to we could chat.

Awesome local pub in Newtown. "No kids allowed" in front bar and the pub encourages parents not to bring their kids to the bistro either. Finally good news to pub-goers who dont want to drink with small children hanging around.

Good spot still really affordable food … $22 beef salad and $30 a big plate of ribs … kids meals decent $11, beer cold and varied … surprisingly easy to park on a public holiday Sunday in Sydney
Price per person
$1–20

Great selection of beer on tap and bottles. Big venue with regular ‘Tap takeovers’ and a very good food venue. Had the southern chicken burger, very tasty. Only detractor, they were out of the very beer I came to try! …

Fantastic venue if you love craft beer and pub style food. The tap selection is one of the best in Sydney and the kitchen does pub food extremely well. Front bar is great for sport's and the bistro bar has a good atmosphere

Great pub with excellent range of beers and good food. Would be great if it was my local
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Schnitzel

One of the most reliable craft beer venues for food, selection, space, special events open to all, and friendliness. Convenient to St Peters station and a short walk to other venues in Newtown/Enmore/Erskineville area too.

Probably the best pub in Sydney. Incredible beer selection, pool tables, a nice beer garden and a renovated bistro with great food. I've been here quite a lot and they put on occasional "tap-takeovers" from good breweries.

Nice place for a bev and their $15 chicken schnitzel on Tuesdays! Staff is very friendly x
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Schnitzel

Warm friendly staff, an avant guard/cutting edge feel and a premium selection of food and beer. What’s not to like about the Union!! More Power to the Inner West!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Came for the craft beer and wasn't disappointed. A great range available on tap and some great american style bar food available. If you are after a great beer and a good feed it is well worth seeking out the Union.

Went for beers and to watch the AFL. All was great, until the band started playing in the last quarter and we had to relocate to the back to watch the remainder of the game. Beer selection is weird.and large.

First off, thanks for keeping live music going. The only problem was, kitchen closing at 8pm. Really?! My grandparents ate early but I'm not that old (yet). The place was still jumping and bands still

Great spot for a beer and a meal with a good atmosphere and plenty of space to sit be it the bar or meals aria there have 2 or more big well catered bars . The food comes quick and at a reasonable prices

"No dogs after sunset" - had to leave with a group of 5 people as they said dogs aren't allowed after sunset. Our small Cavoodle was sitting on my partner's lap in the beer garden chilling. Very odd rule

Staff are lovely, food is ok but remember it is a pub not fine dining. Range of beers is great. The only thing is the smoking area leaks into the back bar and is off putting while you are trying to eat.

Great pub with different areas to enjoy from the front bar, pools tables area, outdoor courtyard and nicely renovated gastro style pub area. Great food and selection of beers on tap! Highly recommend

Best lamb ragu I’ve come across in a while. Tasty (tastier as one progresses through the meal!), perfect portion of meat vs pasta and not overly greasy.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5

Good service from staff, nice smoking area, cheap af burger and chips on a Monday, $12 special. We were tired and just wanted something quick in between stopover/flights. Suited us at the time.

Below average food... We got the schnitzel which looked like the frozen option from woolworths and the southern fried chicken burger was very dissapointing. The beer was good though …

Foods were great here i couldn't get the photo but it was great. Good variety of beers, good service. I left when musician was getting ready..which is shame but this place is worth a visit

Good selection of local and further-afield craft beers on tap. Tasting paddles available which is a great way of sampling the extensive choice. Helpful staff. Food and take-out available.

Handy pub for a few beers before venturing to the New Theatre (and afterwards). Good service. Didn't try food, but will give it a go next time.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

I was shocked at how good the beer tap list was! It might’ve been just luck, but there were multiple beers from Garage Project, Mountain Culture and a bunch of independent breweries.

Good pub! I was there last night for trivia. The chicken schnitzel was good as was the Mac n cheese croquettes. Food and drinks were a little pricey, that's why you lost a star.

Jess and Fin we're amazing staff. Offered great help when helping decide on a drink and had a great banter behind the bar
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Best beer in Sydney, decent food, great service, nice venue.
Recommended dishes
Neipa, Fries, Fish Tacos
Kid-friendliness
Kids welcome in the Bistro until 8pm.

Always a lovely classic pub to go to. Lovely service, fantastic food. Lively of an evening, quiet and fairly relaxed during the day. Taplist is probably the best in Newtown

Great pub, it's got the old school pub area at front and a very nicely renovated area out the back with a great atmosphere. The menu is great and plenty of drink options

Decent pub feed... fairly quick service. Clean and tidy with a nice atmosphere.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

It's the union. What's not to like!! With an ever changing array of beers on tap, it's always worth popping into the union if you are on the southern end of King St

Great selection of craft beers and food. Wednesday night trivia only added to our experience of the Union Hotel on the lower end of King Street towards St Peter's.

Great pub nice selection of local and international beers. The best bit there was a live band playing 'the mezcaltones' no cover charge. Great night will be back.

One of the OG supporters of the independent beer movement but is definitely more than just that. Huge space, variety of areas and a big menu. Such an awesome pub

Very large bar/pub with pool tables plus a main bar inside and out back, clean good food and drinks, outdoor indoor smoking areas and function area …

Good pub food. A great selection of drinks. We went for the live music which was good too. Small beer garden out the back was nice. Excellent service.

If craft beer is your thing then this pub probably has the best offering in Sydney.
Price per person
$20–40
Recommended dishes
Burger

Love the Union! Always have a great time there... luv the selection of beers esp dark beers.. Dark Knight Days are just the cherry on the top!

Bistro food was excellent. Trivia night was great fun.
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Visited last night for trivia. Great to have plenty of options from the Hottest 100 Beers. Our group enjoyed the fries and garlic bread.

If you like craft beer, then this is the pub for you! If you use the Untapped App, then even better. Plenty of space, it’s a good place!

Haven't been here in over 20years. Always said they needed a beer garden, which they now have. Front bar has kept most of its old charm.

Stopped in for a late beer on a Sunday night. Wish we’d known about it earlier. Great selection of craft beer.
Atmosphere: 5